Rechargeable batteries play a key role in everything from basic devices like alarm clocks and remote controls to advanced equipment like Cameras and power tools. Choosing the right rechargeable battery and charger can greatly extend the life of the device battery and save money. However, there are many types of batteries on the market, and we usually don’t know how to choose. This guide will answer your questions.
Analyzing the types and characteristics of rechargeable batteries
NiMH battery
Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a high energy density and environmentally friendly properties, and have taken a place in the market. They overcome the memory effect of nickel-cadmium batteries, and can be charged normally even if they are not fully discharged, without affecting the performance. Different brands of nickel-metal hydride batteries also have certain differences in performance.
Eneloop series vs Sony NiMH batteries:
Capacity comparison: The single-cell capacity of the eneloop pro model is up to 2550mAh, which can continuously power children's toys, portable radios and other devices, reducing the frequency of battery replacement. Sony NiMH batteries, such as the batteries in the common Sony MH-C40 charging kit, have a slightly lower capacity than similar models, generally around 2000mAh.
Self-discharge rate comparison: The eneloop series has a very low self-discharge rate. After being fully charged and stored for one year, it can still retain about 85% of its power. It performs well in emergency flashlights, backup remote controls and other devices that are not often used but need to maintain power at all times. Sony NiMH batteries have a relatively high self-discharge rate. After being stored for half a year, the power may drop to about 70%.
Charging speed comparison: Sony NiMH batteries charge faster, and with the help of a special charger, they can be fully charged in a short time, solving the urgent needs of users. In contrast, if the eneloop series uses a normal charger, the charging time will be longer, but if it is paired with its rapid charger, the charging time can be greatly shortened to the same or even shorter than Sony, but the price of the rapid charger is relatively high.
Cycle life comparison: Sony NiMH batteries have a long cycle life, generally capable of more than 500 charge and discharge cycles. The eneloop series also has an excellent cycle life of about 1,000 times. Over a long period of use, the eneloop series can more effectively reduce costs.
Lithium battery
Lithium batteries have the advantages of high energy density, light weight, and no memory effect, and are usually used in mobile phones, tablets, cameras, drones and other devices. Different brands of lithium batteries have their own characteristics in different equipment fields.
NP - FW50 vs LP - E6NH：
Comparison of applicable devices and capacity: NP-FW50 has a capacity of 1080mAh, which is mainly suitable for micro-single cameras, such as A6400, ZV-E10, etc., and can meet the daily shooting needs of most micro-single cameras. LP-E6NH is designed for high-end SLR cameras, with a capacity of 2130mAh. Compared with NP-FW50, the capacity has been significantly improved, which greatly reduces the number of battery replacements during shooting.
Charging speed comparison: Using the original charger, NP-FW50 can be fully charged in about 2-3 hours. LP-E6NH has a relatively long charging time due to its large capacity. Using the original charger, it takes about 3-4 hours to fully charge.
Safety comparison: NP-FW50 has high stability and can maintain good performance under different ambient temperatures. LP-E6NH uses advanced lithium polymer technology, which is safer and effectively reduces the risks of battery overheating and fire. In extreme environments, the safety advantage of LP-E6NH is more obvious.
Comparison of Samsung 18650 rechargeable batteries with similar products from other brands:
Comparison of capacity and discharge performance: For DIY enthusiasts and power tool users, Samsung 18650 rechargeable battery is a good choice. With a capacity of 3000mAh, it can provide stable and strong power output for power tools such as electric drills and electric saws. Compared with similar models of other brands such as LG HG2 (capacity 2000mAh), Samsung 18650 rechargeable battery has obvious advantages in large-capacity devices and can provide power for a longer time.
Comparison of heat dissipation performance: Samsung 18650 rechargeable batteries have better heat dissipation performance, which effectively prolongs the battery life. Some other brands of 18650 batteries are prone to overheating under high load, affecting battery life and safety.
Comparison of consistency: Samsung 18650 has better consistency. When multiple batteries are used in combination, it can ensure the performance of each battery is balanced and improve the stability of the entire battery pack. In contrast, some other brands of 18650 batteries have differences in consistency, which may lead to a decrease in the overall performance of the battery pack.
Alkaline rechargeable batteries
Alkaline rechargeable batteries combine the high capacity of alkaline batteries with the reusable characteristics of rechargeable batteries. Fujitsu LSD NiMH alkaline rechargeable batteries are relatively prominent in this field. Take its BHR400 model as an example. Currently, there are few similar alkaline rechargeable battery brands on the market, and there are not many products that directly compete with it. However, compared with traditional NiMH batteries, Fujitsu LSD NiMH alkaline rechargeable battery BHR400 model has a capacity of up to 2450mAh, which is comparable to some high-capacity NiMH batteries, and has a low self-discharge rate. It performs well on wireless mice, keyboards and other devices, and does not need to be recharged when used again even if it is idle for a long time.
