While Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro boasts a substantial boost in charging speed, a controlled test revealed considerably shorter video playback times compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. Japanese tech outlet GIGAZINE ran two maximum-brightness tests on the iPhone 18 Pro, resulting in runtimes of 9 hours and 58 minutes, and 9 hours and 53 minutes.
By comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro achieved 15 hours and 41 minutes using the exact same testing methodology. Those conditions involved maximum screen brightness, 50% volume, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 26-degree Celsius room temperature. The battery usage display indicated no abnormal background processes, with YouTube serving as the sole recorded app.
Apple officially rates the iPhone 18 Pro for a maximum of 34 hours of video playback. Because Apple tests using an offline HDR movie with auto-brightness turned off, its conditions differ from GIGAZINE’s setup. Other evaluations have shown more favorable outcomes for the newer device; GSMArena documented a higher Active Use Score, and Tom’s Guide observed a longer runtime than the prior generation.
Faster Charging Changes the Battery Trade-Off
Where the iPhone 18 Pro clearly excels is in its power replenishment. Apple states that using a 60W or higher adapter allows the device to hit roughly 50% capacity in about 15 minutes. In a test utilizing a 70W Anker Nano Charger, the phone reached 35% at the 10-minute mark and 80% after 30 minutes, achieving a complete charge in 60 minutes. A separate field test with a 65W PD charger yielded a 53% charge in 15 minutes and surpassed 80% in 30 minutes.
Wireless charging speeds improved as well. Using a 15W Anker MagGo charger, the device hit 13% in 10 minutes, reached 40% after 30 minutes, and finished a full charge in 90 minutes. This accelerated charging capability connects directly to the device’s thermal management upgrades, which include a vapor chamber designed to dissipate heat during intense tasks and power-ups.
Priced at USD 1,199 for the baseline 256GB model in the US, the conflicting battery results indicate that buyers should weigh both endurance and charging velocity when deciding whether to upgrade.
Also Read: iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: Which Apple Flagship Actually Makes More Sense?
