In PCMag’s test, the US iPhone 18 Pro Max lasted 34 hours and 31 minutes—the longest phone result the publication says it has measured. That is a controlled video-streaming result, not a promise of how long the phone will last in ordinary use.
What PCMag’s battery test measures
PCMag’s method is designed to compare sustained use under consistent conditions. Testers sign into the appropriate account, sync data, install apps, and use the phone normally until initial background syncing and at least one power cycle are complete. They then charge it fully and stream a looping YouTube video over Wi-Fi at maximum screen brightness until the phone shuts down. A script keeps the screen on and the stream running while testers close other background apps.
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PCMag says it tests US-sold phones at room temperature and may repeat a run if a test fails. As its testing team puts it, “We only test phones sold in the US.” The test is therefore useful for comparing results produced by PCMag’s procedure, but it does not reproduce every person’s mix of calls, apps, cellular use, screen-off time, and changing brightness.
PCMag’s reported results
In Eric Zeman’s September 21, 2026 report, the iPhone 18 Pro Max ran 2 hours and 20 minutes longer than its predecessor in PCMag’s comparison. The other figures below are also PCMag results from that report; they should not be read as universal daily-runtime estimates or as a single independent laboratory’s head-to-head test.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
| Phone | PCMag-reported runtime |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | 34 hours and 31 minutes |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | 32 hours and 11 minutes |
| Google Pixel 11 Pro XL | 15 hours and 47 minutes |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | 15 hours and 5 minutes |
PCMag’s quoted reaction to the underlying question is: “There’s really only one way to test a battery: Have the device run until the battery gives out.” That explains the shutdown endpoint, but the workload still matters: this result comes from continuous, bright-screen video streaming over Wi-Fi.
Why the iPhone may have lasted longer
PCMag reports that the tested US iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 5,567mAh battery and discusses its A20 Pro processor and cooling hardware as possible contributors to performance. Capacity alone does not determine runtime. Processor efficiency and heat management, as well as display size, brightness and resolution and radio connectivity, can all affect how quickly a phone uses power.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How to use this result when choosing a phone
- Compare like with like. Battery numbers are most informative when the reviewer, workload, brightness and test conditions match.
- Translate the test to your habits. A maximum-brightness video loop tells you about sustained screen-on streaming, not standby time or a mixed-use day.
- Consider the whole device. The longest result in one test does not by itself settle whether a phone suits your needs; this report does not compare purchase cost, size or ownership cost.
The result and method are from Eric Zeman’s PCMag report published September 21, 2026. PCMag describes its own testing; no independent reproduction or comprehensive ranking of current phones is established here.
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Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #4
- BIGGER, YET SLIMMER THAN EVER: Who would’ve guessed that wider could also be lighter? The design of Galaxy Z Fold7 is refined to feel like a traditional smartphone with its expanded cover display.
- BEST CAMERA ON A FOLD YET: You asked for more – now you can have the most. Galaxy Z Fold7 now boasts an ultra-premium 200MP camera with Pro-Visual Engine so you can effortlessly take incredibly detailed pics.
- SCREENSHARE FOR STREAMLINED ASSISTANCE: Intrigued by something you see? Go Live with Google Gemini, then screenshare or point your camera at it for additional info or assistance on the fly.¹
- DO AND VIEW MORE, ALL AT ONCE: With an 8” screen that allows you to view up to three windows at once, Galaxy Z Fold7 is the ultimate device for seeing and doing more.²
- ALL THE POWER AND SPEED YOU NEED Smoothly run your day with the power and speed of Galaxy Z Fold7. With its customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for Galaxy, you can stream your favorite shows, edit photos, scroll social feeds and more with ease.³
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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