CNET's extensive testing of 35 smartphones in 2025 identified the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the leader in battery life. Apple and OnePlus emerged as the top brands, with several models featuring silicon-carbon batteries contributing to improved endurance. The results show only a marginal increase in average battery performance compared to 2024 models.
CNET conducted battery life tests on 35 phones available in the US during 2025, using standardized benchmarks to compare performance. The tests included a 3-hour video streaming trial over Wi-Fi at full screen brightness and a 45-minute endurance test involving gaming, video streaming, social media scrolling, and a video call, both starting from 100% battery.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, priced at $1,199 with a 5,088-mAh battery, achieved the highest overall score, highlighting the efficiency of Apple's A19 Pro chip and iOS 26. Tied for second place were the iPhone 17 at $829 and the OnePlus 15 at $900, demonstrating that battery capacity alone does not determine longevity—the iPhone 17 has the smallest battery among top performers, while the OnePlus 15 has one of the largest.
The iPhone 17 Pro, starting at $1,099, ranked fourth. Four models tied for fifth: the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) at $400, Motorola Edge (2025) at $500, OnePlus 13R at $600, and OnePlus 15R at $700. Notably, three OnePlus phones and the Poco F7 Ultra ($649) in the top rankings use silicon-carbon batteries, which boost capacity without increasing physical size.
For brands, Apple and OnePlus led based on averages from multiple tested models. Motorola ranked third, followed closely by Samsung in fourth, with Google fifth. In the video test, the iPhone 17 Pro Max topped results, joined by strong showings from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus ($999) and Motorola Edge (2025). The endurance test also favored the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with other Apple models like the iPhone 16E ($599), Google's Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Motorola Razr (2025) performing well.
A CNET/YouGov survey from September 2025 ranked longer battery life as the primary reason for purchasing a new phone, second only to price. Overall, 2025 phones averaged 0.78% better battery life than 2024 models, a modest gain attributed to advancements like silicon anodes amid static battery designs despite evolving features such as cameras.
