Batteries are essential to various electronic devices, from flashlights to digital cameras. Choosing the right battery type is crucial to ensure your device’s optimal performance and longevity. In this blog, we’ll compare 123 and 123A batteries, two commonly used battery types, and help you choose the right one for your needs.
What are 123 Batteries?
123 batteries are cylindrical lithium batteries, also known as CR123A batteries. They are commonly used in high-drain devices, such as flashlights, digital cameras, and smoke detectors. 123 batteries are 34.5 mm long and 17.0 mm in diameter. They have a nominal voltage of 3V and a capacity of 1500mAh. They are lightweight and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for emergency devices.
Pros and Cons of 123 Batteries:
Here are the pros and cons of 123 batteries.
Pros:
- High energy density means they provide more power per unit of weight than other battery types.
- Long shelf life, typically up to 10 years, makes them ideal for emergency devices or devices used infrequently.
- Wide operating temperature range, from -40°C to +70°C.
- A low self-discharge rate means they retain their charge when not in use.
- Reliable and safe, with a low risk of leakage or explosion.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other battery types, such as alkaline batteries.
- Non-rechargeable, which means you need to replace them once they are depleted.
- They are not widely available in retail stores, making them hard to find in an emergency.
What are 123A Batteries?
123A batteries are cylindrical lithium batteries similar in size and shape to 123 batteries. They are commonly used in high-drain devices, such as flashlights, digital cameras, and medical equipment.
123A batteries are 34.5 mm long and 17.0 mm in diameter. They have a nominal voltage of 3V and a capacity of 1550mAh. They are lightweight and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for emergency devices.
Pros and Cons of 123A Batteries:
the buying decision can be made easily by seeing the pros and cons; you can see the pros as well as cons of 123A batteries below.
Pros:
- High energy density means they provide more power per unit of weight than other battery types.
- Long shelf life, typically up to 10 years, makes them ideal for emergency devices or devices used infrequently.
- Wide operating temperature range, from -40°C to +70°C.
- Low self-discharge rate means they retain their charge when not in use.
- Reliable and safe, with a low risk of leakage or explosion.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other battery types, such as alkaline batteries.
- Non-rechargeable, which means you need to replace them once they are depleted.
- Not widely available in retail stores, making them hard to find in an emergency.
Comparison Between 123 and 123A Batteries:
Size
123 and 123A batteries have the same size and shape, 34.5 mm long and 17.0 mm in diameter.
Voltage
123 and 123A batteries have the same nominal voltage of 3V.
Capacity
123A batteries have a slightly higher capacity than 123 batteries, 1550mAh vs. 1500mAh, respectively. This means 123A batteries can provide more power per charge than 123 batteries.
Performance
Both 123 and 123A batteries are designed for high-drain devices that quickly require a lot of power. However, due to their higher capacity, 123A batteries can provide more power and last longer than 123 batteries
Price and Availability
123 and 123A batteries are not as widely available as other battery types, such as AA and AAA batteries. However, they can be found in most electronic stores and online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. 123A batteries are generally more expensive than 123 batteries, but the price difference is insignificant.
| Comparison between 123 and 123A Batteries | 123 Batteries | 123A Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 34.5 mm long, 17.0 mm in diameter | 34.5 mm long, 17.0 mm in diameter |
| Voltage | 3V | 3V |
| Capacity | 1500mAh | 1550mAh |
| Performance | Designed for high-drain devices, can provide a lot of power in a short amount of time | Designed for high-drain devices, can provide more power and last longer than 123 batteries due to their higher capacity |
| Price | More expensive than other battery types | More expensive than other battery types |
| Availability | Not as widely available in retail stores, but can be found in most electronic stores and online retailers. | Not as widely available in retail stores, but can be found in most electronic stores and online retailers. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between 123 and 123A Batteries:
When choosing between 123 and 123A batteries, several factors need to be considered, including:
Device compatibility
Check your device’s user manual or specifications to see its required battery type. Using the wrong type of battery can damage your device and void its warranty.
