4 Minutes
EU testing puts smartphone durability and battery claims under the microscope
Since June, the European Union requires standardized lab testing and Energy Labels for smartphones sold in the bloc, delivering transparent durability, repairability and battery-performance ratings. The new regime aims to help consumers compare devices objectively — but manufacturers, led by Apple, have criticized aspects of the methodology.
Where the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands
Official EU results show the iPhone 17 Pro Max earns a Class B in the free-fall test, rated to survive 180 drops. That places it behind rivals such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, both graded Class A (270 drops). Repairability is another weak point: the iPhone scored Class C — the same as Samsung’s Galaxy but below Google’s Pixel, which achieved Class B.
EPREL labels: iPhone 17 Pro Max • Galaxy S25 Ultra • Pixel 10 Pro XL
Battery performance and efficiency
On the upside, Apple’s 17 Pro Max received a Class A energy-efficiency rating and a strong endurance estimate of 53 hours on a single charge. By comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is Class B with about 44:54h, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL is Class B at ~48:39h. A notable divergence is battery durability: Samsung lists 2,000 charge cycles for the S25 Ultra battery, while Apple and Google provide 1,000-cycle ratings. Relative to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the 17 Pro Max improves both efficiency and runtime.
iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge: efficiency without a big battery
The first-generation iPhone Air competes directly with Samsung’s S25 Edge. Despite a smaller 3,149mAh pack (vs 3,900mAh), the Air delivers nearly identical endurance — about 40 hours — and earned a Class A efficiency rating. Its battery is rated for 1,000 cycles, while the Edge is expected to last roughly twice that.
EPREL labels: iPhone Air • Galaxy S25 Edge • iPhone 16 Pro Max
Durability and repairability summary
Physically, the Air matches the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a Class B free-fall rating (180 drops) and a Class C repairability score. The S25 Edge leads on drops with Class A (270 falls) but shares the same repairability grade as Apple’s Air.
Apple’s objections and market implications
Apple has formally challenged parts of the testing, arguing that drop and tumble definitions are ambiguous and hard to reproduce reliably. The company also objects to the small sample size used for tests — five units — and calls for testing on at least 30 devices. Apple published a detailed 44-page report outlining its concerns (PDF).
Why this matters
For consumers, the EU Energy Label adds valuable, comparable data points on smartphone durability, repairability and battery longevity — factors that affect total cost of ownership and environmental impact. For manufacturers, the ratings could shape product design, warranty terms and after-sales service strategies across the EU market.
Use cases and recommendations
Buyers who prioritize ruggedness and repairability should compare EPREL labels before purchase. Power users and travelers should weigh endurance hours and rated charge cycles when choosing a flagship. For repair-friendly devices, look for higher repairability classes or brands that offer parts and repair guides.
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