The annual showdown between top smartphones often feels like a sporting event. Everyone wants to know who wins, especially when it comes to battery life. After all, nobody enjoys a dead phone midway through the day. This year, with the iPhone 17 models hitting shelves, the first real-world tests are in. And guess what? Apple’s newest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, really shines.
Apple’s New Flagship Leads the Pack
A recent battery test put the iPhone 17 Pro Max head-to-head with Samsung’s top phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The results speak for themselves. The Galaxy S25 Ultra lasted 11 hours and 58 minutes. This is a good run, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max kept going for an impressive 13 hours. It finally gave up the ghost after a long day of simulated use.
It’s worth noting which version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max was tested. This specific test used the UK model, which still has a tray for a physical SIM card. In some other places, like the United States, the phone comes only with an eSIM. That eSIM-only model actually has an even bigger battery. It would probably last at least another half-hour longer, pushing its endurance even further.
Other iPhone Models and Past Performance
While the Pro Max grabbed the spotlight, the entire iPhone 17 lineup performed well overall. The iPhone Air, a new model, was the first to run out of juice, lasting 7 hours and 18 minutes. About three hours later, the regular iPhone 17 powered down. The iPhone 17 Pro followed suit a short while after. This left the two big-screen phones to fight for the top spot.
The battery story for Apple extends beyond just the new models. Last year’s top iPhone, the 16 Pro Max, even outperformed Samsung’s 2025 flagship in this same test. The iPhone 16 Pro Max managed 12 hours and 15 minutes. This shows a clear pattern: Apple has consistently improved its battery life. Moving from the 16 Pro Max to the 17 Pro Max gives users an extra one to two hours of real-world power.
Understanding the Numbers
Apple’s official numbers for the 17 Pro Max claim 35 hours of video playback. You might wonder why the test showed only 13 hours. The difference comes down to how the numbers are measured. Apple’s official time is for streaming video from its optimized Apple TV app, which uses very little power. Real-world phone use is much more demanding.
The controlled test mimicked how people actually use their phones. It involved browsing social media apps like TikTok and X. It also included using productivity tools such as Slack, recording video, and streaming music on Spotify. These activities make phones work harder. The test results offer a much clearer picture of what users can expect day-to-day.