Modern smartphones typically boast strong battery life, often lasting a full day on a single charge, which is a key factor for many buyers. Advances in technology, particularly in processors, allow for enhanced performance without excessive power consumption. This efficiency helps keep phones slim while maintaining or improving battery life.
However, certain phones stand out for their exceptional battery life, catering to those who prefer to avoid frequent charging. This includes a range of smartphones, from top-tier Android models to iPhones, varying in price and features. Despite these differences, all of them excel in battery longevity.
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
The Motorola Edge+ stands out among flagship smartphones for its affordability and comprehensive features. Its impressive 5,100mAh battery offers excellent longevity and can be quickly recharged with the included 68W charger. It also supports 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging and boasts a generous 512GB of storage. The only limitation is its availability in just black.
In terms of performance, the Edge+ excels with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and features a stunning 6.7-inch pOLED display, supporting a wide color range, Dolby Vision HDR, and curved edges for an immersive viewing experience. The device runs on a streamlined version of Android 13 and is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, further enhanced with stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos.
The camera setup is versatile, including a 50MP primary camera with optical stabilization. Photos are vibrant and sharp in good lighting and maintain quality in low light. Portraits are excellent, though detail diminishes at zoom levels beyond 2X.
iPhone 14 Plus
Buying a new iPhone between August and September isn’t ideal, but if necessary, the iPhone 14 Plus is a standout choice, particularly for its exceptional battery life. It rivals the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro Max in battery performance but is lighter and more affordable. Ideal for those desiring the Pro Max’s large display and battery without the hefty price tag, the iPhone 14 Plus matches the features of its smaller counterpart while offering a significant size and battery upgrade.
The device is available in various vibrant colors, with an aluminum body and scratch-resistant glass on both the display and back. It boasts a dual-camera system capable of recording 4K 60FPS videos in Dolby Vision HDR. The 6.7-inch OLED screen is bright and ideal for media consumption, and being an iPhone, it integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, including peripherals and other devices like MacBooks.
While the iPhone 14 has faced criticism for being too similar to the iPhone 13, the 14 Plus is unique as it’s the first of its kind, offering a new size and battery experience. Until the iPhone 15 Plus is released, the 14 Plus is the top choice in this category.
Asus Zenfone 10
The Asus Zenfone 10, despite its compact size and a 4,300mAh battery, earns its spot on the list with its impressive battery performance. Our review found it can last over a day with careful use, and it’s notable how Asus fitted a large battery into such a small device. The phone supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.
However, its compactness does come with trade-offs. The 5.9-inch display may feel small for some users, and its lightweight design might seem less premium. The camera setup, while competent, lacks a telephoto lens.
But considering its price, the Zenfone 10 offers great value. It’s powered by the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and includes features like an IP68 rating. The versatile software offers a choice between Asus’ custom interface or stock Android, a rare smartphone option. It also comes in various colors and storage options.
While vertically folding smartphones are gaining popularity for their compactness, they can’t match the convenience of a traditional smartphone like the Zenfone 10. It’s a worthy successor to the beloved Sony Xperia Compact series, offering a similar appeal in a modern form.
OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 5G stands out with its 80W fast charging capability, and the OnePlus conveniently includes the required charger in the box. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery performs above average, typically lasting a full day and often stretching into the next. A notable change from its predecessor, the OnePlus 10 Pro, is the removal of wireless charging, although the 11 5G’s rapid charging somewhat compensates for this.
While the OnePlus 11 5G is generally impressive, it does have a few shortcomings. The telephoto camera could be improved, and overall, the camera system doesn’t quite rival the likes of the Google Pixel 7, especially considering the similar price range. Also missing are features like an IP rating and wireless charging.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 11 5G is a well-crafted flagship, available in two color and storage options. It boasts a high-resolution QHD+ display and is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The OxygenOS software it runs is known for being clean and highly customizable. Camera-wise, it features top-tier sensors and supports up to 8K video recording, making it a strong contender in its category.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G impresses with its resemblance to the pricier Galaxy S23 series, offering similar aesthetics at a lower cost. It excels in battery life with a 5,000mAh battery, often ending a day with about 50% remaining, enough to last into the next day with moderate use.
Despite its mid-range status, the A54 5G doesn’t skimp on features. It has a vivid AMOLED display, respectable cameras, and an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. However, it supports 25W fast charging, which isn’t the fastest, and the charger is sold separately. The processor in the A54 5G is adequate for everyday tasks but may lag during intense multitasking or gaming. The high-resolution cameras offer decent quality, but low-light performance is average, and there’s no fast charger included.
For casual users, the Galaxy A54 5G is a solid choice. It’s available in two colors in the U.S., with a single 128GB storage option (expandable via microSD). Samsung’s One UI software provides extensive customization, and the 50MP primary camera includes optical stabilization for clearer, low-light images. It also stands out in its price range with 4K video recording capabilities on the selfie camera.
Since 2016, Usman has flourished as an independent tech journalist, reveling in the evaluation of diverse tech gadgets, with a particular fondness for charging technology to ascertain product performance. Besides his journalistic endeavors, he helms the Charger Harbor YouTube channel, where he extends his tech insights to a broader audience.