By Mark Spoonauer
published
Apple's new iPhones offer pretty good battery life, but the best Android flagships last longer on a charge.
Update Sept. 28: We've updated this story with a new battery result for the older iPhone X and additional context around Apple's iPhone XS battery life claims.
If you really care about battery life and you're in the market for a new iPhone, we would opt for the iPhone XS Max over the iPhone XS. Apple's 6.5-inch flagship lasted nearly an hour longer on a charge than its smaller, 5.8-inch sibling.
On the fence between Android and iOS? You can get considerably better endurance from Android phones, especially those with larger batteries.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max: Their Battery Life vs. Competition's
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Phone | Battery Life (Hours: Minutes) |
| iPhone XS Max | 10:38 |
| iPhone XS | 9:41 |
| iPhone X | 9:51 |
| Huawei P20 Pro | 14:13 |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | 12:09 |
| Galaxy Note 9 | 11:16 |
| OnePlus 6 | 10:33 |
| Smartphone Average | 9:48 |
| HTC U12+ | 9:13 |
| LG G7 ThinQ | 8:35 |
We put the iPhone XS and XS Max through the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing at 150 nits of screen brightness. For this test, we turn Auto-Brightness off and True Tone off in the display settings.
To ensure consistency, we run all of our phone battery tests on T-Mobile's network, and we ensure that the phones have full signal strength by using a signal booster called the T-Mobile 4G LTE CellSpot. In other words, this is as close to ideal conditions as we can get while keeping everything repeatable.
The iPhone XS Max turned in a run time of 10 hours and 38 minutes, which is well above the smartphone category average of 9:48. However, the iPhone XS lasted for just 9:41, which is slightly below the average.
Last year's iPhone X lasted 10:49 on the same test, despite claims from Apple that the iPhone XS was supposed to last 30 minutes longer. However, that claim is based not on web surfing but a mix of real-world activities a given user might do throughout the day.
Interestingly, when we ran the older iPhone X through our battery test again, it achieved a runtime of 9 hours and 51 minutes. That's still better than this year's iPhone XS, but not by much.
MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life
Why the big drop year over year? Part of it could be the age of the phone, but the battery capacity said 100 percent in the battery health settings of the handset. It could be that the same websites we used in last year's test have injected more Javascript and other code on their pages, which could place more stress on the phones.
Both new iPhones beat certain Android phones, such as the HTC U12+ (9:13) and LG G7 ThinQ (8:35), but they were outclassed by other Android flagships in this category.
Google's Pixel 2, for example, lasted 12 hours and 9 minutes on our test, while the Huawei P20 Pro endured for more than 14 hours. The Galaxy Note 9, which packs a 4,000-mAh battery, lasted a very good 11:16, which is nearly 40 minutes longer than the iPhone XS Max lasted.
Based on a recent teardown, the iPhone XS has a relatively small battery compared to most Android phones, at 2,659 mAh, which is smaller than the 2,716-mAh battery in last year's iPhone X. The iPhone XS reportedly packs a beefier, 3,179-mAh battery, but that's still less than what most Android flagships have, ranging from 3,500 to 4,000 mAh.
To be fair, the size of the battery is only one factor in a phone's battery life. The software, processor and other aspects also come into play. In fact, the 7-nanometer A12 Bionic chip in the new iPhones has four efficiency cores that are designed to be up to 50 percent more efficient than the A11 Bionic.
But based on our results, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max don't have the staying power of the best Android phones when it comes to our web surfing test.
Credit: Tom's Guide
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Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.
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11 CommentsComment from the forums
thesteves Which resolution did you set the galaxy not 9 screen to?
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thesteves Note 9
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Mark Spoonauer 21348980 said:
Which resolution did you set the galaxy not 9 screen to?Hi @thesteves. Thanks for the question. We tested the Note 9 at its default screen resolution.
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datmh2105 This result is totally different from some battery test I have watched on YouTube, which show that the battery life of iPhone XS MAX is equal to Note 9 when Note 9 resolution is set to FullHD+, and longer in 2K
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datmh2105 Why is there a difference???
