Here is a summary comparing the battery performance (mainly capacity and official video playback time) of the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 17 series (including the iPhone, Pro, and Pro Max, but excluding the Air).
Battery Capacity (mAh)
iPhone 16 Series (Official figures)
- iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
- iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
- iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
iPhone 17 Series (from EU energy labels)
- iPhone 17: 3,692 mAh (+3.7% increase)
- iPhone 17 Pro: 4,252 mAh (+18.7% increase vs. 16 Pro)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,088 mAh (+8.6% increase vs. 16 Pro Max)
Video Playback Time (Official)
iPhone 16 Series (Standard official figures) (Simplified as previously provided)
- iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours
- iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours
- iPhone 16 Pro: 27 hours (local playback), 22 hours (streaming)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 33 hours (local playback), 29 hours (streaming)
iPhone 17 Series (New models)
- iPhone 17: Reported as up to 30 hours of video playback (local), with some sources stating “30 hours of local playback”
- iPhone 17 Pro: Up to 33 hours (local playback), 30 hours (streaming)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to 39 hours (local playback), 35 hours (streaming)
Comparison Table
| Model | Battery Capacity (mAh) | Video Playback Time (Local / Streaming) |
| iPhone 16 | 3,561 | 22 hours / – |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 4,674 | 27 hours / – |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 3,582 | 27 hours / 22 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 4,685 | 33 hours / 29 hours |
| iPhone 17 | 3,692 | Approx. 30 hours (local) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 4,252 | 33 hours / 30 hours |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 5,088 | 39 hours / 35 hours |
Key Insights
Evolution of Battery Capacity:
- The iPhone 17 Pro has an increase of approx. 18.7% over the previous generation’s Pro, and the Pro Max has an increase of ~8.6%.
- The standard iPhone 17 also shows a slight improvement, but it doesn’t reach the large capacity of the iPhone 16 Plus.
Improvement in Playback Time:
- Both Pro models, especially, have enhanced battery performance, with the Pro Max boasting the best playback time in the iPhone 17 series (up to 39 hours).
- The standard iPhone 17 shows a clear improvement over the 16 series, at approximately 30 hours.
Expectations for Real-World Use:
- It’s also worth noting that the A19 Pro chip and new thermal design (including an expanded battery compartment and vapor chamber cooling) enable efficient power-saving control and performance maintenance.
Summary
- The iPhone 17 series (especially the Pro / Pro Max) shows a clear improvement in battery performance over the previous generation.
- The Pro Max has the longest battery capacity and playback time, which is a major advantage for those who are often out and about or watch a lot of videos.
- The standard iPhone 17 also has a steady improvement, suggesting that battery life would be a satisfying upgrade from the 16 series.
