When it comes to smartphone battery performance, the new iPhone 18 Pro Max has demonstrated a significant improvement. Reportedly featuring the largest battery ever used in an iPhone model, this device has achieved impressive results in a battery runtime test against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The results of a battery drain test conducted a few days ago highlight the battery performance of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Although the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra also features a large battery, the iPhone has taken the lead in this test.
What Is the Battery Capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Samsung states that its Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone features a battery of approximately 5,000 mAh. However, according to the specific battery details, the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is higher than this.
The eSIM model of the iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 5,567 mAh battery, while the Nano-SIM model comes with a 5,391 mAh battery.
In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is said to feature a 4,855 mAh battery.
Based on these figures, the eSIM model of the iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 712 mAh higher battery capacity than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Nano-SIM model also offers an additional 536 mAh of battery capacity.
Furthermore, compared with the previous-generation iPhone 17 Pro Max, the battery capacity of the new iPhone 18 Pro Max has reportedly increased by around 9%. This increase is considered one of the major improvements in the new model.
How Was the Battery Test Conducted?
A continuous video playback test was conducted to compare the battery performance of both smartphones under the same conditions.
The following settings were used in this test:
- Airplane Mode: Enabled.
- Screen Brightness: Set to 50%.
- Testing Method: Playing a video continuously on repeat.
- Main Objective: To measure how long each smartphone could play videos before its battery was completely drained.
The purpose of this test was to create a scenario similar to watching a downloaded movie or television series on a device without an internet connection.
Since the test was conducted on both devices until their batteries were completely drained, it reportedly took several days to obtain the results.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Test Results
Both smartphones played videos for an extended period. However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max achieved a significant lead.
| Test Details | iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| First recorded time | 24 hours | 10 hours 4 minutes |
| Another recorded time | 23 hours 48 minutes | Full details of the other recordings included in the total runtime were not provided |
| Total runtime | 57 hours 52 minutes | 38 hours 56 minutes |
According to the overall results of this test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max played videos for approximately 57 hours and 52 minutes. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra recorded a runtime of approximately 38 hours and 56 minutes.
Based on these results, the iPhone 18 Pro Max provided approximately 18 hours and 56 minutes of additional runtime. In other words, the difference between the two devices was almost 19 hours.
This result highlights how well the battery of the iPhone 18 Pro Max performed in this particular video playback test.
Will the Same Results Be Achieved in Real-World Usage?
The results obtained from a video playback test do not fully represent the battery life users can expect in everyday usage. This is because smartphone battery consumption depends on several factors.
Using the camera, gaming, browsing the internet, video streaming, screen brightness, and background applications can all contribute to faster battery drain.
With a larger battery capacity combined with processor power efficiency and software optimisations, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be a suitable device for extended usage.
Based on this test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to offer longer battery runtime even for people who use their smartphones extensively. Although the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra also offers good battery performance, the iPhone achieved a clear lead in this particular test.
However, additional tests conducted under identical everyday usage conditions are necessary to accurately evaluate the battery life of both devices in real-world scenarios.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQ'S
1. Which smartphone offers better battery life, iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
According to the battery test results provided, the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers better battery life, recording 57 hours and 52 minutes of video playback compared with 38 hours and 56 minutes for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
2. What is the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
According to the provided information, the iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 5,567 mAh battery in the eSIM model and a 5,391 mAh battery in the Nano-SIM model.
3. What is the battery capacity of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is reported to have a 4,855 mAh battery according to the specifications mentioned in the provided information.
4. How many hours longer does the iPhone 18 Pro Max last than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
In the reported video playback test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max lasted approximately 18 hours and 56 minutes longer than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
5. Will the iPhone 18 Pro Max deliver the same battery life in everyday use?
Not necessarily. Actual battery life depends on factors such as gaming, camera usage, video streaming, screen brightness, internet connectivity, and background applications. Further real-world testing is needed to determine everyday battery performance.