Smartphone technology is racing ahead like no other, but if there is one component of smartphones that lags behind, it's the battery. More and more manufacturers are increasingly putting in those blazing-fast octa-core and quad-core processors, ultra HD displays, and all sorts of high-tech new features that are inevitably going to drain out battery life.
Yet, most manufacturers have failed to make the same breakthroughs in smartphone battery technology as everywhere else. But that's not to say smartphone makers continue to ignore the one thing most consumers want in a smartphone: a better battery.
It's obvious why manufacturers can't make leaps and bounds in battery life; they are limited by the size of the device. Most of the time, a bigger device means better battery life, but many companies have started introducing power-saving modes that allow the smartphone to automatically switch on settings that save on juice. Samsung was the first to do this with its Ultra Power Saving Mode, but plenty of other manufacturers have jumped in.
For smart shoppers who consider battery life when they are looking for a smartphone, here are some of the best options.
Huawei Ascend Mate 2
The 6.1-inch Huawei Ascend Mate 2 packs in humongous power with a 3,990mAh battery. In real life, that translates to more than 14 hours of continuous usage, with some reviewers reporting up to a whopping 18 hours of light to medium usage.
OnePlus One
The OnePlus One may not be as well-known as Apple's iPhones or Samsung's Galaxy Phones, but the biggest Android fans consider it a "hero phone." At $299, unlocked, one can get a smartphone with 13 hours of battery life on a single charge and with heavy use. The only downside to the OnePlus One is one will need an invitation to be able to buy it.
HTC One M8
The HTC One M8 features a premium look and feel thanks to a metal design that tips the scales slightly more than its competitors. However, it has nearly 10 hours of battery life tested with heavy use, a feature that should more than compensate for people who value having a lot of juice over a slim, light profile.
iPhone 6 Plus
It's Apple's first large-screen smartphone and, sure enough, Apple delivers on all fronts, including on the battery life. Testing for the iPhone 6 Plus shows this device can last up to 10 whole hours before needing a recharge.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Sporting a sizeable 3,220mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 lasts nearly nine hours on a single charge. With Samsung's Ultra Power Saving Mode turned on, which turns the brightly lit AMOLED display into classic black-and-white, users might be able to squeeze in a few more hours.
Motorola Droid Turbo
Motorola claims 48 hours of battery life on a single charge on the Droid Turbo, which is available exclusively through Verizon. Naturally, no one believes Motorola's claims, but testing shows the Droid Turbo still registers a more-than-okay nine-and-a-half hours.
