Apple proudly announced that its latest iPhone 16 Pro Max boasted the longest battery life in the entire lineup, claiming an impressive 29-hour endurance during video playback. However, a recent battery drain test has put these claims under scrutiny, revealing an unexpected champion in the battery department.
In a daring showdown of battery endurance, all four iPhone 16 models went head-to-head. The results caught many by surprise, challenging Apple’s assertion that the Pro Max leads the pack in runtime. Emerging as the surprise victor was the iPhone 16 Plus, sparking debates about battery efficiency among the latest models.
The test was conducted by the popular YouTube channel, PhoneBuff, using meticulous calibration to ensure accuracy. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max was expected to dominate with its advanced LTPO OLED display and other enhancements, the iPhone 16 Plus stole the spotlight. It managed a remarkable ‘screen on’ time of 12 hours and 12 minutes, clocking a total runtime of 28 hours and 12 minutes. This performance eclipsed the Pro Max by 11 minutes, proving that sometimes, the non-Pro can outshine its more expensive sibling.
The iPhone 16 concluded the test first, lasting 9 hours and 38 minutes, with a total operation span of 25 hours and 38 minutes. The iPhone 16 Pro followed soon after, enduring 9 hours and 43 minutes of usage. Despite Apple’s extensive efforts in optimizing the A18 and A18 Pro chips using the 3nm ‘N3E’ process, battery life differences across the models remain notable.
The unexpected triumph of the iPhone 16 Plus invites potential buyers to reconsider their choices. For those prioritizing battery life and cost-effectiveness, the Plus variant emerges as a sensible option, offering substantial savings over the preferential Pro models.
It’s essential to remember, as noted in the test, that these results are subject to variance. Each time the test is conducted, a new set of numbers might emerge, warranting consistent calibration for precise duplication. But as it stands, the iPhone 16 Plus has staked its claim as the new endurance king.
