Last Updated: September 15, 2026
IPhone vs Samsung battery life: Not just capacity While the battery capacity isn’t everything when comparing iPhone vs Samsung battery life, the size difference is often in Samsung’s favor, although Apple gets some impressive mileage out of the way its hardware and software are integrated. So, which one really lasts longer? In 2026, this becomes the fight of the iPhone 17 Pro Max versus the Galaxy S26 Ultra, both premium devices you will no doubt use all day long.
iPhone vs Samsung Battery Life: Quick Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery approach | Hardware/software optimization | Large 5,000mAh battery |
| Official video playback | Up to 39 hours | Up to 31 hours |
| Web browsing test | 17h 54m | 16h 40m |
| Fast charging | Up to 50% in 20 min | Up to 75% in around 30 min |
| Wireless charging | MagSafe + Qi2 | Wireless charging |
| Best for | Long endurance | Fast top-ups |
Apple rates the iPhone 17 Pro Max for up to 39 hours of video playback, while Samsung rates the Galaxy S26 Ultra for up to 31 hours. These figures come from each company’s own testing, so they shouldn’t be treated as a direct head-to-head laboratory comparison.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Battery Life
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is there for folks who don’t want to have to think about your battery all the time. Apple says it’s up to 39 hours of video playback and up to 35 hours of streamed video playback. It has fast charging up to 50% in about 20 minutes (with 40W adapter or higher).
Battery life: How long does it last in tests?
In our own tests, Tom’s Guide battery tested the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasting 17 hours and 54 minutes of continuous web-browsing test over 5G. That is a very good result, and beat the Galaxy S26 Ultra in that test.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Battery Life
Samsung’s alternative The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 5,000mAh cell and is rated at 31 hours of video playback. The interesting part is charging. Samsung’s 60W Super Fast Charging 3.0, for example, can charge the phone up to 75% in just a half an hour, according to Samsung.
In our own test, the Galaxy S26 Ultra lasted 16 hours and 40 minutes and wasn’t quite as long-lasting as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
But, Samsung charged faster. That’s much more relevant in real life. If you find yourself to leave your phone in the fridge and you got only 30 minutes to get out the door, then Samsung’s fast charging is a real advantage.
Which Lasts Longer: iPhone or Samsung?
Based on the independent test above, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the edge in battery endurance.
However, Samsung is not far behind. More importantly, the Galaxy S26 Ultra makes up some ground with much faster charging.
So the choice comes down to your routine:
Choose iPhone if you want:
- Longer endurance between charges
- Strong 5G browsing performance
- Excellent video playback
- A phone you can use heavily without constantly checking the battery
Choose Samsung if you want:
- Faster wired charging
- A large 5,000mAh battery
- Quick top-ups during a busy day
- A large screen for gaming and streaming
Does Battery Size Matter?
Not as much as you might think.
A 5,000mAh battery does not automatically mean a phone will last longer than one with a smaller battery. The processor, display, software, network connection and background activity all affect battery consumption.
That’s why looking only at mAh can give you the wrong impression.
Final Verdict
For pure iPhone vs Samsung battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes out on top on the battery-life front in the separate web-browsing test. Whereas the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes out on top for charging speed, with a 60W charging potential meaning you can fully charge your S26 Ultra quicker when you’re in a rush.
So, if you genuinely hate plugging your phone into charge, you’re probably well-suited to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, if you’d rather be topping up your phone’s battery with a bit of juice before you head out the door, it’s probably worth leaning towards the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Ultimately, what makes a good battery isn’t necessarily the one that can last the longest, but the one that’s right for the way you want to use your phone.
