iPhone 17 vs. iPhone Air: Battle of the Batteries

I’ve been reviewing smartphones at CNET for nearly a decade, and one feature that consistently matters to users is battery life. Apple recently launched the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, highlighting longer battery life for the 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. My colleagues and I have now tested these claims,according to C Net.

The iPhone Air emphasizes a super-slim design and all-day battery life. Yet Apple also introduced a MagSafe battery pack for it, suggesting that its thinner build might compromise longevity. Battery performance varies depending on screen brightness, signal strength, and usage. Heavy online use drains battery faster than light usage.

CNET tested battery life in three ways: anecdotal stress tests, video streaming, and everyday use, along with wired and wireless charging. Our lab results show the iPhone 17 series and Air perform well compared to previous models.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the largest battery in an iPhone, yet bigger batteries don’t always equal better performance. Apple’s integration of hardware and software allows smaller batteries to last longer than most Android phones. EU energy labels reveal capacities for eSIM-only models: iPhone Air 3,149 mAh, iPhone 17 3,692 mAh, iPhone 17 Pro 4,252 mAh, and 17 Pro Max 5,088 mAh.

In CNET’s 3-hour video streaming test, the iPhone 17 Pro Max lost only 9%, tying the Motorola Razr (2024) for the best score. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro dropped 11% and 15%, respectively, while the Air dropped 15%, similar to the iPhone 15. Real-world daily tests show the 17 Pro Max easily lasts a full day with minimal battery loss; the Air typically ends the day with around 20% remaining. MagSafe charging adds up to 69% to the Air’s battery, useful for heavy users.

For charging, Apple recommends a 40W adapter for the 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max, and 20W for the Air. Wired and MagSafe tests show faster recharging than previous models, though chargers aren’t included in the box.

Bottom line: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best choice for battery longevity, the standard iPhone 17 offers strong performance at a lower cost, and the Air can handle a full day depending on usage. iOS 26’s new Adaptive Power mode further optimizes battery by adjusting processor usage based on habits, improving efficiency over time.