Apple iPhone Air vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone Air and Apple iPhone 16 Plus are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Apple iPhone Air stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 256 GB, Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz.
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus counters with Display Size: 6.7 in, Display Resolution: 1290 × 2796 px, Rear Camera Optical zoom: 2.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 16 Plus (from $899) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone Air and Apple iPhone 16 Plus are closely matched
$999 at launch
Apple iPhone Air
80
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
79
Best value: Apple iPhone 16 Plus ($899)
Where Apple iPhone Air stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Where Apple iPhone 16 Plus stands out
- Display Size: 6.7 in
- Display Resolution: 1290 × 2796 px
- Rear Camera Optical zoom: 2
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is positioned as a premium smartphone designed for users who prioritize minimalist aesthetics without compromising performance. It features an exceptionally thin and lightweight profile while housing high-end components like the A19 Pro chip and advanced camera systems. This model aims to deliver flagship features in a highly portable, elegant form factor.
Best for design-conscious usersBest for media consumptionBest for premium portability
Pros
- The device is notably slim and light, offering a comfortable feel despite its large display size.
- It incorporates a durable Grade 5 titanium frame made with recycled materials.
- Advanced cameras include a 48MP main sensor and an 18MP front camera for high-resolution capture.
- The display is a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR panel featuring ProMotion up to 120Hz.
Cons
- While thin, its design incorporates multiple advanced technologies internally, which might limit physical build or serviceability.
- Connectivity includes high standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, making it a modern but potentially complex device to manage.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is an option for users who want a larger iPhone size without purchasing the highest-tier Pro Max model. It features upgrades such as a new chipset, an Ultra wide camera, and added control buttons.
Best for users wanting larger phone sizeBest for those avoiding Pro Max tier spending
Pros
- Large display: Features a 6.7-in OLED Super Retina XDR display while being larger than models paired with a vanilla iPhone
- Camera system includes dual setups: It has both a wide and ultra-wide camera.
- Video recording capability is high quality, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second on both front and back cameras.
- The device features the Action button and the new Camera Control key.
Cons
- The display utilizes a 60 Hz refresh rate, which some users may find sluggish compared to modern high-refresh-rate Android screens.
- Some sources report ongoing questions regarding whether the device is worth buying if it was out for a period of time.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone Air2,800,000
Apple iPhone 16 Plus1,640,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone Air3,149 mAh
Apple iPhone 16 Plus4,674 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone AirApple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is 4 g (2%) heavier than Apple iPhone Air.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side