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Tom's Guide has published the results of a battery comparison test pitting Apple's new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max against a variety of smartphones, with some surprising results.

Both of Apple's latest flagship models failed to reach the heights of last year's first-generation iPhone X using the same battery endurance test, which involved surfing the web continuously over a 4G data connection. Displays were set to 150 nits of brightness, with both auto-brightness and TrueTone disabled.

iphonexsxsmax-800x663.jpg

The iPhone XS Max lasted 10 hours and 38 minutes, while the iPhone XS managed 9 hours and 41 minutes. Those figures compare unfavorably to the results of the original iPhone X, which lasted 10 hours and 49 minutes in the same test last year.

As far as rival phones go, the iPhone XS and XS Max outperformed the HTC U12+ (9 hours, 13 minutes) and the LG G7 ThinQ (8 hours, 35 minutes), however both Apple models were beaten by flagship devices in the Android category. Google's Pixel 2, for example, lasted 12 hours and 9 minutes, while Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 lasted 11 hours and 26 minutes. However, the overall winner was Huawei's P20 Pro, clocking in 14 hours and 13 minutes.

toms-guide-iphone-xs-xs-max-battery-performance-800x587.jpeg

Apple advertises that the iPhone XS can last up to 12 hours during internet use (the same figure given for last year's iPhone X) while the iPhone XS Max can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. However, battery performance can be affected by various factors, including OS version, hardware optimization, and even cellular reception, which is why Apple only offers approximate numbers.

Earlier this week, iFixit teardowns confirmed the existence of a new single-cell L-shaped battery in the iPhone XS, while the iPhone XS Max remains two cells. Chinese regulatory filings also earlier revealed the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have battery capacities of 2,658 mAh at 3.81V and 3,174 mAh at 3.80V respectively.

Last year's iPhone X has a battery capacity of 2,716mAh at 3.81 V, yet Apple claims iPhone XS customers can expect a 30-minute increase in operating time over that device, while XS Max users can expect an hour and a half. If you're an iPhone XS or XS Max owner, let us know what kind of battery life you're seeing by using the comments below.

Article Link: 2017 iPhone X Outperforms iPhone XS and XS Max in Battery Life Test
 

TomOSeven

Suspended
Jul 4, 2017
571
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What battery life can I expect if I upgrade from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 7? I really prefer the smaller form factor and aluminium construction.
 
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Gherkin

macrumors 6502a
Apr 9, 2004
681
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Considering how similar the X and Xs are, I honestly think this makes the X a better phone. Battery life is one of the top features for me. I'll take the full hour more battery, slightly slower processor and missing the software camera features for $100 less.
 

cmChimera

macrumors 601
Feb 12, 2010
4,308
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Considering how similar the X and Xs are, I honestly think this makes the X a better phone. Battery life is one of the top features for me. I'll take the full hour more battery, slightly slower processor and missing the software camera features for $100 less.
There are hardware changes to the camera.
 

_Refurbished_

macrumors 68020
Mar 23, 2007
2,343
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I’ve seen various battery tests and the new phones seem to be doing well. Just like users have different phone habits, battery testers have different testing methods. The review I saw yesterday had the Xs and Max outperforming the competition. There’s really a lot of factors here, and a conclusion cannot be made based on one article.
 
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dilbert99

macrumors 68020
Jul 23, 2012
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Solve what? Apple's stated battery time is not based on continuously surfing the web over 4G speed for 9+ hours straight. Doubtful thats how anyone actually uses their phone. This is one metric, its not proof of any significant failure or flaw.
No, but they did the same test on last years iphone and this years and this years phone is supposed to last longer than last years.
 
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alien3dx

macrumors 68020
Feb 12, 2017
2,193
524
Sticking with my 5S, still getting days out of that thing.
using 5s as reserve but my redmi 5 still strong 2 days including some time play "Contra" .. if ios 10 5s is superb 11 and 12 haish even new battery
 

69Mustang

macrumors 604
Jan 7, 2014
7,895
15,045
In between a rock and a hard place
What battery life can I expect if I upgrade from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 7? I really prefer the smaller form factor and aluminium construction.
No one can give you a hard and fast duration. If they do, give them the side eye they deserve. Your battery life will be determined primarily by how you use the phone. Both my daughters have iPhone 7's. On average, one kid charges her phone over night and again after school, and the other charges her phone over night only.

If you prefer a smaller form factor and aluminum construction, get the phone that meets your desires. 7's and 8's meet your criteria and offer a pretty darn good value from a cost/benefit perspective because they will do everything your 5 can do and more.
 
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Kyle954

macrumors newbie
Jun 4, 2008
1
1
iPhone Xs Max on iOs 12.0.1 here. Battery life seems to be good. Much better then it was on the X
 
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