Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro has been recognized as the fastest-charging smartphone in a recent CNET lab test evaluating 33 devices. The assessment measured both wired and wireless charging capabilities, with the iPhone 17 Pro excelling in overall performance.
In the wired charging category, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra led by reaching a 76% charge in 30 minutes, thanks to its 60-watt charging capacity. The iPhone 17 Pro closely followed, achieving a 74% charge in the same timeframe, matching Motorola’s Moto G Stylus (2025). Other notable performers included the OnePlus 15 at 72%, and the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, each at 69%.
For wireless charging, the iPhone 17 Pro topped the list by gaining 55% charge in 30 minutes. The iPhone 17 Pro Max followed at 53%, with the iPhone 17 at 49%, the iPhone Air at 47%, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra at 39%. The iPhone 17 Pro’s advantage is partly due to its 4,252mAh battery, which is smaller than the 5,000mAh or larger capacities found in many competing flagships. This smaller battery size allows for faster charging in absolute terms. Additionally, the device supports 40-watt wired charging and 25-watt Qi2.2 wireless charging. CNET notes that battery size is just one factor in overall battery life, alongside processor and software efficiency, and in its battery life testing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max came out on top for endurance.
Apple’s consistency in fast-charging performance is notable, with an average of 54.6% charge across the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air. In contrast, Samsung’s nine-phone average stood at 38.5%, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra as its strongest performer and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as its weakest at 29%.
These findings underscore Apple’s commitment to enhancing charging technology, offering users quicker and more efficient power replenishment. As battery life remains a critical factor for consumers, such advancements position Apple favorably in the competitive smartphone market.
Source: MacRumors
