2026 could be a landmark year for battery life on phones.
After well over a decade of a full day’s use being considered ‘good’, the popularisation of silicon-carbon (Si-C) technology could finally take things to the next level.
Si-C batteries have far greater energy density than traditional lithium-ion versions, allowing for much higher capacities within the same total area. While there are already a few phones using the technology, it could go mainstream in 2026.
In the meantime, here are the 10 phones that excel when it comes to battery life. Our rankings below are based on in-depth testing, including a week of real-world usage and a score from the PCMark battery test, which allows for easy comparisons between models.
If battery life is your top priority, you’ve come to the right place. But if you’d prefer a balanced mix of features, see our guides to the best budget phones, best mid-range phones and best phones overall.
Best battery life phone reviews
1. Oppo Find X9 Pro – Best Overall
Pros
- Phenomenal cameras
- Gigantic battery
- Excellent performance and software
- One of the nicest screens around
- Awesome accessories
Cons
- Not available in the US
- Only 5 years of Android OS updates
- Battery test score: 26:40
- Battery capacity: 7500mAh
It was the Oppo A5 Pro 5G that held this top spot for a good while, but it only makes sense that the phone would eventually be supplanted by another device from Oppo, given how much investment the company has put into improving its battery tech. The Oppo Find X9 Pro isn’t just the company’s best battery phone to date; it’s also the best battery phone you’ll find anywhere right now.
Scoring a near outlandish duration of 26 hours and 40 minutes in the PCMark battery test, the Find X9 Pro eclipses competitors such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the OnePlus 13. Even its immediate predecessor, the Oppo Find X8 Pro, only scored a duration of 14 hours and 36 minutes in the same test, which shows just how much of a leap forward Oppo has managed to achieve here.
It’s all thanks to the massive 7500mAh battery inside, which uses a silicon-carbon build to prevent the phone from feeling too chunky in the hand. With that longevity at play, however, you can make full use of the phone’s three rear-facing cameras without ever having to worry about how much juice is left in the tank.
If you are in a bind, you can claim back 50% from just half an hour’s charge, thanks to 80W speeds over a wired connection (50W if you go for a wireless charger). With all this in mind, it’s a massive shame that the phone will not be making its way to the US, so if you are based in the States, then you’ll want to look elsewhere on this list for a phone that truly lasts all day.
Who should buy the Oppo Find X9 Pro?
Anyone who values battery life above all, and having great cameras to boot.
Oppo Find X9 Pro: Further considerations
The phone is, unfortunately, not available to buy in the US.
Read our full Oppo Find X9 Pro review
2. Oppo A5 Pro 5G – Best Alternative
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Smooth 120Hz refresh rate
- IP69 water and dust resistance
Cons
- Low-resolution display
- Sluggish software performance
- Excessive bloatware
- Battery test score: 22:17
- Battery capacity: 5800mAh
While it’s true that the phone’s three-star rating makes it far from an easy recommendation for all users, the one thing that can’t be denied about the Oppo A5 Pro 5G is that it boasts some of the best battery life you’re going to find right now. With that in mind, and an affordable £229 price tag, the phone makes for an ideal work handset that’ll only be used for calls and emails.
In our testing, the 5800mAh was able to carry us through an entire day comprised of streaming, sending messages and listening to audio playback, without ever reaching the depths that would have most people frantically searching for a nearby charger. If you’re using the phone for anything less than that, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to get a decent amount into a second day before needing to top it up.
The 120Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, especially if you need to do a bit of scrolling on social media, as it just makes the experience a lot more engaging, and the official IP69 rating is impressive given the phone’s budget price tag. Having dust and water resistance onboard just means that you’re less likely to incur any durability issues with this phone over long-term use.
Where the phone falls apart is with overall performance, with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 feeling fairly sluggish in everyday use. This isn’t helped by the low-resolution 1604 x 720 display, but again, if you just need a long-lasting work/spare phone, then the Oppo A5 Pro is still worth considering.
Who should buy the Oppo A5 Pro 5G?
Professionals who need an affordable yet long-lasting work phone.
Oppo A5 Pro 5G: Further considerations
The low-resolution display and sluggish performance hold the phone back from greatness.