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danieldynasty which ios was the iphone x test run with? can you re-run the test on the iphone x on ios 12 for a true apples to apples comparison?
there are not enough details on how the test was conducted. was the iphone xs able to view more pages in the test than the iphone x due to its A12 chip?
(Video) iPhone X Vs iPhone Xs Vs iPhone Xs MAX Battery Test !Reply
zerocoolspain @danieldynasty That is the question!! iPhone X running iOS 11, iPhone Xs running iOS 12
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varase If you're just looping through a browser, loading a new page when the last page completes rendering, you could be punishing faster phones in your testing methodology.
Say phone A is twice as fast as phone B.
If you're just looping as stated above, phone A is putting in twice the work of phone B per hour, which of course will use more resources.
Web page loading is a variable resource task - the faster the phone, the higher the rate of resource utilization - unlike playing a video, which uses the same resources for both phone A and phone B (provided both phones are capable of playing the video).
If phone A taks 20 seconds max to load a page and phone B takes 40 seconds, the only fair way to compare battery life would be to request a new page every 40 seconds - but in real world usage even that is fallacious.
In the real world, a user might browse a dozen pages, consume content, and put his/her phone back to sleep.
Some pages would begin to load and the user might hit a link without waiting for the page to completely load; for other pages, the user might find something of interest and the phone would load the page and simply idle as the user consumed the content at human speed.
So, what's the trigger you use to load the next page? A realtime wait, or a continuous loop?
Reply
pradeepkumarkota IOS 12 and 12.0.1 has really sucked my Iphone 6S phone and its battery. The upgrade has also resulted in my iphone 6S Charging port n Battery damage. I had to spend huge amount of money to get this fixed. Apple is intentionally provoking customers to upgrade to their new phones and their prices are unrealistic. I believe this is very much intentional game. Apple, instead focus on giving better battery life not on your papers n claims. Instead, focus on giving better battery life on all devices and compare your battery life with Android small players. I believe you will loose your bet.
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varase 21446117 said:
IOS 12 and 12.0.1 has really sucked my Iphone 6S phone and its battery. The upgrade has also resulted in my iphone 6S Charging port n Battery damage. I had to spend huge amount of money to get this fixed. Apple is intentionally provoking customers to upgrade to their new phones and their prices are unrealistic. I believe this is very much intentional game. Apple, instead focus on giving better battery life not on your papers n claims. Instead, focus on giving better battery life on all devices and compare your battery life with Android small players. I believe you will loose your bet.I think you have to come to the realization that nothing lasts forever, and your battery is definitely one of those things. You can still get this fixed for $30 until the end of the year.
As for iOS 12 damaging your charging port: it's software - it doesn't break charging ports.
(Video) Galaxy S10+ vs. iPhone XS Max Battery TestSo ... what happened to your phone, and what did they do to fix it, and at what cost?
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FAQs
Is iPhone XS Max battery better than XS? ›
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone XS Max has a larger capacity of 3,174 mAh, based on regulatory filings. The iPhone XS Max the phone to get if you want longer endurance.
The iPhone XS Max lasts up to 90 minutes longer than the iPhone X. Wireless talk time goes up to 25 hours, internet use up to 13 hours and video playback up to 15 hours. Deal!
Is 80% battery health good for iPhone XS Max? ›A normal battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions.
Why does my iPhone XS Max battery drain so fast? ›It seems that many generations of iPhone have had the problem of the battery draining quicker than usual with the new iOS 16 update. It is probably due to the fact that with so many features of iOS 16 it uses more battery power than pass iOS updates.
How long does 100% battery last on iPhone XS? ›Of course, battery life can vary dramatically depending on what you're doing. Apple touts that the iPhone XS can last up to 12 hours during internet use, while the iPhone XS Max lasts up to 13 hours.
Which iPhone has longest battery life? ›iPhone 14 Pro Max has the largest battery and best battery life, although it's slightly smaller than the last generation.. The iPhone 14 and 14 Mini is not far behind though, compared to the iPhone 13. iPhone 14 has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 13 even though the battery size is not that different.
