A year-long comparison of 35 smartphones sold in the United States has crowned Apple and OnePlus as the clear leaders in battery life, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max emerging as the single longest-lasting phone tested.
CNET’s results are based on standardized battery testing conducted throughout 2025, using the same methodology across all devices to reduce real-world variability. The findings show that Apple tied for first place as the top overall brand for battery performance, alongside OnePlus, while also claiming the top individual device spot.
The standout performer was the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which ranked first overall despite not having the largest battery capacity among the phones tested. With a 5,088 mAh battery, its endurance was credited primarily to Apple’s silicon efficiency and software optimization rather than raw battery size.
Close behind, the standard iPhone 17 tied for second place with the OnePlus 15. Notably, the iPhone 17 achieved this ranking while having the smallest battery capacity among the top-performing devices, reinforcing the idea that efficiency can outweigh sheer capacity. The Poco F7 Ultra placed third overall, followed by the iPhone 17 Pro in fourth place.
CNET’s testing relied on two benchmarks designed to mirror heavy everyday use. The first involved streaming video over Wi-Fi at full screen brightness for three hours. The second was a 45-minute endurance test that combined gaming, video streaming, social media scrolling, and a video call. Results from both tests were averaged to determine the final rankings.
In the endurance-focused benchmark alone, Apple devices again dominated the top of the chart. The iPhone 17 Pro Max ranked first, followed by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 16e. CNET also noted strong performances from Google’s Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, as well as Motorola’s Razr, though they did not challenge Apple’s top spots.
When battery performance was averaged by brand, Apple finished first overall, with OnePlus close behind in second place. Motorola ranked third, Samsung fourth, and Google fifth. Only brands with at least three tested models were included in the comparison.
The results highlight a growing trend in smartphone design. Battery life is increasingly being driven by chip design and software tuning rather than simply packing in larger batteries. For users who prioritize longevity over charging speed or raw specs, Apple and OnePlus currently set the pace.
