When selecting a brand new smartphone, battery life is an important issue to think about — it is usually a deal-maker or breaker for me. Whereas the newest smartphones boast snappy efficiency and versatile cameras, solely a choose few actually excel in battery life. Sometimes, bigger telephones present the perfect battery backup, because of their greater batteries. You may’t beat physics with software program methods — at the very least not but.
Many of the smartphones on this listing function shows measuring 6.7 inches or bigger, however there’s additionally a compact possibility for individuals who choose smaller gadgets. From battery-focused Motorola phones to the best foldable phones, we have included choices throughout a worth vary of $300 to $1,500, making certain there’s one thing for everybody.
Additionally: The best Android phones 2024: 30+ expert tested phones
Which smartphone is finest for battery life proper now?
At ZDNET, we’ve tested every flagship phone launched this yr — and two of the largest flagships lead this listing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the perfect cellphone for battery life proper now, adopted by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at an in depth second. Each telephones provide nice cameras, vivid shows, highly effective efficiency, AI options, and a battery life that can final you a complete day on a single cost. Learn on for the remainder of our examined picks for the perfect telephones for battery life.
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The perfect telephones for battery life in 2024
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The iPhone 16 Professional Max is an enormous step up from the iPhone 15 Professional Max. Due to its new, extra environment friendly processor, the newest iPhone mannequin does not warmth up uncomfortably when gaming or navigating. The brand new iPhone holds the cost for longer since nearly none of it’s misplaced in warmth. You may count on a completely charged battery to final you greater than a day and even two in reasonable use. Furthermore, it may possibly now cost sooner on MagSafe. Apple guarantees as much as 50% cost in 35 minutes with both wired or wi-fi charging.
The iPhone 16 Professional Max is now greater than earlier than with a 6.9-inch show. Whereas the bezels have been minimized, Apple additionally has added a number of millimeters in top to make the handset borderline unwieldy. Folks with large fingers should not have issues, although.
Additionally: We’ve used every iPhone 16 model and here’s our best buying advice
That mentioned, you possibly can’t go fallacious with this yr’s top-of-the-line iPhone. You get Digital camera Management that frees up the viewfinder when taking pictures photographs and movies, a wide range of new Photographic kinds, an upgraded ultrawide digicam, a show that may go right down to 1 nit brightness for higher legibility at midnight, Apple Intelligence-ready {hardware}, and extra.
Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max specs: Processor: Apple A18 Professional | Show: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP important, 48MP ultrawide and macro, 12MP telephoto (5x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery capability: N/A
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely gives the perfect battery backup on a flagship Android cellphone. In my two months utilizing the machine, the 5,000mAh battery constantly lasted me via a full day. Whereas it gives what you’d count on from a flagship — nice cameras, wonderful show, highly effective efficiency, and lengthy software program help — it is crammed to the brim with extras, too.
The Galaxy S24 Extremely comes with Galaxy AI that brings a slew of generative capabilities, together with real-time cellphone name translations, the flexibility to circle an object on display to carry out an image-based Google search, AI-assisted picture enhancing and transcriptions, and extra.
Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The one-of-a-kind show is the least reflective panel on any cellphone proper now. It is a pleasure to learn and browse on this display. Plus, you get the S Pen that is useful when that you must rapidly jot down notes or signal a doc on the go.
The Galaxy S24 Extremely could be a number of months outdated, but it surely nonetheless stands tall amongst your cellphone selections. And it is anticipated to face the check of time with Samsung providing seven years of software program help. It is constructed to final.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Show measurement: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP important, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh
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The OnePlus Open gives the perfect battery life on a folding cellphone. It would final you longer than the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Additionally, the smartphone’s large battery costs at 67W to ship as much as 75% cost in half-hour.
The OnePlus Open is among the quickest charging telephones on the market, so if you happen to’re operating low on battery and do not have a lot time out there, the handset can top-up sufficient inside 10 minutes to get you thru the subsequent leg of your day. It strikes the best steadiness of weight-to-size ratio. When folded, the cellphone is sort of as mild as an iPhone, and when unfolded, you get a smooth pill.
