Since June 2025, smartphones sold in the European Union must undergo standardized testing under the EPREL[1] labeling system. The labels provide durability, battery efficiency, and repairability scores, allowing consumers to compare devices more easily.
These labels show that the iPhone 17 series still falls behind several top-tier phones when it comes to fall damage and repairability.
Durability and Repairability
The Apple[2] iPhone 17 Pro Max received a Class B durability rating, surviving 180 falls in drop tests. This isn’t a bad rating by any means, but it still falls behind the Samsung[3] Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google[4] Pixel 10 Pro XL, both of which earned Class A ratings after surviving 270 falls. Still, Apple improved on its own past results, as the iPhone 16 Pro Max was only rated for 90 falls, earning a Class C.
In repairability, the 17 Pro Max was graded Class C, the same as the Galaxy, but lower than the Pixel, which achieved Class B.
Battery and Energy Efficiency
Where Apple performed best was in energy efficiency. The iPhone 17 Pro Max achieved a Class A rating and lasted 53 hours on a single charge, outperforming both the Galaxy S25 Ultra at 44 hours, 54 minutes, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at 48 hours, 39 minutes.
However, Samsung holds an advantage in battery lifespan. The Galaxy is rated for 2,000 charge cycles, while the iPhone and Pixel are rated for 1,000 cycles each. Compared with its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the new model represents progress in both efficiency (up from Class B) and endurance (up from 48 hours).
iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge
Apple’s new iPhone Air was tested against the Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite having a smaller 3,149 mAh battery compared to Samsung’s 3,900 mAh unit, the Air achieved nearly identical endurance (40:00h vs 40:05h) and secured a Class A efficiency rating. Like the Pro Max, the Air 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 with a Class A rating (270 falls), though it shared the same Class C repairability grade.
References
- ^ EPREL (eprel.ec.europa.eu)
- ^ Apple Mobiles Price in Pakistan (propakistani.pk)
- ^ Samsung Mobiles Price in Pakistan (propakistani.pk)
- ^ Google Mobiles Price in Pakistan (propakistani.pk)