Read our full Oppo A5 Pro 5G review
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Samsung Galaxy
Pros
- Slick software
- The most advanced AI around
- Gorgeous anti-reflective screen
- Top-tier performance
Cons
- Very similar to S24 Ultra
- S Pen no longer has Bluetooth
- Expensive
- Battery test score: 19:48
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Samsung’s top-of-the-line flagship is known for a lot of things, but its battery life prowess shouldn’t be overlooked.
The 5000mAh cell can handle even the most demanding days with charge to spare, while two days is within reach with light usage. This appears to be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which also means the S25 Ultra can last longer than its predecessor for video playback.
And while expensive, there are loads of other compelling reasons to buy this phone. Performance, display and software are all arguably best-in-class, with useful Galaxy AI features and seven years of updates.
It’s not exactly a subtle phone, and the removal of Bluetooth means the S Pen stylus has essentially been downgraded. But if you want a great flagship phone that just happens to have very good battery life, the S25 Ultra is for you.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Those who want the best flagship Android around, regardless of the cost.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Further considerations
The Galaxy S25+ also offers great battery life, but at a cheaper price.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best Cameras
Pros
- Incredible camera performance
- Excellent screen
- Solid battery life & fast charging
- Silky performance
Cons
- Some design backsteps
- Not the best Android skin
- Mixed bag of AI features
- Battery test score: 17:00
- Battery capacity: 5410mAh (global model)
Even on a list that features the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra still manages to be the most expensive phone of the lot with a price tag of £1299, but if you are shopping at the higher end of the market, then you will not be displeased with all that you get with Xiaomi’s flagship.
Of course, within the context of this list, battery life is crucial, which is why we’re pleased to report that the 15 Ultra’s 5410mAh cell really can go the distance. In our PCMark testing, the 15 Ultra clocked a massive 17 hours of battery which puts it ahead of almost all phones on the market, so you’ll never have to worry about subjecting it to an intensive day of use.
When you do need to give the battery some juice, you’re pretty much spoilt for options. There’s 90W wired charging, which can get you 72% from a dead battery in just 30 minutes, but also 80W wireless charging, which is great for those who have a wireless charging pad on their desk and like to give their phone a quick top-up whilst they work.
Beyond the battery life, the main reason why you’d want to pick up the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is for its camera array. The new 200Mp periscope telephoto in particular is able to capture jaw-dropping images, so if you’re a photographer who wants a powerful set of sensors on their phone, this is the handset to go for.
Furthermore, grab the optional Photography Kit and which not only adds camera buttons but an additional 2000mAh power bank to keep you going for longer.
Who should buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
Big-budget buyers who want a high-end camera phone and a massive battery to keep up.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Further considerations
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is just a bit cheaper and features a better software experience.
Read our full Xiaomi 15 Ultra review
5. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – Best iPhone
Pros
- Great battery life
- Superb display
- Excellent performance
- Fantastic cameras
Cons
- Design might divide
- Expensive
- Heavy
The PCMark app we use for battery testing isn’t available on iOS, but we don’t need it to recommend an iPhone if you want long battery life.
With the loss of the Plus model to make room for the iPhone Air, the 17 Pro Max is the clear winner within the latest generation.
Apple promises that it will last for 37 hours of video playback which is impressive. While we haven’t gone to those lengths, the 17 Pro Max was a real workhorse in our testing. Long days lasting from 6am to midnight saw the phone always get through with at least 20% left in the tank.
And this is with heavier-than-usual usage due to reviewing the device. Lighter users may well get two days from it.
Apple has also improved charging to 40W, and you can get an impressive 50% in just 20 minutes with the right adapter, though, like with most phones now, you’ll have to buy this separately.
Who should buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
You want the latest generation of Apple phone with the best battery life (and other specs).
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Further considerations
It’s big, expensive and possibly overkill in other areas. An iPhone 16 Plus may be a better value option.
Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review
6. OnePlus 13R – Best Mid-Range
Pros
- Much faster storage compared to its predecessor
- Great user experience with nice AI additions
- Solid battery life
- Super-fast charging
Cons
- The camera needs fine-tuning
- Lesser water resistance than some high-end phones
- No wireless charging
- Magnetic accessories only work with case
- Battery test score: 18:17
- Battery capacity: 6000mAh
The OnePlus 13R currently stands as our top mid-range pick when it comes to battery life, not just because it managed to clock in a massive 18 hours and 17 minutes in our PCMark battery test, but at just £679, it’s easily one of the best value phones you can buy right now.
