Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Most modern devices and appliances tend to rely on batteries. There are various reasons for this. One of them is the portability that comes with handling the batteries.
Even in the battery arena, AA batteries seem to be fading out slowly. CR batteries are taking their places.
CR2 and CR123 are just some of the batteries that are dominating the market. What are they and what is the difference between the two? Read on as I dissect the difference between CR2 vs CR123 batteries.
What are CR2 batteries?
CR2 batteries are a type of lithium battery that is cylindrical. They are also known as Lithium Cylindrical Cell Batteries. The CR2 batteries have a nominal voltage of 3V and they can be used to power various devices such as digital cameras, medical equipment, calculators, and scientific instruments.
CR2 batteries are not rechargeable, but they can be recycled by offering them to recycling centers.
The CR2 cells have a diameter of 16 mm and their length ranges from 50 to 60 mm depending on the manufacturer.
These batteries typically come with an expiration date which should not be exceeded for safety reasons.
They are also packed in plastic bags that are marked with the type of battery inside.
CR2 batteries are also referred to as CR2016 and CR2032.
What are CR123 batteries?
CR123 batteries are lithium-ion rechargeable cells that have a nominal voltage of 3.0V. They can be used in cameras and torches. They are commonly referred to as RCR123A lithium-ion cells or Li-Ion 18650 cell batteries.
CR123 batteries have a diameter of 16mm and a length of 50 mm, just like their non-rechargeable counterparts.
They are also packed in plastic bags that are marked with the type of battery inside.
They can be used as replacements for non-rechargeable CR2 batteries, but they should not be used as replacements for CR2 rechargeable batteries.
Differences between CR2 vs CR123 batteries
Let’s look at the key areas that we can use to differentiate these two types of batteries, CR2 vsCR123.
Voltage
CR2 batteries have a nominal voltage of 3V, while CR123 batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.0V. This technically means that they have the same voltage.
Size and dimension
The size of the two types of batteries are quite similar, the only difference being that the diameter is slightly larger in the case of CR2 batteries. Also, CR2 batteries have a length of 50 mm, while CR123 batteries have a length of 55 mm.
Capacity
The capacity of the two types of batteries is also quite similar, with CR2 batteries having a capacity of 2.0Ah and CR123 batteries having a capacity of 2.6Ah.
Rechargeable
This is another area where we see the similarity of these batteries. In this case, the two types of batteries are not rechargeable. The two batteries tend to have a long run time and their shelf life is also quite similar.
Chemistry
The two batteries are also quite similar in this area, with each of them using lithium batteries. The difference is that CR2 batteries use lithium-manganese dioxide, while CR123 batteries use lithium-thionyl chloride.
Applications
In terms of applications, the two types of batteries can be used for the same purposes. Some of the key applications include cameras, flashlights, and other devices.
Safety
The two types of batteries are similar in this case as well. They both show the same level of safety when it comes to transporting them in airplanes, as well as on other modes of transportation.
Weight
The two types of batteries are also similar in this area. They both tend to be lighter than most lithium-ion batteries. However, they still weigh somewhere between 1.5 and 3 grams, depending on the type of battery.
mAH rating
Now, this is where the two batteries tend to differ. The CR2 batteries tend to have a higher mAH rating than the CR123 batteries. To be precise, CR2 is rated to be between 400 and 800. On the other hand, CR123 is rated at between 1500 and 2500.
This is why CR2 batteries are more popular in the world of photography where batteries are needed to serve their purpose for a prolonged period.
Price
The price of the two types is also similar. The prices tend to be very similar, with CR2 batteries being cheaper than CR123 batteries. However, this can change depending on the type of battery. For example, if you are looking for a high-quality battery then you should go for the CR2 batteries.
Which is better between CR2 and CR123?
The answer to this question is not so easy. The CR2 batteries are better than the CR123 batteries when it comes to longer use. However, the CR123 batteries are better when it comes to a higher capacity.
If you need a battery for a longer period then go for the CR2 batteries. However, if you need a high-capacity battery then the CR123 batteries are what you should go for.
Factors to consider when buying CR2 vs CR123 batteries
Now that you have seen the differences between these two batteries, do you believe that you are ready to buy them? Here are the key factors that you should consider:
Voltage of the battery
As we have seen, both CR2 and CR123 have the same battery voltage. However, the CR2 batteries have a higher voltage than the CR123 batteries. The higher the voltage, the more power that you get.
Capacity of the battery
The capacity of these two batteries is very similar. However, if you are looking for a high-capacity battery then go for the CR2 batteries. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting battery then you should go for the CR123 batteries.
Price
The price of both these batteries is very similar. However, if you are looking for a cheaper battery then go for the CR2 batteries. However, if you want to get a better quality battery then go for the CR123 batteries.
Size of the battery
Both these batteries are very similar in size. However, if you want to use the battery for a longer time then you should go for the CR2 batteries.
Weight of the battery
The weight of both these batteries is almost the same. However, if you are looking for a lighter battery then go for the CR2 batteries. However, if you want a heavier battery then go for the CR123 batteries.
Frequently asked questions about CR2 and CR123
Are CR2 and CR123 batteries interchangeable?
Even though both the batteries have the same voltage, they differ in size. This means that the CR2 batteries are smaller than the CR123 batteries. Therefore, they are not interchangeable. You cannot exchange them on one device as the CR123 won’t fit in the CR2 battery socket.
Can I use my old CR123 batteries?
Yes, if your old CR123 batteries are still functioning properly then there is no problem in using them again. However, if your old CR123 batteries have stopped working then you should never use them again as they are not safe to be used once they have stopped working.
What are the storage requirements of CR2 and CR123?
CR2 batteries are more sensitive to the cold and can be stored in the fridge. Also, CR123 batteries are more tolerant of cold temperatures and can be stored anywhere. However, there is no standard storage requirement for these batteries.
How long will a CR2 battery last?
A CR2 battery will last up to 400 times longer than a standard alkaline battery. This means that you can use the same CR2 batteries for up to 10 years without having to replace them.
Why are my CR2 batteries leaking?
The most likely cause of your CR2 batteries leaking is that they have corroded. Corroding can be caused by water leaking into your battery compartment and causing corrosion over time.
Another cause of leakage is because the battery has been damaged or the seals have become damaged.
You can test for leaks by making sure that all of the terminals are clean and dry before charging them again.
How can I tell if a battery is leaking?
If you find any signs of leakage, then you should replace your battery and make sure that it is properly sealed before recharging it. If you have any questions about whether or not a battery is leaking, then contact your manufacturer to get their advice on the matter.
How do I protect my CR2 and CR123 batteries from overheating?
You should always store your CR2 and CR123 batteries in a dry, cool place away from sunlight. You should also make sure that you store your batteries in their original packaging so that they don’t get damaged by handling.
Where can I buy CR2 and CR123 batteries?
You can buy these batteries from reliable suppliers online. For instance, we at ICRFQ are a sourcing agent for quality CR2 and CR123 batteries in China. Contact us for more details on the best place to buy CR2 and CR123 batteries.
Conclusion
I hope that you have learned a lot from this article on CR2 and CR123 batteries. CR2 and CR123 batteries are very important to the functioning of many devices, so it is very important that you know how to care for them properly.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
Electronic Components Distributors In the USA
Electronic Components Distributors In UK
Electronic Components Distributors In China
Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea
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