iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 16 Screen Size Comparison
Visual comparison of iPhone 17 Air (6.5") and iPhone 16 (6.1") screen size.
Last updated: Dec 2025
Detailed Comparison Analysis
Comparing the iPhone 17 Air with the iPhone 16, both devices are close in size at 6.5" and 6.1", with just 0.4" separating them. The iPhone 17 Air provides 13% more screen area, a difference you'll notice in daily use. iPhone 17 Air has a 120Hz display versus 60Hz on iPhone 16. iPhone 17 Air uses OLED with deeper blacks, while iPhone 16 has Super Retina XDR.These differences matter for one-handed use, media viewing, and how the phone fits in your pocket. The iPhone 16's compact size makes it easier to use with one hand.
The Verdict
The iPhone 17 Air is 13.2% larger than the iPhone 16 in screen area.
iPhone 17 Air
16.0 sq in
iPhone 16
14.2 sq in
Quick Comparison
Use Case Comparison
One-Handed Use
Ease of reaching corners with your thumb
Video Watching
Movies, streaming, and video content
Pocket Fit
Comfort in jeans and jacket pockets
Mobile Gaming
Gaming performance and experience
Upgrade Insight
The iPhone 17 Air is 1 year newer, with incremental updates in camera, chip performance, software support.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose iPhone 17 Air
- • You want a balance of screen size and usability
- • You enjoy watching videos and browsing on your phone
- • You want a smoother 120Hz display
Choose iPhone 16
- • You want a more manageable device size
- • You prefer easier one-handed use
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.5" | 6.1" | 0.4" |
| Width | 2.71" | 2.56" | 0.16" |
| Height | 5.91" | 5.54" | 0.37" |
| Screen Area | 16.0 sq in | 14.2 sq in | 1.9 sq in |
| Aspect Ratio | 2.18:1 | 2.17:1 | 0.01 |
| Resolution | 2736 x 1260 | 2556 x 1179 | - |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Screen Type | OLED | Super Retina XDR | - |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 2000 nits | 0 nits |
| Weight | 168g | 170g | 2g |
| Battery | 3200 mAh | 3561 mAh | 361 mAh |
| Body Size (H×W×D) | 155.5×71.5×5.5mm | 147.6×71.6×7.8mm | - |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No | - |
| Category | phone | phone | - |