We get it, staying connected is non-negotiable. That tends to be a little harder to do in South Africa, compared to other countries with a properly functioning electrical grid. That’s probably why a recent study on Stuff revealed that battery life reigns supreme for smartphone seekers, with 33% valuing it above other factors.
Then comes the task of finding a smartphone with a long-lasting battery life, which is especially true now that Stage 6 load shedding is back. Luckily, many readily available smartphones with beefy batteries are just waiting for new homes.
Even better – many of the devices listed below feature fast-charging capabilities, making the necessity of charging between load-shedding slots an afterthought.
Battle of the big battery bois
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 120W
- Price: R8,800
This Xiaomi mid-ranger boasts a substantial 5,000mAh cell and supports a lightning-fast 120W charging speed. This combo ensures longevity in usage and rapid refuelling for uninterrupted enjoyment, whether that’s work or play.
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 67W
- Price: R7,500
Another one from Xiaomi, but this time from its powerful but affordable sub-brand Poco – the X4 Pro 5G. It comes equipped with a 5,000mAh juice bottle and 67W charging capabilities. It doesn’t feature the 120W fast charging of the Note 12 Pro+, but still admirable for its price.
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Charging: 65W
- Price: R18,500
One of the more expensive, but cooler devices on this list – the Asus ROG Phone 6 is a powerhouse, not just for gaming but also for its massive 6,000mAh battery. Paired with 65W charging, it promises longer use without the fear of running out of juice during gaming marathons.
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT
- Battery: 4,700mAh
- Charging: 120W
- Price: R11,900
Tailored for gamers and heavy users, the Poco F4 GT features a slightly smaller 4,700mAh battery but is paired with an impressive 120W charging capability. This smartphone is designed for users who demand both stamina and quick recharges during the day.
Realme GT NEO 5
- Battery: 4,600mAh
- Charging: 240W
- Price: R15,500
Sporting an eye-watering 240W charging capacity and a respectable 4,600mAh cell, the Realme GT NEO 5 is an absolute beast. While you won’t find this one on contract in South Africa, it’s available from a third-party store for a decent mid-range price. The claimed nine minutes for a full charge is one of the fastest available anywhere.
OnePlus Open foldable
- Battery: 4,805mAh
- Charging: 67W
- Price: R46,000
The OnePlus Open foldable is the most interesting device on this list. If you’re set on adopting the foldable smartphone lifestyle but don’t want to limit yourself to the mainstream slow-charging options, this is a good alternative. While it has a decently sized battery, you might find yourself relying on that 67W charging speed more often, thanks to its power-hungry display. To be fair, if you can afford to buy the OnePlus Open foldable, you can afford a good quality fast-charging power bank to keep it juiced up in a flash.
VIVO IQOO 11 Pro
- Battery: 4,700mAh
- Charging: 200W
- Price: R22,000
The VIVO IQOO 11 Pro and its 200W charging prowess slot in as the second fastest charging device on the list. Its 4,700mAh battery is slightly bigger than the Realme’s, it doesn’t charge quite as fast, and it’s pricier. But it makes up for it in other areas, like supposedly decent camera chops. So it’s still a valid option for those lucky enough not to have to worry about losing power when they need it.
Contract options
Buying a phone with straight cash is a form of privilege in SA, and most people will opt for a contract option. Locally, contract options are typically reserved for a handful of smartphones for the bigger brands – Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.
We’re now seeing more brands join the major mobile networks as contract options – like Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi. It’s offering a wider selection, and more affordable options to people.
We’ve listed a few contract options for devices with large battery cells (or great power efficiency in the iPhone’s case), just for you:
- iPhone 15 Pro – 3,274mAh battery + 27W charging
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – 5,000mAh battery + 120W charging
- Honor X7A – 6,000mAh battery + 22.5W charging
- Oppo A76 – 5,000mAh battery + 33W charging
- Honor X9a – 5,100mAh + 40W charging
As South Africans continue to prioritise a smartphone that lasts longer, these options offer a compelling solution to the perpetual struggle of finding a device that can keep up.
However, while battery life is undeniably a crucial factor, it’s essential to consider other features like camera quality, performance, and design that align with your preferences and lifestyle.
The above devices excel in the battery department and, we believe, bring a holistic approach to meet the diverse needs of South African smartphone users.