iPhone 17 vs. iPhone Air: The Ultimate Battery Test Winner

Finding a smartphone that reliably lasts all day remains a top priority for most buyers, and Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series and the ultrathin iPhone Air deliver impressive results in this critical area. Our extensive testing reveals that you don’t necessarily need to spend over a thousand dollars to get excellent battery performance, with the standard iPhone 17 matching the endurance of its more expensive Pro sibling.

For nearly ten years, we have evaluated mobile devices, and the demand for longer-lasting batteries has never wavered. Apple made significant claims about improved battery life for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max during their launch. The introduction of the slender iPhone Air came with a promise of all-day battery, though the simultaneous announcement of a dedicated MagSafe battery pack raised some concerns about potential compromises for its slim profile.

A phone’s actual battery life is influenced by numerous factors. Screen brightness, cellular signal strength, and individual usage patterns all play a major role. Someone constantly browsing and streaming will experience their battery draining much faster than a person who only checks their device occasionally.

To determine the real-world performance of these new iPhones, we employed a multi-faceted testing approach. This included real-life stress tests, controlled video streaming sessions, and monitoring daily usage. We also evaluated both wired and wireless charging speeds. The data we collected confirms strong battery performance across the entire lineup, including the iPhone Air, especially when measured against previous iPhone generations.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out with truly excellent battery life.

This model is powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip. This processor, working in concert with a vapor cooling system, the latest iOS 26 software, and a large battery, enables the phone to easily last a full day on a single charge. It is important to understand that a larger physical battery does not automatically guarantee superior endurance. The overall system efficiency is just as critical. Apple, alongside Huawei, is unique in designing both its own hardware and software, allowing it to optimize performance and achieve long battery life even with cells that are often smaller than those found in many Android competitors.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max do indeed feature larger batteries than last year’s models. For customers in the United States who purchase the eSIM-only versions, the battery capacity is even greater, as it occupies the space traditionally reserved for a physical SIM card tray.

Apple typically does not disclose official battery capacities, partly because its batteries are frequently smaller than those in rival Android phones. However, European Union regulations require the publication of energy labels, which has allowed for the discovery of the following capacities for the eSIM models:

iPhone Air: 3,149 mAh iPhone 17: 3,692 mAh iPhone 17 Pro: 4,252 mAh iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,088 mAh iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh

Our standardized benchmark tests, including video streaming and intensive stress tests, provide a consistent way to compare battery performance between different phones. Because we have used these same tests for years, we can also gauge how new models stack up against older ones. For instance, if you own an iPhone 15, you can expect a noticeable battery life improvement by upgrading to any iPhone 17 model.

In our three-hour video battery test, which involves streaming video over Wi-Fi with the screen at maximum brightness, the iPhone 17 series performed admirably. The results, while strong, were not a massive leap over the iPhone 16 series.

With no Plus model available this year, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the sole option with an exceptionally large battery, the biggest ever fitted in an iPhone. It lost just 9% of its charge during this test, a lower number indicating better performance. This marks the first time an iPhone has remained in the single-digit loss percentage, tying with the Motorola Razr (2024) for the best score we have recorded. It is worth noting that the Razr uses a less powerful processor and has a smaller, less bright main display.

The iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro both dropped 15%, a result identical to the iPhone 15. The standard iPhone 17 performed very well, losing only 11%, which is an improvement over both the iPhone 15 and 16. Consider that the iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch screen with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, compared to the 6.1-inch, 60Hz, 2,000-nit displays on the iPhone 15 and 16.

The new Apple phones also excelled in our 45-minute endurance test, which simulates heavy use with gaming, video streaming, social media scrolling, and a video call. The 17 Pro Max dropped a mere 1%, the best result for a current-year phone, though it was slightly behind the iPhone 16 Plus, which maintained 100% charge. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro both lost 2%, further highlighting the outstanding value of the standard model. The iPhone Air dropped 5%, matching the iPhone 15 and outperforming the entire Samsung Galaxy S25 series in this particular test, tying with the Motorola Razr Ultra.

