Battery drain is often the issue that drives us to purchase pricey new phones, but Apple’s new line-up could well disappoint in that department.
During Apple’s event earlier this month, the Cali tech giants said that the iPhone XS would last 30 minutes longer than the iPhone X, and the XS Max would have 90 minutes more capacity.
But according to Apple specialists Tom’s Guide, who put the devices through thorough and exhaustive test, the XS actually pales in comparison to its predecessor.
The iPhone XS lasted 9 hours and 41 minutes, compared to the iPhone X’s 10 hours and 49 minutes. The iPhone XS Max lost out too, with 10 hours and 38 minutes of battery life.
“The iPhone XS Max turned in a run time of 10 hours and 38 minutes, which is well above the smartphone category average of 9:48. However, the iPhone XS lasted for just 9:41, which is slightly below the average. Last year’s iPhone X lasted 10:49 on the same test, despite claims from Apple that the iPhone XS was supposed to last 30 minutes longer.”
Worse still, they fall well short of competing handsets like the Huawei P20 Pro, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and OnePlus 6.
Obviously there are variables involved, and Apple’s claim that the iPhone XS Max lasts “up to” 13 hours is still technically true. Check out the comparison below:
Nick Pope is the Site Director of Esquire, overseeing digital strategy for the brand.
