iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 15 Pro / 15 Plus / 15 / 14 / 13 Battery Test!

In a recent battery life showdown, we put the new iPhone 15 lineup through its paces, comparing them to previous models to determine which one truly excels in endurance. Apple has made bold claims about the power efficiency of their latest devices, but how does this translate to real-world battery performance?

### The Competitors

We tested the following iPhones:
– **iPhone 15 Pro Max**: $1,199
– **iPhone 15 Pro**: $999
– **iPhone 15 Plus**: $899
– **iPhone 15**: $799
– **iPhone 14 Pro Max**
– **iPhone 14**
– **iPhone 13 Pro Max**

The iPhone 13 Pro Max holds the current record on our battery test leaderboard, making it a crucial benchmark.

### Morning Routine and Early Results

The test began with a typical morning routine involving breakfast and TikTok. Early on, the iPhone 15 Pro Max led the pack, closely followed by the reigning champion, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This result was promising for the new model, but the smaller iPhone 15 Pro lagged behind.

### A Day of Tasks

Throughout the day, we engaged in various activities including streaming music on Spotify, video conferencing, and using apps like ChatGPT-4. Despite Apple’s claims about the efficiency of the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pros, the 15 Pro struggled, hinting at a potential drawback: its smaller battery capacity compared to the base iPhone 15.

### Dynamic Island and Power Efficiency

One theory for the 15 Pro’s underperformance is its Dynamic Island feature, which may drain battery life. Additionally, while the A17 Pro chip boasts impressive power efficiency, it appears the gains are offset by increased performance demands.

### Camera Use and Efficiency

Recording videos is another battery-intensive task. The 15 Pro Max continued to impress, surpassing the iPhone 14 Pro Max and even the 13 Pro Max. The base iPhone 15 also showed significant improvement over the 14, highlighting Apple’s strides in making their base models more efficient.

### Gaming and Final Stretch

Gaming typically drains battery quickly, yet the iPhone 15 Plus emerged as the unexpected leader. Its larger battery and efficient performance allowed it to outlast even the Pro Max models, despite being marketed as a mid-range option.

### The Results

After an exhaustive day, here are the final battery life results:

1. **iPhone 15 Plus**: The undisputed champion with unprecedented battery life.
2. **iPhone 15 Pro Max**: The best performing Max model, but not quite the best overall.
3. **iPhone 13 Pro Max**: Still a powerhouse, just behind the latest Pro Max.
4. **iPhone 14 Pro Max**: Respectable endurance, though outshone by newer models.
5. **iPhone 15**: Surprisingly strong performance for a base model.
6. **iPhone 15 Pro**: Disappointing relative to its high-end positioning.
7. **iPhone 14**: The first to tap out, but still decent for regular users.

### Conclusion

The iPhone 15 Plus, with its exceptional battery life, proves to be an outstanding choice for users prioritizing endurance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a balanced mix of performance and battery life, making it ideal for power users. However, the smaller 15 Pro may not meet the expectations of those looking for both high performance and long battery life.

Apple’s advancements in battery technology and efficiency are evident, particularly in the base and Plus models. The introduction of the USB-C port, allowing for power sharing, adds a new dimension to how iPhones can be used throughout the day.

If you value battery life above all, the iPhone 15 Plus is the clear winner. However, if you need top-tier performance and can manage slightly shorter battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a solid choice.