How long will iPhone XS Max be supported? ›With an iPhone, you receive the latest iOS updates up to 5 years after the release of the device. That makes the iPhone durable and ensures that your older device lasts a long time.
Can iPhone XS Max battery be replaced? ›We can replace your iPhone battery for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use.
How many hours should I charge my iPhone XS Max? ›Related: Best iPhone Deals
Using the default plug, the iPhone XS Max takes up to three hours to charge fully. That's pretty much double what I'd expect from an Android phone.
These models have a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes): iPhone 11. iPhone XS. iPhone XS Max.
Why my iPhone XS Max stops charging at 80? ›
If your device stopped charging at 80 percent
Your iPhone might get slightly warmer while it charges. To extend the lifespan of your battery, if the battery gets too warm, software might limit charging above 80 percent. Your iPhone will charge again when the temperature drops.
When the capacity of your iPhone battery dips below 80%, you'll see the following message: “Your battery's health is significantly degraded. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace the battery to restore full performance and capacity. More about service options…"
Is 85% battery health good for iPhone XS Max? ›Apple considers any iPhone with a battery capacity of 80% or above to be in optimal condition. In fact, Apple feels so strongly about battery health that its 1-year warranty covers any battery at 80% capacity or more. It's not unusual to see iPhones that, after one year, still have a battery capacity of 95% or above.
What kills iPhone battery health? ›The two things that cause the most battery drain in your iPhone are its screen and cellular service. Obviously, you know when you're actively using your phone, but your iPhone is often performing tasks in the background and even lighting up your screen without you noticing.
How can I boost my iPhone XS Max battery? ›To improve battery life, you can turn off the feature that allows apps to refresh in the background. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and select Wi‑Fi, Wi‑Fi & Cellular Data, or Off to turn off Background App Refresh entirely.
Why does iPhone XS Max get so hot? ›Your iPhone gets hot because the battery and other hardware inside generate heat whenever your phone is working, even if it's just charging. Your iPhone is designed to dissipate heat, but an old battery, too many apps running, and even direct sunlight can make your phone overheat.
Is XS Max still good in 2023? ›The iPhone XS Max was Apple's top-end flagship of the time. At the time of writing (February 2023), it's been superseded by newer releases that boast higher specs and more up-to-date features and functionality. That's not to say that it's not worth buying.
Is it good to buy XS Max 2023? ›With an up-to-date operating system and decent enough processors, it's definitely an option if all you want is a cheap iPhone for a year or two. The tech is fine, it looks fine, and it'll keep ticking over just fine too. But bear in mind it may not be long before the software lets you down.
Is XS Max still worth it in 2023? ›Yes. In September 2023, they will release iOS 17. By then, the iPhone XS Max will only be 5 years old as it was only released back in 2018. iPhones nowadays are commonly getting updated for 7 major iOS updates, as evidence to iPhone 6s which was released back in 2015 with iOS9 and it's still being updated with iOS15.
When should I replace my iPhone? ›Most iPhones last between 4 and 7 years, however this is not guaranteed. If your iPhone is more than a few years old, it's likely starting to become outdated and clunky, and it might be time to think about upgrading to a newer model for a better user experience.
How much iPhone XS battery cost? ›
How much is the repair cost of the iPhone XS Battery Replacement in India? Apple iPhone XS Battery Replacement cost is Rs. 2999 with 6 months warranty.
When should I replace my iPhone battery? ›When should I replace my iPhone battery? Typically, when your iPhone holds less than 80% of its maximum capacity, it's time to upgrade the battery. You can check your battery's health by going to Settings then Battery Health.
Can a iPhone last 10 years? ›However when it comes to iPhones, you can expect between three to five years (maybe more) with proper care.
What is killing my iPhone battery so fast? ›A bright screen can drain your battery quickly, so consider reducing the brightness or using auto-brightness. Disable location services for apps you don't use frequently. Location services use GPS and can drain your battery.
