Are you considering upgrading your iPhone but battery life is a major concern? You’re not alone. In today’s always-on world, a phone that dies halfway through the day is simply not practical. With the buzz around the latest iPhone releases, especially the iPhone 16 series, it’s natural to wonder if newer always means better battery performance. However, history and real-world tests show us that this isn’t always the case. Maybe you’re looking to save money by choosing an older iPhone model but still need reliable battery life. This article is for you. We’ll dive deep into comparing iPhone battery life across different models to help you make the best decision.
Understanding iPhone Battery Life in Recent Models
Smartphone innovation, while still impressive, has seen a shift in focus. While Apple continues to push boundaries with its powerful chips, design and feature revolutions have become less frequent. If you’re already using an iPhone from a few years back, like the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11 Pro, you’re experiencing near-computer-level performance in your pocket. Therefore, while newer iPhones offer enhancements, significant leaps in battery life aren’t always guaranteed.
However, this also means fantastic value can be found in slightly older models, particularly when considering a refurbished iPhone. Whether you opt for an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or even a more recent iPhone SE, you can get a robust device at a more affordable price point. The key is understanding how battery life stacks up across these models.
iPhone Battery Life Comparison: Real-World Tests
In recent years, camera advancements have often taken center stage in iPhone upgrades. While camera quality remains important, battery life is arguably just as crucial. So, how do the latest iPhones compare in terms of battery endurance? With the iPhone 16 series, we see some incremental improvements, but are they truly game-changing?
To get a clear picture of real-world battery performance, we turn to reliable sources like MrWhosTheBoss, who conducted a comprehensive battery test comparing the iPhone 16 series against a range of other iPhone models. This test involved 13 hours of heavy usage, including gaming, streaming video, and app switching, simulating a demanding day for any smartphone user. Let’s look at the results:
01. iPhone 16 Pro Max – 11hr 22m
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02. iPhone 15 Pro Max – 9hr 35m
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03. iPhone 14 Pro Max – 9h 14m
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04. iPhone 16 Plus – 8hr 45m
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05. iPhone 13 Pro Max – 8h 41m
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06. iPhone 16 Pro – 8hr 19m
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07. iPhone 16 – 8hr 19m
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08. iPhone 14 Pro – 7h 49m
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09. iPhone 15 – 7h 45m
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10. iPhone 14 – 7h 22m
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11. iPhone 13 – 7h 15m
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12. iPhone 12 – 6h 36m
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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 a few factors when interpreting these battery life test results. These tests are typically conducted on new phones with batteries in optimal condition, usually within their first year of life. Like all lithium-ion batteries, iPhone batteries degrade over time.
For example, an iPhone 12 today, several years after its release, will likely not achieve the same battery life as when it was new, unless the battery has been replaced recently. Typically, battery performance starts to decline noticeably after about two years of regular use.
This is why choosing refurbished iPhones from reputable sources like Reboxed® can be a smart move. Reboxed® offers “Like New” iPhones, which come with fresh batteries, ensuring you get closer to original battery performance. They even provide the option to have a new battery installed on some older models like the iPhone 13 when you place your order.
iPhone Battery Capacities Compared
For those interested in the technical specifications, here’s a comparison of battery capacities alongside the battery life test results:
| 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 |
Conclusion: Which iPhone Wins on Battery Life?
In conclusion, when battery life is your top priority, the iPhone 16 Pro Max clearly emerges as the leader, offering the longest battery performance in these tests. However, if you’re seeking a balance of excellent battery life and value, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a compelling choice, providing substantial battery endurance at a more accessible price point, especially when considering refurbished options. Ultimately, the best iPhone for you depends on your individual needs and budget, but understanding battery life comparisons is crucial in making an informed decision.