With a hefty 6000mAh battery inside the phone, which uses silicon-carbon tech, it’s perfectly acceptable to get up to two days of use on a single charge. If you do plan on pushing that even further with gaming, contactless payments or real-time GPS directions, you’ll still be able to get to the end of the day without any battery anxiety.
If you do need to top it up at the office before heading home, then you’ll be glad to know that the OnePlus 13R boasts 80W wired fast charging, which can get you back 73% from a dead battery in only 30 minutes. The only key problem is that there’s no fast charger included in the box, so you will need to buy one separately.
There’s also no wireless charging available on the OnePlus 13R, but if you are concerned about maintaining the integrity of the battery over the long term then wired charging is the better way to go.
Who should buy the OnePlus 13R?
Anyone who wants great battery life and top-shelf features elsewhere for under £700.
OnePlus 13R: Further considerations
There’s no wireless charging, so you’ll want to carry a fast charger with you.
Read our full OnePlus 13R review
7. Samsung Galaxy S25 – Best Compact
Pros
- Speedier than ever
- Loads of handy AI features
- Improved image processing
- More RAM and a 512GB option
Cons
- Very similar to Galaxy S24
- Slow charging
- Battery test score: 17:41
- Battery capacity: 4000mAh
We’ll be the first to admit that the standard Galaxy S phones haven’t changed all too much over the last few years, but whilst Samsung’s updates have been iterative, it has managed to build a far more power-efficient ecosystem in that time, culminating in the excellent Samsung Galaxy S25.
Even though the phone can easily be used one-handed, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, it still manages to deliver a solid battery life that can get most users safely to the end of a long day without worry.
The 4000mAh cell is able to work in tandem with the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite to deliver high performance at all times and still have tons of power left over. For example, in spite of its size, the Galaxy S25 still managed to reach 17 hours and 41 minutes of use when put through the reliable PCMark battery test. There are phones with larger batteries that aren’t able to reach that level of longevity.
The charging speeds could be better with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, but at least you do have the flexibility there to top up regardless of the type of charger you have to hand. When you factor in all of the other features like a triple-camera array and Galaxy AI, it’s hard to argue with what the Galaxy S25 brings to the table.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Anyone who wants a compact yet powerful phone to get them through each day.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Further considerations
The Galaxy S24+ is now cheaper, comes with a better battery life and a larger screen.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review
8. HMD Fusion – Best Customisation
Pros
- Innovative customisation options
- Long-term support with easy-to-replace parts
- Impressive main camera for the price
Cons
- Sub-par display resolution and brightness
- Only two OS upgrades
- Weak GPU hampers gaming and intensive apps
- Battery test score: 18:47
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Unfortunately, the HMD Fusion is a case of unfulfilled potential. Its modular design, which allows you to connect a range of different ‘Outfits’ (including a ring light, rugged protection or a more casual look) is genuinely exciting, even if most of these are sold separately.
Battery life from the 5000mAh is excellent – you can expect two days of moderate usage, or even longer if you only use the device occasionally. The main 108Mp camera lens is impressive, and it’s great that most parts are easily repairable.
Sadly, the combination of a dull, low-resolution display and disappointing performance during demanding workloads will put many people off. And just two years of OS updates and three years of security patches rather undermines the focus on repairability to an extent.
Still, if you’re looking for a bold budget phone with superb battery life, it’s still worth considering the HMD Fusion.
Who should buy the HMD Fusion?
Folks who want modularity so that they can customise their phone when they please.
HMD Fusion: Further considerations
The CMF Phone 2 Pro also offers modular accessories and is a better phone overall.
Read our full HMD Fusion review
9. HMD Skyline – Best Repairability
Pros
- Sharp 6.55-inch display
- Easily replaceable parts
- Qi2 wireless charging
- Very good main camera
Cons
- Only two years of core Android updates
- Only IP54 water and dust resistance
- No headphone jack
- Battery test score: 18:23
- Battery capacity: 4600mAh
There are two big reasons to buy the HMD Skyline over any of the other phones on this list.
The first is built-in Qi2, meaning it supports the latest MagSafe-style wireless charging. On the Android side, only the Pixel 10 series can match that right now. The other is repairability, with most replacement parts widely available and easy to fit at home, something only the Fairphone 6 can rival.
