iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone Air?
iPhone 16 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 starts at £577.65, £109.65 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: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, 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 6.1 inch.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 16 and iPhone Air offer different strengths suited to different users. The iPhone 16 is a compact phone with 8 GB RAM, a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 60 Hz, and a 12 megapixel front camera. It suits those who prefer a smaller device with smooth everyday performance. The iPhone Air features a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate and 12 GB RAM, giving more fluid visuals and stronger multitasking for those who want extra screen space and speed. The Air also has a higher resolution screen and an 18 megapixel front camera for sharper selfies. Both phones support 5G and have unlocked carriers, but the Air is slimmer and lighter with an eSIM only. Storage options vary, with the Air available up to 1TB and the iPhone 16 starting at 128GB. Choose the iPhone 16 for a smaller, everyday phone or the iPhone Air for a bigger display and more memory.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability covers operating system compatibility, physical design, and release year.
Software Compatibility
This means both devices will keep apps and features current, which is important for security and new functions.
Device Size And Form
The iPhone 16 was released in 2024 and the iPhone Air in 2025. Neither device is foldable, so both offer traditional smartphone form factors. This consistency helps maintain durability through familiar designs.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality impacts daily use for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. These two devices differ noticeably in size, resolution, and refresh rate, affecting how smooth and spacious the visual experience feels.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556, offering a compact but sharp display. The iPhone Air's larger 6.5 inch screen has a higher resolution of 2736 x 1260, providing more room for apps and videos with greater detail.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 has a 60 Hz refresh rate which keeps everyday animations smooth. The iPhone Air doubles this with 120 Hz, which means scrolling and motion look more fluid and responsive, especially noticeable when gaming or browsing quickly.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen while the iPhone Air uses Super Retina XDR technology. Both deliver vibrant colours and strong contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera quality. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but their front cameras differ, affecting selfie and video call quality.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which suits everyday selfies and video chats. The iPhone Air steps up to 18 megapixels on the front camera, capturing more detail and sharper images, ideal for users who prioritise front-facing photography.
Main Camera
Both devices feature a 48 megapixel main camera, providing high resolution for photos and videos. This makes them equally capable for general photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air size and design
Miscellaneous specs include physical dimensions, connectivity, and network support that affect user convenience and comfort.
Physical Dimensions And Weight
The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 170 g. The iPhone Air is taller and wider at 156.2 mm by 74.7 mm but slimmer at 5.6 mm and lighter at 165 g. The Air offers a larger phone that still feels light and slim.
Connectivity And SIM Options
The iPhone 16 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, while the iPhone Air supports eSIM only. Both devices support 5G networks and are unlocked, allowing flexible carrier choices.
Storage Options
PhoneMart stocks the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. The iPhone Air offers larger capacities starting at 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB available. This suits users needing more space for apps, photos, and media.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £109.65 less than the iPhone Air
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers praise the iPhone 16 for its excellent condition and battery health, often noting it looks like new. Many appreciate the smooth setup and reliable performance, with battery life lasting well through the day. The size and feel of the iPhone 16 receive positive mentions, with users happy to upgrade from earlier models. Some highlight extras like cases or cables and say the phone works perfectly without defects.
Reviews for the iPhone Air focus on its premium feel and condition, with several customers reporting 100% battery health and very few charge cycles. The large screen and battery life get positive feedback, with users finding the storage options ample and the phone working well for daily needs. The slimmer and lighter design is appreciated, and the camera quality is noted positively.
Both devices suit different users well. The iPhone 16 fits those wanting a smaller phone with solid performance and good battery life. The iPhone Air appeals to those who want a larger screen, more memory, and higher front camera resolution for a richer visual and multitasking experience.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 16 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 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 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £109.65 more (from £687.30 vs £577.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
