After hours of video calls, texts, streaming and scrolling through social media, smartphone buyers cashing in on Cyber Monday deals want a smartphone battery that will last.

"While there's a lot of talk about AI, all people want is really good battery life on their phones," said CNET phone reviewer and managing editor Patrick Holland.

Vladim Guliants just bought an iPhone 17, which Apple touts as having the best-ever battery life.

"I hear that the battery life is much better," Guliants said, "and our old units are two, maybe two and a half years old and the battery is not as good as it used to be."

So in the battle of battery life, do the newest iPhones live up to the hype?

Watch: CNET tests out the iPhone 17 battery:

Does the iPhone 17 battery live up to the hype?

New iPhone batteries put to the test

Holland and his team with CNET put the newest iPhone batteries to the test with hours of streaming, gaming and scrolling through social media.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max was the top performer, losing just 9% of battery life in a three-hour video test.

"Apple put a bigger battery in the phone so there's a bigger gas tank," Holland said.

He says even the slimmed-down iPhone Air, with a modest battery capacity, can last all day depending on usage.

"Someone who uses their phone all the time, who's online a lot, or does a lot of video and photography...is that going to cut it for them? Probably not," Holland said.

In CNET testing, the newest iPhone batteries outlasted previous versions and lasted longer than Apple's competitors.

If youre an Android user, Holland said customers still have options for great battery life.

"One that I particularly like is the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. You don't even need to get the most expensive one, but the most expensive one has the biggest battery," Holland said.

A word of advice: If youre shopping for a new Samsung phone for yourself, Holland encourages buyers to pause, "because we know that Samsung will likely update their phones in January," he said.

Improve battery life, without a major purchase

If the battery is the only issue with your current phone, Holland suggests a battery replacement.

"We're talking maybe $50, $100, depending on the labor and things like that," Holland said.

He says keep batteries charged longer by lowering your screen's brightness and avoiding streaming with a poor cell signal.

To squeeze another year out of your current phone, CNET recommends smartphone users:

Install all available updates  Use a case  Offload apps and photos you dont need  Clean out ports 

But if its time for an upgrade, a great Cyber Monday deal could be the answer to your battery issues, so you don't waste your money.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.___________________________________"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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Tim Meeks struggles to get in his SUV. Even buckling up is tough for the guitarist who was recently diagnosed with ALS.

"It started with the right arm that was incredibly weak, and my fingers didn't work like they were supposed to," Meeks said.

The disease forced him to quit playing music, and he physically can't drive but he's still not able to get out of his car lease.

On top of that, Meeks claims a reduced income and incoming medical expenses will not allow him to cover his monthly lease payments.

Meeks said he explained his diagnosis to his car dealer and the car manufacturer but was told he is obligated to pay, even if he cant drive.

"I was kind of alarmed by that," Meeks said. "I was hoping for just a little something, some assistance, but there is none."

WATCH: Man diagnosed with ALS explains how he can't get out of his car lease, even though he can't drive:

Man with ALS can't get out of car lease: How to escape a lease

To leave a lease early, expect to pay

The few exceptions for breaking a lease are typically reserved for military members, and sometimes people forced to relocate for work.

But experts say the termination fee alone can cost as much as the remaining payments on your lease.

"Usually if you do need to get out of the lease, you're going to lose money. It gets expensive," said David Undercoffler, head of consumer insights with CarGurus.

If you genuinely cannot afford a leased car, another option is to default on the payments, which would negatively impact your credit rating.

Other options for ending a lease

While it hasnt worked for Meeks, a safer option is talking with your dealer about renegotiating the terms of your contract, according to NerdWallet's Kimberly Palmer.

"In some cases, they can offer you a less expensive vehicle to lease for the duration of your lease," Palmer said. "That could be a way that you could better handle your payments."

Another call to make is to your leasing company.

"It may not be in the formal contract, but you could get somebody on the phone, explain your situation, and there may be some leeway to terminate that lease early without massive fees or termination charges," Undercoffler said.

Transfer or swap your lease

It may be worth checking websites like Swapalease and LeaseTrader, where drivers can list their leased car for a swap.

"A lease swap gives somebody else the opportunity to get into your lease at usually the same terms," Undercoffler said.

Transferring a lease isn't free, but once someone else takes over, you can walk away.

"You do want to make sure you're using a legitimate company, a legitimate website to help facilitate that lease," Palmer said.

We contacted Meeks' lender, which told us it is now reviewing his case, but currently he has to continue making payments on a car that he may soon no longer be able to drive.

"It's very disheartening," Meeks said.

When leasing a car, make sure to understand the terms and conditions, so you dont waste your money.

______________________________

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

_________________________________

"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

Follow John:

Facebook: John Matarese Money Instagram: @johnmataresemoney X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com