Are you tired of your smartphone dying halfway through the day? The iPhone 17 promises to solve this problem with its 'best-ever' battery life, but does it really deliver? Let’s dive into what the tests reveal and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
In a world where we rely on our phones for everything from video calls to endless scrolling, battery life has become the holy grail of smartphone features. As CNET’s phone reviewer and managing editor Patrick Holland puts it, 'While AI grabs headlines, all people truly want is a phone that lasts all day.' But here’s where it gets controversial: can the iPhone 17 truly live up to Apple’s bold claims?
Take Vladim Guliants, for example, who recently upgraded to the iPhone 17. 'I’ve heard the battery life is much better,' he said, 'and my old phone, which is just two years old, just doesn’t hold a charge like it used to.' His story echoes that of countless others who are hoping the iPhone 17 will be the answer to their battery woes.
But does it? CNET’s rigorous testing put the iPhone 17 through its paces, including hours of streaming, gaming, and social media use. The results? The iPhone 17 Pro Max emerged as the clear winner, losing only 9% of its battery life during a three-hour video test. 'Apple essentially gave the phone a bigger gas tank,' Holland explained. Even the slimmer iPhone Air, with its more modest battery, managed to last a full day under moderate use.
However, and this is the part most people miss, not everyone will find these results impressive. Holland points out, 'If you’re a power user—someone who’s constantly online, streaming videos, or taking photos—even the iPhone 17 might not cut it for you.'* So, while it’s an improvement, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
CNET’s tests also showed that the iPhone 17’s battery outlasted both previous iPhone models and many of Apple’s competitors. But if you’re an Android user, don’t worry—there are still great options out there. Holland recommends the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, noting, 'You don’t need the most expensive model to get a great battery, but the priciest one does have the largest capacity.'
Here’s a pro tip: If you’re eyeing a Samsung phone, you might want to wait. Holland advises, 'Samsung typically updates their lineup in January, so holding off could save you money and get you the latest features.'
Now, what if you’re not ready to upgrade? Improving your current phone’s battery life is easier than you think. Holland suggests a battery replacement, which can cost as little as $50 to $100. Additionally, simple tweaks like lowering screen brightness and avoiding streaming in poor signal areas can significantly extend your battery life.
To squeeze another year out of your current phone, CNET recommends:
- Installing all available updates
- Using a protective case
- Deleting unused apps and photos
- Cleaning out charging ports
But if it’s time for a new phone, Cyber Monday deals could be your golden ticket to better battery life—just make sure you’re not wasting your money on hype.
So, here’s the big question: Is the iPhone 17’s battery a game-changer, or just another incremental upgrade? Let us know what you think in the comments—do you believe it’s worth the switch, or are you holding out for something better?
This story was originally reported on-air and adapted for this platform with the help of AI. Our editorial team ensures all content is verified for fairness and accuracy.
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