In the latest round of flagship smartphone comparisons, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max has edged past Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra in a real-world battery test, lasting longer under everyday usage conditions.
The test simulated regular activities such as scrolling through social media platforms like TikTok and X, sending messages on Slack, streaming music on Spotify, and even recording video. Under these conditions, the iPhone 17 Pro Max recorded a total runtime of 13 hours, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra powered down after 11 hours and 58 minutes.
What makes the result even more significant is that the test used the UK version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which houses a slightly smaller battery compared to the U.S. variant. Experts believe the U.S. model, which supports eSIM-only functionality, could deliver up to 30 minutes more battery life, further extending Apple’s lead.
Other devices in the iPhone 17 lineup also went through the endurance trial. The iPhone Air was the first to shut down at 7 hours and 18 minutes, followed by the standard iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro fared better, but the larger Pro Max model ultimately set the benchmark for battery efficiency.
The findings build on Apple’s consistency in battery optimization. Last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max had already surpassed Samsung’s S25 Ultra in similar tests, with a runtime of 12 hours and 15 minutes. With the 17 Pro Max pushing that boundary even further, Apple appears to have improved both battery capacity and efficiency management in the new series.
Apple’s official specifications claim the 17 Pro Max can handle up to 35 hours of continuous video playback, but real-world tests like these offer a more practical measure for users. While the gap between Apple and Samsung may seem narrow, the additional hour of performance can prove crucial for users who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day.
As the global rollout of the iPhone 17 series continues, consumers and analysts will be watching closely to see how these battery results translate across different markets and conditions. For now, Apple seems to have secured an edge in one of the most competitive aspects of the premium smartphone battle.