The Best Phones for Battery Life in 2026
Mobile phones are a ubiquitous part of many of our lives, often using them from the moment we wake up. With smartphones being so integral to our daily habits and activities, understanding which phones are the best for battery life can be incredibly important.
Both iPhone and Android have various options to choose from, but with our guide and a bit of research, we’ll help you make the right decision for your needs.
You can find our top recommendations below, or in our contract and SIM-free collections.
1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Battery capacity: Up to 39 hours of video playback
Best for: Those who want best-in-class battery performance from Apple
If battery life is your number one priority, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the best phones you can own. Apple's biggest and most powerful handset delivers up to 39 hours of video playback, which puts it ahead of almost everything else on the market.
Paired with the A19 Pro chip, the 17 Pro Max uses that power more intelligently, managing battery drain even during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. If you're upgrading from an older Pro Max, you still notice a meaningful difference in how long you go between charges.
2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Battery capacity: Up to 33 hours of video playback
Best for: Those who want a pro-level battery without the bigger form factor
The iPhone 17 Pro offers up to 33 hours of video playback, which is six hours more than its predecessor (the iPhone 16 Pro); a pretty substantial increase. If you want great iPhone battery life without the additional weight of the Pro Max's larger form, this is a strong choice.
It also charges faster than the 16 Pro, charging to 50% in around 20 minutes with a compatible 40W charger. Handy if you do find yourself needing to add a little extra juice after a particularly phone-heavy day.
3. Apple iPhone 17
Battery capacity: Up to 30 hours of video playback
Best for: iPhone 16 owners who want a big battery improvement from previous generations
The iPhone 17 offers a major leap in battery life for Apple's base model. Up to 30 hours of video playback is way more than previous base iPhones (the 16 can be as low as 22 hours), making this one of the best arguments to upgrade if you have an older model.
At 177g, it's also one of the lightest phones on this list, which is ideal if you don't want the extra bulk that often comes with bigger batteries.
4. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Battery capacity: 5,000mAh | 60W fast charging | Up to 31 hours of video playback
Best for: Android users who want excellent battery life with equally superb performance
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra packs in a 5,000mAh battery (the largest in the S26 lineup) with 60W SuperFast Charging 3.0 to get you topped up quickly when you do plug in. It's designed for heavy use, so you shouldn’t find yourself glancing at the percentage throughout the day.
Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy CPU, the hardware is engineered to handle demanding workloads without eating through the battery any faster than necessary.
5. Samsung Galaxy S26+
Battery capacity: 4,900mAh | Fast charging | Up to 31 hours of video playback
Best for: Those who want Ultra-level battery life in a slightly more manageable size
If the S26 Ultra feels a little too big for you or you don’t need the extra bells and whistles, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is well worth a look. Its 4,900mAh battery sits just 100mAh behind the Ultra and should still see most users through a full day. Running on the same Exynos 2600 processor as the base Galaxy S26, it's fast and efficient, too.
6. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Battery capacity: 5,200mAh | 45W wired + Pixelsnap wireless charging
Best for: Android users who want the biggest battery in the Pixel 10 range
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has the largest battery of any Pixel 10 handset, coming in at 5,200mAh. It also supports 45W wired charging and Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging at 25W. The latter is a feature that iPhone users have had for years, so it’s nice that Google has finally brought it into its range.
On the Android front, there are few better phone options if battery life is a consideration for you.
7. Google Pixel 10
Battery capacity: 4,970mAh | Fast charging (55% in ~30 minutes)
Best for: Everyday users who want reliable all-day Android performance at a mid-range price
The Google Pixel 10 brings a 4,970mAh battery to the table, which is up from the 4,700mAh on the Pixel 9 and can reach 55% charge in just half an hour. In our experience, you can expect a solid day's use from a single charge.
The base Pixel 10 is also the most affordable way to enjoy Google’s magnetic Pixelsnap feature.
8. Google Pixel 10a
Battery capacity: 5,100mAh
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on battery life
The Google Pixel 10a arguably offers the best balance between cost and battery life of any phone on this list, making it one of the best phones for battery life if you want to keep spending to a minimum. Its 5,100mAh battery delivers over 30 hours of general use, and if you're really running low, Extreme Battery Saver mode helps you limp on at the end of an intensive phone-related day.
It's worth noting that this 5,100mAh unit is bigger than the standard Pixel 10's battery, despite the 10a sitting lower in the range; this is brilliant news for anyone upgrading on a budget. The 10a doesn’t support Pixelsnap charging, so this is something to think about if it’s a feature you’re interested in.
9. Apple iPhone 17e
Battery capacity: Up to 26 hours of video playback
Best for: Those after an affordable iPhone with impressive battery stamina
The iPhone 17e might be the entry point to Apple's 17 range, but its battery performance isn’t something to sniff at. The battery delivers up to 26 hours of video playback, making it one of the better-value options on this list, especially if you’re looking for an iPhone but have a lower budget.
It runs on the same A19 chip as the standard iPhone 17, which means strong performance and efficient battery management. Overall, it’s a great option if you want the familiarity of an Apple device but not all the bells and whistles of a Pro or Pro Max.
10. Samsung Galaxy S26
Battery capacity: 4,300mAh | Up to 30 hours of video playback
Best for: Android users who want a compact flagship with improved battery life over its predecessor
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is worth a mention, purely for the fact that it's the first Samsung base model in two generations to increase its battery capacity, rising from 4,000mAh on the S25 to 4,300mAh here. That extra 300mAh might not sound like a lot, but it means you can get a few extra hours of use with every charge. In total, you can expect up to 30 hours of video playback.
Whether you’re after an Android or iPhone handset with a large battery size, fast charging speed or other unique features, knowing how to get the most out of it is half the battle. We have ample battery tips and tricks to help you do just that.
FAQs
What is a good battery life for a smartphone?
As a general rule, anything over 4,000mAh is considered solid for everyday use. A phone with a battery in this range should get most people through a full day with moderate use. If you're a heavy user (i.e., someone who streams, games or has their screen on for extended periods), you'll want to look at phones with 5,000mAh and above.
Does a bigger battery always mean better battery life?
Not necessarily. Battery capacity (measured in mAh) is just one part of it. The efficiency of the processor plays a major role, as does the resolution and brightness of the display. An efficiently designed phone with a 4,500mAh battery can outperform a poorly optimised one with 5,000mAh.
How can I make my phone battery last longer?
There are a few easy ways to extend the life of your phone battery:
● Lower your screen brightness
● Turn on Battery Saver Mode when you don't need full performance
● Close apps running in the background, and reduce location services for apps that don't need them
Most smartphones also have adaptive battery features that learn your usage patterns over time and optimise charge, meaning you may not even need to do anything at all.
Is fast charging bad for my battery?
Fast-charging technology has improved a lot in recent years. While very frequent use of high-wattage charging can potentially contribute to long-term battery degradation, most manufacturers have built in protections to minimise heat and preserve battery health. Using your phone's bundled charger or a manufacturer-approved alternative is the best way to keep the battery in good shape.