I’ve been reviewing and testing phones for CNET for nearly a decade, and heard from many readers that a long battery life is a top priority. In a CNET/YouGov survey from September 2025, readers ranked “longer battery lif
So, CNET went out and did the dirty work. In all, it tested 35 different smartphone models and ranked both the specific phones and the overall performance of each brand. And honestly? The results were a bit of a shocker, even for a seasoned tech nerd like me.
The Big Reveal: Numbers That Don't Lie (Usually)
The top-ranking phone was the iPhone 17 Pro Max, despite having a relatively average battery capacity of 5,088 mAh and not using the latest battery tech like some of its rivals. You’d think with companies like OnePlus shoving massive 7,300 mAh cells into their frames, Apple would be eating dust. But nope.
This is explained by the power efficiency of Apple’s A19 Pro chip as well as the extremely tight hardware and software integration. It's that classic Apple "secret sauce" where they control the silicon, the screen, and the code. It's like a finely tuned sports car that gets 50 miles to the gallon because every gear fits perfectly.
Why Capacity Isn't Everything
A19 Pro Chip: Built on a tiny 3nm process that sips power instead of chugging it.
iOS 26 Optimization: The software knows exactly when to put background apps to sleep.
ProMotion Display: It scales from 1Hz to 120Hz, so if you're just looking at a photo, it barely uses any juice.
How the Testing Actually Happened
CNET doesn't just scroll through TikTok and call it a day. They run two battery-life benchmarks (video streaming and stress tests) that let us compare phones fairly.
The 3-Hour Video Marathon
In our 3-hour video battery test, where we streamed a video over Wi-Fi with the screen at full brightness and the battery starting at 100%, the iPhone 17 Pro Max was the top performer. It’s one thing to last a long time while the screen is off, but staying efficient at "full blast" brightness is where most phones start to sweat.
The 45-Minute "Life" Test
Then comes the real stress. In CNET’s 45-minute endurance test, during which we play games, stream videos, scroll social media, and take a video call with the battery starting at 100%, the iPhone 17 Pro Max was again at the very top and joined behind by three other Apple models, including the iPhone 16E, which starts at $599.
"It's not about how big the tank is, it's about how many miles you get per gallon."
Apple vs. The Android Giants
The Apple advantage was even more obvious in the case of the base model iPhone 17. This took equal second place with the OnePlus 15 despite having a far smaller battery of 3,692 mAh compared to 7,300 mAh. Think about that for a second. The OnePlus battery is literally double the size, yet they crossed the finish line at the same time.
Brand Performance Rankings
When CNET averaged the scores across each phone model, it found that Apple had the best overall rating, scoring 91.7%. This puts it just ahead of OnePlus and several points ahead of Motorola, Samsung, and Google.
| Smartphone Brand | Average Battery Score | Key Model Tested |
| Apple | 91.7% | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| OnePlus | 89.4% | OnePlus 15 |
| Motorola | 84.1% | Razr+ (2025) |
| Samsung | 82.5% | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
| 79.2% | Pixel 10 Pro |
The Global "Why": Economics and Tech Tensions
Why does any of this matter outside of your pocket? Well, the tech world is currently a mess of international conflicts and geopolitical tensions. We're seeing a massive economic impact on how these chips are made. Because of economic sanctions and shifts in international trade, getting those high-efficiency A19 Pro chips out of the factories and into your hands is becoming a logistical nightmare.
The supply chains for these batteries and processors are fragile. We're talking about macroeconomics at play here; economic growth in the tech sector depends heavily on foreign investment in semiconductor plants. When growth slows down due to trade wars, the "labor market" in tech hubs gets shaky, and suddenly that $1,199 price tag makes a lot of sense (even if it hurts our wallets).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max worth the price for the battery alone?
If you're a heavy user who travels or hates carrying a power bank, yes. The efficiency is unmatched in the current labor market of smartphones.
Does the iPhone 17 charge faster than the OnePlus 15?
Actually, no. While Apple wins on endurance, OnePlus usually wins on "refill" speed. It's a trade-off.
How do geopolitical tensions affect my phone?
They can lead to higher prices or delays. Geopolitical tensions often disrupt the flow of raw materials needed for these advanced batteries.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
Look, if you're rocking an iPhone 15 or 16, you might not feel the "need" to jump yet. But if you're on an older device and your main gripe is that it dies by 2:00 PM, the 17 Pro Max is a beast. It’s a weird mix of predictable Apple quality and an "explosive" leap in efficiency that we didn't quite expect this year.
The economic repercussions of the current world stage mean prices aren't dropping anytime soon, so if you see a deal, grab it.
"Contact us via the web" if you want to see our full spreadsheet of all 35 phones!
Sources:
Libellés tags: iPhone 17 Pro Max, Smartphone Reviews, Battery Life Test, Apple A19 Pro, Tech Economics 2026, CNET Benchmarks, International Trade, Supply Chain Issues.
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