CR123 VS CR123A – What Is The Difference?

The main difference between the CR123 and the CR123A batteries is that the CR123A is a label used by certain manufacturers while the CR123 is the more generic label. In terms of voltage and capacity, there is no difference between both batteries.

The CR123A battery is a lithium-ion battery that’s used in many different flashlights and other gadgets. It comes in two varieties: rechargeable (sometimes called “RCR123A”) or non-rechargeable (sometimes referred to as “CR123A”). If you’re looking for the best CR123A batteries, then this article will help you decide between these two options. We’ll take a look at both types of CR123A batteries so that you can make an educated decision about which one is right for your needs.

Best CR123A Lithium Battery – Features and Specifications

CR123A batteries are cylindrical silver-zinc disposable or rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells. These CR123A types feature a 17 mm diameter and 34.5 mm height (0.67 x 1,36 inches). The most common use of these CR123A products is in high drain devices such as photo cameras, flashlights, tactical lights that require more output power than AAAs can provide with the same size package. Still, they also appear under other labels like ‘K 123 A’, RCR16340, etc., so it’s wise to check out for their specifications before purchase!

Non-rechargeable CR123A batteries are a great power solution for many devices. They provide 3 volts of nominal voltage, have around 1500 mAh capacity, and last up to 7-10 years on the shelf! These high-quality cells offer the best performance when used in standby flashlights or security systems as they tolerate higher current loads such as those found in military applications.

Rechargeable CR123A batteries have voltage in the 3.6-3.7 range and capacity in the 500-800 mAh range, with some also coming at a lower price of about $1 per battery rehargeables between 2200 to 3000 milliamp-hours (mAh) that can be charged up to 1000 times or more!

Best rechargeable CR123a batteries are popular because they last longer than alkaline ones but don’t cost as much when replacing them. This is great if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option without having to pay extra on your electric bill each month due to high energy consumption.

CR123 vs CR123A Batteries

Output voltage – CR 123 A has a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, while the higher-voltage RCR 123 A can cause operating issues with sensitive electronic equipment. Before replacing your old battery with an upgraded model, make sure that you find out whether or not it will work properly in your device before investing money on both new hardware and expensive replacements for lower-quality items!

High-capacity – CR123A batteries are for when you need your flashlight to stay on all night. Lower capacity RCR123A models keep the light going, but they won’t last as long. High-capacity CR123As have an average battery life of 1,500 mAh. In comparison, lower capacity brands usually clock in around 700 or 750 mAH and some even less at 500 Ah max drain current – a lot more than what’s needed during routine tasks like home maintenance and emergencies though not quite enough if you’re using it with high demand devices that require continuous power operation such as camera flashes and emergency lights.

Storage and shelf life – for safety reasons, RCR123A batteries must be fully charged before use. CR123A batteries can be stored with a full charge for up to 10 years or more! The best RC(R) 123A battery loses around 30% of its initial power in one year when stored at room temperature (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). The way that the RCR123A’s are made results in them being only half-charged and needing to have their charge topped off once they reach your hands. This makes storage tricky because not all chargers will work on these types of rechargeable cells; therefore, you need an extra charger to don’t accidentally overcharge this type of cell while also charging other types.

Safety – A battery is like a safety net – it can’t provide any protection from the dangers you’re looking out for if there’s no power. Built-in electronic devices are designed to work with your RCR123A, providing an extra layer of security by protecting against potentially hazardous incidents such as short circuits and surges in current. These safeguards decrease the overall capacity of your batteries but help keep them safe while they last!

Charging/discharging cycles: The batteries are a must-have for professionals who use devices often, but they’re not always the most economical option. The CR123A battery must be disposed of after one discharge cycle, while RCR123A can survive 1000 or more cycles is because these types of rechargeable cells last much longer and cost less per charge than their disposable counterpart – that’s why so many professional users rely on them every day!

Difference between CR123 and CR123A

When you hear the term CR123, it simply refers to a battery of unusual size. It’s actually not uncommon for people to forget one small detail in labelling their batteries – and that is making sure they add on this minuscule letter ‘A’. The CR123 label usually denotes many other factors about your own personal item, such as chemistry or voltage. People often ask what the difference between two different types of batteries: those labelled “CR 123” (without an apostrophe) versus ones labelled “CR 123 A is.” Well, nothing really! In fact, there are some differences, but these only exist among rechargeable cells. This confusion comes from someone forgetting the little letter ‘a’ when labelling them, so now there are CR 123A and CR123 cells.

CR123a vs 18650 vs 3xAAA Batteries

CR123A batteries are roughly half the length of lithium 3.6 volts 18650 battery (17.0 x 34.5 mm vs 18.6 x 65.2). Some devices are designed to operate using either two CR123A batteries or one 18650, regardless of the 3-4mm difference between 2xCR 123a and 1×186500 battery size. Similarly, CR123A is available as both non – rechargeable lithium-ion providing voltage range from around 393 V per cell up to 434V per cells for a total capacity in excess 10 Ah, and rechargeable Li-Ion with voltages ranging from 400+400 mAh at full charge down to 300 + 600mAh.

