iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Battery Life Comparison

With each new iPhone release, battery life is a key factor for users.In this article, we will compare the battery life of iPhone 17 and iPhone 16, looking at battery capacity, performance, and how these differences may affect your everyday use.

Please note that the battery capacity for iPhone 17 is based on current market information. If any discrepancies arise once the device is officially released, we will update the details immediately.

1. Battery Capacity Comparison(update 9.10)

The iPhone 17 series sees a slight increase in battery size compared to the previous generation, particularly in the Pro Max model, which is expected to have the largest battery ever seen in an iPhone.

• iPhone 17: ~3,692 mAh 
• iPhone 17 Pro: ~4,252 mAh 
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: ~5,088 mAh
• iPhone 17 Air: ~3,149 mAh
• (bigger then expected)

Versus:

• iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
• iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
• iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh

2. Battery Life(update 9.10)

Now that we’ve compared the battery capacities, let’s look at the real-world performance. Battery life depends not only on the size of the battery but also on the optimization of iOS, screen brightness, background apps, and power-hungry features like 5G and app usage.

• iPhone 17: Around 30 hours of video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro: Expected 31 hours of video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expected 37 hours of video playback
• iPhone 17 Air: Estimated 27 hours of video playback

Versus:

• iPhone 16: 22 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Pro: 22 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 33 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Plus: 27 hours of video playback

3. Charging Speeds

Charging speeds are another crucial aspect when comparing iPhone battery performance. Apple has made improvements in fast charging over the years, and here’s a comparison:

iPhone 17 Charging

• iPhone 17 / iPhone 17 Pro / iPhone 17 Pro Max: Supports up to 40W wired fast charging. Using a compatible USB-PD adapter, it is expected to charge up to 50% in around 20 minutes, and a full charge takes approximately 90 to 100 minutes.

• iPhone 17 Air: Supports up to 30W wired fast charging. With a compatible USB-PD adapter, it is expected to charge up to 50% in around 30 minutes, and a full charge takes approximately 90 to 100 minutes.

• Wireless Charging: Supports Qi2 wireless standard, with a maximum power of 15W.

iPhone 16 Charging

• Wired Charging: Supports 27W wired charging for faster charging compared to earlier models.

• Wireless Charging: Supports the Qi2 wireless standard (up to 15W).

Although both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 support fast charging, the iPhone 17 models are expected to feature improved charging efficiency thanks to upgraded hardware, including 35W wired charging and Qi2.2 wireless charging. This allows you to charge the devices faster than ever before.

4. Which iPhone Should You Choose Based on Battery Life?

The battery capacity will likely increase slightly each year across all models, but the iPhone 17 Air stands out due to its slimmer profile, marking a shift in design priorities. The iPhone 17 series models maintain their respective battery life improvements, especially in the Pro Max.

While the Pro Max offers the best battery capacity, it's also important to consider model preferences and value for money when choosing the right iPhone for your needs.

5. Conclution

The iPhone 17 series brings significant improvements in battery life across all models, offering users longer usage times, faster charging, and smarter battery management compared to the previous iPhone 16 series.

For those seeking a balance between performance and battery longevity, the iPhone 17 is a standout choice, surpassing its predecessor in every aspect.

Benks will also be launching its new iPhone 17 case collection later this month. Stay tuned for stylish, slim, and protective cases designed to match the latest iPhone experience.

You May Want to Learn:

Best iPhone 17 cases for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, 17 Pro & Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Is It Really Worth Upgrading in 2025?

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