Test / Review: Samsung INR18650-20R 2000mAh (Green)

@Tom E: HKJ has tested the Panasonic CGR18650CH, its the Callies Kustoms 2250mAh.

I doubt your theory about the Samsung 15R. Recent Samsung IMR batteries have not been that good, there are only few power tool packs that used them.

Panasonic NCR18650PD 2900 mAh tested also. See EnerPower+ 18650 2900mAh 3C (Blue) in HKJ’s comparator / test. Test / Review: EnerPower+ 18650 2900mAh 3C (Blue)

This is a protected version however; current limited @ 7-9A, so may not be applicable to your build.

Comparison of a bunch batteries; LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Panasonic CG and PD @ 5A:
http://www.dampfakkus.de/akkuvergleich.php?akku1=71&akku2=99&akku3=170&akku4=104&akku5=102&akku6=103&a=5

The Samsung 1500's I have are INR, not IMR. Bought from FastTech "as is", obviously pulled from a pack because of fastening marks that I filed down.

Here's test results on a mod'ed XinTD C8 - XM-L2/U2, SinkPAD, 3.85A Nanjg driver, extra copper, 22 gauge silver tinned teflon coated wire, sanded/polished mating surfaces on the SinkPAD and top of pill. In order of results, 12 tests performed, all batteries are unprotected, freshly charged, first # is @start, 2nd # is @30 secs, in lumens:

Sanyo 2600 #1, 4.20v, 3.74A: 1190 - 1135

Pana 3400 #1, 4.19v, 3.56A: 1156 - 1111

Sam. 1500 #1, 4.19v, 3.85A: 1264 - 1213

Pana 2900 #1, 4.18v, 3.44A: 1128 - 1088

AW IMR 2000, 4.18v, 3.84A: 1203 - 1145

Sam. 2000 #1, 4.20v, 3.85A: 1258 - 1230

Pana PD #1, 4.19v, 3.85A: 1230 - 1183

Sanyo 2600 #2, 4.20v, 3.77A: 1190 - 1135

Sam. 1500 #2, 4.20v, 3.85A: 1237 - 1186

Pana 3400 #2, 4.18v, 3.54A: 1139 - 1094

Sam. 2000 #2, 4.20v, 3.85A: 1254 - 1227

Pana PD #2, 4.21v, 3.85A: 1244 - 1183

The "#1" and "#2" designates unique batteries because some tests were repeated on the same make/model. All tests had 3-5 minutes in between, accept the last which had a gap of 17 mins.

It does look like the winner is the Samsung INR 2000, better than the Samsung INR 1500 and Panasonic PD's. Of course this is only for the first 30 seconds...

So NightCrawl, I do believe you are correct here about the 1500 not being an improvement over the 2000. I think earlier tests I did contradicted that, but these tests were done now with more control (voltage and amp measurements, all batts off the charger, etc.).

Oh, thanks for the Pana CH and PD refs daveam and NightCrawl - looks like this Samsung INR 2000 beats those batteries as well when comparing the curves for 5 amps on: http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650comparator.php. It also beats the AW IMR 1600 and 2000's, wow! Wonder if there's anything out there better than this battery right now at any price...

I still like the PD's though for the greater runtime at 2900 mAh, with the understanding you are losing a little on the output. They also cost about the same. Think I'll be quoting measurements taken on the Samsungs while using the PD's .

INR, IMR.. you know I meant high current batteries. ;) All these names are moot imo.

My guess is that the 15R and 20R are pretty similar, just with less capacity. That goes pretty well with your readings because the 15R sags more than the 20R.

Oh btw, the Sanyo UR18650RX might beat the crap out of all the other cells but its got a MOQ of 8 for 8$/each on alibaba..

Oh, just noticed my 1500's are marked "15M" not "15R", the 2000's are marked "20R". Does that make a difference?

Maybe? :D

I've only seen P, Q and R so far.. R being those with the highest amperage rating.

Thanks very much for the review! Frontpage’d and Sticky’d.

Ordered a couple of 20Q's, like to see how they compare with the 20R's, though they are rated at a lower amp value, 15A vs. 20A for the 20R's.

Hi Have you ever tested the above cell?

Yes - really, really close to the 20R in performance at high amps on single cell XM-L2 builds using 7135 drivers at 3.85A and higher. In some lights, I've seen no difference at all. I don't have a scientific way of comparing, but the single cell XM-L2 high amp lights will be an excellent indicator. I've gotten in a bunch of 20Q's now, latest buys from FastTech, best price of course.

No!

HJK, thanks for all you do. I often refer to your cell discharge comparator before making my purchase decisions. I just have to laugh at some of the answers people are given when asked which is the best cell to buy… thanks to you, the choice is more obvious. Please keep up the good work. A lot of people will echo my sentiments.

+1

Okay!

Ooops, was wondering if the question was to me or HKJ...

Totally agree - these posted test results have been invaluable for reference. Specially like this as a comparative reference:

http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650Summary%20UK.html

This write up on hobby chargeres is also a great, classic source of info: http://lygte-info.dk/info/HobbyChargers%20UK.html

Plus this page on chargers (and batteries): http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/indexBatteriesAndChargers%20UK.html

Thanks HKJ !

How about the Samsung INR18650-29E 2900mAh.
Is it same as this –20R version, except with higher capacity? I’m tempted to buy one of those for flashlight use…

Hhhmm, think the lower the letter, the lower the max amps rating is, but not sure if that's a definite rule. I got Samsung INR 20R, 20Q, and 15M's -- in that order I'm thinking is lowest resistance to highest from my testing in builds.

The 29E is rated for a discharge of 3C max. That's about 10A. The 20R will do 30A easily.

Hi.
Will I see any significant improvement in output if I use these batteries for my XintD X3 and Supbeam K40-L2? For lights having cells in series, do you also divide the current pulled by the number of cells?