The best phones for battery life in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a big step up from the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Thanks to its new, more efficient processor, the latest iPhone model doesn't heat up uncomfortably when gaming or navigating. The new iPhone holds the charge for longer since almost none of it is lost in heat. You can expect a fully charged battery to last you more than a day or even two in moderate use. Moreover, it can now charge faster on MagSafe. Apple promises up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with either wired or wireless charging.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is now bigger than before with a 6.9-inch display. While the bezels have been minimized, Apple also has added a few millimeters in height to make the handset borderline unwieldy. People with big hands shouldn't have problems, though. 

Also: We've used every iPhone 16 model and here's our best buying advice

That said, you can't go wrong with this year's top-of-the-line iPhone. You get Camera Control that frees up the viewfinder when shooting photos and videos, a variety of new Photographic styles, an upgraded ultrawide camera, a display that can go down to 1 nit brightness for better legibility in the dark, Apple Intelligence-ready hardware, and more.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max specs: Processor: Apple A18 Pro | Display: 6.9 inches | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide and macro, 12MP telephoto (5x) |  Front camera: 12MP | Battery capacity: N/A 

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the best battery backup on a flagship Android phone. In my two months using the device, the 5,000mAh battery consistently lasted me through a full day. While it offers what you'd expect from a flagship -- great cameras, excellent display, powerful performance, and long software support -- it's filled to the brim with extras, too.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with Galaxy AI that brings a slew of generative capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and more.

Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The one-of-a-kind display is the least reflective panel on any phone right now. It's a joy to read and browse on this screen. Plus, you get the S Pen that comes in handy when you need to quickly jot down notes or sign a document on the go.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra might be a few months old, but it still stands tall among your phone choices. And it's expected to stand the test of time with Samsung offering seven years of software support. It's built to last.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh

The OnePlus Open offers the best battery life on a folding phone. It will last you longer than the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Also, the smartphone's big battery charges at 67W to deliver up to 75% charge in 30 minutes. 

The OnePlus Open is one of the quickest charging phones out there, so if you're running low on battery and don't have much time available, the handset can top-up enough within 10 minutes to get you through the next leg of your day. It strikes the ideal balance of weight-to-size ratio. When folded, the phone is almost as light as an iPhone, and when unfolded, you get a sleek tablet. 

Review: OnePlus Open 

Multitasking is handled by OnePlus' Open Canvas feature, which is the best multitasking experience I've seen on a foldable. It's my go-to recommendation for a folding phone for the value it provides. Sure, it's powered by the now two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset -- but at $1,200, it's an unbeatable value.

OnePlus Open tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.3 (outer) and 7.8 inches (inner) | Storage options: 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP (outer) 20MP and (inner) | Battery: 4805mAh

The iPhone 16 Plus is rated to last up to two hours more than the iPhone 15 Plus, which was already great on battery life. The iPhone 15 Plus used to last me an entire day, and you can expect the new Plus iPhone to get you through the day with ease. Apple also has introduced faster MagSafe wireless charging, which is rated to charge the device up to 50% within 30 minutes -- the same as wired charging.

The iPhone 16 Plus is the closest a regular iPhone has been to the Pro models. Unlike past years, you get the same Action Button, Camera Control and Dynamic Island on the hardware and Apple Intelligence, 1 nit brightness, and new Photographic Styles on the software.

Review: iPhone 16 Plus

If you are coming from a previous non-Pro iPhone, the iPhone 16 Plus is the best choice as you'll likely not be able to notice the lack of 120Hz ProMotion display. This is the phone to get if you prioritize battery life and have a budget of $1,000.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus tech specs: Processor: Apple A18 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: N/A

The OnePlus 12R is often considered a Pixel 8a alternative but I like it better than the Google phone because it lasts longer and charges faster. The budget OnePlus phone houses a flagship processor that's efficient and powerful. In my time with the OnePlus 12R earlier this year, it gave me a day's worth of battery life consistently, with about 15% remaining at bedtime.

It's also the fastest-charging phone on this list. The OnePlus 12R supports 80W fast charging, and you'll have a fully charged phone by the time you get ready for the day. I tested the one with 100W charging, which goes from 10% to 100% within 25 minutes. The $500 phone is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that powers the $1,200 OnePlus Open, so you get the same snappy performance.

Review: OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12R's display is the best you can get in this price range. Plus, it has a feature called Aqua Touch that makes it easy to use in rainy conditions, when you have water droplets on the screen. They don't register fake taps, like on the iPhone. If you want a mid-range phone with good battery life, OnePlus 12R is your best bet.

OnePlus 12R tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 5,500mAh

The Moto G Power 5G (2024) is our pick for the best budget phone with long-lasting battery backup. This battery-focused device, which can last you up to two days on moderate use, charges at 30W with a wired charger and at 15W with a wireless charger. 

The Moto G Power 5G (2024) sports a big LCD, which isn't as vivid as the other models on this list but is plenty good for day-to-day usage. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC is powerful and snappy enough for the segment. It features a 50MP primary camera that clicks good photos in daylight, while the 8MP macro camera is passable.

Review: Moto G Power 5G (2024)

You should buy the Moto G Power 5G (2024) if you are on a $300 budget. Currently, it's selling for $250, making it an even sweeter deal.

Moto G Power 5G (2024) specs: Display: 6.7 inches | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 | Cameras: 50MP primary, 8MP macro | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh