Apple's latest iPhone 16 series has hit the market, prompting tech enthusiasts to question how it stacks up against its Android competitors, particularly in the crucial area of battery life. A comprehensive analysis comparing the iPhone 16 lineup with Google's Pixel 9 series and Samsung's Galaxy S24 range has yielded some unexpected findings.
Base Models: A Close Race
The standard iPhone 16, despite its smaller 3,560mAh battery compared to the Pixel 9's 4,700mAh and Galaxy S24's 4,000mAh, manages to hold its own. Apple's efficient A18 chip and 60Hz display contribute to competitive performance in several key areas:
- Camera capture time: iPhone 16 leads the pack
- 4K video playback: On par with Android rivals
- Zoom call duration: Comparable results
However, the iPhone 16 falls behind in web browsing tests, where Samsung's Exynos-powered Galaxy S24 takes the lead. When averaging across all tests, the Galaxy S24 (Exynos) emerges victorious with 10 hours of battery life, followed by the Pixel 9 (9.3 hours), iPhone 16 (8.9 hours), and Snapdragon Galaxy S24 (8.7 hours).
Pro Models: A Different Story
The situation changes dramatically when examining the pro-level devices. The iPhone 16 Pro, equipped with a 3,580mAh battery, struggles against its Android counterparts:
- Web browsing: iPhone 16 Pro lasts only 5 hours, 40% less than the Pixel 9 Pro
- Video capture and Zoom calls: Significantly behind Android competitors
Interestingly, the iPhone 16 Pro underperforms even the standard iPhone 16 in several tests, likely due to more demanding hardware paired with a similar-sized battery.
Flagship Face-off
In the battle of the ultra-premium models:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra dominates video playback and web browsing
- Google Pixel series excels in content capture longevity
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (extrapolated data) may close some gaps but still trails in key areas
Price and Value Considerations
While not explicitly compared in the battery tests, it's worth noting that the iPhone 16 starts at €949, positioning it as a premium option. The iPhone 15, now €200 cheaper, offers a similar user experience in many aspects, potentially presenting better value for budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion: Choose Your Priority
For users prioritizing battery life:
- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Compact powerhouse: Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Apple ecosystem: iPhone 16 (standard) or larger Plus/Pro Max models
The iPhone 16 Pro, despite its high-end features, may disappoint those expecting all-day battery life. As always, individual usage patterns will impact real-world performance, but these benchmarks provide valuable insights for potential buyers navigating the competitive smartphone landscape.
