iPhone 17 Pro Leads 33 Phones in Charging Speed Test
A new test reveals the iPhone 17 Pro offers the fastest overall charging speed among 33 tested smartphones, excelling particularly in wireless charging capabilities.
The iPhone 17 Pro has emerged as the fastest-charging smartphone in a recent comparative test involving 33 current models. Conducted by CNET, the evaluation averaged both wired and wireless charging speeds to determine an overall winner. Apple's latest Pro model secured the top spot, demonstrating superior performance in a competitive market.
The testing focused on real-world scenarios, measuring how much battery charge each phone could gain within a 30-minute period when starting with a low battery level of approximately 10%. In this crucial aspect of user experience, the iPhone 17 Pro outperformed its rivals.
Charging Speed Breakdown
While the iPhone 17 Pro clinched the overall victory, the specifics of wired and wireless charging revealed nuanced performance among top devices. For wired charging, Apple's iPhone 17 Pro secured second place, achieving a 74% charge in 30 minutes. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra was recognized with a CNET Labs Award for the fastest wired charging, adding 76% in the same timeframe. Other notable performers in wired charging included the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) and the OnePlus 15, achieving 74% and 72% respectively. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE also showed strong results, reaching 69% charge.
When it came to wireless charging, Apple's dominance was more pronounced. The iPhone 17 Pro took the lead, gaining 55% charge in 30 minutes, earning it another CNET Labs Award for fastest wireless charging. Four out of the top five positions for wireless speed were occupied by iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro Max followed with 53%, the iPhone 17 with 49%, and the iPhone Air with 47%. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra also appeared in the top wireless performers, reaching 39%.
CNET speculates that Apple's proprietary MagSafe technology likely plays a significant role in its strong wireless charging performance. This technology ensures precise alignment between the phone and the charging coils, potentially giving Apple an edge even as competitors adopt the Qi2 standard. To achieve optimal charging speeds with the iPhone 17 Pro, users will need a compatible 30W or higher power adapter and a MagSafe charger capable of fast charging.
The extensive testing of 33 smartphones, including models available internationally, aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of charging capabilities across major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Google. This analysis highlights the ongoing innovation in smartphone technology, where battery life and charging speed remain critical factors for consumers.