iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate Battery Drain Test! 🪫

The iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms other models in battery life, lasting 11 hours and 40 minutes, while the iPhone Air surprisingly outlasts the iPhone 16 despite having a smaller battery.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max has superior battery life, lasting 11 hours 40 minutes.

• iPhone Air surprisingly outlasts iPhone 16 despite having a smaller battery.

• Apple has significantly improved battery efficiency in new iPhones through optimization.

A comprehensive battery drain test compared new iPhones (17, 17 Pro Max, Air) against older models (16, 16 Pro Max, 16e), revealing significant battery life improvements in the latest generation. The iPhone 17 Pro Max emerged as the clear winner, with the iPhone Air surprisingly showing impressive optimization despite its smaller battery size, even outlasting the iPhone 16.

Battery Test Setup

• 00:00:29 The battery drain test included iPhone 17, 17 Pro Max, Air, 16 Pro Max, 16, and 16e, with battery sizes ranging from the 17 Pro Max's 4832 mAh to the Air's 3149 mAh. All phones were at 100% battery health, updated to the latest iOS, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location on, brightness set to 500 nits, and volume at 50% for consistent testing.

Early Test Results

• 00:01:28 Initial tests included one hour of 4K HDR video playback and one hour of 4K 60 HDR selfie video recording. The 17 Pro Max showed strong battery retention, while the iPhone 16e surprisingly performed well in the selfie video test, losing the least battery and remaining the coolest at 33 degrees. The iPhone Air consistently dropped to the bottom rankings in these early demanding tasks, becoming the hottest at 41 degrees during video recording.

Mid-Test Performance & Surprises

• 00:02:25 During Instagram Reel scrolling, Google Maps navigation, and Plex video streaming, the 17 Pro Max maintained its lead, while the iPhone Air showed unexpected efficiency, particularly in Instagram and Subway Surfers. In a surprising turn, the iPhone Air, with its smallest battery, surpassed the iPhone 16 in battery life during the Plex streaming test, indicating significant optimizations by Apple for its thinnest model.

Final Standings and Efficiency

• 00:06:17 The iPhone 17 Pro Max was the ultimate winner, lasting 11 hours and 40 minutes, a substantial 2 hours and 48 minutes longer than the 16 Pro Max. Despite expectations, the iPhone Air outlived the iPhone 16 by 14 minutes, showcasing remarkable battery efficiency improvements in the new iPhones. This year's iPhones, especially the Air, demonstrate a significant leap in battery efficiency compared to last year's models, even with minimal battery size increases.