Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A16
Starting at
£114.20£209.16 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 and iPhone Air?
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 starts at £114.20, £573.10 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A16 has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch.
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air specs
The Galaxy A16 and the iPhone Air differ in several key areas, making each suitable for different needs. The Galaxy A16 offers a larger 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, dual physical SIM slots, and expandable storage via microSD. It supports 4G networks and comes with 4 GB RAM and 128GB storage. The iPhone Air has a slightly smaller 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, higher RAM at 12 GB, and storage options from 256GB up to 1TB. It supports 5G and uses eSIM only. Camera setups differ slightly in megapixels, with the Galaxy A16 favouring a higher resolution main camera and the iPhone Air offering a higher resolution front camera. The Galaxy is thicker and heavier, while the iPhone Air is slimmer and lighter. These differences suit buyers looking for either more screen space and expandable storage or higher performance and advanced display features.
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air price
Colour
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability for these two phones covers software support and basic design features. Both are non-foldable but their update support and release years differ, which affects how long the devices remain current.
Software Updates
The Galaxy A16 receives software updates until November 2030, providing a clear timeframe for ongoing support. The iPhone Air is supported up to iOS 27, giving access to Apple's latest features and security updates throughout its update cycle. This suits users who prioritise long-term software maintenance.
Release Year
The Galaxy A16 was released in 2024 and the iPhone Air in 2025. The release year situates the phone's generation but does not directly affect durability or features.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality varies between the Galaxy A16 and iPhone Air in size, resolution, refresh rate and display technology. These differences influence how sharp and smooth visuals appear and how much screen space you have.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A16 has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, offering a larger viewing area that suits watching videos or browsing. The iPhone Air has a slightly smaller 6.5 inch screen but with a higher resolution of 2736 by 1260 pixels, which provides sharper detail for reading and photo viewing.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A16 has a 90 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel smoother than standard screens. The iPhone Air increases this to 120 Hz, offering even more fluid motion that benefits gaming and fast-moving content.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A16 uses a Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone Air features a Super Retina XDR screen, which is designed for high brightness and contrast, making it well suited for bright environments and detailed images.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air camera
Camera capabilities differ between these phones, with variations in front and main camera megapixels that affect image detail and selfie quality.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A16 has a 13 megapixel front camera, which provides solid image quality for video calls and selfies. The iPhone Air offers an 18 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and potentially sharper selfies.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A16 includes a 50 megapixel main camera, which is suited for capturing high resolution photos with fine detail. The iPhone Air has a 48 megapixel main camera, slightly lower in megapixels but still capable of excellent image quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air size and design
Other features affecting daily use include network support, physical size, storage options, SIM capabilities, and connector type.
Mobile Network and SIM
The Galaxy A16 supports 4G networks and offers dual physical SIM slots, which suits users who want to manage two separate phone numbers or carriers physically. The iPhone Air supports 5G and uses eSIM only, ideal for those who prefer digital SIM management and faster network speeds.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 is stocked with 128GB storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable memory, helpful for users who want to add more space for photos and files. The iPhone Air comes in larger storage options from 256GB to 1TB but does not support additional memory cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A16 is larger and heavier, measuring 164.4 mm tall, 77.9 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep and weighing 200 g, which may suit those who prefer a bigger feel in hand. The iPhone Air is more compact at 156.2 mm by 74.7 mm by 5.6 mm and lighter at 165 g, fitting more easily into pockets and one-handed use.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors, supporting a common standard for charging and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A16 or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £114.20, £573.10 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A16 looks and works like new, with many praising its excellent condition and battery life. Users find it suitable for everyday use and appreciate the ease of transferring data. The phone's features satisfy those who want a reliable device with more than enough capabilities for daily tasks. Some mention initial software updates but overall the phone performs well on WiFi and has many useful features.
The iPhone Air receives positive feedback for quality and condition, with customers noting battery health at 100% and smooth, glitch-free performance. Its camera and storage options meet needs for photos and media, while its size appeals to those wanting a less bulky phone. Users appreciate the phone's premium feel and smooth operation, particularly for photography and everyday communication.
The Galaxy A16 suits buyers who want a larger screen, expandable storage and dual SIM options for managing multiple networks. The iPhone Air is ideal for users seeking higher RAM, faster 5G connectivity, sharper screen quality and larger built-in storage.
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air FAQs
Galaxy A16 vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 is cheaper refurbished, from £114.20 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The Galaxy A16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 gets updates until Nov 2030. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
