CNET named Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max the longest-lasting phone in its 2026 battery tests, after putting 32 handsets through a combined 120 hours of testing. The results showed that newer phones do not necessarily last longer than older models: average battery life was similar to that of phones tested in 2025 and 2024.
CNET’s testing included a three-hour video-streaming test and a 45-minute mixed-use stress test. Both began with the battery at 100%, and rankings were based on the remaining charge. In the stress test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo each lost 1%, the best result. The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL tied for third after dropping 3%.
The smaller iPhone 18 Pro came first in the video test, losing 6% while streaming over Wi-Fi with the display at full brightness. CNET said the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s larger battery, iOS 27 optimizations and Apple A20 Pro chip helped it outperform the 2025 iPhone 17 Pro Max and other phones tested this year.
CNET also highlighted several less expensive models for their battery performance, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17E, Motorola Razr (2026), OnePlus 15 and Motorola Moto G Stylus (2026). The $500 Moto G Stylus and $600 Motorola Edge (2026) both placed in the top 10, despite not using silicon-carbon batteries.
Apple ranked first when CNET averaged results across brands with multiple tested models, marking the second consecutive year its lineup led the comparison. OnePlus came second. CNET noted that silicon-carbon batteries, used in some foldable models such as the Motorola Razr (2026) and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, can increase battery capacity without requiring a physically larger battery.
For people whose current phone no longer holds a charge as well as it used to, CNET suggests replacing the battery rather than buying a new phone. It says Apple charges $80 to $100 for an iPhone battery replacement, depending on the model and battery condition.
Sources: CNET.