iPhone drain test reveals how long each model really lasts and it's enlightening
Published on May 01, 2026 at 9:37 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 22, 2026 at 4:27 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
If you’ve ever debated whether newer iPhones actually last longer, this iPhone drain test will give you a brutally clear answer.
A lineup of Pro Max models was put through the same battery-draining tasks to see which one would survive the longest.
From the iPhone 11 Pro Max right up to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, every device started at 100 percent.
And by the end, the results revealed some seriously eye-opening gaps.
iPhone drain test reveals how long each model really lasts
As the gadget test by YouTube channel PhoneBar progressed, older models dropped off quickly while newer ones held strong.
The iPhone drain test meant that the phones were put through daily scrolling, gaming, and surfing the web activities to simulate real-world use.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max was one of the first to go, lasting six hours and 11 minutes, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro Max at five hours and 22 minutes.
Mid-range iPhone eras showed a clear jump in endurance, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max lasting eight hours and five minutes, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max pushed further to nine hours and 26 minutes.
But the real leap came with newer devices.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max made it into double digits, shutting down at 10 hours and six minutes, proving how much battery efficiency has improved in recent years.
The winning models
At the very top, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivered one of the strongest performances, lasting an impressive 12 hours and 14 minutes before finally dying.
And then there’s the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which didn’t even die during the test window.
After 14 hours of constant usage, it was still alive with 14 percent battery remaining, suggesting it could go significantly longer than every other model tested.
The final ranking looked like this:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – Still alive at 14 hours (14 percent)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – 12 hours 14 minutes
- iPhone 15 Pro Max – 10 hours six minutes
- iPhone 14 Pro Max – nine hours 26 minutes
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – eight hours five minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro Max – six hours 11 minutes
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – five hours 22 minutes
The conclusion is pretty obvious: battery life hasn’t just improved incrementally, it’s taken massive leaps forward.
And if you’re still holding onto an older Pro Max model, upgrading could literally double how long your phone lasts in a day.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
