Apple and OnePlus Lead the Pack in New Phone Battery Life Tests

Daily Technology

05/02/2026

In a comprehensive review of 35 smartphones, CNET's latest testing reveals that Apple and OnePlus are the standout brands for exceptional battery life. While battery technology hasn't seen dramatic leaps, recent advancements, particularly silicon-carbon batteries, are beginning to make a difference. The study highlights specific models that offer longevity, addressing a key consumer concern.

Key Takeaways

Apple and OnePlus emerged as the top brands for extended battery performance.
Several models from Apple, OnePlus, and Motorola secured spots in the top five.
2025 phone models show a marginal improvement in battery life over their 2024 counterparts.
Nearly half of the top-performing phones utilize silicon-carbon battery technology.

The Top Performers in Battery Longevity

CNET's rigorous testing, which included an anecdotal stress test and a video streaming test, identified the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the overall best performer for battery life. Despite its high price point of $1,199, its efficiency, powered by Apple's A19 Pro chip and iOS 26, outshone others. The iPhone 17 and OnePlus 15 tied for second place, demonstrating that battery capacity isn't the sole determinant of longevity. The OnePlus 15, in particular, boasts a substantial 7,300mAh battery.

OnePlus notably had three models in the top rankings, all featuring silicon-carbon batteries. The Poco F7 Ultra was the only other phone in the top rankings to use this newer battery technology. Other notable devices in the top five included the iPhone 17 Pro, the affordable Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025), the Motorola Edge (2025), and the OnePlus 13R and 15R.

Brand Dominance in Battery Performance

When analyzing brands based on the average performance of three or more tested models, Apple and OnePlus once again claimed the top two positions. Their strong showing in the individual phone rankings directly translated to brand-level success. Motorola and Samsung followed in third and fourth place, respectively, with very close results. Google rounded out the top five brands, with its Pixel 10 models showing decent battery life.

Advancements in Battery Technology

The emergence of silicon-carbon batteries is a significant development. This new battery type allows for increased capacity without requiring a larger physical footprint within the phone, a crucial advantage in increasingly slim device designs. This innovation is contributing to the slight improvement observed in 2025 models compared to previous years, though the average increase was less than 1%.

Buying Advice for Consumers

For consumers looking to maximize battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and various OnePlus models are highly recommended. For those considering a new phone, the difference in battery life between 2024 and 2025 models is minimal, suggesting that opting for a slightly older, more affordable model might be a sensible choice. Furthermore, for users whose current phones are hampered by aging batteries, replacing the battery can be a cost-effective way to extend the device's usable life.

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