By Erik Watkins

CR123 Vs CR123A Batteries, what is the difference between?

Last updated: May 18, 2023
CR123 Vs CR123A

When the power supplies for your home appliances run out, battery types like the CR123 and CR123A will be ideal alternatives at affordable prices. If you are inexperienced, choosing an inappropriate product may cause problems for your high-performance equipment.

If you are stuck in this situation, then don’t worry! Our article provides a detailed breakdown of the basic differences between CR123 Vs CR123A batteries. Scroll down, and you will have the opportunity to explore it with the most comprehensive insight.

CR123 Vs CR123A- Overview

Before entering the analysis and comparison section, understanding each product model will be the key to fully absorbing the information. If you want to explore information about each product in more detail, follow us, and we will give you the most useful information in no time!

What Are CR123 Batteries?

CR123

Among the small-capacity batteries, CR123 stands out as a product with affordable price and high applicability in life. They often appear in small devices such as photo cameras, alarm clocks, security devices, high-performance equipment, and other high-tech electronic products.

This 3V durable battery provides users with an energy capacity ranging from 1,500 mAh to 2,500 mAh. It can sustain an energy pulse of 3,000 mAh while operating at a continuous current of about 2,000 mAh.

For high-performance equipment that requires 100 mA commonly found in life, this product can provide 30 hours of continuous power before requiring recharging.

What Are CR123A Batteries?

CR123A

CR123A products are popular due to their ability to provide users with high voltages. As a result, they often appear in devices that require high amounts of power (such as digital cameras and high-tech LED torches.).

The products of this Lithium-ion battery classification can generate a 3,000 mAH pulse source at a continuous current of 2,000 mAH. Like the CR123, they can sustain 100 mA devices for about 30 hours before recharging.

CR123 Vs CR123A- Detailed Comparison

According to information from battery manufacturers, the CR123 and CR123A both follow the operating mechanism of Duracell lithium batteries. They are suitable for small and medium-sized household electronic equipment such as high-tech LED torches, watches, and digital cameras.

Yet, you can not deny that the two separate product samples will certainly have certain differences, and CR123 and CR123A are no exception. We’ve compiled the information and outlined six typical areas between the two products above to provide you with the most comprehensive review.

Size

At first glance, both products offer fairly uniform sizes and are smaller than expected. If you look closely, you will notice that the CR123 tends to be longer and thinner than its rivals.

When making a detailed comparison in size with AA alkaline products ( average length of 44mm), these two products are significantly smaller but serve users twice the battery voltage. That is why compact size can be considered a proud advantage of the battery manufacturers.

Lifespan

In terms of lifespan, you can hardly find an actual difference between these cylindrical batteries. If stored at ideal temperatures (below 60°C), they can last up to 10 years before showing deterioration in quality.

When CR123 and CR123A act as power supplies, they are quite durable and can last up to five years in alarm systems. Their exact lifespan is highly dependent on external influences and user usage, making it difficult to conclude which product has a superior lifespan.

Voltage

Both CR123 and CR123A batteries have the same voltage of 3 volts. However, CR123A has the advantage of an ideal voltage supply. While the CR123 can only supply electric current ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 volts, it can guarantee a stable 1.5 volts voltage.

Chemistry

In the field of chemicals, they all operate according to the mechanism of producing high energy density per volume (580 Wh/liter) and mass (280 Wh/Kg).

According to information from the manufacturer, both products use lithium-based salts as an electrolyte, and the dangerous chemistry of Manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) and Lithium. In addition, the two poles of the battery are derived from manganese dioxide, which has been guaranteed through heat treatment.

Safety

The Lithium chemical inside a product is a hazard if you give it a chance to come into direct contact with your skin. Nevertheless, operating at excessively high temperatures makes the battery prone to adverse effects and damage to the devices it serves.

Don’t worry! Just have complete peace of mind as they come with a built-in safety feature – PTC (pressure-temperature-current) guarantee. If the current is detected too high, they will automatically cut off strongly to ensure the user’s safety.

Operating Temperature

The key difference between CR123 and CR123A comes from the range of temperatures at which they can operate normally. The CR123 can deliver battery power in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C, while its rival has far superior operating temperatures – from -40°C to 70°C.

Quick Rundown of CR123 & CR123A Batteries

CR123CR123A
Diameter17 mm17 mm
Length43.2 mm33.4 mm
Voltage3.0 V3.0 V
Weight17 g17 g
Capacity2,000-2,500 mAh2,000-2,500 mAh
Pulse current3,000 mA3,000 mA
Performancebetterlower
PriceMore expensiveLess expensive
CompatibilityNot all devices can replace CR123AWidely available
LifespanLongerShorter
Amazon PriceCheck priceCheck price

Are CR123 And CR123a The Same?

The technical specifications show that the two products are similar. The most typical differences between them probably include only the letter A (representing A cell) and the operating temperature of each product.

Are CR123 And CR123a Interchangeable?

Although the specifications and dimensions are insignificant, it is best not to substitute these two products. Why say that?

Although the CR123 is slightly longer than its competition, it can sometimes cause trouble inserting batteries into sensitive devices. Besides, CR123a is designed specifically for high-tech LED torches and digital cameras, while CR123 does not do this.

In terms of voltage, the CR123 battery provides a larger voltage than the competition but has a lower voltage than the CR123A model. Therefore, the intentional installation will sometimes cause some problems in the performance of the equipment it serves.

How Do I Know If My Batteries Need To Be Replaced?

The different impact and maintenance methods make it difficult to give an exact time that the above products will serve you. But according to experts, the above battery samples will last an average of 3 years before showing signs of wear and cannot be recharged.

Which CR123A Batteries Should I Buy?

Some Last Words

The difference between the two products above may not be too big, but their effects will certainly be evident in the performance quality of electronic devices. That’s why you should evaluate and choose an appropriate product instead of using them interchangeably.

Through this article, we hope to have provided you with the most comprehensive and detailed review of the CR123 vs CR123A brands. Now, it’s time to find out what power your electric equipment requires and decide on the most suitable option! See you in the next articles



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Automotive Mechanic at PowerAll

With 7 years experience in management positions leading automotive mechanics at PowerAll, Erik Watkins wishes to share useful knowledge and information about automotive mechanical equipment.

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