iPhone Air vs iPhone 16
3.1 mm narrower, 8.6 mm shorter and 5 g heavier.
Quick answer
iPhone Air offers a larger 6.5 in screen while measuring 5.64 mm in depth and 165 g in weight, which is thinner and lighter than iPhone 16 at 7.8 mm and 170 g. For handling, iPhone 16 remains more compact for one-handed use, measuring 147.6 mm tall and 71.6 mm wide compared to iPhone Air at 156.2 mm tall and 74.7 mm wide. In measured jeans pockets, both phones fit into median men's pockets, but neither phone fits into median women's pockets. iPhone Air provides 27 h of video playback compared to 22 h on iPhone 16. The decision centers on prioritizing the larger display of iPhone Air or the easier reach of iPhone 16.
- iPhone Air feels noticeably thinner in pockets at 5.64 mm compared to iPhone 16 at 7.8 mm.
- iPhone 16 provides an easier reach across its 71.6 mm width for an average adult hand.
- Both phones fit median men's jeans pockets, but neither fits median women's jeans pockets.
- iPhone Air runs longer during video playback at 27 h compared to 22 h for iPhone 16.
TRUE SCALE · 1.6 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams. iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams.
Air, 16 shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
Height: Air 156.2 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: Air 6.15 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: Air 74.7 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: Air 2.94 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: Air 5.64 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: Air 0.22 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: Air 165 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: Air 5.82 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | Air | 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 156.2 millimetres6.15 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 8.6 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.34 inches less |
| Width | 74.7 millimetres2.94 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 3.1 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.12 inches less |
| Depth | 5.64 millimetres0.22 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 2.16 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.09 inches more |
| Weight | 165 grams5.82 ounces | 170 grams, 5 grams more6.00 ounces, 0.18 ounces more |
| Volume | 65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 16.6 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 1.01 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 87 percent, 3 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1260 × 2736 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 463 pixels per inch | 461 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A19 Pro | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 22 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 1 TB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 799 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Current | Current |
Also compared with iPhone Air
Questions about these phones
How do the dimensions of iPhone Air compare to iPhone 16?
iPhone Air measures 156.2 mm in height, 74.7 mm in width, and 5.64 mm in depth. iPhone 16 is shorter and narrower at 147.6 mm tall and 71.6 mm wide, but thicker at 7.8 mm.
Is iPhone Air lighter than iPhone 16?
iPhone Air weighs 165 g, while iPhone 16 weighs 170 g. This makes iPhone Air slightly lighter to hold or carry in a pocket.
How does the screen size compare between iPhone Air and iPhone 16?
iPhone Air features a 6.5 in display, whereas iPhone 16 has a 6.1 in display. The larger screen on iPhone Air provides more viewable area for reading and videos.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand, iPhone Air or iPhone 16?
iPhone 16 is easier to navigate with one hand because the 71.6 mm width requires less thumb reach across an average adult hand than the 74.7 mm width of iPhone Air.
Do iPhone Air and iPhone 16 fit in standard jeans pockets?
Both iPhone Air and iPhone 16 fit inside median men's jeans pockets. Neither phone fits within median women's jeans pockets.
Is upgrading from iPhone 16 to iPhone Air worthwhile for size alone?
Upgrading provides a larger 6.5 in screen in a much thinner 5.64 mm chassis, though iPhone Air launched at 999 USD compared to 799 USD for iPhone 16. Shoppers who prioritize a compact grip may prefer staying with iPhone 16.