Everyone wants longer-lasting smartphones; after all, there's nothing more disappointing than your device letting you down when you need it most.
When it comes to iPhones, it hasn't always been easy to work out which handset has the best battery. Apple tends to be a bit cryptic. Official figures tend to refer to the amount of time you can spend doing a certain activity, 30 hours of video, for example. It's a bit tricky to interpret.
To be fair, battery life isn't easy to measure. A myriad of factors will affect exactly how long an iPhone will last. If you don't use your phone much, you'll have a very different experience to someone who doesn't put it down all day.
We've tested a lot of iPhones over the years, so we've got a pretty good idea of how they fare with what you might consider typical usage - a robust (but not punishing) mix of messaging, emails, social, music, video, and more. If you're Apple-inclined and after the best battery you can get, you should consider one of these long-lasting iPhones.
We're still looking at a large number of older models (that still get software updates) to help if you're considering a refurbished iPhone. Just be aware that the refurbished device may have less battery capacity than a brand-new model, but should always have at least 80% left.
We've yet to test the new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo, but we've included Apple's claims for these phones upfront.
iPhone battery life compared
| Usage Time | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | TBC | 5,391mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro | TBC | 4,056mAh |
| iPhone Duo | TBC | TBC |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,823mAh |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,685mAh |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,674mAh |
| iPhone 17e | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,005mAh |
| iPhone 16e | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,005mAh |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,383mAh |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,325mAh |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 1.5 - 2 days per charge | 4,532mAh |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 1.5 days per charge | 4,422mAh |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 1.5 days per charge | 4,323mAh |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 1.5 days per charge | 3,687mAh |
| iPhone 17 | 1.5 days per charge | 3,692mAh |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 1.5 days per charge | 3,998mAh |
| iPhone 16 | 1.5 days per charge | 3,561mAh |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 1.5 days per charge | 3,582mAh |
| iPhone 15 | 1.5 days per charge | 3,349mAh |
| iPhone 14 | 1.5 days per charge | 3,279mAh |
| iPhone 13 | 1.5 days per charge | 3,227mAh |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 1.5 days per charge | 3,095mAh |
| iPhone Air | 1 day per charge | 3,149mAh |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 1 day per charge | 3,274mAh |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 1 day per charge | 3,200mAh |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 1 day per charge |
2,815mAh |
| iPhone 12 | 1 day per charge | 2,815mAh |
| iPhone 13 mini | 1 day per charge | 2,406mAh |
| iPhone 12 mini | 1 day per charge | 2,227mAh |
| iPhone SE (2022) | Less than a day per charge | 2,018mAh |
iPhone 18 Pro Max
The official figure: Up to 29 hours of typical use
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 38 hours
- Video playback: Up to 43 hours
Our testing: Coming soon
Apple once again says the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the "best battery life on iPhone ever", and claims it offers up to 38 hours of streamed video playback. That's a five-hour increase on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple also has a new "typical usage" metric that it provides for its latest handsets, and it says the iPhone 18 Pro Max will last for up to 29 hours of typical use.
iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB Plans
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#1
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Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$102.86/mth
Min. cost $2,337.96
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$108.86/mth
Min. cost $2,343.96
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$137.86/mth
Min. cost $2,372.96
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 18 Pro
The official figure: Up to 23 hours of typical use
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 31 hours
- Video playback: Up to 34 hours
Our testing: Coming soon
The iPhone 18 Pro won't last quite as long as the bigger iPhone 18 Pro Max, but a battery upgrade means its longevity is now pretty close to last year's iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro will get up to 31 hours of streamed video playback per charge, which is just two less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 18 Pro 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$97.30/mth
Min. cost $2,137.80
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$103.30/mth
Min. cost $2,143.80
|
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#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$132.30/mth
Min. cost $2,172.80
Link not supplied
|
iPhone Duo
The official figure: Up to 24 hours of typical use
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 26 hours on the inner display and up to 37 hours on the outer display
- Video playback: Up to 31 hours on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer display
Our testing: Coming soon
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable phone, so it's hard to know what to expect from battery. Based on Apple's official figures, the battery life can vary quite a bit depending on whether you're using the larger internal screen or the smaller external display. Either way, Apple says you can still expect up to 24 hours of "typical usage" when spending an equal amount on each screen.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The official figure: "The best-ever battery iPhone battery life"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 33 hours
- Video playback: Up to 37 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
In 2025, Apple said the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the "best battery life on iPhone ever", and claimed the device can deliver up to 33 hours of streamed video playback. That's a four-hour increase over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. In our testing, we were able to get between seven hours and nine hours of screen time per charge, which is enough for between a day and a half and two days of moderate usage.
