iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone Air?
iPhone 16 Pro vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone Air starts at £687.30, £50.20 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPhone Air has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone Air offer different strengths suited to different users. The iPhone 16 Pro has a smaller but higher resolution LTPO OLED screen and 8 GB of RAM, which suits those who prefer a slightly more compact device with smooth display performance. The iPhone Air features a larger screen with a higher front camera resolution and more RAM, making it a good fit for users who value a bigger viewing area and enhanced multitasking or selfie quality. The Air is also lighter and slimmer, which may appeal to those who prioritise portability.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability covers how well a device stays current and how it fits your daily routine. Neither device folds, so both have a traditional smartphone design.
Physical Design
Neither device is foldable, so both maintain a classic smartphone shape. This means durability in terms of build is standard for modern iPhones, and you can expect the usual ease of use and handling.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality affects how you enjoy videos, photos, and everyday tasks. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a slightly smaller but higher resolution LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone Air has a larger Super Retina XDR screen with a different resolution. Both have a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone Air's 6.5 inch screen provides a larger display area, which is ideal if you watch a lot of videos or want more room for apps. Its resolution is 2736 by 1260, delivering sharp images across that bigger size. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 1206 by 2622, offering a taller and narrower display that suits users who prefer a more compact phone with detailed visuals.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which can optimise power use while maintaining excellent display quality. The iPhone Air uses Super Retina XDR technology, providing vibrant and clear images. This difference may appeal to those mindful of battery efficiency or who want specific display characteristics.
Refresh Rate
Both models have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This feature benefits users who value responsiveness and a polished visual experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air camera
Camera quality influences your ability to capture detailed photos and videos. Both iPhones have the same main camera resolution, but the front cameras differ.
Front Camera
The iPhone Air has an 18 megapixel front camera, which is higher than the iPhone 16 Pro's 12 megapixels. This means the iPhone Air may capture more detail in selfies and video calls, making it a good choice if you prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 48 megapixel main camera, so you can expect similar levels of detail and clarity in your primary photos and videos regardless of which you choose.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air size and design
Various other features affect how the phones fit in your pocket and connect to networks. Differences include weight, dimensions, RAM, storage options, and SIM support.
Memory and Storage
The iPhone Air offers 12 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB in the iPhone 16 Pro, which means the Air can keep more apps open and handle multitasking more smoothly. Storage options overlap from 256 GB upwards for the Air, while the 16 Pro adds a 128 GB choice, giving you more flexibility if you want a smaller storage size.
Size and Weight
The iPhone Air is taller at 156.2 mm and wider at 74.7 mm but is also slimmer at 5.6 mm and lighter at 165 g. The iPhone 16 Pro measures 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and is 8.3 mm thick, weighing 199 g. The Air suits those who prefer a lighter phone with a bigger screen, while the 16 Pro fits better for those wanting a more compact, slightly heavier handset.
SIM Support
The iPhone 16 Pro supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexible options for managing your mobile plans. The iPhone Air uses eSIM only, which streamlines connectivity but requires your carrier to support eSIM.
Connector Type
The iPhone Air uses USB-C without a specified speed, which suits everyday charging and syncing.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £687.30, £50.20 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 16 Pro appreciate its condition and feel, often noting that it looks like new even when refurbished. Battery health is commonly reported around 94 to 95 percent, reassuring buyers about longevity. Many mention excellent screen and camera performance, with some highlighting the phone's compact size and premium feel. Some customers found the camera and screen to be in perfect shape, and the phone responsive and reliable for everyday use. A few noted initial doubts about buying refurbished but were pleased with the quality and value.
The iPhone Air receives praise for its battery life and condition, with several customers reporting 100 percent battery health and very few charge cycles. The device is described as looking almost brand new, with a larger screen size appreciated for media and everyday use. Users mention smooth performance and ample storage, with some highlighting the phone's lighter weight and slimmer design as a benefit. The front camera's higher megapixel count is reflected in positive comments about selfie quality.
Both devices suit buyers looking for good quality refurbished iPhones, with the 16 Pro appealing to those wanting a more compact, premium display and flexible SIM options, and the Air fitting those who prefer a larger, lighter phone with strong front camera and multitasking abilities.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone Air is cheaper refurbished, from £687.30 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £50.20 less (from £687.30 vs £737.50).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
