Compare iPhone Air vs iPhone 16e
Which one is best for you?
The iPhone Air is part of the September 2025 release, compared to the iPhone 16e which was released earlier in the year (February 2025). So, while both phones have smart features like Apple Intelligence and Emergency SOS, the iPhone Air benefits from several hardware improvements. The best choice for you will depend on your priorities.
The iPhone Air contains the most advanced Apple chip to date (A19 Pro) for smoother, faster performance while the iPhone 16e has the A18 chip. It also offers an Always On display and refresh rates up to 120Hz, features which are missing from the 16e. The iPhone Air has options for storage up to a massive 1TB, whereas the maximum capacity available with the iPhone 16e is just 512GB.
Alongside these developments, the iPhone Air also offers a better photo and video experience compared to the iPhone 16e. It has a more advanced video stabilisation, and a Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control and a 48MP Fusion camera system. The Air also has new selfie capabilities, such as Dual Capture, Centre Stage and ultra-stabilised video.
Regarding the device frame and size, both phones are lightweight, weighing around 165 grams. The iPhone Air, however, has a larger display (6.9 inches) and the slimmest depth in an iPhone ever, at just 5.6mm. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch display and is slightly deeper, at 7.8mm. Despite being incredibly thin, the iPhone Air is strong. It has a titanium frame, and a Ceramic Shield back compared to the iPhone 16e’s aluminium frame and glass back. The iPhone Air is also 3x more scratch resistant with its Ceramic Shield 2 front.
The iPhone 16e is a lot cheaper than the iPhone Air, so if budget is the most important thing, it’s the better choice. However, if you want a more advanced smartphone experience go for the iPhone Air. It has superior processing power and camera capabilities, and a larger display with a slimmer build.