CNET conducted a comparative analysis of 33 current smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola to measure charging performance. The test assessed battery gain from 10% or less after a 30-minute charge period for both wired and wireless methods.
Overall Charging Speed
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro achieved the highest average score, calculated as the mean of its wired and wireless test results.
Wired Charging Performance
The following percentages indicate the battery capacity gained after 30 minutes of wired charging:
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 76%
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro: 74%
- Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025): 74%
- OnePlus 15: 72%
- Apple iPhone 17: 69%
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: 69%
- Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: 69%
Wireless Charging Performance
The following percentages indicate the battery capacity gained after 30 minutes of wireless charging:
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro: 55%
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: 53%
- Apple iPhone 17: 49%
- Apple iPhone Air: 47%
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 39%
Four of the five fastest wireless charging results were Apple devices.
Methodology
CNET conducted two tests per device: a 30-minute wired test using the included cable and a charger that matched or exceeded each phone's maximum supported speed, and a 30-minute wireless test using Qi (7.5W), Qi2 (15W), or Qi2.2 (25W) chargers. The overall score was derived from the average of these two results. Phones utilizing proprietary wireless charging standards not widely available in the US, such as the Honor Magic 8 Pro at 80W, were tested separately and noted.
Technical Context
- Battery Technology: Silicon-carbon batteries, which allow for higher capacity and faster charging, are currently used primarily by OnePlus, RedMagic, and Poco in the US market. Apple, Samsung, and Google have not adopted this technology.
- Charging Standards: The Qi2.2 wireless charging standard supports up to 25W. Magnets in chargers facilitate alignment for optimal charging speeds.
- Equipment Requirement: To achieve maximum charging speeds, users require a charger that supports the phone's peak charging rate. CNET recommends a 30W or larger adapter for 25W wireless charging.