There’s nothing more frustrating than realising your phone battery has run low, whether you use yours for card payments, travel tickets or maps. Luckily for you, we’ve put together this guide to narrow down your options.
Our selection includes options for different preferences, price points and features to make sure you can find your best match. You’ll find detailed specs, features, and insights into why each phone has made the shortlist for the best battery life.
Alongside our top picks for battery life, browse more of our handset options, available pay monthly and SIM free.
Our picks of the best battery life.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple has thrown its weight behind battery life this year, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is proof. With up to 37 hours of video playback, this is the longest-lasting iPhone yet, giving you plenty of time to play, whether you're bingeing box sets on your commute or staying connected on a day out.
While part of that comes down to the improved battery capacity, the real story is what's going on inside. The powerful A19 Pro chip is paired with a new vapour chamber cooling system, which keeps performance steady without draining the battery every time your phone works a little harder, whether that's gaming, multitasking or using smart Apple Intelligence features. The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion also plays its part, intelligently adjusting its refresh rate depending on what's on your screen to help your battery last that little bit longer.
- Release date: September 2025
- Dimensions: 163.4x78x8.75mm
- Weight: 231g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2868 x 1320)
- OS: iOS 26
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- CPU: A19 Pro chip
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: up to 37 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP + 48MP + 48MP + 12MP lens
- Front camera: 18MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Powerful A19 Pro chip performance
- Longest-lasting iPhone ever, rated for up to 37 hours of video playback
- Impressive Apple Intelligence included
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra proves that battery life isn't just about capacity. Samsung has kept the same 5,000mAh cell as the previous S25 Ultra, but paired it with the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which squeezes more out of every charge.
That efficiency really shows up in how the phone handles a demanding day. Whether you're gaming, navigating or using Galaxy AI, the more efficient processor means the S26 Ultra makes better use of the power it has. This phone proves that it’s less about the size of the battery and more about how smartly it’s used.
Samsung has also tackled the other half of the battery equation: how quickly you can top up. 60W wired charging gets the S26 Ultra to around 75% in just 30 minutes, while 25W wireless charging reaches 50% in about 33 minutes — both notable jumps from the previous generation. For anyone who tops up on the go rather than waiting for a full charge overnight, that speed can make a real difference.
- Release date: March 2026
- Dimensions: 163.6x78.1x7.9mm
- Weight: 214g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3120 x 1440)
- OS: Android 16
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- RAM: 12GB or 16GB (1TB model)
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Rear cameras: 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Seriously tough Armor Aluminium frame
- Super advanced display, with a dedicated Privacy Screen mode
- Impressive 200MP quad-camera system
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is powered by the biggest battery yet on a Pixel, and at 5,200mAh, it puts that capacity to good use with over 24 hours of battery life. That's enough to easily see you from your morning alarm through to any late-night scrolling, without having to top up.
The custom-built Google Tensor G5 chip is behind the scenes, powering everything from Magic Cue to Gemini's on-device AI tools, all without eating up your battery. If you do find yourself somewhere remote or facing a long-haul flight with no charger, Extreme Battery Saver can stretch a single charge to a genuinely remarkable 100 hours. Add built-in native Qi2-certified wireless charging, and quick top-ups are just as easy.
- Release date: August 2025
- Dimensions: 162.8x76.6x8.5mm
- Weight: 232g
- Display size and resolution: 6.8-inch Super Actua (2992 x 1344)
- OS: Android 16
- Refresh rate: 1-120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Google Tensor G5
- RAM: 16GB
- Battery: 5,200mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 48MP + 48MP
- Front camera: 42MP
- IP rating: IP68
- The biggest battery in the Pixel family with long-lasting life
- Advanced Gemini AI tools, smart assistance and useful productivity features
- Pro-level camera hardware and powerful zoom
Honor Magic8 Pro
If sheer battery capacity is what you're after, the Honor Magic8 Pro might be the pick for you. Its 6,270mAh battery is built using silicon-carbon technology, a newer battery chemistry that packs more energy into the same amount of space. More battery, less bulk – what's not to love?
Thanks to Honor's AI Power Management system that learns how you use your phone and adjusts accordingly, this handset prioritises power where it’s needed. So, whether you're deep in a gaming session or glued to your group chats, the Magic8 Pro comfortably keeps up the pace.
When you do need to top up, the Magic8 Pro doesn't hang about. Despite the large capacity, 100W wired SuperCharge can take your phone to full in no time, while 80W wireless charging also means you're not missing out on a rapid top-up if you’re on the go.
- Release date: January 2026
- Dimensions: 161.15x75.0x8.4mm
- Weight: 219g
- Display size and resolution: 6.7-inch OLED (2808 x 1256)
- OS: MagicOS 10 (based on Android 16)
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 6,270mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 50MP + 200MP
- Front camera: 50MP
- IP rating: IP68, IP69 and IP69K
- Fast 100W wired and 80W wireless charging support
- Massive 6,270mAh silicon-carbon battery
- Seven years of software support and updates
iPhone 17e
Don't let the smaller size fool you – the iPhone 17e proves that great battery life doesn't have to come with a flagship price tag. With up to 26 hours of video playback, it comfortably sees you through a full day, all while being one of the most compact and pocket-friendly phones on this list.
