Apple and OnePlus dominate the latest battery life rankings, according to CNET’s rigorous testing of 35 smartphones. While improvements are incremental, newer 2025 models show a slight edge over their 2024 counterparts, and the shift towards silicon-carbon batteries is making a noticeable difference.
The Rise of Battery Optimization
For many consumers, battery life is the deciding factor when purchasing a new phone. A recent CNET/YouGov survey from September 2025 confirmed this, with longer battery life ranking second only to price as the primary purchase motivator. Modern smartphones are integral to daily life, and a dead battery means a disconnected user.
The industry is responding, albeit slowly. The past year has seen an increased adoption of silicon-carbon batteries, which offer higher capacity without increasing physical size – a crucial advancement given the trend towards thinner phone designs. While the improvements aren’t dramatic, they are present.
Testing Methodology & Key Findings
To standardize testing, CNET used a combined approach: a video streaming test at full brightness and a real-world stress test simulating typical phone usage. Each phone was tested from 100% battery, and the remaining percentage was recorded to calculate an overall score.
The results were clear: the iPhone 17 Pro Max emerged as the overall winner, despite being the most expensive phone in the top five at $1,199. Its efficiency stems from Apple’s A19 Pro chip and iOS 26 software optimization.
Top Five Performers
The top five included several ties, reflecting the close competition:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
- iPhone 17 & OnePlus 15: $829/$900 (tied for second)
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099 (fourth place)
- Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025), Motorola Edge (2025), OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 15R: $400-$700 (tied for fifth)
Notably, OnePlus secured three spots in the top rankings, all leveraging silicon-carbon batteries. The Poco F7 Ultra, available for as low as $649, also made the list with a silicon-carbon battery. The Moto G Stylus proved that high battery life doesn’t require a premium price tag.
Brand Performance: Apple & OnePlus Lead
When averaging scores across all tested models, Apple and OnePlus consistently outperformed other brands in battery life. Oppo, while having two strong performers (Find X9 Pro and Find N5), wasn’t included in the overall brand rankings due to limited test data. Motorola and Samsung followed closely behind, with Motorola narrowly edging out Samsung. Google, despite controlling both hardware and software like Apple, lagged behind in overall battery performance.
Incremental Gains: 2025 vs. 2024
The data shows that 2025 models offer a marginal improvement over 2024 phones, averaging just 0.78% better battery life. This means that for most consumers, upgrading solely for battery gains may not be worthwhile.
The Smart Consumer’s Choice
Given the limited gains from year-to-year upgrades, consider replacing a dying battery instead of purchasing a new phone. This is a far more cost-effective solution for extending your device’s lifespan.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual needs and budget. If long battery life is paramount, Apple and OnePlus currently lead the pack. However, Motorola offers excellent value with its affordable, long-lasting devices.