The battery is one of the parts you can replace, but you might not have to for a while when battery life is this good. Even with the attractive 6.55-inch pOLED display set to 144Hz refresh rate, you’ll basically never have to worry about running out of charge before the end of the day. For many people, two days will be within reach.
Solid performance and an impressive main camera are other highlights, though software support is a key drawback. For a phone that’s easily repairable, a commitment to just two years of OS updates and three years of security patches is disappointing.
However, if you plan on upgrading by 2027 anyway, the HMD Skyline is a compelling phone with excellent battery life.
Who should buy the HMD Skyline?
Those who want Qi2 wireless charging and compatibility with MagSafe-like accessories.
HMD Skyline: Further considerations
Repairability is better on the Fairphone (Gen 6), which also boasts longer software support.
Read our full HMD Skyline review
10. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Budget
Pros
- Attractive display
- Impressive performance
- Great value for money
- Fun customisation options
Cons
- Software support could be better
- Only IP54 water and dust resistance
- Battery test score: 18:02
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
The best budget phone you can buy right now just happens to have excellent battery life.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro’s 5000mAh cell might not sound like much, but make no mistake: it can last two full days on a single charge for many people. Even on those incredibly demanding days, you’ll still be fine until the end of the day.
But that’s just one of the many great things about this phone. Its eye-catching design enables you to swap out the back panel or connect accessories, while triple rear cameras, an attractive display and solid performance ensure the day-to-day experience is great.
On the software side, parent company Nothing’s take on Android is unique, slick and highly customisable, though just three years of OS updates (six years of security patches) is a little underwhelming.
However, for the price you’re paying, there are so many reasons to buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro – including great battery life.
Who should buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?
People shopping at the budget end of the market who still value great battery life.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Further considerations
The Nothing Phone (3a) doesn’t cost that much more, yet features a better processor.
Read our full CMF Phone 2 Pro review
Other phones tested
While the phones that currently comprise this list are our all-time favourites where battery life is concerned, that doesn’t mean that there weren’t other handsets that came very close to meeting the cut.
For example, even though the HMD Fusion has tons of customisation options, as well as repairability, the Fairphone (Gen 6) (below) is certainly nipping at its heels. Not only does that phone let you replace the battery whenever it starts to degrade (or you could carry a spare), but it also comes with a full eight years of software updates from the time of launch, making it a solid investment for those who don’t want to upgrade quite as often as everyone else.
With a PCMark time of 16 hours and 39 minutes, the Xiaomi 15T Pro only just missed out on the top 10. There are plenty of other great reasons to buy it, though, including gorgeous hardware, strong cameras and great performance, all for a mid-range price tag.
You might have noticed that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the only Apple handset to have cemented its place on the list, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find similarly great battery life elsewhere. For example, the iPhone 16 Plus was considered a phone that can genuinely run for up to two days at a time under certain use cases, and is now available for less than its original launch price via the Apple Store.
Given that the competition at the high-end is so fierce, the Nothing Phone (3) wasn’t able to find a space, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad phone, far from it. In fact, if you love the style of the Nothing Phone (3a) but you want more premium specs for a refined experience, then it might be a better buy for you.
Similarly, the stunning Motorola Edge 60 Pro fell short when it came to our PCMark battery test, but it performed very well in everyday use. This is one of those rare phones that actually has an exciting look to it, and its slim frame makes other handsets feel chunky by comparison.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Phone news that could affect your buying decision
It’s been a while since there was any major news on the battery front where smartphones are concerned, but right now, we’re on the precipice of a longevity revolution. Silicon-carbon (Si-C) batteries, which are able to hold more power than traditional lithium-ion batteries, are now slowly starting to make their way to phones from the major manufacturers.
The OnePlus 13R was one of the first phones to feature the tech, but we’ve now seen it pop up in the likes of the Oppo Find X9 Pro, OnePlus 15 and Honor Magic V5. We’d expect plenty more models to launch using the technology in 2026.
Can I get a better phone deal?
As with all of our best lists, the deals widgets that feature alongside each entry will give you the best prices for a phone on any given day, so you don’t have to worry about chasing down the latest bargains yourself. If you do want to spend a bit more money, then you can always hold out for one of the major sales throughout the year.