Evaluate: OnePlus Open
Multitasking is dealt with by OnePlus’ Open Canvas function, which is the perfect multitasking expertise I’ve seen on a foldable. It is my go-to suggestion for a folding cellphone for the worth it gives. Certain, it is powered by the now two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset — however at $1,200, it is an unbeatable worth.
OnePlus Open tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Show measurement: 6.3 (outer) and seven.8 inches (interior) | Storage choices: 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP important, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 32MP (outer) 20MP and (interior) | Battery: 4805mAh
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The iPhone 16 Plus is rated to last as long as two hours greater than the iPhone 15 Plus, which was already nice on battery life. The iPhone 15 Plus used to final me a complete day, and you may count on the brand new Plus iPhone to get you thru the day with ease. Apple additionally has launched sooner MagSafe wi-fi charging, which is rated to cost the machine as much as 50% inside half-hour — the identical as wired charging.
The iPhone 16 Plus is the closest an everyday iPhone has been to the Professional fashions. In contrast to previous years, you get the identical Motion Button, Digital camera Management and Dynamic Island on the {hardware} and Apple Intelligence, 1 nit brightness, and new Photographic Kinds on the software program.
Evaluate: iPhone 16 Plus
In case you are coming from a earlier non-Professional iPhone, the iPhone 16 Plus is your best option as you may probably not be capable of discover the dearth of 120Hz ProMotion show. That is the cellphone to get if you happen to prioritize battery life and have a price range of $1,000.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus tech specs: Processor: Apple A18 | Show measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP important, 12MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: N/A
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It is true, this yr’s iPhones have the perfect battery life for the reason that iPhone 13. It is exhausting to choose a compact cellphone for good battery life however if you’re adamant about getting a 6.1-inch display measurement however need the perfect battery life, the iPhone 16 is for you.
Just like the iPhone 16 Plus, it borrows quite a lot of options from the dearer Professional fashions. From the brand new Digital camera Management to the trickle-down of the Motion button to the common iPhones, the bottom variant has all of it. The iPhone 16 additionally options an upgraded digicam setup with a 48MP Fusion digicam, designed to seize high-res, detailed photographs.
Additionally: We’ve used every iPhone 16 model and here’s our best buying advice
When it comes to efficiency, the A18 Bionic is highly effective and Apple Intelligence-ready, not like the processor discovered on its predecessor. Plus, you may get lengthy software program help and new options like Photographic Kinds and Audio Combine.
Apple iPhone 16 tech specs: Processor: Apple A18 | Show measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP important, 12MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: N/A
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The OnePlus 12R is usually thought of a Pixel 8a different, however I prefer it higher than the Google cellphone as a result of it lasts longer and costs sooner. The price range OnePlus cellphone homes a flagship processor that is environment friendly and highly effective. In my time with the OnePlus 12R earlier this yr, it constantly gave me a day’s price of battery life, with about 15% remaining at bedtime.
It is also the fastest-charging cellphone on this listing. The OnePlus 12R helps 80W quick charging, and you will have a completely charged cellphone by the point you prepare for the day. I examined the one with 100W charging, which works from 10% to 100% inside 25 minutes. The $500 cellphone is powered by the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that powers the $1,200 OnePlus Open, so that you get the identical snappy efficiency.
Evaluate: OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R’s show is the perfect you may get on this worth vary. Plus, it has a function known as Aqua Contact that makes it simple to make use of in wet situations when water droplets are on the display. It does not register pretend faucets, like on the iPhone. If you’d like a mid-range cellphone with good battery life, the OnePlus 12R is your finest wager.
OnePlus 12R tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Show measurement: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP important, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Entrance digicam: 16MP | Battery: 5,500mAh
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The Moto G Energy 5G (2024) is our choose for the perfect price range cellphone with a long-lasting battery backup. This battery-focused machine can last as long as two days on reasonable use and costs at 30W with a wired charger and 15W with a wi-fi charger.
The Moto G Energy 5G (2024) sports activities an enormous LCD, which is not as vivid as the opposite fashions on this listing however is loads good for day-to-day utilization. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC is highly effective and snappy sufficient for the phase. It contains a 50MP major digicam that clicks good photographs in daylight, whereas the 8MP macro digicam is satisfactory.
Evaluate: Moto G Power 5G (2024)
You should purchase the Moto G Energy 5G (2024) if you’re on a $300 price range. At the moment, it is promoting for $250, making it an excellent sweeter deal.
