Aside from several factors like storage capacity, many buyers consider battery life when buying a phone, and for a good reason. Imagine enjoying using your phone for hours, only to see it die after just a few hours of use. Having a phone with a short battery life can be a frustrating experience, especially for iPhone users.
Apple has significantly changed the lineup’s features, including battery life. So, if you want to know which iPhone has the best battery life for your next upgrade, you’ve come to the right place.
Now that the iPhone’s newest model, the iPhone 15, is out, we will discuss everything you must know about its battery. We’ll also dive deep into the iPhone models with the most extended battery life, along with factors affecting battery life and tips on improving battery health.
14 Top iPhones With the Longest Battery Life
As Apple releases new versions of its iPhone lineup, it significantly upgrades several features, including battery life. A phone’s battery life is difficult to measure due to many factors influencing it. But it can still be judged using metrics such as audio and video playback, the amount of standby time before charging, battery capacity, and usage time.
In this section, you’ll see a list detailing which iPhone has the best battery life, more information about its battery capacity, and a brief description of its features.
Top 1: iPhone 15 Plus – 14 Hours and 14 Minutes
Model: iPhone 15 Plus
Battery Duration: 14 Hours & 14 Minutes
Price: From $899
Just narrowly beating out the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus has the best battery life out of any iPhone because it has a display with a lower refresh rate (60 Hz), all the while sporting an older chip, the A16 Bionic.
Moreover, the 15 Plus doesn’t have an Always-On Display, because of which it simply consumes less battery. The 15 Plus is a great pick for anyone who would sacrifice a bit of performance for battery life.
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Top 2: iPhone 15 Pro Max – 14 Hours and 2 Minutes
Model: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Battery Duration: 14 Hours & 2 Minutes
Price: From $1199
Now equipped with a USB-C port, the titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best battery life out of any Pro iPhone. Equipped with a slightly larger battery at around 4,422 mAh – the latest iPhone owes its extended battery life to the new A17 Pro, which has four optimized efficiency cores that help the phone run more basic tasks without breaking a sweat.
Even though the iPhone 15 Pro Max has smaller bezels, a brighter display, and weighs less thanks to its titanium construction, it still is able to beat out the 14 Pro Max. With that said, the 15 Pro Max also has the best battery life out of any mainstream flagship phone.
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Top 3: iPhone 14 Pro Max – 13 Hours and 7 Minutes
Model: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Battery Duration: 13 Hours & 7 Minutes
Price: From $1099
The iPhone model with the most extended battery life is the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Its battery can withstand 95 hours of audio playtime, which means you can play music with your phone all day. It can also play videos for 29 hours and stream for 25 hours, making it perfect for long movie nights.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max also has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display with an “Always-On” option and a 48MP camera, which is great for taking photos and videos. It also features Dynamic Island, a new feature that lets you briefly see your phone’s activities.
Top 4: iPhone 13 Pro Max – 12 Hours and 16 Minutes
Model: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Battery Duration: 12 Hours & 16 Minutes
Price: From $940
Even before the release of the iPhone 14 back in 2022, many iOS users praised the iPhone 13 Pro Max for having a massive battery capacity that could last for hours. The iPhone 13 Pro Max still boasts a long battery life that can compete with newer models.
It can play videos for up to 28 hours, which is not a big difference compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It also boasts a scratch-resistant, super retina display, which makes this model great for streaming and gaming.
Top 5: iPhone 13 Pro – 12 Hours
Model: iPhone 13 Pro
Battery Duration: 12 Hours
Price: From $810
Coming in third place is the iPhone 13 Pro, which has an average battery life of 12 hours. It can also play videos for 22 hours and audio for up to 75 hours, which means you can watch movies and blast your favorite songs with this phone all day.
Like the iPhone 14, the iPhone 13 Pro is fast-charge capable, meaning you can charge the iPhone 13 Pro up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. The iPhone 13 also has a ceramic shield screen, making it more durable than other phones on the market.
