iPhone 16 vs iPhone XS
Quick answer
The iPhone XS is the same size as the iPhone 16, 7 grams0.25 ounces heavier.
The iPhone XS on Amazon (paid link) is stuck on its final iOS update, leaving you on outdated software and apps that may soon stop working. The iPhone 16 (paid link) keeps you current and delivers substantially better battery life to see you through your day. If your priority is reliability over budget, the modern model is the only safe pick.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XS
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams. iPhone XS: 143.6 by 70.9 by 7.7 millimetres, 177 grams.
16, XS shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16 147.6 millimetres, XS 143.6 millimetres.Height: 16 5.81 inches, XS 5.65 inches.Width: 16 71.6 millimetres, XS 70.9 millimetres.Width: 16 2.82 inches, XS 2.79 inches.Depth: 16 7.80 millimetres, XS 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 16 0.31 inches, XS 0.30 inches.Weight: 16 170 grams, XS 177 grams.Weight: 16 6.00 ounces, XS 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 | XS |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 millimetres5.81 inches | 143.6 millimetres, 4.0 millimetres less5.65 inches, 0.16 inches less |
| Width | 71.6 millimetres2.82 inches | 70.9 millimetres, 0.7 millimetres less2.79 inches, 0.03 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres less0.30 inches, the same |
| Weight | 170 grams6.00 ounces | 177 grams, 7 grams more6.24 ounces, 0.25 ounces more |
| Volume | 82.4 cubic centimetres5.03 cubic inches | 78.4 cubic centimetres, 4.0 cubic centimetres less4.78 cubic inches, 0.25 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 83 percent, 4 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches, 0.3 inches less |
| Resolution | 1179 × 2556 | 1125 × 2436 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 22 hrs | 14 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 64 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 999 dollars, 200 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS is 4.0 mm (0.16 in) shorter, 0.7 mm (0.03 in) narrower, 0.10 mm thinner and 7 g (0.25 oz) heavier than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 170 g (6.00 oz). The iPhone XS measures 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.70 mm (5.65 × 2.79 × 0.30 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone XS than the iPhone 16?
The iPhone XS is 4 mm shorter and 0.7 mm narrower than the iPhone 16. It also has a slightly smaller volume.
Is the iPhone XS heavier than the iPhone 16?
The iPhone XS weighs 7 grams more than the iPhone 16. This weight difference is generally not noticeable in daily use.
Which phone has a bigger screen?
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch display. The difference is about 0.3 inches.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone XS is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16. Its smaller dimensions make it better for small hands.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone XS fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither model fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is it worth upgrading from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 16 for size alone?
Upgrading from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 16 for size alone is not worth it. The size increase is minimal and does not justify the change on its own.