Apple’s new iPhone 16 series is finally here after months of speculation and rumour and is being met with rave reviews. Many tech professionals call it the best flagship Apple device yet and a great entry point into the iOS ecosystem.
The iPhone 16 is a massive improvement over its predecessors. Various components saw significant upgrades, like the newer and faster A18 chipset, more memory at 8GB RAM, and improved support for artificial intelligence features (Apple Intelligence).
The iPhone 16 was first unveiled during the September 9, 2024 Apple Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. A few weeks later, the phone was released on September 20, 2024. The phone features a similar aluminium design to its predecessor, the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 16 shares the same 6.1-inch form factor as its counterpart from the previous generation but has a few new additions. The design has a new Action Button in place of the Mute Switch and also has a new Camera Control function built-in.
The iPhone 16 even has a new and improved 25W MagSafe, but what about the battery? The question on everybody’s mind is: Does the new iPhone 16 have a better battery life than the previous generation devices?
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 battery. This includes the capacity, how it compares to previous iPhones and the different factors that impact battery life.
Is The iPhone 16 Battery Good?
The short answer is: yes, the iPhone 16 battery is good and, in many cases, an excellent improvement over previous generations. Apple has made significant strides in the battery technology and optimisation of the iPhone 16.
Testing from various media outlets shows the iPhone 16 battery outperforms the iPhone 15. A standard battery life test reveals that the iPhone 16 lasts around 12 hours and 43 minutes on average, while the iPhone 15 only manages 11 hours and 5 minutes of battery life.
The iPhone 16 lasts almost 2 hours longer than its predecessor. This can make a huge difference for people who are out for long periods of time and don’t have access to a charger. This longer time can be attributed to the new A18 chipset being more optimised and also the larger battery capacity in the iPhone 16, which measures 3,561 mAh.
If you are interested in a phone primarily for battery life, the other models in the iPhone 16 line are better. For example, the iPhone 16 Pro lasts an additional two hours longer, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts an impressive 5+ hours longer, at 18 hours and 6 minutes.
However, the base iPhone 16 model offers incredible battery capacity in its 6.1-inch form factor and incredible processing power. The iPhone 16 also comes with various features that improve battery functionality, like fast charging, wireless charging (Qi and MagSafe), and low-power mode.
It’s also possible to set charging limits as of iOS 18, which can help increase the longevity of the battery’s overall health. This setting stops the iPhone from charging further than X% (for example, 90%). Research suggests this can extend your battery’s lifespan.
How Does The iPhone 16 Battery Compare To Other iPhones?
Compared to the previous generation’s base models, the iPhone 16 is a significant leap ahead in battery life. It’s the best-performing base model iPhone you can get. The iPhone 16 only outperforms the premium models (Plus, Pro, and Pro Max) in battery life.
Below, we’ve compiled data from battery test results for the iPhone 15 and 16 series line into a table. As you can see, the iPhone 16 provides a longer battery life than the 15 and 15 Pro.
|
Battery Capacity (mAh) |
Battery Life (hours: minutes) |
|
|
iPhone 16 |
3561 |
12:43 |
|
iPhone 16 Plus |
4674 |
16:29 |
|
iPhone 16 Pro |
3582 |
14:07 |
|
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
4685 |
18:06 |
|
iPhone 15 |
3349 |
11:05 |
|
iPhone 15 Plus |
4383 |
14:14 |
|
iPhone 15 Pro |
3274 |
10:53 |
|
iPhone 15 Pro Max |
4422 |
14:02 |
The only models that significantly outperform the iPhone 16 are the 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max, which are the ‘premium’ models. Considering the price point of the iPhone 16, especially if you buy it refurbished, the 12+ hour battery life is incredible value.
The main factors that contribute to battery life include:
-
The battery capacity
-
The chipset (better optimisation = less battery drain)
-
Usage (e.g., web browsing takes up less battery than gaming)
-
The battery’s overall health
-
Software updates
-
Temperature
-
Charging habits
A phone’s software can contribute to poor battery life. So, it’s important to consider the manufacturer’s ongoing support. With the iPhone 16 being the latest iPhone model at the time of writing, it’ll be receiving the best support for ongoing software updates and battery optimisation.
It’s also possible that temperature and charging habits impact battery life. In Australia, it can get pretty hot, especially in summer, which can lead to premature battery drains. Bad charging habits, like overcharging the device and letting it go flat (reach 0%), can also reduce the battery’s overall health, shortening battery life.
Refurbishing Process Impact on Phone Battery Life
When considering a refurbished smartphone, it’s normal to have questions about how the conditioning process can impact battery life. Any reputable retailer will ensure optimal battery health in the refurbishment process.
During refurbishment, the device should be looked over by a qualified technician using professional tools and software. As part of this process, the battery’s health should also be checked and inspected for any abnormalities.
If any abnormalities are found, the battery struggles to hold a charge, or the battery health is below a certain figure (typically 80%), it is replaced with a brand-new one. If you’re considering a refurbished iPhone 16, it should have similar, if not identical, battery performance as a new device.
If you’re shopping from a third-party retailer for a refurbished phone, we recommend considering:
The retailer’s reputation
Research the store, check any review websites (or Google’s business listing) and read other customers’ experiences. This is a great way to judge how credible a retailer is.
Any additional warranties or guarantees
A reputable seller is always willing to stand behind their products with warranties and guarantees. Warranties are a green flag and show the seller is confident in their product.
Information about the refurbishment process
Any reputable store is willing to share information about their refurbishment process. If you can’t find any information, consider contacting them or finding another store.
Buy The Latest Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking to upgrade your phone, buying refurbished is cost-effective and eco-friendly. It’s a great way to save some money, even on the latest models. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a large range of refurbished iPhones, including the iPhone 16 series and accessories.
All the phones we sell, including our refurbished iPhone models, come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you have any concerns or a change of heart, you can reach out for support.
Our devices all go through an extensive, 72-point refurbishment process by a qualified technician in our Melbourne headquarters. When you choose OzMobiles, you can expect that your device will be looked over by a professional using industry-grade software to ensure it is fully functional and running like new.
When you shop with us, you also get a battery life guarantee. All of our refurbished devices come with at least 80% battery health or more, ensuring a long-lasting battery. If you have any questions about our refurbished phones, contact us today. The OzMobiles team would love to hear from you.