Amazon’s sales events tend to have deals on phones from across the entire price spectrum, so budget phones become even cheaper, whilst premium handsets from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google finally get a much-needed discount, making them more accessible for most people.
If you wait until November each year, however, then you won’t have to worry about needing an Amazon Prime account to access available deals, as the Black Friday sale will kick off in earnest. This is also a great opportunity to get phone contracts at a reduced rate, as networks will offer tons of data at just a fraction of the usual cost.
Still, if you’re someone who absolutely needs to upgrade today (maybe your current phone is falling to pieces), then our round-up of the best refurbished phone deals is your best bet. You can also pair your purchase with one of the best SIM-only deals, saving you even more money in the long run.
How we test phones
The only way to properly test a phone is to use it as our own, with our personal SIM cards inserted and all. We use them 24/7 for at least a week, and often much longer. This constant hands-on testing means we really get to know the devices and support our findings with a curated selection of benchmarking apps, including PCMark’s reliable battery test.
Read more about how we test smartphones.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for phone reviews and buying advice
Phones have been a core part of Tech Advisor’s focus since 2007, when the first iPhone was released and Android’s arrival in 2008. We’ve covered the mobile space in detail ever since, through the rollercoaster of 4G, 5G, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and much, much more. We review new phones on a weekly basis and test just about every model we can get our hands on. We have an in-house team of experts as well as many contributors, combining many decades of experience.
Who curated this article?
Our Mobile Editor, Anyron Copeman, is the caretaker of this list of top battery life phones. He spends almost all his time writing about mobile and testing countless devices. Reviews Editor, Chris Martin, assists and has nearly 15 years of experience testing phones.
How to choose the best phone for battery life
In order to get a comprehensive idea of whether or not a phone can truly meet our high standards when it comes to battery life, it needs to succeed across all of our industry-standard testing.
These tests involve documenting the battery drain during everyday use, as well as how much power a phone is able to recover from 30 minutes of charging. These notes are then weighed up against the concrete data provided by the PCMark battery test, which simulates a range of tasks in real-time to see how the phone reacts to them.
The combination of all this data means that we know exactly if a company’s battery life claims are truthful, giving you the chance to see past all the marketing and know ahead of buying, whether or not a phone can keep up with your lifestyle.
Of course, all the phones featured on this list need to also be competent in other key areas such as the cameras, display tech and overall performance, as well as currently available, otherwise they won’t be included.
After all, it isn’t much use having a long-lasting battery life if a phone doesn’t give you enjoyment whilst you’re using it.
Battery life phones buying guide
How is battery capacity measured?
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). The higher the mAh of a battery, the higher its technical capacity. But the phones with the highest mAh aren’t always the phones with the best battery life.
It can depend on how efficient the phone’s processor is in conjunction with the software, as well as how much you actually use your phone. Expensive high-end phones often are faster and have better screens, but require larger batteries to compensate or suffer from reduced battery life.
What should you look out for?
When choosing a phone, it’s important to consider what you’ll likely use it for.
If you buy a larger-screened phone with a high-resolution display and a high peak brightness, those attributes are all going to affect longevity negatively compared to a phone with the same-sized battery but a smaller or lower resolution panel, for example.
Some phones may offer large batteries and great battery life, but offer underwhelming charging speeds, meaning recharging them at any time other than overnight may become a chore.
Decent fast charging speeds to look out for are anything over 45W, with some devices boasting 80- or over 100W, at the top end of the current range.
What do the results show?
For consistency, we’re including phones which have been tested using our most current benchmarking process, which relies on PC Mark for Android‘s Work 3.0 battery test to generate a score. The only exception is iPhones, which don’t support this app, so we do our best to factor those into the ranking based on real-world testing and experience.
It’s worth noting that these tests spit out a figure in minutes and seconds, but this is not an exact indication of how long a phone will last in the real world.
In all tests, the screen brightness is set to the same level to ensure fairness and consistency (200 nits). The phone discharges its battery, and the screen is set not to dim or turn off.
For example, if a phone lasts 12:15 in a test, it lasted 12 hours and 15 minutes with the screen on and the test processes running. These figures may vary from a device’s own report of screen-on time, as usage and power management setups have an additional effect on real-world situations.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.