iPhone 18 Pro Max Leads Battery Performance Rankings in 32-Device Test

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has emerged as the top performer in a comprehensive battery endurance study involving 32 different smartphones. The testing process, which evaluated devices across three hours and 45 minutes of varied tasks, measured power retention during high-brightness video streaming and a combination of gaming, social media, and video calls. Apple’s latest flagship topped the rankings, bolstered by a larger battery capacity, the efficiency of the A20 Pro chip, and optimizations within iOS 27.

In specific categories, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo tied for the lead in mixed-use scenarios, both retaining 99% of their charge. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro stood out during the video streaming portion of the test, maintaining 94% battery life. Notably, the $699 iPhone 17e demonstrated strong value, matching the performance of devices significantly higher in price, such as the $1,999 iPhone Duo and the $1,400 Motorola Razr Ultra.

While Apple secured the highest average performance by manufacturer for the second year in a row, the broader industry results suggest a plateau in battery efficiency. Data indicates that average performance in 2026 remains largely consistent with figures from 2024 and 2025. This highlights that hardware improvements, such as larger battery capacities, are often offset by the increasing power demands of modern processors and displays.

Should you buy it? If battery life is your primary concern, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is currently the industry leader, though budget-conscious buyers may find the iPhone 17e offers a more compelling balance of price and endurance.