iphone 17 pro max battery performance review with iphone 16 pro max
1. Key Battery Specifications
iPhone 16 Pro Max
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Teardown estimates suggest a battery capacity of ~4,685 mAh. PhoneArena+2Tech Advisor+2
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Official Apple video playback spec: up to 33 hours (via Apple’s marketing for the 17 line, the 16 was prior) The Verge+2Tom's Guide+2
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Real world test (Tom’s Guide): around 17h 35m for video playback in their lab. Tom's Guide
iPhone 17 Pro Max
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Apple states for this model: up to 39 hours video playback, up to 35 hours streamed video playback. Apple Support+2Apple+2
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Leaked/teardown capacity: about 5,088 mAh in some markets (eSIM-only US version), ~4,832 mAh elsewhere. iOS Arena+2Gulf News+2
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Real world test: Tom’s Guide measured ~17h 54m in a web surfing test (150 nits brightness). Tom's Guide
2. What’s Improved & Why
Capacity increase: The 17 Pro Max enjoys a larger battery (≈ 8% more in some markets) than the 16 Pro Max. This gives a baseline boost. Wayne's Workshop+2Gulf News+2
Efficiency gains: The newer chip (A19 Pro in the 17) and improvements in software (iOS 26) contribute to better power efficiency. PhoneArena+1
Design changes: According to sources, the 17 Pro Max uses internal redesign to free up space for battery capacity. Wayne's Workshop+1
3. Real-World Battery Life Comparison
| Model | What the tests say | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Pro Max | ~17h 35m video playback in Tom’s Guide test. Tom's Guide | Very strong for its generation. |
| 17 Pro Max | ~17h 54m in same test, and Apple spec up to 39h video playback. Tom's Guide+2Yahoo Tech+2 | Slight lead over its predecessor in real life. |
What this means: The 17 Pro Max gives you a meaningful boost in battery life over the 16 Pro Max — especially in heavy-use scenarios (video, streaming, gaming). If you’re pushing your phone hard, the newer model will stretch further.
4. Charging & Other Battery-Related Features
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The 17 Pro Max supports up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter. Apple+1
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The 16 Pro Max charging speeds are slower in comparison (various tests have shown) though still strong. TechRadar
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Both models support wireless charging and MagSafe, though specifics may differ.
5. Limitations & Things to Consider
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Capacity vs other brands: Even at ~5,000 mAh, the 17 Pro Max isn’t matching some Android phones with 6,000 mAh+ batteries. Battery life still depends heavily on usage, screen brightness, network conditions etc.
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Real use varies: Lab tests isolate variables; your daily usage will differ (apps, 5G vs WiFi, location services, etc.).
As one user put it:
“I’ve been using the iPhone 17 Pro Max … I could go a full day of heavy use and still have 50% or more by the end of the day.” reddit.com -
Battery health over time: Larger capacity and efficiency gains help, but degradation over cycles still applies.
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Regional differences: Capacity and performance can differ based on eSIM vs physical SIM versions, internal components vary. PhoneArena+2Wayne's Workshop+2
6. So — Should You Upgrade or Stay with the 16 Pro Max?
Stay with 16 Pro Max if:
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Your current battery life is still good (e.g., it comfortably lasts you a full day).
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You don’t feel the need for the absolute longest battery life.
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Price difference between models is significant and the battery boost alone doesn’t justify the cost for you.
Upgrade to 17 Pro Max if:
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You find yourself needing mid-day top-ups or the battery is a limiting factor.
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You’re a heavy user (streaming, gaming, content creation) and want that extra head-room.
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You care about fast charging and/or want the latest generation phone with future-proofing.
7. Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 Pro Max brings a noticeable improvement in battery performance over the 16 Pro Max — both in capacity and efficiency. While the 16 was already very good, the 17 widens the margin. For most moderate-users, the difference might not be dramatic day-to-day, but for power users it does matter.
If battery life is a major priority for you (and especially if you push your phone hard), the 17 Pro Max is the better choice. If battery isn’t your bottleneck, the 16 Pro Max remains an excellent device.
