Java: Float (class) vs float (primitive)

A Float is a class, or a reference type, defined in the standard library. It stores a reference to an object containing a value (a "box").

A float on the other hand, is a primitive type and part of the language itself. It stores an actual value.

We say that Float is the wrapper type for float, and objects of type Float are boxed values.

Continue reading here:

Java: Primitives vs Objects and References
Java: Wrapper Types