I just got my first iPhone and the battery has been a letdown. It drops 25% in less than 2 hours. My old Samsung, which was 3 years old and way cheaper, lasted just as long. I’ve turned off background refresh, kept brightness low, and tried every tip I found online, but the difference is barely noticeable. It’s been a week now, and I’m seriously considering returning it. Anyone got advice or similar experiences?
I have the 16 Plus, and I usually get over 30 hours between charges. No issues here.
Joss said:
I have the 16 Plus, and I usually get over 30 hours between charges. No issues here.
The 16 Plus really performs well on battery.
Joss said:
I have the 16 Plus, and I usually get over 30 hours between charges. No issues here.
The 16 Plus really performs well on battery.
That’s interesting because my 16 Plus has bad battery life. I barely get 8 hours of screen time, and I’m on iOS 18.2 beta 3.
@Wyn
Could it be because you’re on a beta version? Sometimes those can drain battery faster.
Joss said:
I have the 16 Plus, and I usually get over 30 hours between charges. No issues here.
This makes me think I should get the Plus. I’ve been hearing mixed things about the others.
@Parker
Yeah, mine’s the Plus, not the Pro.
Oh, got it. I’m heading to the store soon, and I’m leaning towards the Plus. Thanks for clarifying.
Joss said:
I have the 16 Plus, and I usually get over 30 hours between charges. No issues here.
Same here. I charge mine every three days because the battery lasts so long.
I’m in the same boat. My first iPhone, and I’m already thinking of returning it because the battery drains so quickly. I’ve turned off background data, keep brightness low, and barely use any apps except Chrome. It still loses 1% every few minutes when I’m using it, and even when idle, it’s not much better. It’s been a week now, and nothing’s changed.
@Ellery
It took my phone about two weeks for the battery to stabilise. Maybe give it some more time?
Zach said:
@Ellery
It took my phone about two weeks for the battery to stabilise. Maybe give it some more time?
After the two weeks, how many hours of screen time do you usually get?
Zach said:
@Ellery
It took my phone about two weeks for the battery to stabilise. Maybe give it some more time?
Mine also improved after a while, but honestly, it’s still not as good as I expected from a new phone.
I’ve got the same problem. I’ve had my iPhone 16 for a week, and I’ve turned off everything that could drain the battery, but it still drops quickly. I mostly use it for calls, Twitter, and Instagram. I thought about getting the Pro Max for the bigger battery, but I don’t like big phones, and it seems like others are having similar issues.
This happens because the base 16 has a powerful processor but a smaller battery. Your usage sounds normal. On my iPhone 13, I lose about 10% per hour with regular use, so it’s around 8–9 hours before needing a charge.
A new iPhone’s battery always drains faster in the first week or two. It should get better soon.
TikTok can really drain your battery. Turn off background refresh, and don’t close your apps—just leave them running in the background.
That’s strange. My base iPhone 15 gives me about 4–5 hours of screen time, sometimes even 6 hours on 4G.
Storm said:
That’s strange. My base iPhone 15 gives me about 4–5 hours of screen time, sometimes even 6 hours on 4G.
Are you saying 25% lasts you 4–5 hours?
Storm said:
That’s strange. My base iPhone 15 gives me about 4–5 hours of screen time, sometimes even 6 hours on 4G.
Are you saying 25% lasts you 4–5 hours?
No, I mean from something like 70–80%. It’ll drop to about 10–15% with normal use at home (no mobile data). For gaming, it’s closer to 20% per hour.