The iPhone Air aims to impress with its advanced technology, including the C1X 5G modem, which Apple boasts consumes 30 percent less power than the Snapdragon X75 while providing enhanced performance. Additionally, the device features Apple's proprietary N1 wireless chip. This combination, along with an LTPO OLED screen, is expected to deliver remarkable battery life. However, a recent battery drain test reveals that its competitor, the Galaxy S25 Edge, has emerged victorious.
In an extensive battery drain test conducted by YouTuber PhoneBuff, both the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge were put through their paces. The test began with a one-hour phone call, where Apple’s flagship device took an early lead. However, as the test progressed into email sifting, both smartphones maintained a similar pace.
It was during the browser scrolling phase that the Galaxy S25 Edge gained its first advantage. This lead was consistent throughout the 16-hour standby test, demonstrating the effectiveness of its battery management. In a surprising twist, the iPhone Air managed to close the gap during gameplay in Alto’s Adventure, a less demanding game that still consumes battery life.
When utilizing Google Maps—a function requiring both Wi-Fi and GPS—the Galaxy S25 Edge continued to outperform the iPhone Air. PhoneBuff explained that both devices were set to equal configurations for a fair comparison, with display brightness at 200 nits and calibrated speaker output.
Notably, the iPhone Air features a single speaker, which must produce higher audio output to match the stereo configuration of the Galaxy S25 Edge. This increased output likely leads to higher energy consumption, impacting overall battery performance.
The battery drain test concluded with the following results:
iPhone Air: Active time - 9 hours and 58 minutes, Standby time - 16 hours, Total time - 25 hours and 58 minutes Galaxy S25 Edge: Active time - 9 hours and 59 minutes, Standby time - 16 hours, Total time - 25 hours and 59 minutesAlthough PhoneBuff declared the test a tie, the Galaxy S25 Edge technically outlasted the iPhone Air by a mere minute. This minor difference highlights a significant point: despite Apple's efforts to integrate high-efficiency hardware, the Galaxy S25 Edge benefits from its larger battery capacity.
In summary, while the iPhone Air showcases impressive technology and efficiency, it ultimately falls short against the Galaxy S25 Edge in battery longevity. This test emphasizes the importance of battery capacity in real-world usage, demonstrating that a larger battery can provide a distinct advantage, even with advanced power-saving features.
