The iPhone 17 devices continue to be tested. This time, they were put through battery and durability tests.
Apple’s new iPhone 17 series has undergone battery and durability tests under the new regulations enforced in the European Union. According to the results, the iPhone models lagged behind their competitors in durability but outperformed them in battery life.
iPhone 17 Series Underwent Comprehensive Testing
In the EU’s mandatory tests, the iPhone 17 Pro Max fell short in drop durability. The model withstood 180 drops and received a Class B rating. This performance is below that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL, both of which endured 270 drops and earned a Class A rating.
However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max managed to outperform its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which could only withstand 90 drops. In terms of repairability, the iPhone 17 Pro Max received a Class C rating. While this puts it on the same level as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it still falls behind the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which earned a Class B rating.
Despite falling short in durability, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stood out in energy efficiency by earning an A-class rating. The device achieved an impressive 53 hours of usage time, outpacing its rivals — the Galaxy S25 Ultra with 44 hours and 54 minutes and the Pixel 10 Pro XL with 48 hours and 39 minutes, both of which received a B-class rating.
However, there’s a key detail: while the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL batteries are rated for 2,000 charging cycles, the iPhone 17 Pro Max only withstands 1,000 cycles. Even so, it still surpassed its predecessor — the iPhone 16 Pro Max — which managed 48 hours of usage time and earned only a B-class rating.
Apple’s new iPhone Air model competes directly with the Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite having a smaller battery (3,149 mAh), the iPhone Air achieves nearly the same usage time as its 3,900 mAh rival (40:00 hours vs. 40:05 hours) and earns an A-class rating for energy efficiency.
However, the iPhone Air’s battery life is also limited to 1,000 charge cycles, while the S25 Edge’s battery can last up to 2,000 cycles. In terms of durability, the iPhone Air matches the Pro Max, withstanding 180 drops and earning a Class B rating, whereas the Galaxy S25 Edge survives 270 drops and receives a Class A rating.
Apple has voiced objections regarding these tests. The company argues that the drop and roll tests are inconsistent and that the results are not easily reproducible. Apple also criticizes the fact that the tests were conducted on only five devices, claiming that at least 30 devices should be used. The company has prepared a report detailing its stance on this matter.