Do older iPhones lose battery faster? ›In comparison with newer iPhones, say iPhone 8 or iPhone 7, the older iPhones come with a smaller battery size. Hence, their battery life may be much lesser than the modern iPhones. "Your Apple lithium-ion battery uses fast charging to quickly reach 80% of its capacity, then switches to slower trickle charging.
What iPhones will stop working in 2023? ›Apple is said to drop software support for three iPhones in 2023. The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X may not get iOS 17 update.
How long before iPhone XS Max is obsolete? ›| Model | Release date | Supported |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | Sep 22, 2017 | Yes – Until 2023 |
| iPhone X | Nov 3, 2017 | Yes – Until 2024 |
| iPhone XS / XS Max | Sep 21, 2018 | Yes – Until 2025 |
| iPhone XR | Oct 26, 2018 | Yes – Until 2025 |
Apple no longer sells the iPhone XS and XS Max as well as the iPhone 7 and its Plus variant as of September 10, 2019, after the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro announcement. iPhone XS and XS Max are the final models of iPhone to feature 3D Touch.
How much does it cost to change XS Max battery? ›| Battery Replacement Cost (Swappa Repair Network) | Battery Replacement Cost (Apple out-of-warranty) | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | $98 | $69 |
| iPhone XS | $72 | $69 |
| iPhone XS Max | $77 | $69 |
| iPhone Xr | $72 | $69 |
Battery Replacement cost for an iPhone XS Max is $69 USD.
What is the price of original battery in iPhone XS Max? ›
IPHONE XS MAX 100% ORIGINAL MOBILE BATTERY, Battery Type: Lithium-Ion at Rs 540 in New Delhi.
Can you leave iPhone XS Max charging overnight? ›Apple uses the same Li-Ion technology as other manufacturers. There have been several incidents with iPhones catching fire because of their batteries. So this is one of the reasons why charging your iPhone overnight is not a great idea.
Can I leave my iPhone XS charging overnight? ›Apple says that an iPhone battery “is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions,” but regular overnight charging accelerates that degradation.
What happens if you keep your iPhone charging after 100? ›Modern smartphones have optimized batteries that will stop drawing power once they reach 100 percent. However, when you leave it on the charger, the phone will inevitably lose a little bit of power as it sits there because that's just what batteries do.
Is XS Max better than XR? ›Based on battery life, the iPhone Xs Max comes in second to the iPhone Xr, which lasts a whopping 15 hours. The Apple iPhone Xs lasts 12 hours, and the iPhone Xs Max lasts 13 hours. The iPhone Xs does feature faster wireless charging: it's about 30 minutes faster.
Can I use iPhone XS Max in shower? ›To prevent liquid damage, avoid these: Swimming or bathing with your iPhone. Exposing your iPhone to pressurized water or high velocity water, such as when showering, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, jet skiing, and so on. Using your iPhone in a sauna or steam room.
Can iPhone XS survive rain? ›“iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are splash-, water- and dust-resistant, and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 2 metres up to 30 minutes).
How do I reset my iPhone battery? ›- Step 1: Drain the Battery. The first step is to completely drain your iPhone battery. ...
- Step 2: Wait Three Hours. ...
- Step 3: Charge Your Device. ...
- Step 4: Drain Your Device. ...
- Step 5: Wait Another Three Hours. ...
- Step 6: Charge Your Device.
And you don't have to turn it off to charge it; in fact, you shouldn't. And you can leave it plugged in while using it if you want to. The Best Practice, however, is to charge the phone overnight, every night. As it stops automatically at 100% you can't overcharge it doing this.
How do I keep my battery 100 healthy? ›Yup, the only way you're going to keep your iPhone's battery at 100% is to stop using it and charging it. I've also got another bit of advice to those who are obsessing over the health of their iPhone's battery. Stop worrying about it.
At what battery percentage should I replace? ›
While a slightly lower percentage is lower as your phone ages, it should still retain about 80% of the capacity at 300-500 charge cycles. If it starts dropping below 80%, it's time for a battery replacement.
