iPhone 17 Pro Max Tops Battery Life Among 35 Phones Tested
Recent battery life evaluations conducted by CNET have determined that the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads the rankings among 35 tested smartphones. Apple’s latest flagship model outperformed rivals with greater battery capacities, showcasing impressive efficiency.
Battery Life Rankings of Smartphones
CNET’s testing was motivated by user feedback highlighting battery life as a critical factor for smartphone buyers. A September 2025 survey by CNET/YouGov confirmed that “longer battery life” was deemed the primary reason for purchasing a new smartphone, closely followed by price considerations.
Performance Highlights
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, equipped with a moderate battery capacity of 5,088 mAh, secured the top spot in terms of battery performance despite not utilizing the latest battery technology. Its efficiency is largely attributed to Apple’s A19 Pro chip and its seamless hardware-software integration.
Evaluation Methodology
- CNET conducted two main battery-life tests: video streaming and endurance assessments.
- In the 3-hour video test, the iPhone 17 Pro Max excelled while streaming content over Wi-Fi with full brightness.
- During a 45-minute endurance test, which included gaming and social media use, the iPhone 17 Pro Max again took the lead.
Additional Apple models, including the iPhone 16E, also demonstrated strong performance during these tests. The base model iPhone 17 achieved an equal second place alongside the OnePlus 15, despite its smaller 3,692 mAh battery compared to the OnePlus’s substantial 7,300 mAh capacity.
Brand Performance
CNET’s analysis revealed that Apple dominated the overall ratings, earning an average score of 91.7%. This positioned Apple ahead of competitors such as OnePlus, Motorola, Samsung, and Google, illustrating its substantial edge in battery efficiency.
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has proven itself the best in battery life among flagship smartphones, reaffirming Apple’s leadership in the smartphone market.