Much of that comes down to the A19 chip, paired with Apple's new C1X modem, and the advanced power management of iOS 26. That modem alone uses 30% less energy than previous generations, meaning more of your charge goes towards the things you actually want it to. MagSafe support has also been included for the first time on an "e" model, meaning you can rely on fast, easy wireless top-ups whenever you need them.
- Release date: March 2026
- Dimensions: 146.7x71.5x7.8mm
- Weight: 170g
- Display size and resolution: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170)
- OS: iOS 26
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB
- CPU: A19 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: Up to 26 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Exceptional battery efficiency and power optimisation
- Compact, lightweight and easy to carry
- Durable Ceramic Shield 2 front glass protection
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE brings flagship power to a more wallet-friendly price point, and its 4,900mAh battery, the largest yet on any FE model, is at the heart of that. Paired with the same Exynos 2400 chip found in Samsung's more premium S24+, it's built to handle a full day of normal use with room to spare, whether that's messaging, browsing or the odd gaming session.
Heat is one of the biggest hidden drains on any phone's battery, and Samsung has clearly paid attention here. A 13% larger vapour chamber keeps the S25 FE cooler under pressure, so intensive tasks don't force the battery to work harder than it needs to just to keep the phone running smoothly.
Where the S25 FE really stands out is charging speed. 45W wired charging gets you to 65% in just 30 minutes, matching the pace of Samsung's flagship S25 Ultra. Add in the seven years of promised software updates, and the S25 FE offers plenty of longevity, both in terms of battery and the phone itself.
- Release date: September 2025
- Dimensions: 161.3x76.6x7.4mm
- Weight: 190g
- Display size and resolution: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2340 x 1080)
- OS: Android 16
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB
- CPU: Samsung Exynos 2400
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: 4,900mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 12MP + 8MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Vivid 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen
- Reverse wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare
- Sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection
The S25 FE's 4,900mAh battery is on the smaller side for a phone with a large 6.7-inch display and a 120Hz screen. If you're a heavy user who streams or games a lot, you may need to charge up throughout the day, but Samsung’s innovative battery management features mean the FE is an ideal choice for moderate and light users alike.
Motorola Moto G06
Sometimes the best approach to battery life is the simplest one, and the Moto G06 proves it. Pairing a large 5,200mAh battery with a modest HD+ LCD display and an efficient MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset, there's less demand placed on the battery in the first place. It's a straightforward trade-off: you might not be getting flagship power, but you are getting a phone that’s built to last you on a busy weekend away without a charger.
The 6.88-inch LCD display still runs at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and streaming feel fluid despite the budget price tag, while a single 50MP rear camera keeps things simple and capable for everyday snaps. It might not win any speed records when it comes to charging, but if all-day, every-day battery life without breaking the bank is what you're after, the Moto G06 delivers exactly that.
- Release date: September 2025
- Dimensions: 171.35x77.5x8.31mm
- Weight: 194g
- Display size and resolution: 6.88-inch LCD (1640 x 720)
- OS: Android 15
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
- CPU: MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB
- Battery: 5,200mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP
- Front camera: 8MP
- IP rating: IP64
- Stylish Pantone-curated finishes
- Large 6.88-inch display, the biggest ever on a Moto G series
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
Honor 600 Smart
Closing out this list is the phone with the biggest battery of the lot: the Honor 600 Smart, packing a huge 7,700mAh battery. Honor calls this one the "eXtra Resistance" phone, and it's easy to see why. Not only are you getting an insane battery lifespan with over 93 hours available.
This phone also carries an A-rated energy efficiency score – the same top rating as Honor's flagship 600 Pro – so you're not just getting a bigger battery, you're getting one that's officially rated to waste less of it. For anyone doing festival weekends or longer trips where charging isn't guaranteed, you can trust that your phone will last.
- Release date: July 2026
- Dimensions: 168.30x78.54x8.30mm
- Weight: 216.5g
- Display size and resolution: 6.87-inch TFT LCD (1592 x 720)
- OS: MagicOS 10 (based on Android 16)
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 4
- RAM: 4GB
- Battery: 7,700mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP
- Front camera: 5MP
- IP rating: IP64
- Huge 7,700mAh battery, the largest in the entire 600 series
- Good drop and water resistance
- Spacious 6.87-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
Summary
Long battery life means less checking your battery percentage and more time getting on with your day and all it entails, whether that’s contactless payments, navigating a new city, or scrolling your way through your commute. From flagship powerhouses to budget-friendly options, there's a phone here to keep up with you.
If battery life isn't your only priority, explore our expert guides to the best camera phones and best phones for AI.
FAQs
If you’re not sure which handset to go for, consider the battery size (mAh) of each phone you’re considering. The higher the mAh, the bigger the battery will be: in our shortlist, that’s the Honor Magic8 Pro or Honor 600 Smart. You’ll also need to consider the refresh rate, charging speed and features on offer to make sure you’re choosing the ideal handset for you.
On average, a phone battery’s peak lifespan usually lasts around 2-3 years, but this depends on a few factors. If you’re someone who only uses your phone for its core purpose, it’s likely to sustain a greater battery life compared to consistent gaming or video recording over time.
While we’ve suggested handsets with incredibly impressive battery life, nothing is going to last forever. Your phone battery has a few ways of telling you that it’s close to the end of its lifespan, but the most common ones are:
- It won’t charge to 100%
- It’s draining noticeably quickly after you’ve charged it
- It shuts down unexpectedly