Tech reviewers on the PhoneBuff channel recently pitted Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max against Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra to gauge real‑world battery endurance on video. The head‑to‑head comparison highlights how these premium flagships perform under typical daily use, including streaming, gaming, and web browsing, to reveal which model lasts longer between charges.
In the test, the Galaxy S23 Ultra ships with a larger 5000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max houses a 4323 mAh pack. This size difference naturally raises questions about how efficiency, display tech, and software optimization balance the scales for overall endurance.
Commentators noted that Apple’s advantage isn’t just raw capacity. The iPhone benefits from tightly integrated hardware and software that work together to maximize power efficiency, especially during sustained use. This synergy can sometimes offset a smaller battery, delivering competitive longevity that fans have come to expect.
Display size and technology also come into play. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 6.7‑inch panel, while the S23 Ultra edges it out with a 6.8‑inch screen. Both devices support variable refresh rates from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, a feature designed to conserve energy when high frame rates aren’t needed. The S23 Ultra carries a higher display resolution of 1440×3088, compared with the iPhone’s 1290×2796, which can influence power draw depending on content and brightness settings.
During the battery endurance test, the iPhone 14 Pro Max outlasted its Samsung rival by roughly 38 minutes, achieving about 27 hours and 44 minutes of active use on a single charge. The Galaxy S23 Ultra recorded approximately 27 hours and 6 minutes under the same conditions. The margin, while modest, is meaningful for users who rely on their devices through long workdays or travel without frequent recharging.
Analysts and viewers alike concluded that the iPhone 14 Pro Max remains a strong performer, with the gap narrowing to a small percentage. The takeaway is clear: both devices offer robust endurance that generally meets typical daily needs without requiring a mid‑day charge for most users. In practice, everyday tasks like messaging, video streaming, navigation, and app switching are well handled on both platforms, keeping reliance on a charger to a minimum for many customers.
Beyond the official hardware and software specs, enthusiasts occasionally explore extreme modifications. A Reddit user posted images of a heavily modified Galaxy A32 5G powered by a 30,000 mAh battery as a curiosity project. While such mega‑batteries exist in hobbyist circles, they are not representative of mainstream devices and can introduce significant safety and usability concerns for everyday use. Buyers should focus on balancing realistic battery needs with reliable, manufacturer‑approved configurations rather than pursuing oversized power packs.