Upgrading your iPhone? Battery life is likely a top concern. In today’s fast-paced world, a phone that dies halfway through the day simply isn’t practical. While the allure of the newest iPhone 16 series is strong, especially with promises of innovation, history tells us that newer doesn’t always automatically mean better battery performance. Perhaps you’re considering saving money by opting for an older generation iPhone and are curious how its battery stacks up. Or maybe you’re just keen to understand which iPhone truly holds the crown for battery longevity. Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place.
For those interested in delving deeper into the science behind iPhone batteries and maximizing their lifespan, consider exploring resources like this comprehensive guide on iPhone battery charging.
iPhone 16 Battery Life: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Battery Alone?
The launch of the iPhone 16 naturally sparked expectations of significant battery life improvements. Apple’s marketing often highlights new features and advancements, leading many to assume a substantial leap in battery performance. However, while Apple emphasizes environmental responsibility by removing power adapters and earphones from retail boxes, the core question for consumers remains: is upgrading to the iPhone 16 worth it, particularly for battery life? For many, the decision hinges on camera enhancements and, crucially, battery longevity. This article breaks down the iPhone models leading the pack in battery performance in 2025, helping you determine if an upgrade is justified based on your power needs.
Understanding iPhone Battery Performance in Recent Models
Smartphone innovation, while continuous, has seen a plateau in certain areas, particularly in radical design changes. Modern iPhones, even models like the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11 Pro, boast near-computer level processing power in a compact form. While newer iterations offer refinements and advancements, revolutionary leaps in battery life are not always guaranteed. This is not necessarily a drawback. It means excellent value can be found, particularly in the refurbished iPhone market. Whether you choose an iPhone 12, iPhone 11, or a more recent iPhone SE (2022), you can secure a robust phone at a more accessible price point.
iPhone Battery Life Comparison: How the Latest Models Stack Up
In recent iPhone generations, camera technology has often been the primary driver for upgrades. However, with consistently strong cameras across most modern iPhones, battery life has emerged as a critical differentiator. The iPhone 16 series introduces incremental battery improvements, but dramatic changes are not apparent.
To gain a clearer picture of real-world battery performance, we reference the rigorous testing conducted by MrWhosTheBoss. His comprehensive battery test subjected the iPhone 16 series and older models to 13 hours of demanding usage – encompassing gaming, video streaming, and intensive app switching. The results, detailed in his video, reveal the following iPhone battery life rankings:
01. iPhone 16 Pro Max – 11hr 22m
Explore refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max options starting from £995 at Reboxed®.
02. iPhone 15 Pro Max – 9hr 35m
Find refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max models from £646 at Reboxed®.
03. iPhone 14 Pro Max – 9h 14m
Discover refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max deals starting at £436 at Reboxed®.
04. iPhone 16 Plus – 8hr 45m
Get a refurbished iPhone 16 Plus from £773 at Reboxed®.
05. iPhone 13 Pro Max – 8h 41m
Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max starting at £429 at Reboxed®.
06. iPhone 16 Pro – 8hr 19m
Find refurbished iPhone 16 Pro from £606 at Reboxed®.
07. iPhone 16 – 8hr 19m
Get a refurbished iPhone 16 starting from £664 at Reboxed®.
08. iPhone 14 Pro – 7h 49m
Refurbished iPhone 14 Pro available from £406 at Reboxed®.
09. iPhone 15 – 7h 45m
Explore refurbished iPhone 15 options from £536 at Reboxed®.
10. iPhone 14 – 7h 22m
Refurbished iPhone 14 starting at £316 at Reboxed®.
11. iPhone 13 – 7h 15m
Get a refurbished iPhone 13 from £282 at Reboxed®.
12. iPhone 12 – 6h 36m
Refurbished iPhone 12 deals starting at £206 at Reboxed®.
Latest iPhones Ranked by Battery Life
| Rank | Model | Battery life (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 16 Pro Max | 11hr 22m |
| 2 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 9hr 35m |
| 3 | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 9h 14m |
| 4 | iPhone 16 Plus | 8hr 45m |
| 5 | iPhone 13 Pro Max | 8h 41m |
| 6 | iPhone 16 Pro | 8hr 19m |
| 7 | iPhone 16 | 8hr 19m |
| 8 | iPhone 14 Pro | 7h 49m |
| 9 | iPhone 15 | 7h 45m |
| 10 | iPhone 14 | 7h 22m |
| 11 | iPhone 13 | 7h 15m |
| 12 | iPhone 12 | 6h 36m |
It’s important to consider the context of these battery life tests. The results reflect the performance of batteries within their first year of life, essentially tested around their release dates. Like all lithium-ion batteries, iPhone batteries degrade over time. An iPhone 12 today, unless recently fitted with a new battery, will likely not achieve the battery life shown in these tests due to its age (over 4 years) and typical battery decline after two years of moderate use.
This is where refurbished options like those offered by Reboxed® become particularly appealing. Their “Like New” category phones feature fresh batteries, and for some older models like the iPhone 13, they offer the option to install a new battery upon purchase, ensuring optimal battery performance.
iPhone Battery Capacities Compared
For those interested in technical specifications, the table below details the battery capacity (mAh) alongside the battery life test results for each iPhone model.
| Rank | Model | Battery life (Hours) | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 16 Pro Max | 11hr 22m | 4,685 mAh |
| 2 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 9hr 35m | 4,422 mAh |
| 3 | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 9h 14m | 4,323 mAh |
| 4 | iPhone 16 Plus | 8hr 45m | 4,674 mAh |
| 5 | iPhone 13 Pro Max | 8h 41m | 4,352 mAh |
| 6 | iPhone 16 Pro | 8hr 19m | 3,582 mAh |
| 7 | iPhone 16 | 8hr 19m | 3,561 mAh |
| 8 | iPhone 14 Pro | 7h 49m | 3,200 mAh |
| 9 | iPhone 15 | 7h 45m | 3,349 mAh |
| 10 | iPhone 14 | 7h 22m | 3,279 mAh |
| 11 | iPhone 13 | 7h 15m | 3,240 mAh |
| 12 | iPhone 12 | 6h 36m | 2,815 mAh |
Deciding on Your iPhone Upgrade: Battery Life Considerations
In conclusion, when battery life is paramount, the iPhone 16 Pro Max emerges as the clear leader, providing the longest battery performance in these tests. However, if you seek a balance of excellent battery life and value, the iPhone 15 Pro Max presents a compelling alternative, offering substantial battery performance at a more accessible price point compared to the latest flagship. Carefully consider your daily usage patterns and budget to determine the ideal iPhone model to meet your battery life needs.
