Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone Air
Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 16 works out £212.00 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone Air. The Apple iPhone Air has a bigger 6.5" screen, but the Apple iPhone 16 is sharper at 461 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 16 starts at £481.00 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 16
|
Apple iPhone Air
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.5" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1206 x 2622 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 444 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | e- SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 165 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £481.00 | £645.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £678.93 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone Air has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone Air has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £481.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone Air use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone Air uses the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 is more compact. It's 5g lighter at 165 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 is actually the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone Air?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone Air run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.