Test/Review of Unknown RCR123A 3.0V 500mAh (Blue)

Unknown RCR123A 3.0V 500mAh (Blue)



Official specifications:

  • Battery Capacity (Mfg Rated): 500 mAh
  • Battery Chemistry: LiFePO4
  • Battery Feature: Rechargeable
  • Battery Form Factor: CR123A
  • Battery Rated Voltage: 3 V




This is IFR batteries, i.e. LiFePo4 with a maximum charge voltage of 3.6 volt.










The battery is very good at handling high currents, but there is a some difference in capacity.













The charge curve is a typical LiFePo4 charge curve (Voltage drops from 3.6 to 3.4 volt when charge is terminated).



Conclusion

This battery is good for a cheap battery and also very good compared to some other IFR batteries.



Notes and links

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries
CR123A and rechargeable substitutes

Can I respectfully ask why you are reviewing unknown batteries instead of all these nice new chargers coming out? Or are you still working on those reviews?
Or have you already reviewed them and I missed it? Sorry if that is the case.

Battery reviews are mostly independent of charger reviews. I do use some time on taking photos, measuring the battery and writing the actual review, but all the testing is automated. The above review was written some time ago and I decided that today was a good day to publish it. If you check my CR123 article (linked above), you will see that I have one battery review more from that, that need to be published.

The next charger I am going to publish a review for is the Efest BIO V2, I have done most of the testing, but are not yet finished with the writing. Depending on how much time I have to finish, I might publish it during the coming week.

As far as I know the only new charger I am missing is the Xtar XP4 and I do not have that one yet.

Thanks for the review HKJ, looks like a promising 16340.

I have wanted some 16340 LiFePo batteries for sometime, for my lights with blf-mini driver (trustfire mini-01) lights. Now I know which, thanks :-)

Thanks for the review, I have a few Cr123 lights that can use these

Ahh thanks, just went searching and you’ve already done the MCC-4 , I was (stupidly) awaiting that review as well!
Look forward to the XP4 review, love your work, thanks mate.

Thanks a lot. It’s good to know a good LIFEPO4 16340 haven’t vanished completely. Makes a lot CR123A EDCs more attractive. Would be nice if FT sold a pair.

They look great, thank you!
I have trouble finding a shop that carries them, has someone a hint for me? :slight_smile:

http://www.fasttech.com/search?lifepo4%20cr123a

I just requested them to list a pair so if you wait few days you might save a bit.

Thank you!
I guess I misstyped the sku while searching. :slight_smile:

The battery performance looks good (for a cheap battery), but I haven't a charger, which stopped at 3,6V and will not buy a charger only for 1-2 batteries. I think I would ignore flashlights, which could handle only 3Volt batteries or rechargeable batteries with max. 3,6V (and could not take 4,2V).

Looks like a pretty great cell, which surprised me. Thanks for the tests.

I’ve been looking for something like this cell to use in my A2 in place of primaries.