Compare mobile phones with long battery life

A mobile phone battery’s capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere-hours): the higher the number, the more energy it holds. This overview filters results by capacity, starting from 4000 mAh. That’s the starting point, because how long a phone actually lasts also depends on the screen and the processor. Below, you can read about what else to look out for.

Which phone with a long battery life is right for you?

Capacity is just one of the four factors you should consider when comparing these handsets.

How do phones with a large battery really differ?

• Capacity: in mAh – and that’s the starting point, not the end result.
• Screen and energy efficiency: a large, bright screen with a high refresh rate eats into the benefits of a large battery. An energy-efficient chip, on the other hand, restores those benefits.
• Charging speed as a safety net: if you can top up during the day, a fast charger carries just as much weight as a large battery. See the phones with fast charging.
• Weight and thickness: you can feel a larger battery in your hand and in your pocket.

What you don’t need to worry about as much: most devices in this overview will last a day with normal use. So the choice comes down to those demanding days, how much extra weight you’re willing to carry for that, and whether you’ll be able to plug in at a socket in between.

Why batteries are getting bigger without the phone getting thicker

Manufacturers are increasingly using batteries with a silicon-carbon anode instead of graphite alone. This technology stores more energy in the same volume. As a result, greater capacity no longer automatically means extra thickness and weight, and devices that would have become bulkier a few years ago now remain slim. So don’t just compare by mAh, but also by weight, as the two are no longer automatically linked.

Tips for saving your battery

There’s a lot you can do yourself to make your battery last longer. The biggest energy guzzler is the display, so the less time you spend with the screen on, the longer your battery will last. There are other things that help too. The most important tips:

• Reduce the screen brightness or set it to auto
• Set the screen timeout as low as possible
• Switch off Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi when you’re not using them
• Set location services to power-saving mode
• Turn off keyboard vibration
• Update your phone regularly
• Use your phone’s battery-saving mode, if available

There is also a persistent misconception that force-closing apps extends battery life. This is not true. Android and iOS now handle apps running in the background or that have ever been opened very well. Sometimes, force-closing apps can even work against you. If you strongly suspect that a particular app is causing battery problems, we actually recommend uninstalling it completely. Try to find an alternative app instead.

Keeping your battery in good condition

It’s not good for the battery to be fully charged every time, and letting it run completely flat doesn’t help its lifespan either. Many phones therefore have a setting that stops charging before it reaches 100 per cent, usually around 80 per cent. If your device has this feature, switch it on if you want to keep the battery in good condition for a long time. Short charging sessions are better than repeatedly charging from almost empty to full. This has become even more important with built-in batteries.

In 2017, the fire service, together with the Dutch Association of Insurers, issued a warning against charging mobile phones overnight. This is because there is a very small risk of overheating and fire. It is therefore better to charge your phone during the day, whilst you are present.