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
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#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.74/mth
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$100.08/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The official figure: "The best battery life on iPhone ever" (2024)
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 29 hours
- Video playback: Up to 33 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 105 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
Apple said the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the "best battery life on iPhone ever" back in 2024, and says the phone can deliver up to 29 hours of streamed video playback. While paper doesn't always live up to reality, we were able to get as much as nine hours of screen time from the iPhone 16 Pro Max. That's the longest amount of screen time we've seen in our time testing iPhones.
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$98.68/mth
Min. cost $2,187.48
Out of stock
|
iPhone 16 Plus
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 24 hours
- Video playback: Up to 27 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 100 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
Apple's official battery figures for the iPhone 16 Plus are a little higher than those of the iPhone 15 Plus, and that's great. The iPhone 15 Plus was the previous iPhone to beat in terms of battery, so it's hard to argue with even more. In our testing, we were able to get around eight hours of screen time per charge, which is on par with the iPhone 15 Plus.
iPhone 17e
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 21 hours
- Video playback: Up to 26 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
The iPhone 17e has identical battery credentials to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e. In our testing, things played out much the same way, with the handset able to achieve as much as eight hours of screen time per charge.
iPhone 17e 256GB Plans
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#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$66.74/mth
Min. cost $1,037.64
|
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#2
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Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$76.91/mth
Min. cost $1,193.76
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$105.91/mth
Min. cost $1,222.76
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 16e
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 21 hours
- Video playback: Up to 26 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 90 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
Despite its smaller size, Apple's official battery figures for the iPhone 16e are higher than older larger models, like the iPhone 15 Plus. In our testing, we were able to get around eight hours of screen time per charge, which matches top performing models like the iPhone 16 Plus. It's the best battery we've seen in an iPhone of this size.
iPhone 16e 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$63.96/mth
Min. cost $937.56
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$101.47/mth
Min. cost $1,062.92
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 15 Plus
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Video playback: Up to 26 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 100 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days with standard usage
Apple's official battery figures for the iPhone 15 Plus are identical to those it gave for the iPhone 14 Plus, and that's a good thing. That phone just wouldn't die. We saw the same thing in our testing, clocking over eight hours of screen time per charge. That could comfortably last two days for lighter users.
iPhone 14 Plus
The official figure: "Best battery life ever in an iPhone" (2022)
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Video playback: Up to 26 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 100 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days per charge with standard usage
Out of the iPhone 14 series, Apple said the iPhone 14 Plus has the best battery it has ever put in a phone. While the iPhone 14 Pro Max was be able to beat it in some circumstances, the iPhone 14 Plus was a better for day-to-day usage. Since it doesn't have more power-demanding features like an Always On display and ProMotion, the iPhone 14 Plus will typically last longer.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
The official figure: "Up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 25 hours
- Video playback: Up to 28 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 95 hours
Our testing: Between a day and a half and two days with standard usage
Most should get at least a day and a half per charge from the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but two days isn't out of the question if your usage is a bit lighter.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 25 hours
- Video playback: Up to 29 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 95 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comfortably lasts a day and a half per charge. In our testing, we were able to achieve around seven hours of screen time.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 25 hours
- Video playback: Up to 29 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 95 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has pretty similar battery ratings to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but in our testing, we found the battery life a slight downgrade - presumably due to the Always On display. Despite this, we were still able to comfortably get over seven hours of screen time per charge, which is more than enough for over a full day of standard usage.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The official figures: About the same as iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 12 hours
- Video playback: Up to 20 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 80 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max isn't quite as resilient as the iPhone 13 Pro Max in terms of battery life, but still holds up well. Most should be able to get a day and a half per charge. At the very least, it will be hard to kill it in one day.
