iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra and rivals: Which charges faster?

The YouTube channel PhoneArena conducted a comparison of wired charging speeds for the top smartphones of 2025. The test included the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Experts highlighted Apple’s significant progress: the flagship iPhone has finally received a more powerful charger, though it still doesn’t lead the race. The results are based on real measurements rather than just the manufacturers’ stated specifications.

Stated vs. Actual Power: Where’s the Difference?

Manufacturers often exaggerate specs, but in practice the numbers are lower. Here are the key results:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Claimed 40W, actual 36W. A breakthrough compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max (28W actual).
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Listed at 45W, actual 40W.
• Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Also 45W on paper, but only 33W in testing.
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Promised 90W, but real output is about 45W—nearly half.
• OnePlus 13: The leader with 100W, confirmed in practice.

Apple has taken a step forward, but Android flagships still dominate in speed. The test also showed that real charging power depends on the adapter, cable, and software optimization.

Full Charge Time: 0% to 100%

The clearest metric is how long it takes to charge a completely empty battery to full. Here are PhoneArena’s results:

The OnePlus 13 leads confidently, charging 2.5 times faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max beats its predecessor by 27 minutes but still lags behind competitors. Xiaomi and Samsung deliver balanced results, while Pixel disappointed—despite the claims, it barely outpaced the new iPhone.

What Does This Mean for Users?

Fast charging isn’t just marketing—it can be a lifesaver when traveling or when you forget to charge. However, PhoneArena experts warn that higher wattage generates more heat and may affect long-term battery health. Apple emphasizes balance, but in 2025 competitive pressure has forced the company to speed up. Wireless charging (MagSafe up to 25W on the iPhone 17) has also improved, but wired charging remains the priority for speed.

In Brief...

In PhoneArena’s test, the iPhone 17 Pro Max (36W actual) charges in 77 minutes, outpacing the iPhone 16 Pro Max (104 minutes) but trailing the OnePlus 13 (40 minutes) and Xiaomi 15 Ultra (60 minutes). The Galaxy S25 Ultra (63 minutes) and Pixel 10 Pro XL (78 minutes) fall in the middle. Apple is making progress, but Android still leads in charging speed—so choose based on your priorities!