Usage
Consider the intended use of your device. If you need a battery for an emergency device that is not used frequently, a 123 or 123A battery might be the best option due to its long shelf life. If you need a battery for a high-drain device that is used frequently, a 123A battery might be a better choice due to its higher capacity.
Price
Consider your budget when choosing between 123 and 123A batteries. While both battery types are more expensive than other battery types, the price difference is not significant.
Availability
Consider how easy it is to find the battery type you need. If you live in a remote area or need a battery for an emergency, you might want to choose a battery type that is more widely available.
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Are CR123 And CR123A Batteries The Same?
CR123 and CR123a batteries are used interchangeably, but are they same thing? The short answer is yes – these two types of batteries are functionally identical.
Both CR123 and CR123a batteries are 3 volts and have a diameter of 1.5 inches and a height of 2.5 inches. The only difference between the two is their naming convention – CR123a is simply the more common name for this type of battery.
What Does The CR Stand For?
The CR2032 battery is a 3-volt Lithium coin cell. CR2032 batteries are usually used in small, handheld electronic devices like calculators, keyless remote entry systems, computers, etc. The “CR” stands for “coin lithium.”
The first two digits after the “CR” tell you the battery’s diameter in millimeters, while the second two tell you the height. In this case, the diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 3.2 mm.
This particular battery has a capacity of 225 mAh, which means it can provide one mA of current for 225 hours, or three mA for 75 hours before it needs to be replaced. CR2032 batteries are very popular in small electronics thanks to their small size and long life.
However, they are unsuitable for applications requiring high currents or large amounts of energy. For more information on batteries, check out our Battery Guide.
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Are CR123A batteries rechargeable and non-rechargeable interchangeable?
CR123A batteries are disposable lithium batteries commonly used in high-drain tools such as digital cameras, flashlights, and laser pointers.
These batteries are not rechargeable but offer a higher energy density and longer shelf life than other disposable batteries.
RCR123A batteries are a rechargeable version of the CR123A battery and can be charged using dedicated battery chargers. While RCR123A batteries are more expensive than CR123A batteries, they can be reused multiple times, which makes them a more economical choice in the long run.
Are All CR 123A Batteries The Same?
CR123 batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery commonly used in various applications, from digital cameras to flashlights. They are also sometimes referred to as CR123A batteries, depending on the manufacturer.
Despite the different designations, CR123 and CR123A batteries are the same – they are both 3-volt lithium-ion batteries that use the same size and style of the cell. The only difference is in the designation, a marketing decision by different manufacturers.
Can I Replace A CR123A Battery With A 123 Battery?
CR123 and CR123A batteries are both lithium batteries that can be used for high-drain devices such as digital cameras, torches, and scent detectors. CR123 batteries are the older technology and have a shelf life of around five years.
CR123A batteries have a slightly higher capacity and a shelf life of around ten years. Both battery types can replace 123 batteries from other manufacturers, like the EL123A from Energizer.
Rechargeable versions of the 123 battery are also available, which can be an economical option in the long run.
When choosing a replacement battery, it is important to check that the voltage and amperage ratings are compatible with your device.
Are CR123 And CR123A Interchangeable?
CR123 and CR123A batteries may look the same but are not interchangeable.
Digital cameras and flashlights use the CR123A battery.
These devices need a higher voltage than the CR123 battery, so using a CR123 battery in these devices can damage them.
Additionally, CR123A batteries are not made with lithium chloride, which means they will not last as long as CR123 batteries in high-drain devices.
Final Verdict: 123 VS 123a Batteries
As you can see, 123 VS 123A batteries have many similarities and a few differences that might be important to consider when choosing the right battery for your device. Both batteries have high energy density, long shelf life, and are reliable and safe.
However, 123A batteries have a slightly higher capacity than 123 batteries, making them a better option for high-drain devices requiring a lot of power in a short time.
When choosing between 123 and 123A batteries, it is important to consider several factors, such as device compatibility, usage, price, and availability. Considering these factors, you can choose the right battery type for your device and ensure optimal performance and longevity.
