Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro just topped a large smartphone charging test after researchers compared 33 current devices from brands including Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus. The results showed Apple’s flagship delivered the fastest overall charging performance when wired and wireless charging speeds were combined into a single score.
The testing focused on something people actually care about in daily use instead of unrealistic lab conditions. Every phone started with 10% battery or less, and testers measured how much charge each device gained after 30 minutes.
According to CNET, the iPhone 17 Pro performed consistently well across both charging methods, which helped it beat phones that offered higher raw charging wattage but less balanced results overall.
“We ranked all the phones tested to determine which was the fastest-charging overall. To do this, we averaged each phone’s wired and wireless charging test results into a single score. We found that Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is the fastest overall charging phone we have tested in the past year.”
The report also pointed out that Apple benefits from smaller battery sizes combined with efficient hardware and software optimization, which helps the iPhone recharge faster without needing extreme charging speeds like some Android rivals.
Apple dominated wireless charging
Wireless charging became one of the biggest surprises in the test because Apple secured four out of the top five spots.
The iPhone 17 Pro added 55% battery in 30 minutes during wireless charging tests, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max reached 53%, the iPhone 17 hit 49%, and the iPhone Air reached 47%.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra came fifth with 39%.
CNET believes Apple’s MagSafe system still gives iPhones an advantage because the magnets keep the phone perfectly aligned with the charging coil, which improves charging efficiency and consistency.
“The 17 Pro likely benefits from Qi2.2 wireless charging and magnets to keep a wireless charger in the optimal charging position.”
The report also noted that users need the right accessories to reach those speeds, including a 30W or higher power adapter and a MagSafe charger that supports fast charging.
Samsung still led wired charging
Even though the iPhone 17 Pro won overall, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra delivered the fastest wired charging result.
Here are the top wired charging performers after 30 minutes:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: 76%
- iPhone 17 Pro: 74%
- Moto G Stylus (2025): 74%
- OnePlus 15: 72%
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 69%
The results also showed how much faster charging has improved across the smartphone market, especially as more brands adopt USB Power Delivery standards and Qi2.2 wireless charging.
Apple’s strong performance becomes even more interesting because the company still avoids the ultra-high charging speeds used by several Chinese smartphone makers. Instead, Apple appears focused on stable charging efficiency, thermal control, and battery optimization that work consistently in real-world use.
