iPhone 18 Pro Max tops CNET battery test ahead of all Android phones
A new CNET battery test puts several iPhone models at the top of its rankings, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max finishing first and two other iPhones tying for second place.
Key takeaways
- CNET's new battery test ranks the iPhone 18 Pro Max first among modern smartphones.
- The iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro tied for second place with two Android models.
- The test combined a three-hour streaming video test with a 45-minute stress test from a full charge.
- CNET averaged remaining battery percentages from both tests to produce its rankings.
iPhone 18 Pro Max wins CNET battery test
CNET has published a new battery test comparing modern smartphones, and the iPhone came out on top, according to 9to5 Mac. The iPhone 18 Pro Max finished first, ahead of every other phone in the comparison.
It was not a lone winner. Several iPhone models performed strongly, with the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 18 Pro both tying for second place alongside two Android models. The iPhone 18 Pro Max was the only phone that beat every other device in the test.
How CNET ran the test
CNET used two measures for each phone, both starting from a full charge. The first was a three-hour streaming video test. The second was a 45-minute stress test designed to imitate everyday use.
In the stress test, CNET says it streamed videos, made a video call, played games and scrolled social media. The results were recorded as the remaining battery percentage after each test, with higher figures being better. CNET then averaged the two results to produce its rankings.
CNET notes that battery tests differ from one another, so results can vary depending on how a phone is stressed. Its method is one approach among several used by reviewers.
What the results mean
Battery life remains one of the most common reasons people choose a phone, so rankings like this get close attention. The result suggests that more than one recent iPhone competes well on endurance, not just the largest Pro Max model.
The tie for second place also shows the gap at the top is narrow. Two Android phones matched the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro under CNET's conditions, so small differences in testing could change the order.
Readers who want the full list of results and the complete methodology can find them in CNET's original test.
Sources
Spotted a mistake? See our corrections policy. Read how News by OnDevice works in our editorial policy.
Related news
More Apple news
iPhone Duo camera review: strong photos that weaken in very low light
Apple Insider spent three weeks with the iPhone Duo camera and found it matches pro iPhones in most lighting, but struggles once scenes turn truly dark. The smaller sensor and slower lens are the main reasons.
Apple joins inquiry after three workers die at Tata iPhone parts plant in India
Three contract workers died from gas inhalation during maintenance work at a Tata Electronics factory in Hosur that makes iPhone components. Apple, Tata and local authorities are all investigating, according to Reuters.
Word game Character Limit arrives on iPhone and iPad via App Store
The indie word game Character Limit, previously available on Steam, is now on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Its developer says he will share the story of the port later this year.
Apple supplier TCB Devices confirms work on AI glasses and camera AirPods
A Chinese supplier's quarterly filing says it is working on Apple's unannounced AI glasses and new smart earphone projects, offering rare public confirmation of both rumoured products.