Numerous expensive technological devices use lithium batteries extensively. The most prevalent cell types across all categories that are utilized in various electric appliances are CR123 and CR123A.

These batteries are widely utilized in a variety of devices, including medical equipment and military-grade electronics. This battery is quite popular due to its multiple applications, making it occasionally difficult to obtain in stock. They are made by numerous big and small companies, including Panasonic, Duracell, Energizer, Tenergy, and numerous more.

Lithium-based CR123 and CR123A batteries are perfect for small-but-powerful devices like cameras, light meters, smart home gadgets, high-tech torches, tactical gear, and other battery-operated gadgets. But what is the difference between them? Which one is better? This post will share some details of CR123 and CR123A. Welcome your RFQ!

Ⅰ What is CR123?

Due to its high 3V voltage, CR123 cells are ideal for high-performance electrical devices. It is best for customers to have devices that can readily accommodate this size as each battery's diameter is 18mm. They typically have a power capacity of 1,500 mAh (milliampere-hour) to 2,500 mAh.

The majority of CR123 battery models can run at continuous current ranges between 1,000 mA and 2,000 mA and at pulse currents of up to 3,000 mA. These batteries' mAh ratings indicate that the majority of them can run a 100 mA (milliampere) gadget for up to 30 hours.

This battery's name includes the letters CR, which stands for "Cylindrical Rechargeable." This indicates that the cells are simple to recharge and can be used frequently.

Note: Milliampere hours (mAh) quantify a battery's energy capacity, or how much power it can supply for how long.

Figure1-cr123

Ⅱ CR123A Lithium Batteries

The cylindrical cell battery known as the CR123A uses lithium chemistry. It resembles a tiny C-cell battery, or for a more straightforward comparison, it resembles a can.

CR123A batteries are ideal for systems that can accommodate smaller cells because of their comparatively modest diameter and length. These unique batteries work with all of your little electronic devices.  

Figure2-cr123A

ⅢSpecification

The voltage of a CR123A is 3.6V, which is comparatively greater. In addition, it is different from the previous group in terms of length and diameter.

Ⅳ Applications

4.1 CR123 Applications

• CR123 battery is compact-sized and has higher energy density. That’s why it is used in high-current draining applications. The following are some applications of CR123.
• LED torches
• Digital cameras
• Flashlights
• Security devices
• Military equipment
• Alarm systems
• Portable lighting system
• Safety equipment
• Security sensors
• Smoke detectors
• Motion detectors
• Toys

4.2 CR123A Applications

The CR123A  is often utilized for high-performance LED torches and digital cameras, as well as other small gadgets that require a lot of power.

ⅤEquivalents

5.1 CR123A Equivalents

CR123A batteries are lithium-based batteries and equivalent to CR123 in almost all specifications. Other equivalents for CR123 are 123A, 2/3A, BR2/3A, CR123, CR17345, CR123A, CR23, DL123A, EL123A, K123LA, L123A, SF123A and VL123A.

5.2 CR123 Equivalents

123, 123A, 2/3A, 5018LC, BR2/3A, CR123, CR123A.  CR17335  , CR17345  , CR23, DL123A, EL123A, K123LA, L123A, SF123A, VL123A

Ⅵ CR123 vs CR123A

Size

The CR123 and CR123A batteries are both small and powerful. Both of them are excellent choices for small devices that consume a lot of power, such as high output LED lights, due to their modest size in relation to the power they provide.

Generally speaking, 123s are longer and thinner than 123As. The difference, though, is only 0.55 mm in any direction. It can be challenging to distinguish between two manufacturers' products because the measurements are typically somewhat different.

They are both considerably smaller but provide twice the voltage as compared to alkaline AA batteries, which have an average length of 44 mm. In comparison to 3V from two AAs, 6V from two CR123s covers a much shorter design.

Figure3-CR123 vs CR123A

Life Span 

When kept at a temperature of less than 60°C, both batteries have a shelf life of up to 10 years before usage.

They both have a long lifespan when used in your gadgets. The manufacturer and the device determine the actual life duration. For instance, they can persist in an alarm system for up to five year

Voltage

The nominal voltage for both 123s and 123As is 3 volts. Their average standard loaded voltage falls between 2 and 2.5 volts.

Simply put, considering their small size, both cells have a significant potential to move electric current through the apparatus.

Voltage differences between the two battery types are often negligible.

Chemistry 

Both battery types use a lithium-based salt as an electrolyte with a chemical system of lithium and manganese dioxide (LiMnO2). On both varieties of cells, heat-treated manganese dioxide serves as the cathode (positive terminal).

A high energy density per mass (280 Wh/kg) and per volume (580 Wh/litre) is produced by the chemical system, which operates in the same manner.

Wh (watt-hour) is a unit used to express how much energy a battery can store. The battery energy is measured in Wh per kg or litre, depending on the unit of mass or volume.

Safety

When it comes into touch with the skin, lithium can be a hazardous chemical. Additionally, the high voltage can harm some equipment.

PTC (Pressure, Temperature, Current) protection is included into both 123s and 123As and disconnects the circuit if the current rises too high.

What is the final judgment then?

Usage of CR123 and CR123A:

You may have observed from the aforementioned points that there is a little voltage difference between CR123 and CR123A batteries. Their sizes and measurements are the main difference.

A gadget that can use a CR123A battery will not work effectively with a CR123 battery. It is as a result of the variation in their diameter and length.

Price Difference:

The size and dimensions of each type of battery have a significant impact on its purchase price. As a result, CR123A will often cost more than the other category, CR123.

However, the cost of batteries will vary slightly if you buy them in bulk. Additionally, the market has an impact on the price of purchases.

The effect of temperature

Another characteristic that sets CR123 and CR123A apart is their capacity to withstand temperature. The former has a maximum operating temperature range of 55°C, whereas the latter has a comparatively greater maximum operating temperature range of 60°C.

Capacity:

The capabilities of CR123 and CR123A also differ from one another. CR123 has a 3,000 mAH capacity as opposed to CR123A's 2,600 mAH capacity because of its significantly greater size.

Performance

Due to their nearly identical chemistry, CR123 and CR123A perform similarly. Only the right usage temperature and adequate storage are required to keep something in operation.

Storage Terms

If you keep CR123 and CR123A in a suitable, dry location with a consistent temperature, they will both survive a long time. Additionally, the boxes they came in are corrosion-proof, so think about keeping them there.