Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone Air

Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 16e works out £326.97 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone Air. The Apple iPhone Air has a bigger 6.5" screen, but the Apple iPhone 16e is sharper at 457 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 16e starts at £370.00 SIM-free.

Screen
6.1" 6.5"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
457 444
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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm
Weight
167 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
£22.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£159.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£370.00 £645.99
Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air
Screen 6.1" 6.5"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 457 444
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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm
Weight 167 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 £22.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront
SIM-free £370.00 £645.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16e or Apple iPhone Air cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £563.96 over the life of the deal from £22.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Apple iPhone Air?

The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Apple iPhone Air?

The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Apple iPhone Air?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £370.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16e and Apple iPhone Air?

The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Apple iPhone Air use?

The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Apple iPhone Air?

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (167 grams vs 165 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e and Apple iPhone Air run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.