This difference in voltage (3.6 vs 6 – 7.4) can damage many devices. One must check the documentation of a particular device to be sure if 2xCR123A batteries are supported, but non-rechargeable CR123A batteries often recommended for standby devices like EDC flashlights, panic lights or similar that may not get used years on end; when they do get turned on we need them at their best performance without risk of overheating or blowing out as well as being ready all day every day no matter where you go which is why RCR 123As and 18650s usually power those types of applications instead with much lower capacity tradeoffs along the way. This passage talks about how different batteries for different applications.

Alkaline 3xAAA batteries can be used instead of one 18650 battery or 2 CR123A batteries. For devices that are often used, rechargeable AAA/CR123A should be the first choice. Still, for standby applications, alkaline is a more reliable alternative if your device requires less power and cannot handle high-quality cells such as NiCd and NiMH.

The most important parts of any device are the battery, and while you already know that 18650 batteries have a higher voltage than RCR123A or CR123A, there is an added feature. The more commonly used 18650 cells can be recharged up to 500 times. In contrast, rechargeable lithium-ion chemistries like those found in your laptop‘s battery lasts for only 300 charges before they need replacing.

CR123A vs 16340 Battery

The 16340 battery is a 3.6-3.7 volt, lithium rechargeable battery with dimensions of 34 mm by 16mm, which are very similar to the CR123A and RCR123A batteries. However, its consistent physical shape can still be differentiated that has not been designed for use in high drain devices or applications such as flashlights due to capacity limitations when compared against other options like the 18650s, whose capacities often outperform those found on the market today.

The 16340 is a type of small size Lithium-ion cell (LiIon) that offers higher energy density than Nickel Cadmium cells at one third the weight – making them better suited for mobile phones because they don’t require long charging times before their ready again.

CR123A vs CR-P2 Battery

CR-P2 batteries are the perfect replacement for CR123A. They have a similar size and voltage but offer double the capacity at just 19% more weight! This is accomplished by stacking two of them together to create one battery pack. With 6 volts nominal voltage and 1500 mAh nominal capacity, it can power your high drain devices like cameras or flashlights with ease without weighing you down in the process!

Are CR123 and CR123A batteries the same?

CR123 and CR123A batteries are the same size, but there is a voltage difference. A CR123 battery has 3 volts, while a CR123A has 3.6 volts. CR123 lithium battery is more costly than 123/R 2032 Lithium button cell, so it’s not advisable to replace one with another even though they’re approximately the same size. The inside of these cells is different enough that substitutions can cause problems such as short-circuiting or leaking fluid upon failure or changes in weather temperature, for example, from hot to cold conditions, which may cause functioning problems over time. This replacement risks damage to devices due to the excess voltage without warning since it’s not intended for use with CR123A batteries.

CR123 battery vs CR123A: Why are CR123A batteries so expensive?

The high cost of the Cadmium-based alkaline cells used in standard disposable batteries like CR123 is due to a shortage of raw materials caused by increased global demand for better electric car batteries. The price gouging that many have experienced with replacement candles and flashlights has been due to the recent rise in global prices of Cd, largely because China has put pressure on its suppliers before it invests $14 billion into lithium-ion plants. Left without alternatives, manufacturers have had no choice but to spike current prices regardless of the original value or affordability. Luckily, there are abundant flashlight companies that now employ LUMEX® LED technology, which emits light at comparable levels to conventional bulbs while harbouring low power consumption.

How long does a CR123A battery last?

A CR123A battery has different discharge rates based on usage. The runtime of single CR123A battery power is dependent on the voltage a device needs. For instance, an LED flashlight that requires only 10 lumens can last up to 8 hours before requiring a battery change. However, a 230 lumen LED flashlight consumes more power and will only last up to 2 hours before requiring another set of CR123A batteries.

CR123A batteries are widely used for camera flashes, laser pointers, and other electronics. Different brands are available with varying prices ranging from $2-$7 each or up to $25 per pack of 4. When buying CR123A batteries, it is crucial to be careful about the type purchased because all CR123A batteries aren’t created equal! We recommend purchasing Duracell brand cells since they have undergone rigorous safety testing procedures and have been deemed safe by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Lithium batteries are a type of primary batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. They are widely used in portable electronics and are popular for their high energy density, low self-discharge, and long life span. CR123A batteries are one type of lithium battery and are commonly used in high-performance devices where reliable power is essential.

About the author, Phil Borges

Phil Borges is a battery aficionado. He's written extensively about batteries, and he loves nothing more than discussing the latest innovations in the industry. He has a deep understanding of how batteries work, and he's always on the lookout for new ways to improve their performance.