So, how long does the iPhone 14 battery actually last?
If you’re considering the iPhone 14 phones, like the base iPhone 14 or the top-of-the-line iPhone 14 Pro Max, for yourself and wondering what the real-world battery life is like, you’re not alone. With Apple’s focus on both hardware and software, all the iPhone 14 models offer impressive battery life. However, the base iPhone 14 is a highlight due to its affordable price.
As far as the specs go, the iPhone 14 comes with a 3,279 mAh battery, which is slightly bigger than the one in the previous model and runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is designed to optimise both power and efficiency.
But the real magic lies in the software, with tweaks like iOS’s background app refresh, low-power mode, and adaptive display, all working together to stretch that battery life. Apple might claim great longevity on paper, but how does it actually perform in everyday use? After putting it through some serious testing, here’s how the iPhone 14’s battery life stacks up in the real world.
Battery life on iPhone 14
The iPhone 14’s battery life aligns well with other 6.1-inch devices like the newer iPhone 15. The battery on the iPhone 14 can comfortably last through a full day for most users, with charging typically required overnight. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 offers slightly improved battery life with 22 hours of video playback compared to the 20 hours of the iPhone 14 and 15.
Compared to the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 shows minor battery life gains. Streaming Netflix HDR at full brightness uses 8% battery per hour on the iPhone 14, slightly better than the 9% on the iPhone 13. Gaming also sees similar improvements, saving a few extra percentage points per hour. For those upgrading from older models like the iPhone 11, 12, or an older Android smartphone, the improvements are more noticeable and impactful. The iPhone 14 typically ends a busy day with 10–15% battery remaining, and on quieter days, 25–40% can be expected.
Charging and data transfer
The iPhone 14 remains one of the last models with a Lightning port, as Apple transitioned to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup. Despite using the older port, charging speeds are on par with newer models when paired with a fast charger and a Lightning-to-USB-C cable. Wireless charging via MagSafe is capped at 15W, similar to the iPhone 15, while the iPhone 16 supports faster 25W MagSafe charging.
Data transfer speeds remain the same as the iPhone 15 and 16, using the USB 2 standard. Wired charging is the fastest option, with a 20W charger bringing the battery from 0% to 50% in about 32 minutes, and a full charge taking approximately 95 minutes. The iPhone 14 includes a USB-C to Lightning cable but does not come with a power adapter. Wireless charging is supported through MagSafe and other Qi-enabled pads, providing additional flexibility.