iPhone 17
The official figure: "All-day battery life"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 27 hours
- Video playback: Up to 30 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge
The standard iPhone 17 got a significant bump in battery life this year, with Apple saying it can deliver eight hours more video playback per charge. This brings it to 30 hours, up from 22 on the iPhone 16. In our testing, we were able to get about seven hours of screen time per charge, which is enough for a day and a half of moderate usage.
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$88.02/mth
Min. cost $1,593.72
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 17 Pro
The official figure: "Up to eight hours more video playback compared to iPhone 15 Pro"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 28 hours
- Video playback: Up to 31 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge
The smaller iPhone 17 Pro also got a bump in battery this year, with streamed video playback now hitting as much as 28 hours per charge. That's just an hour less than last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max. In our testing, we were able to get between six and seven hours of screen time per charge, which translates to bout a day and a half of moderate usage per charge.
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.74/mth
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$100.08/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 16
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 18 hours
- Video playback: Up to 22 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 80 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge with standard usage
The standard iPhone 16 battery figures might not seem too exciting, but they're an upgrade on the iPhone 15. In our testing, we found the iPhone 16 was comfortably able to get around seven hours of screen time per charge, which is a little more than you were able to get with the iPhone 15.
iPhone 16 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$73.68/mth
Min. cost $1,287.48
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$111.47/mth
Min. cost $1,422.92
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 16 Pro
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 22 hours
- Video playback: Up to 27 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 85 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge with standard usage
We've always found the battery life on the smaller Pro iPhones to be a little average, so we were pleasantly surprised by the iPhone 16 Pro. In our testing we were able to get around six hours of screen time per charge, which is more than enough for a full day of usage with a very comfortable buffer. It's a big step up from past Pro models, where we've only been able to get around 4.5 hours of screen time.
iPhone 15
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 16 hours
- Video playback: Up to 20 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 80 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
In our testing, iPhone 15 achieved at least six hours of screen time per charge, which translates to a full day of usage with a comfortable buffer.
iPhone 15 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$84.78/mth
Min. cost $1,137.72
Out of Stock
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$119.79/mth
Min. cost $1,172.96
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 14
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Video playback: Up to 16 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 80 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
The iPhone 14 got a small bump in battery over the iPhone 13, but in our testing, this didn't make too much of a difference. You can still get between five and six hours of screen time per charge, which is a full day of standard usage with a comfortable buffer.
iPhone 13
The official figure: "Up to 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 15 hours
- Video playback: Up to 19 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 75 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge
Apple increased battery life across the board with the iPhone 13 family and in our testing we found you should easily be able to get a full day per charge with a comfortable buffer.
iPhone 13 Pro
The official figure: "Up to 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 Pro"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Video playback: Up to 22 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 75 hours
Our testing: About a day and a half per charge.
It might not be the same kind of show-stopper as the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but the iPhone 13 Pro is a genuine upgrade from the iPhone 12 Pro. You should easily get through a day with a buffer. While Apple's official figures say the iPhone 13 Pro offers better longevity for video playback than the iPhone 13, our real-world testing showed the iPhone 13 lasts longer for day-to-day usage.
iPhone Air
The official figure: "All-day battery life"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 22 hours
- Video playback: Up to 27 hours
Our testing: About a full day per charge
Apple says the iPhone Air can get 22 hours of streamed video playback per charge, which is similar to the figures it provided for the iPhone 16 Pro. In our testing, we were able to get about four and a half hours of screen time per charge, which is enough for a full day of usage, but with very little buffer.