The iPhone Air consistently gets through a full day on a single charge.

The primary appeal of the iPhone Air is its remarkably thin and lightweight design. The natural question is how much battery life such a slender device can realistically offer.

During our review process, we use each phone as our primary device to replicate real-world conditions. This hands-on testing often provides the most accurate picture of what a typical user can expect. For the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, we began each day with a full charge and monitored the battery level throughout. Even after intensive tasks like photo and video shooting or extended screen-on time, both models ended the day with plenty of power remaining.

Similarly, our senior technology reporter found that the iPhone Air she tested regularly concluded each day with approximately 20% battery remaining after starting with a full charge. On days with heavier usage, the battery level would dip below 20% by bedtime.

She reported that the iPhone Air has reliably lasted all day throughout several weeks of use. Importantly, she rarely found it necessary to use the optional MagSafe battery pack to extend battery life during the day, which she found reassuring.

Apple sells a separate $99 MagSafe battery accessory designed for the iPhone Air. In our tests, a fully charged MagSafe pack added 69% to the Air’s battery. When asked if she would recommend this accessory, our reporter suggested it for frequent users who are often away from power outlets but admitted she prefers not to carry an extra battery unless anticipating a particularly long day away from home.

Her review of the standard iPhone 17 noted that it can comfortably last a little over a day, even with a mix of photography, social media browsing, audiobook and music listening, texting, and video watching. Over several days of testing, starting with a full charge between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., the iPhone 17 would still have 44% to 47% battery remaining twelve hours later. If left unplugged overnight, it would still hold about 30% charge by the next morning.

The iPhone 17 series supports impressively fast charging.

There are two primary methods for charging these iPhones: using a cable or via MagSafe wireless charging. For wired charging, Apple suggests a 40W adapter for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, and a 20W adapter for the iPhone Air. It is important to remember that Apple does not include a power adapter in the box, only a USB-C cable. The company sells a 40W charger for $39 and a 20W model for $19.

In our 30-minute wired charging test, all the new phones performed well. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max each gained at least 10% more charge than their iPhone 16 counterparts in the same test. Apple states the 17 Pro and Pro Max can reach a 50% charge in just 20 minutes; our testing saw the 17 Pro hit 53% and the Pro Max reach 49% in that timeframe.

The iPhone Air reached 49% in our 30-minute test using a 20W adapter, matching the performance of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, and beating the iPhone 15 Plus.

For wireless charging, we conducted a 30-minute test using the latest MagSafe charger paired with a 30W power adapter. The entire iPhone 17 series and the Air outperformed every previous iPhone we have tested, with the exception of the iPhone 16 Pro, which did slightly better than the Air and standard iPhone 17. Keep in mind that iPhones do not come with a MagSafe charger or a 30W adapter in the box.

So, which iPhone should you choose based on battery life?

Apple’s current lineup is designed to cater to different user preferences. If your main goal is the absolute best battery life available, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the clear winner. The standard iPhone 17 offers fantastic battery life that nearly matches and even slightly surpasses the more costly iPhone 17 Pro in some scenarios, representing tremendous value. For those drawn to the iPhone Air, its battery life is solid rather than class-leading, but for most people, it will comfortably get through a full day on a single charge.

It is also worth mentioning that iOS 26 introduces a new Adaptive Power mode. This feature learns your usage habits over about a week and then adjusts the processor’s power draw for specific tasks to conserve battery. We enabled this feature after completing our formal battery tests and will monitor for any noticeable improvements.

Finally, if you have an older iPhone whose only real issue is a battery that no longer holds a charge like it used to, consider having the battery replaced. This option is hundreds of dollars cheaper than buying a new phone and can easily extend your device’s usable life for several more years.

(Source: CNET)