The iPhone with the longest battery life is typically the Pro Max model of the latest generation, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max currently leading in testing, followed closely by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, both offering exceptional endurance for video playback and general use, with the larger Plus models (like the iPhone 16 Plus) also delivering excellent battery life due to their bigger size, though Pro Max still generally wins.
Taken together, Apple claims the iPhone 16e can run for up to 26 hours when viewing video—longer than any other iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen. In our battery drain test, the 16e outlasted the 16 by nearly four hours (21 hours and 37 minutes compared with 17 hours and 50 minutes).
Yes, both phones may share a lot of the same core features, but the iPhone 16 brings some enhancements that make it worth considering, especially if you're looking to upgrade from an older model or you're particularly interested in Apple Intelligence.
Its improved display, tougher materials, fresh processor, new cameras, and significantly longer battery life are all worth considering. The fact that it comes with an additional 128GB of storage is reason alone to spend the extra $100. We recommend you buy the iPhone 17; it's the best iPhone for the money right now.
Identify Your Usage Habits
For example, streaming videos or music, making calls, and gaming on the go typically cause your battery to drain much more quickly. Other culprits of battery draining include active applications in the background or constantly updating, such as real-time weather apps.
The iPhone 12 is still fine for everyday apps, media and multitasking. The iPhone 13 is the sweet spot for battery and performance improvements. The iPhone 14 is mostly similar to the 13, but adds minor camera and safety upgrades.
Best phones: With a spec score of 98, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best phone to buy, followed by Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB with the spec score of 97 and 97 respectively.
A 76% battery health is considered okay if your device lasts your day, but it's below Apple's recommended 80% threshold for optimal performance, meaning you'll likely experience shorter battery life and potential slowdowns, making a battery replacement a worthwhile consideration for improved longevity and speed.
Phones with best battery life 2025 - buyer's guide
The iPhone 15 is generally better than the iPhone 14 due to its upgraded A16 Bionic chip, significantly improved 48MP main camera, modern Dynamic Island, brighter display, and convenient USB-C port, making it a more modern and capable phone for a slightly higher cost; however, the iPhone 14 is still a strong performer and a good value if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the latest features.
Are you particularly concerned about the battery life of your smartphone? Then the iPhone 13 is your best bet. It is also able to withstand an average of 9 hours of additional use compared to the iPhone 12, which may be better suited to your daily needs.
It's especially important to avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures higher than 95° F (35° C), which can permanently damage battery capacity. That is, your battery won't power your device as long on a given charge. Charging the device in high ambient temperatures can damage it further.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
Casual users may find 128 GB sufficient, while content creators and gamers will benefit from 512 GB or 1 TB models. Regardless of your storage size, keeping your iPhone organized with CleanMy®Phone's Declutter Module can help you maximize space and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
If your current phone is still performing well, holding out for the iPhone 16 and its additional features might make more sense. However, if your device is struggling with battery life, performance issues, or outdated features, the iPhone 15 will feel like a significant jump in improvement, regardless.
The iPhone 17 series prices generally start similar to the iPhone 16, with the base model at around $799 USD, the new iPhone 17 Air potentially starting at $949, the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,049 (but with double the base storage), and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starting around $1,249, though some reports suggest slight increases or variations due to new features and tariffs.
In conclusion, the iPhone 16 leads the pack with significant advancements in performance, camera technology, and design. For those seeking the ultimate Apple experience, it's the clear winner.
Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months. ⬇️ Read more in the comments ⬇️
If you're also someone who mostly has all files and services synced over the cloud, you could get away with the entry level 128GB variant. The next 256GB variant is the ideal mid-point that should offer a perfect balance of storage space and affordability for a lot of people.