Top 6: iPhone 14 Plus – 11 Hours and 57 Minutes
Model: iPhone 14 Plus
Battery Duration: 11 Hours & 57 Minutes
Price: From $899
The competition between the iPhone 14 Plus and other models regarding battery life is very close and tight, with only a few minutes of difference. Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 Plus is still a powerful smartphone with many remarkable features under its hood.
Some of the iPhone 14 Plus’s most powerful features include a pro camera system with autofocus and an action mode that gives you less shaky videos. It also has the A15 bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor in its own right.
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Top 7: iPhone 11 Pro Max – 11 Hours and 54 Minutes
Model: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Battery Duration: 11 Hours & 54 Minutes
Price: From $475
Despite being released in 2019, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still possesses a long battery life that can withstand hours of activity. It can play videos for 20 hours and audio for 80 hours, which is not bad for a model released almost four years ago.
Aside from long battery life, the iPhone 11 Pro Max also has features such as a triple-camera system and a 6.5-inch super retina display to give you that crisp, colorful display. Each of the cameras in this model has 12 megapixels, allowing you to take clear photos.
Top 8: iPhone 11 – 11 Hours and 16 Minutes
Model: iPhone 11
Battery Duration: 11 Hours & 16 Minutes
Price: From $305
If you’re searching for a lower price option for iPhones without sacrificing battery life and other amazing features iPhones have been known for, then the iPhone 11 is for you. The iPhone 11 is a phone that can still perform well when compared to other newer models.
This model comes with a dual-lens rear camera to capture those moments. The iPhone 11 also has optical image stabilization, which means more stable photos. It’s also available in various colors, such as yellow, red, and purple.
Top 9: iPhone 15 – 11 Hours and 5 Minutes
Model: iPhone 15
Battery Duration: 11 Hours & 5 Minutes
Price: From $799
The iPhone 15 features the same specifications as the iPhone 15 Plus, but just comes in a smaller package. Out of the smaller lineups of phones released this year, the 15 comfortably beats out the 15 Pro simply because it has an older, less-demanding chipset, no ProMotion, and does not have an Always-On Display.
It also is the cheapest iPhone in the list and is naturally a great pick for anyone who wants a smaller, all-day iPhone.
Top 10: iPhone 15 Pro – 10 Hours and 53 Minutes
Model: iPhone 15 Pro
Battery Duration: 10 Hours & 53 Minutes
Price: From $999
Rocking the same internals as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro has the worst battery in 2023’s lineup simply because it has a 3,349 mAh battery but has a ProMotion display, Always-On, and also has the A17 Pro, which is a demanding chip.
Technically, it’ll still last you an entire day. But stretching the phone even slightly beyond a day or not having it at 100% before you take off will lead to you needing a bit of juicing up before you end the day.
Top 11: iPhone 12 Pro Max – 10 Hours and 53 Minutes
Model: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Battery Duration: 10 Hours & 53 Minutes
Price: From $710
It may seem surprising to see the iPhone 12 Pro Max on the lower end of this list, considering that the models under the Pro Max category have better battery lives than the others. It may also come as a surprise that other older models, such as iPhone 11, have longer battery lives than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
But that’s not a reason to belittle this model. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still great for watching videos and playing audio since it can play videos for up to 20 hours and 80 hours, respectively. It also has a pro camera system with a 12MP main camera for taking clear photos.
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Top 12: iPhone 13 – 10 Hours and 33 Minutes
Model: iPhone 13
Battery Duration: 10 Hours & 33 Minutes
Price: From $699
The iPhone 13 is another option you should consider if you’re looking for an iPhone packed with many features and has a long battery life. This model is not only cheaper compared to other latest models. It also comes in a variety of colors, like blue and pink.
