iPhone 17 Pro Max Outlasts Galaxy S25 Ultra in Battery Test

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Key Takeaways:

iPhone 17 Pro Max sets new endurance record: In testing, it lasted 13 hours, outpacing Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, which stopped just under 12 hours.
Full iPhone 17 lineup shows strong results: Pro Max led with 13 hours, while the standard iPhone 17 reached 10 hours 28 minutes and the Air managed 7 hours 18 minutes.
eSIM-only design boosts battery capacity: iPhone 17 models without a SIM tray pack 5.5% larger batteries, extending use to nearly 13 hours 45 minutes in real scenarios.
Apple’s claims vs real-world performance: Despite Apple promising 35 hours of video playback, everyday testing reveals lower numbers, proving lab-based figures can be misleading.
Users should weigh endurance over features: The Pro Max’s bigger battery and iOS 26 optimizations make it best suited for anyone prioritizing longer uptime over lighter designs.

Apple’s newest high-end model, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, has emerged victorious in a highly anticipated smartphone battery showdown. According to a real-world usage test by Mrwhosetheboss, the iPhone edged out Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra by more than an hour, securing its position as the device with the best endurance.

The Big Showdown

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivered a commendable 11 hours and 58 minutes of usage before powering down, the iPhone 17 Pro Max extended its battery life to a full 13 hours. This extra hour, though it might look modest in figures, can be a real advantage during a long day at work or a late-night browsing session without needing a recharge.

The test was conducted on a UK version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which still includes a physical SIM tray. Interestingly, the eSIM-only models available in the U.S. and other areas come equipped with a battery about 5.5% larger, which might push their battery life to nearly 13 hours and 45 minutes.

How Other iPhones Fared

It wasn’t just the Pro Max that made a mark; the complete iPhone 17 lineup showed impressive endurance:

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iPhone 17 Air: 7 hours and 18 minutes
iPhone 17: 10 hours and 28 minutes
iPhone 17 Pro: slightly surpasses the base model
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 13 hours (the winner)

For comparison, the previous iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved 12 hours and 15 minutes, which already topped Samsung’s 2025 Ultra. This means Apple has managed to add another 1–2 hours of actual usage time year over year.

Specs vs. Reality

Apple touts up to 35 hours of video playback for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but these figures are from ideal conditions, such as streaming Apple TV content. In practical use—whether scrolling through Instagram, chatting on Slack, filming in 4K, or playing Spotify—the real-world performance differs, making tests like these especially noteworthy.

Both Mrwhosetheboss and Geekerwan, a Chinese tech journalist, highlighted that the eSIM models reap the most gains. Removing the SIM tray allows for larger batteries, and in this iteration, the enhancement is quite significant.

What This Means for You

For those who place a premium on battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as the current front-runner. Even though the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts one of the beefiest batteries among Android devices, it couldn’t match the Pro Max. Apple’s commitment to hardware efficiency, coupled with iOS 26 enhancements such as Adaptive Power mode, makes this iPhone a top contender for those who never want to grapple with a low-battery alert at bedtime.

Would Apple’s latest battery triumph influence your choice? Share your thoughts below.

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