I put the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and OnePlus 15 outside in freezing temperatures for a battery drain test. Despite the cold, the results surprised me. Here's why.
Flagship Phone Cold Weather Test: What You Need to Know
I conducted two tests: one indoors and another outside in freezing temperatures (15°F). I also considered the age of each phone, as battery performance can decline over time. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has been with me the longest, followed by the Pixel 10 Pro XL and OnePlus 15. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is brand new.
Indoor Room Temperature Results
All phones felt warm to the touch after 30 minutes. The Pixel 10 Pro XL saw the biggest initial drop, falling to 96%, while the others remained above 98%. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's performance was notable, ending at 96%, possibly due to its new status.
Outdoor Freezing Temperature Results
The outdoor test revealed a different story. The iPhone 17 Pro Max showed exceptional endurance, dropping to 95% after 2.5 hours. The OnePlus 15 performed similarly to its indoor results, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra struggled, dropping to 86%. Interestingly, the Pixel 10 Pro XL performed better in the cold, maintaining 84% battery after two hours.
Flagship Phone Cold Weather Test: Bottom Line
I was surprised by the results. Extreme cold didn't cause severe battery drain as expected. Instead, the extreme heat is a bigger battery killer. The Pixel 10 Pro XL's high brightness likely contributed to the rapid drain. Battery health and age also play a role, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max's fresh battery delivering excellent results.
The Surprising Takeaway
Frigid temperatures act as a natural cooling system, and certain phone designs are more effective in mitigating heat. This test highlights the importance of considering both heat and cold in battery performance.