Moto G Energy 5G (2024) specs: Show: 6.7 inches | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 | Cameras: 50MP major, 8MP macro | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh
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The iPhone 16 Professional Max is our alternative for the perfect battery backup on a cellphone. If worth isn’t any impediment, you must go for Apple’s newest flagship machine. In case you are on the Android aspect, the Galaxy S24 Extremely will serve you the perfect. We have not included small telephones on this listing as a result of when prioritizing battery life, you must go for an even bigger cellphone for the absolute best outcomes.
| Cellphone | Value | Show | Battery | Processor |
| Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max | $1,199 | 6.9 inches | N/A (Rated: 50% cost in half-hour) |
A18 Professional |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely | $1,050 | 6.7 inches | 5,000mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| OnePlus Open | $1,200 | 6.3-inches and seven.8-inches | 4,805mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | $899 | 6.7 inches | N/A (Rated: 50% cost in half-hour) |
A18 Professional |
| OnePlus 12R | $499 | 6.8 inches | 5,500mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Motorola Moto G Energy 5G | $249 | 6.7 inches | 5,000mAh | Dimensity 7020 |
In case you’re prioritizing battery life, you may have to decide on an enormous cellphone. Compact fashions — just like the Galaxy S24, Pixel 9, or iPhone 16 — will not final you so long as their greater counterparts. Each cellphone on this listing serves a objective and listed below are the perfect causes to go for one among these .
| Select this cellphone | If you’d like… |
| Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max | The most recent and biggest from Apple |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely | The perfect battery life on an Android flagship |
| OnePlus Open | A foldable cellphone that delivers an all-day battery life |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | A giant iPhone if you happen to do not wish to spend greater than $1,000 |
| Apple iPhone 16 | A compact cellphone with very best battery life |
| OnePlus 12R | The perfect cellphone beneath $500 with flagship prowess |
| Motorola Moto G Energy 5G | A battery-focused price range smartphone |
With a variety of telephones out there out there annually, ZDNET spends at the very least two weeks with every mannequin earlier than deciding whether or not or not (and the place) it belongs on this shopping for information. The {qualifications} I search for when curating the picks embrace the next:
- Availability: The largest issue is availability; is what’s being chosen out there to buy instantly from Google, a neighborhood service, or an internet retailer? Is it in inventory? Or can it solely be bought in used or renewed situation? With the picks on this listing, every one may be purchased new and sealed, guaranteeing that you will obtain probably the most dependable expertise from the beginning.
- Worth: Simply as vital is the worth that every cellphone brings. Whereas all choices on this listing differ in worth tiers, they every provide sufficient distinctive options, digicam capabilities, and designs that make them price paying for. If they don’t seem to be price it, they will not be on the listing.
- Efficiency: Naturally, I solely choose fashions that yield good to wonderful efficiency, from the way in which they deal with day-to-day duties to extra intensive use circumstances like gaming and video enhancing.
- Battery: For this story particularly, I seemed on the battery capability, charging wattage, and whether or not or not the telephones final a complete day on a single cost.
This is a breakdown of each issue we take into account earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a cellphone seems to be and feels performs an enormous function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these elements closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of components have an effect on a cellphone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we sometimes start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure a cell connection as doable.
- Digital camera high quality: ZDNET checks cellphone cameras by capturing a whole lot of photographs and movies of assorted topics and in varied lighting situations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: We consider how lengthy telephones final beneath mild, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the other.
- Pricing and availability: Past price range concerns, we additionally be aware if a cellphone is out there within the US or solely internationally.
For an in depth rundown of our testing methodology, you’ll want to try our how we test phones article.
Wi-fi charging is a handy strategy to cost your cellphone with out having to plug in a USB-C twine instantly into the cellphone. However not all of those telephones have help for the function. The OnePlus Open and OnePlus 12R particularly do not provide wi-fi charging. However their tremendous quick wired charging makes up for it. Different telephones on the listing — together with all of the iPhones, the Galaxy S24 Extremely, and the Moto G Energy 5G — help this function.
In case you’re open to alternate options, see beneath for ZDNET’s best-tested picks, together with ones from Google and different manufacturers.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