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.06/mth
Min. cost $1,337.16
Out of stock
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.75/mth
Min. cost $1,944
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.75/mth
Min. cost $1,973
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 15 Pro
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Video playback: Up to 23 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 75 hours
Our testing: A full day per charge.
The iPhone 15 Pro has the worst battery out of the iPhone 15 family. When using the iPhone 15 Pro, we still got a full day per charge, but with very little buffer. As such, it's the kind of phone that might need a top-up on very busy days.
iPhone 14 Pro
The official figure: "All-day battery"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 23 hours
- Video playback: Up to 20 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 75 hours
Our testing: About a full day per charge
The iPhone 14 Pro is a small step back in battery compared to the iPhone 13 Pro - presumably thanks to the Always On display. While you should still get through the full day, you just won't have much of a buffer at the end of it. It's the kind of phone you'll need to charge every night.
iPhone 12 Pro
The official figures: About the same as iPhone 11 Pro
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 11 hours
- Video playback: Up to 17 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 65 hours
Our testing: A full day per charge with standard usage
Apple says the iPhone 12 Pro battery should offer similar performance to the iPhone 11 Pro, but in our testing, we found it to perform a little worse. The iPhone 12 Pro should comfortably last a full day per charge with standard usage, but we found it was definitely the kind of phone you have to charge every night. The iPhone 11 Pro offered a more comfortable buffer.
iPhone 12
The official figures: The same as iPhone 12 Pro
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 11 hours
- Video playback: Up to 17 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 65 hours
Our testing: A full day per charge with standard usage
Apple's official battery figures for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 are identical, and in our testing, we found the two to perform very similarly. This means you're looking at a full day per charge, but you'll need to top up every night. There's very little buffer.
iPhone 13 mini
The official figure: "Up to 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 mini"
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 13 hours
- Video playback: Up to 17 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 55 hours
Our testing: A full day per charge with standard usage.
Battery held back the iPhone 12 mini, but the iPhone 13 mini is just a bit more reliable. You should be able to get a full day of use per charge, but don't expect much of a buffer.
iPhone 12 mini
The official figures: A little shorter than the iPhone 12
- Streamed Video Playback: Up to 10 hours
- Video playback: Up to 15 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 50 hours
Our testing: About a full day per charge with standard usage.
Apple's official battery figures for the iPhone 12 mini are shorter than what it advertises for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, but a tad more robust than the iPhone SE. Despite this, in our testing, we found the iPhone 12 mini could still rack up about four to five hours of screen time - roughly equivalent to a day per charge. Tasks like video and hotspotting can be a tad more demanding, however, and we did find there were some days we needed to top up early.
iPhone SE (2022)
The official figure: Better than its predecessor
- Streamed video playback: Up to 10 hours
- Video playback: Up to 15 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 50 hours
Our testing: A single day, max
The last iPhone SE has slightly better battery than the 2020 model, but getting through a full day on a single charge could still be a stretch.
There are plenty of different factors that will determine exactly how long your smartphone battery will last. Some of these are obvious, some aren't. Here's a quick look at a few of the important ones.
- Screen time: Funnily enough, your phone uses a lot more battery when the display is on (as opposed to sleeping). As such, listening to music or a podcast (with your screen off) won't use anywhere near as much battery as watching a video.
- Which apps you use: Not all apps put the same kind of strain on your smartphone. For example, watching a video on your phone will use less battery than playing a game. For a phone, playing a video is a simple task. To run a game, on the other hand, the processor has to work much harder.
- Network coverage: Patchy network coverage can negatively impact your phone's battery life. Constantly searching for signal and trying to reconnect to a network can be quite a demanding task.
- GPS: GPS - and mapping apps - can be surprisingly battery-intensive. When using GPS, your device needs to communicate with three or four satellites for an extended duration of time. It doesn't help that your phone is typically running multiple tasks when using an app like Google Maps or Apple Maps. You've got your GPS connection, your phone display is on, and you're using mobile data for the maps and traffic information. There's a good chance you're also moving at the same time, so your device will need to work harder to maintain its GPS connection.
Alex Choros
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