Button rechargeable battery
Button rechargeable batteries are commonly used in small electronic devices such as Bluetooth headsets and smart watches. Taking the LIR1254 model as an example, its voltage is generally 3.7V and its capacity is between 63-76mAh. Button rechargeable batteries of different brands are relatively similar in performance, and the main difference lies in brand awareness and price.
Key points for choosing a charger
Matching battery type
Different types of batteries require matching chargers. The charging voltage and current of NiMH battery chargers are different from those of lithium battery chargers. Using an incompatible charger will not only affect the performance of the battery, but may also cause safety issues. For example, using a NiMH battery charger for a lithium battery may result in the battery not being fully charged or even damage the battery. When choosing a charger, be sure to confirm its compatibility with the battery type. Some multi-function chargers claim to be compatible with multiple battery types, but in actual use, they may not fully utilize the best performance of each battery, so it is recommended to give priority to chargers designed specifically for specific battery types.
Focus on charging speed
In a fast-paced life, charging speed is crucial. Some chargers support fast charging technology, which can greatly shorten the charging time. However, the faster the charging speed, the better. Too fast charging speed may affect the life of the battery. For example, some fast charging chargers may cause severe heating of the battery when charging NiMH batteries, thereby shortening the battery cycle life. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between charging speed and battery life. For users who pursue speed, you can choose a charger that supports fast charging and has protection functions such as temperature control; for users who pay more attention to the long-term use of the battery, it is more appropriate to appropriately reduce the charging speed and choose a gentler charging method.
Consider features
Some battery chargers have functions such as overcharge protection and temperature control, which can effectively extend the service life of the battery and ensure charging safety. When the battery is fully charged, the charger with overcharge protection function will automatically cut off the power supply to prevent the battery from being damaged by overcharging. The temperature control function can monitor the battery temperature during the charging process. When the temperature is too high, it will automatically adjust the charging current or stop charging to prevent the battery from being damaged by overheating. Some high-end chargers also have intelligent recognition functions that can automatically adjust the charging parameters according to the remaining power and type of the battery to achieve more accurate and efficient charging. These functional characteristics are important factors to consider when choosing a charger.
Determine the interface type
The interface type of the charger must match the device. Common interfaces include Micro USB, Type-C, etc. When purchasing a charger, you must confirm whether the interface is compatible with your device. With the development of technology, the Type-C interface has gradually become the mainstream interface due to its advantages such as support for positive and negative insertion, fast transmission speed, and high power transmission. However, some old devices still use the Micro USB interface, so when choosing a charger, you must choose according to the interface type of your device. At the same time, some chargers are equipped with multiple interfaces to facilitate users to charge different devices. This type of multi-functional interface charger is more practical in home use scenarios.
Select product model according to usage scenario
Daily home use
For daily use of remote controls, flashlights and other devices, you can choose low self-discharge and affordable nickel-metal hydride batteries, such as Panasonic's eneloop series. With a universal charger, you can meet your daily charging needs. Considering the price and performance, although the price of a single battery in the Panasonic eneloop series is relatively high, the long-term cost is relatively low due to its long life and low self-discharge rate. The universal charger is compatible with various brands of nickel-metal hydride batteries, which is convenient for home use.
Photography and Videography
Photographers can choose original or compatible lithium batteries, such as Sony NP-FW50 and Canon LP-E6NH, according to the camera brand and model. At the same time, they are equipped with a fast charger for quick charging between shooting. For Sony camera users, choosing Sony's original NP-FW50 battery and fast charger can ensure the compatibility and optimal performance of the battery with the camera. For photographers with limited budgets, you can also choose some compatible brands of lithium batteries and chargers, which are relatively low in price, but there may be some differences in performance and quality, so you need to choose carefully.
Power Tools
Power tools have high requirements for battery capacity and discharge performance. Samsung 30Q 18650 rechargeable batteries, which have large capacity and high performance, are good choices. In addition, you should choose a charger that can adapt to high current charging to shorten the charging time. Some professional power tool chargers are more expensive, but they can provide fast and stable charging, extend battery life, and improve work efficiency. Although some universal chargers are cheap, they may not meet the needs of high current charging of power tools, affecting the charging speed and battery performance.
Precautions
When purchasing rechargeable batteries and Battery chargers, be sure to purchase them through formal channels to avoid buying counterfeit and shoddy products. At the same time, you can check the product parameters and user reviews to understand the product's performance and reputation. When we buy on e-commerce platforms, we must check the detailed parameter page of the product to understand key information such as battery capacity, charging speed, cycle life, and check other users' reviews and orders to understand the actual use of the product. When using, follow the instructions for use of the battery and charger, charge and use them correctly to extend the service life of the product. Different brands and types of batteries may differ in charging time and charging methods. Be sure to follow the instructions to avoid battery damage or safety accidents due to incorrect operation.