Battery life plays a big role in how long your iPhone stays reliable. Whether you're buying a new phone or checking your current one, battery capacity matters.
A good iPhone battery capacity is anything above 3,000 mAh for newer models, combined with at least 85% battery health for reliable daily use.
Let’s look at what counts as “good” and how battery health numbers actually affect performance.
What is a good battery capacity for an iPhone?
Not all iPhones are made equal. Some last all day. Others struggle by mid-afternoon. So what counts as “good” capacity?
A battery capacity above 3,000 mAh is considered good for iPhones, especially when paired with an efficient chip and OLED display.
Here's a quick look at battery capacities of recent models:
| iPhone Model | Battery Capacity (mAh) | Display Type | Chipset | Typical Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2022) | 2,018 mAh | LCD | A15 Bionic | Up to 13 hours video |
| iPhone 11 | 3,110 mAh | LCD | A13 Bionic | Up to 17 hours video |
| iPhone 13 | 3,240 mAh | OLED | A15 Bionic | Up to 19 hours video |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 3,200 mAh | OLED | A16 Bionic | Up to 23 hours video |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 4,422 mAh | OLED | A17 Pro | Up to 29 hours video |
The screen type and chip matter just as much as the battery size. OLED displays and newer chips (like A15 or A16) use less power than older LCD setups.
What makes a battery "good"?
- Size: Over 3,000 mAh for longer-lasting use.
- Health: Over 85% for reliable all-day performance.
- Efficiency: Matched with newer processors and iOS updates.
In my business, customers often ask for screen replacements and battery kits. Many of them want 3,000+ mAh capacity with full testing to make sure they get a long-lasting part. That’s why I always test batteries in three stages before shipping.
Is 76% battery health ok?
Battery health drops over time. That’s normal. But is 76% still usable, or is it time to replace?
No, 76% battery health is not ideal. It means the battery is near the end of its useful life and should be replaced.
At 76%, your battery only holds three-quarters of its original capacity. For an iPhone with 3,110 mAh, that’s just about 2,360 mAh left.
What you might notice:
- Phone drains fast, even when idle.
- Unexpected shutdowns, especially under 20%.
- Slower performance in some apps.
- Battery health warning in settings.
| Battery Health % | Condition | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 100–90% | Excellent | No action needed |
| 89–80% | Acceptable aging | Monitor use |
| 79–70% | Weak | Replace soon |
| Below 70% | Poor | Replace immediately |
I’ve worked with customers whose iPhones were still running on 76%. But the experience was frustrating—low screen time, multiple charges per day, and lag. If your phone is still good overall, a battery swap brings it back to life.
Is 85% battery health good after 2 years?
If you’ve had your phone for a while and it’s still showing 85%, you might wonder if that’s normal—or a problem.
Yes, 85% battery health after two years is normal and still good, especially with moderate daily use.
Battery health declines over time, depending on how often you charge, how low you let the battery drop, and overall temperature conditions.
Here’s how average decline looks:
| Time Owned | Typical Battery Health |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 98–100% |
| 1 year | 92–95% |
| 2 years | 83–87% |
| 3+ years | 75–82% |
At 85%, you’ll notice slightly less screen time. But most users can still get through the day with one charge.
Tips to slow down battery wear:
- Avoid 0% and 100% charge extremes
- Use 20–80% range whenever possible
- Use certified fast chargers
- Avoid overheating (car dashboards, gaming while charging)
In my testing team, we check battery cycles before shipping refurbished units. If the health is above 85%, the phone is usually good to go without a new battery.
Is 75% iPhone battery health good?
Once battery health dips into the 70s, people start to worry. Is 75% still usable, or does it need fixing?
No, 75% battery health is not considered good. It means your iPhone battery is degraded and likely needs replacement soon.
Apple usually recommends battery replacement around 80%. At 75%, you’re at a point where daily use gets more annoying:
- Your phone might not last half a day.
- It may power off suddenly even with 15–20% left.
- Some performance features may be limited.
| Battery Health | Experience | My Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Above 85% | No issues, full-day use | No action needed |
| 84–80% | Slightly reduced performance | Monitor or plan ahead |
| 79–70% | Noticeable issues, faster drain | Replace recommended |
| Below 70% | Unstable, frequent charging needed | Replace immediately |
If you're a reseller or repair shop, I strongly recommend checking battery health on every trade-in device. In my company, anything below 80% gets a battery replacement before resale.
Final signs it’s time to replace:
- Phone heats up during regular use
- Charging takes longer than before
- iOS sends performance management alerts
Replacing the battery is much cheaper than buying a new iPhone. With a high-quality replacement, your phone can feel brand new again.
Conclusion
A good iPhone battery means more than just numbers. Aim for 3,000+ mAh and over 85% health. Below 80%? It’s time to think about a replacement.