Aside from a wide range of colors, the iPhone 13 comes in 512GB, 256GB, and 128GB variants, so you can expect to have more battery life and memory with this model. It also supports 5G and LTE, ensuring faster connectivity.
Top 13: iPhone 14 Pro – 10 Hours and 27 Minutes
Model: iPhone 14 Pro
Battery Duration: 10 Hours & 27 Minutes
Price: From $999
While the iPhone 14 Pro’s battery life seems shorter than other previous models like the iPhone 12 or 13, it only differs slightly. In addition, the iPhone 14 has many features, like the Dynamic Island, a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, and an Always-On display mode.
All of these advanced features can affect its overall battery life, which is the reason why this model is on the lower end of the list. But some settings, like the Always-On Display mode, can always be adjusted, depending on your preferences.
Top 14: iPhone 11 Pro – 10 Hours and 24 Minutes
Model: iPhone 11 Pro
Battery Duration: 10 Hours & 24 Minutes
Price: From $365
Last but definitely not least is the iPhone 11 Pro, whose battery life does not significantly differ from models like the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 Pro but still has features most people are looking for in an iPhone.
According to Apple, this model was the first to feature a triple-camera system with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto camera lenses. Aside from this new camera system, the iPhone 11 Pro also has Night Mode for taking nightly pictures.
iPhone Battery Life Ranking [Top 10]
| Rank | iPhone Model | Expected Battery Life | Battery Capacity (mAh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 13 hours and 7 minutes | 4323 mAh |
| 2 | iPhone 13 Pro Max | 12 hours and 16 minutes | 4352 mAh |
| 3 | iPhone 13 Pro | 12 hours | 3095 mAh |
| 4 | iPhone 14 Plus | 11 hours and 57 minutes | 4325 mAh |
| 5 | iPhone 11 Pro Max | 11 hours and 54 minutes | 3969 mAh |
| 6 | iPhone 11 | 11 hours and 16 minutes | 3110 mAh |
| 7 | iPhone 12 Pro Max | 10 hours and 53 minutes | 3969 mAh |
| 8 | iPhone 13 | 10 hours and 33 minutes | 3227 mAh |
| 9 | iPhone 14 Pro | 10 hours and 27 minutes | 3200 mAh |
| 10 | iPhone 11 Pro | 10 hours and 24 minutes | 3048 mAh |
Can I Increase My iPhone Battery Health?
Yes, you can increase your iPhone battery lifespan if you apply some of the following recommendations:
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Update to the Latest Software.
Always install the most updated iOS version for your iPhone when it’s available for your device. If there is an available iOS update for your phone, plug it into your charger and update using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Alternatively, you can also plug your iPhone into your computer and update it using iTunes.
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Optimize Your Settings.
Regardless of how you use your device, two of the simplest ways to conserve your phone’s battery life are to adjust its screen brightness and use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data since it uses more battery than Wi-Fi. To adjust your phone’s screen brightness, dim your screen or enable Auto-Brightness.
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Avoid Extreme Ambient Temperatures.
Make sure to avoid exposing your iPhone to temperatures above 35° C (or 95° F) since storing a device in a hot environment can permanently damage its battery and affect its capacity to hold a charge. Avoid charging your iPhone in places with hot temperatures, as it can damage your device even more.
We wrote an article about how to fix iPhone 14 Pro overheating issues. -
Remove Certain Cases During Charging.
Charging your device inside certain phone cases can generate excess heat. This heat can negatively affect your iPhone’s battery capacity and shorten its life. To prevent this from happening, take your phone out of your case before charging it.
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Enable Low Power Mode.
Low power mode allows your phone to extend its battery life when its battery level drops to 20% and again at 10%. When enabled, this feature dims brightness and disables background processes. It will turn off once your phone is charged. You can enable it by going to “Settings > Battery” or turning it on when a prompt appears.
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View Battery Usage Information.
