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. With the buzz around the latest iPhone 16 series, it’s natural to wonder if the newest models automatically mean the best battery performance. However, history and real-world tests tell a more nuanced story. Perhaps you’re also considering saving money by opting for an older generation iPhone and want to understand how its battery stacks up against newer models. You’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into comparing battery life on iPhones across different generations to help you make the smartest choice.
Decoding iPhone Battery Performance: What to Expect
Smartphone innovation, while still impressive in areas like processing power, has seen more incremental changes in recent years, especially in design and battery technology. If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12 or even an iPhone 11 Pro, you’re already accustomed to significant mobile computing power. While newer iPhones offer advancements, don’t anticipate revolutionary leaps in battery life generation after generation.
The silver lining? Excellent value can be found in considering slightly older or refurbished iPhone models. Whether you choose an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or a more recent iPhone SE, you can still obtain a high-quality phone at a more accessible price point. The key is understanding battery performance across models to match your needs.
iPhone Battery Life Benchmarks: Head-to-Head Comparisons
While camera advancements have often been the headline for iPhone upgrades, battery life has become an increasingly critical factor for users. So, how do the latest iPhones fare in real-world battery tests? For a detailed, unbiased look, we turn to a comprehensive battery test conducted by tech expert MrWhosTheBoss. His rigorous testing methodology simulates heavy daily usage – gaming, streaming video, and constant app switching – to provide a clear picture of battery endurance. After an exhaustive 13-hour drain test, here’s how various iPhone models stacked up in terms of battery life:
1. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Dominating Battery Life: 11hr 22m
The iPhone 16 Pro Max emerges as the clear battery life champion in this test, exceeding 11 hours and 22 minutes of heavy usage. This flagship model sets a new benchmark for iPhone battery performance, making it ideal for power users and those who need all-day battery without compromise.
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2. iPhone 15 Pro Max – A Strong Second Place: 9hr 35m
The previous generation’s top performer, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, still boasts impressive battery life, clocking in at 9 hours and 35 minutes. It remains a fantastic option for users seeking long battery duration, and often comes at a more accessible price point than the newest Pro Max.
Discover deals on refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
3. iPhone 14 Pro Max – Reliable Endurance: 9h 14m
Closely following is the iPhone 14 Pro Max, with a solid 9 hours and 14 minutes of battery life in the test. This model continues to be a reliable choice for all-day battery, and its availability in the refurbished market makes it an even more compelling value proposition.
Find affordable refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max options.
4. iPhone 16 Plus – Large Battery, Long Lasting: 8hr 45m
The iPhone 16 Plus, designed for users who prefer larger screens and extended battery, delivers a respectable 8 hours and 45 minutes of usage in the test. It’s a strong contender for those prioritizing screen size and battery longevity without needing the absolute top-tier performance of the Pro Max.
Check out refurbished iPhone 16 Plus deals.
5. iPhone 13 Pro Max – Still a Battery Life Hero: 8h 41m
Even a couple of generations older, the iPhone 13 Pro Max holds its own with 8 hours and 41 minutes of battery life. This demonstrates the impressive battery efficiency of older Pro Max models and highlights their lasting value, especially as refurbished options.
Explore budget-friendly refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max.
6. iPhone 16 Pro & 7. iPhone 16 – Tied Performance: 8hr 19m Each
Interestingly, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the standard iPhone 16 achieve the same battery life in this test, at 8 hours and 19 minutes. This suggests that while the Pro model offers enhanced features, the battery performance is comparable to the base model in the iPhone 16 lineup.
Find deals on refurbished iPhone 16 Pro.
Discover refurbished iPhone 16 options.
8. iPhone 14 Pro – Solid Mid-Range Battery: 7h 49m
The iPhone 14 Pro provides a respectable 7 hours and 49 minutes of battery life. It lands in the mid-range of the tested iPhones, offering a balance of features and battery performance, making it a solid choice for many users.
Explore refurbished iPhone 14 Pro at reduced prices.
9. iPhone 15 – Slightly Behind the 14 Pro: 7h 45m
Slightly behind the 14 Pro, the standard iPhone 15 achieves 7 hours and 45 minutes of battery life. While newer, its battery performance is marginally less than the previous generation’s Pro model, highlighting the variations even within newer iPhone series.
Check out refurbished iPhone 15 deals.
10. iPhone 14 – Decent All-Day Battery: 7h 22m
The base iPhone 14 provides a dependable 7 hours and 22 minutes of battery life. This is sufficient for a full day of moderate use for many individuals, and its affordability makes it an attractive option.
Find budget-friendly refurbished iPhone 14 models.
11. iPhone 13 – Still Viable Battery Life: 7h 15m
Even the iPhone 13, from a couple of years prior, offers a competitive 7 hours and 15 minutes of battery life. This underlines the longevity and sustained battery performance of iPhones, making even older models still relevant in terms of battery endurance.
Discover affordable refurbished iPhone 13 options.
12. iPhone 12 – Entry Level Battery Performance: 6h 36m
At the lower end of the spectrum, the iPhone 12 provides 6 hours and 36 minutes of battery life. While the shortest in this comparison, it’s still adequate for many users with lighter usage patterns, and its affordability makes it an accessible entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.
Explore budget-friendly refurbished iPhone 12 deals.
iPhone Battery Life Ranked: Quick Comparison Table
For a clear overview, here’s a ranking of the iPhones tested by battery life duration:
| 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 |
Important Note: These battery life tests are conducted on iPhones with batteries in optimal condition, typically within their first year of life. Lithium-ion batteries, used in iPhones, degrade over time. An iPhone 12 today, unless it has had a recent battery replacement, will likely not achieve its original battery life due to natural battery degradation over its four years of use. Battery decline typically becomes noticeable after about two years of regular use.
This is where considering options like Reboxed® becomes relevant. They offer “Like New” iPhones which come with fresh batteries, ensuring you get closer to the original battery performance. Furthermore, for some older models like the iPhone 13 series, Reboxed® provides the option to have a new battery installed when you place your order, maximizing your device’s lifespan and battery reliability.
iPhone Battery Capacities: A Look Under the Hood
For those interested in the technical specifications, here’s a table comparing battery capacities alongside battery life:
| Rank | Model | Battery life (Hours) | Battery Capacity (mAh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Making the Upgrade Decision Based on Battery Life
In conclusion, when battery life is the primary concern, the iPhone 16 Pro Max clearly leads the pack, offering the longest battery performance in the iPhone lineup. However, if you’re seeking excellent battery life without the premium price tag of the latest flagship, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides a compelling balance of performance and value. Ultimately, the best iPhone for you depends on your individual needs, usage patterns, and budget. Consider how much battery life you truly require in a day, and weigh that against the features and cost of different iPhone models to make an informed upgrade decision.
