iPhone XS vs iPhone 16
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 is the same size as the iPhone XS, 7 grams0.25 ounces lighter.
The iPhone XS on Amazon (paid link) has reached the end of software updates, while the iPhone 16 (paid link) is fully current and will receive new versions for years. The 16 runs significantly faster and offers much longer battery life in a similarly compact body. Go for the 16 despite the price; it is a modern investment compared to a legacy device with no future security patches.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XS
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 XS: 143.6 by 70.9 by 7.7 millimetres, 177 grams. iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams.
XS, 16 shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: XS 143.6 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: XS 5.65 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: XS 70.9 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: XS 2.79 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: XS 7.70 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: XS 0.30 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: XS 177 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: XS 6.24 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS | 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 143.6 millimetres5.65 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 4.0 millimetres more5.81 inches, 0.16 inches more |
| Width | 70.9 millimetres2.79 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 0.7 millimetres more2.82 inches, 0.03 inches more |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres more0.31 inches, the same |
| Weight | 177 grams6.24 ounces | 170 grams, 7 grams less6.00 ounces, 0.25 ounces less |
| Volume | 78.4 cubic centimetres4.78 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 4.0 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 0.25 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 83 percent | 87 percent, 4 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.8 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.3 inches more |
| Resolution | 1125 × 2436 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 14 hrs | 22 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 799 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16 is 4.0 mm (0.16 in) taller, 0.7 mm (0.03 in) wider, 0.10 mm thicker and 7 g (0.25 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS. 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). 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).
Also compared with iPhone XS
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16 than the iPhone XS?
The iPhone 16 is 4 mm taller and 0.7 mm wider than the iPhone XS. It is also slightly deeper at 7.8 mm compared to 7.7 mm.
Is the iPhone 16 lighter than the iPhone XS?
The iPhone 16 weighs 170 g while the iPhone XS weighs 177 g. This 7 g difference is generally not noticeable in daily use.
What is the screen size difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone XS?
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display compared to the 5.8 inch display on the iPhone XS. This adds about 0.3 inches of screen real estate.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone XS is easier to use with one hand and is better for smaller hands. The iPhone 16 is slightly larger and may require two hands for some tasks.
Do these phones fit in jeans pockets?
Both the iPhone XS and iPhone 16 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket. Their pocketability is considered the same.
Is upgrading from iPhone XS to iPhone 16 worth it for size?
Upgrading from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 16 is worth it even for size alone. You get a larger screen and modern features like 5G and USB-C.