Can I replace iPhone battery myself? ›Yes. If you're reluctant to take your iPhone into an Apple Store or send it off via Apple's mail-in service, you can also replace the battery yourself via Apple's self repair program. Launched in mid-2022, the program allows you to order spare parts, tools and how-to manuals you need from Apple.
What is normal battery health iPhone XS Max? ›A normal battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions.
What happens if you don't change iPhone battery? ›Your battery can still be used. However, you may be experiencing more noticeable battery and performance issues. A new replacement battery will improve your experience. More about service options.
What is the lowest battery health in iPhone? ›At What Battery Health Percentage Should I Replace My iPhone Battery? Your iPhone should retain up to 80 percent of its original battery capacity after 500 complete charge cycles. Once the battery health percentage drops below 80 percent, the amount of charge your battery can hold starts to diminish.
Which battery is better XS Max or XR? ›The battery life
Based on battery life, the iPhone Xs Max comes in second to the iPhone Xr, which lasts a whopping 15 hours. The Apple iPhone Xs lasts 12 hours, and the iPhone Xs Max lasts 13 hours. The iPhone Xs does feature faster wireless charging: it's about 30 minutes faster.
iPhone XS & iPhone XS Max Cons: Very expensive compared to previous iPhone models and Android devices alike. Large cases are difficult, even impossible, to handle with one hand. Glass front and back are prone to damage.
Does iPhone XS Max have better battery life than iPhone 11? ›...
Apple.
| Name | iPhone 11 | iPhone XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 3110 mAh | 3174 mAh |
| Storage | 64 GB 128 GB 256 GB | 64 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
| Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes - IP68 | Yes |
Apple considers any iPhone with a battery capacity of 80% or above to be in optimal condition.
What is the difference between iPhone XS and XS Max? ›The only difference between these two iPhones is their size. So if you prefer a larger screen, go for the iPhone XS Max. Its 6.5-inch edge-to-edge screen is incredible for shooting and viewing photos! The iPhone XS Max has the biggest screen of any iPhone ever produced.
Is XS Max cheaper than XR? ›
The iPhone XR. It's cheaper, has all the key features from the XS and XS Max, though the LCD screen isn't as nice and there's no dual-lens camera. The Portrait Mode is still excellent, and we think it's all the phone most people need.
Will iPhone XS last longer than XR? ›Despite its cheaper price point, you will get a few more hours of use from the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR battery lasts about 15.5 to 16.5 hours on a single charge, while the XS lasts about 12.5 to 13.5 hours.
Why is iPhone XS the best? ›The Good. The iPhone XS has a markedly improved dual camera, delivering better photos than the iPhone X in both dark and high-contrast environments. It has a faster processor, faster face ID, adds dual-SIM support and it's now available in gold and 512GB versions.
Is it worth to buy iPhone XS in 2023? ›With an up-to-date operating system and decent enough processors, it's definitely an option if all you want is a cheap iPhone for a year or two. The tech is fine, it looks fine, and it'll keep ticking over just fine too. But bear in mind it may not be long before the software lets you down.
Is iPhone XS Max worth buying in 2023? ›Yes. In September 2023, they will release iOS 17. By then, the iPhone XS Max will only be 5 years old as it was only released back in 2018. iPhones nowadays are commonly getting updated for 7 major iOS updates, as evidence to iPhone 6s which was released back in 2015 with iOS9 and it's still being updated with iOS15.
Should I upgrade from XS Max to 11? ›If one of your primary uses for your iPhone is taking pictures and videos, then yes, you should definitely upgrade. But there's another reason you should consider upgrading from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 11 Pro Max: battery life. If you're currently using this large-screen device, you're likely on your phone a lot.
What kills iPhone battery health fast? ›The two things that cause the most battery drain in your iPhone are its screen and cellular service. Obviously, you know when you're actively using your phone, but your iPhone is often performing tasks in the background and even lighting up your screen without you noticing.