Full 2008 iPod + iPhone Battery Life Chart (Preliminary)

Backstage

Full 2008 iPod + iPhone Battery Life Chart (Preliminary)

Just wanted to give loyal Backstage readers a preview of the preliminary comparative results of our battery tests on the 2008 iPods and iPhone 3G, as well as comparisons with the 2007 models. We’re re-running one test for confirmation, but think the numbers are pretty solid.

Notable: Any claim that the iPod classic 120GB hasn’t changed from last year’s 80GB predecessor is clearly wrong. Apple’s own web site shows a 6 hour boost in audio and a 1 hour boost in video playback time. Actual results show those gains, but over the 80GB model’s real performance, not what was stated. In other words, the classic remains the iPod family’s longest-running audio and video player, with comfortable leads over the new iPod touch.

Also: We had heard that Apple was reworking the iPod shuffle, but between battery and audio test results, it seems that whatever the company’s planning has not materialized in the model shipping in late 2008. The 11-minute difference in run times is non-material.

The full results of our tests can be seen in the iPod nano review, iPod touch review, iPhone 3G review, and soon-to-be-released iPod classic review.

« The Why Behind the 4GB Fourth-Gen iPod nano

A Brief Note on the 4G iPod nano’s Purple Color »

Comments

1

Did you run the iPhone 3G with 2.1 firmware?

Jim

Posted by Jim Pollock on September 13, 2008 at 2:21 PM (PST)

2

It’s very odd that the 2G touch gets 10 hours longer audio playback than the iPhone 3G, yet can’t match or beat the video playback time of the phone. Why is that?

Posted by Railrider on September 13, 2008 at 7:58 PM (PST)

3

Indeed, I echo Jim Pollock’s question above. I just purchased a 3G iPhone last Wednesday before the 2.1 update and was extremely disappointed with the battery life. However, after installing the 2.1 update, I noticed significantly improved battery performance. I am pretty happy overall with the 2.1 update. I think it’s the best update so far, as it has fixed two key issues for me which were of course battery life, and the excruciatingly slow back up time. I have thirty days to try my new iPhone and though the jury’s still out, I am now leaning much more towards keeping it.

Posted by Tenchi211 in California on September 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM (PST)

4

Good question railrider. One would assume that the Touch and iPhone used identical batteries, guess not.

Posted by Paul on September 14, 2008 at 3:48 PM (PST)

5

@Railrider
The iPhones radio is turned on all the time, also during audio playback. (If you use Wifi on your iPod that is also true, but I think for these tests you normally turn Wifi off.) I guess the iPhone has a bigger battery, yet the constant drag from the radio doesn’t allow for ultra long runtimes. That doesn’t play such a big role when it comes to video playback. I bet if you were to test audio playback in airplane mode you would get more then 40 hours.

Posted by michael on September 15, 2008 at 1:53 AM (PST)

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods or accessories, or if you sell or market products, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators. Wondering why we're talking about something other than iPods? Check the Archives: Backstage has been here and kicking it since 2004.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

Backstage