Managing your iPhone’s battery life is easy because iOS gives you insight into which apps use your battery the most. To view your phone’s battery usage, open “Settings > Battery”. After opening this setting, you’ll see different information, like your phone’s last charge level and graphs showing your battery level and activity over time.
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Store it Half-Charged When You Store it Long-Term.
If you plan to store your device for a long time, make sure to charge it to 50% first. Discharging your phone’s battery completely can cause it to fall into a deep discharge state, meaning it can no longer charge.
What Kills iPhone Battery Health Fast?
The main factors that kill iPhone Battery health fast are exposure to high temperatures, running the battery to 0%, overcharging frequently, and old age battery. However, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single cause for this issue. Furthermore, all batteries would need to be replaced eventually as they degrade and lose capacity over time
So that you can get the most out of your iPhone, we’ll briefly explain some of the factors that can quickly kill your phone’s battery.
Exposure your iPhone to High Temperatures
Using your iPhone in extreme temperatures can permanently shorten its battery life and even damage the entire unit. iPhones are usually able to perform well in temperatures ranging from 62° to 72° Fahrenheit (or 16° to 22° Celsius). But once you go below or above that, your iPhone will adjust its behavior to regulate the extreme temperature.
In extremely high temperatures, your iPhone would stop charging, disable certain features like a camera flash, and its display would go dim or completely black. It might even show a temperature warning on its screen. When this happens, bringing your device somewhere cooler is best to avoid further damage before using or charging it.
Running Battery Down to 0%
If you use your iPhone until its battery is completely depleting before charging it again to 100% daily, you could be damaging your device without knowing it.
Apple uses lithium-ion batteries for its devices. And while they charge fast, they still have a limited lifespan, and completely depleting your phone’s battery can prematurely and permanently damage it.
Apple recommends keeping your phone’s battery charged between 30 to 80 percent for best results. Try to charge your phone as soon as possible after it dies. You can also turn on your “iPhone’s Low Power” mode to further preserve its battery life until you can find an outlet to charge your device.
Frequent Overcharging Your iPhone’s Battery
Frequently charging your iPhone overnight can shorten and damage your phone’s battery life. Apple stated that iPhones keep 80% of their original battery capacity after 500 charging cycles. Your phone goes through a charging cycle when it uses 100% of its battery capacity after charging.
So frequently overcharging your phone means it goes through more charging cycles, slowly eating up its battery life. It would take iPhones an hour or two to charge to 100%, so monitor your phone while charging and don’t leave it on the charging cable for too long.
You can also enable your device’s “Optimized Battery Charging” feature to maintain its battery life.
Using Your Phone’s Personal Hotspot
Some people use their iPhone’s network instead of Wi-fi because it can provide you with more privacy and security, or even with a faster internet connection many times.
Using your phone as a personal hotspot will drain your battery much faster because the Wifi and Bluetooth will be active during the whole process.
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Your Battery is Old
Like most rechargeable batteries, your phone’s ability to hold charge deteriorates as time passes. As it ages, your iPhone’s battery capacity wears down due to chemical aging, so you would need to charge your iPhone more often. Many factors affect your phone battery’s chemical aging, like settings and charging/usage habits.
Eventually, you will need to replace your iPhone’s battery. But to prolong your smartphone’s battery life, you can take several steps, such as updating your device’s software, avoiding extreme temperatures, and optimizing settings like lowering screen brightness and using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data.
For more information on optimizing your iPhone’s battery health, check this Apple support article about maximizing battery performance.
Which iPhone Should You Choose for a Good Battery?
If you’re still thinking about which iPhone has the best battery life to replace your old device, your best bet would be to choose between iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Pro. But while battery life is essential when getting a new phone, you should also look into other factors like memory, processing speed, camera, and more.
In this article, we listed the top ten iPhone models with the best battery life and briefly described their features and battery capacity. We also explained the many factors that kill your smartphone’s battery life and if it’s possible to increase it. With these tips, you should be able to choose the best iPhone for your situation.
