iPhone 17 Series vs. Samsung & Google: Durability, Battery & Repairability Face-Off

iPhone 17 Series Still Falls Behind Samsung and Google Flagships in Durability

Since June 2025, a new era of smartphone transparency has arrived in the European Union. Under the EPREL labeling system, all smartphones sold must undergo standardized testing, providing consumers with clear scores on durability, battery efficiency, and repairability. These labels are designed to make device comparison easier, and the initial results for the new iPhone 17 series offer some interesting insights.

While Apple has made improvements, the iPhone 17 series still lags behind several top-tier phones from Samsung and Google, particularly concerning fall damage resistance and ease of repair.

Durability and Repairability

Let’s start with the big one: the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This flagship model achieved a Class B durability rating, a commendable score that indicates it survived 180 falls in standardized drop tests. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which was only rated for 90 falls (Class C). However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max still couldn’t quite catch up to its main rivals. Both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL earned a superior Class A rating, impressively surviving 270 falls each.

In terms of repairability, the 17 Pro Max received a Class C grade, placing it on par with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, however, came out ahead in this category, achieving a Class B rating, suggesting it’s somewhat easier to repair if needed.

Battery and Energy Efficiency

Where Apple truly shined was in energy efficiency. The iPhone 17 Pro Max secured a top-tier Class A rating and demonstrated exceptional endurance, lasting a remarkable 53 hours on a single charge. This performance outstrips its competitors, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra managing 44 hours and 54 minutes, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL lasting 48 hours and 39 minutes. This also represents a clear step forward from the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which had a Class B efficiency rating and 48 hours of endurance.

However, when it comes to long-term battery lifespan, Samsung holds a notable advantage. The Galaxy models are rated for 2,000 charge cycles, meaning they are expected to maintain their battery health for longer. Both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL are rated for 1,000 cycles.

iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge

The EPREL tests also compared Apple’s new iPhone Air against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite the iPhone Air having a smaller 3,149 mAh battery compared to Samsung’s 3,900 mAh unit, it achieved nearly identical endurance (40 hours vs 40 hours and 5 minutes) and secured a Class A efficiency rating. Like the Pro Max, the iPhone Air’s battery is rated for 1,000 cycles, while Samsung’s Edge is expected to last twice as long.

In physical durability, the iPhone Air matched the Pro Max with a Class B free-fall rating (180 falls) and a Class C repairability score. The Galaxy S25 Edge performed better in durability, earning a Class A rating (270 falls), though it shared the same Class C repairability grade as the iPhone Air.

The EPREL labeling system provides valuable insights, confirming that while Apple has made commendable progress in battery efficiency and improved durability with the iPhone 17 series, it still has ground to cover in outright fall resistance and long-term battery lifespan when compared to the flagship offerings from Samsung and Google. For consumers prioritizing a device that can withstand more drops and promises a longer-lasting battery, the competition remains fierce.