Test/Review of Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA 3500mAh (Red)

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
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Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA 3500mAh (Red)







Official specifications:

  • Rated capacity: 3300mAh

  • Minimum capacity: 3350mAh

  • Typical capacity: 3450mAh

  • Nominal voltage: 3.6V

  • Discharge end voltage: 2.5V

  • Charging current (Std.): 1.675A

  • Charging voltage: 4.20 +/-0.03V

  • Charging time (Std): 4.0 hours

  • Continuous discharge current (Max.): 10A

  • Internal resistance (AC 1kHz): <38mOhm

  • Cycle life: 300 cycles to 70%

  • Weight: <49.5g

  • Operating temperature: Charge: +10 ~ +45°C, Discharge: –20 ~ +60°C

  • Storage conditions: less than 1 month: –20 ~ +50°C, less than 3 months: –20 ~ +40°C, less than 1 year: –20 ~ +20°C (80% capacity left)




A high capacity cell from one of the largest LiIon manufacturer.










As expected these discharge curve is tracking nearly perfectly. The cells are high capacity cell, but can deliver some current.
Because I cut the discharge at 2.8 volt, I do not get the full capacity from the cell.







The cells are rated for 10A and at 15A discharge the batteries gets very hot, on the first cell I terminated discharge at 75°C and the second cell I terminated at 85°C (The maximum allowed cell temperature is 70°C).















Conclusion

These cell has very good capacity and can also handle current, this makes it one of the current top cells for that.
Being from Panasonic there is no doubt that it is good cells.



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
Compare to 18650 and other batteries
1 Thank
2

Thanks. I have been wondering about this cell.

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Quote: “Rated capacity: 3300mAh”

Perhaps it’s a typo - isn’t it 3500mAh?

Thanks for the review!

4

Maybe, but it is not mine. From the datasheet:

5

Thanks! A most awaited review…

I have 12x GAs and they all track nicely, capacity ranging from 3320-3380mAh.

6

Thanks for reviewing these, they are my next planned battery purchase (unless they release a higher capacity model by then)

7

I have a few I use in lights I want longer run-times (“wow” lights get 30Q’s). The cheapest source I have found is kaidomain. I have bought two there, well-packed and genuine cells. I’m not sure what shipping is like with the new regulations though.

8

Finally, I have been pretty sure that this battery is a good battery, and have 16x of them. Also think LG MJ1 is a good cell, have you tested it yet?

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Thanks again for th excellent review HKJ.
Waiting for your review of LG MJ1 too, since these 2 cells are easier to find tha the Samsung 3500mAh that you’ve tested before

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lol few people saw it in september apparently.

Very similar performance from the two, I say buy whichever is cheaper

12

I stand corrected.
Missed out on the earlier MJ1 test.
So all three 3500mAh cells have been tested.
The MJ1 tends to be cheaper but I haven’t come across the Samsung yet

13

According to all the reviews I have read so far, out of the 3:

The GA is best for 1A+, but at more than 5A you might consider high-drains.
The 35E is best for low current, 1A and below. Perfect for power banks and low powered lights.
The MJ1 performs about the same as the GA for low currents, but falls short when above 3A.

So it’s safe to say the GA is the best high capacity cell for flashlights.

Correct me if I’m wrong!

14

Well compare the GA and MJ1 on HKJ’s comparator. Almost no difference.

15

The MJ1’s seem to run hotter, but are rated for 400 cycles to 80% instead of 300 cycles to 70% like the GA.

16

Thanks HKJ!

The GA looks much better than my Panny B’s.

I still like my 30Q’s, but I usually recharge them well before they hit 50% of their capacities. If I needed more run time, I’d certainly consider the GA’s.

17

These are being sold by Gearbest now, 4 pieces for 17.39 USD.
Seems like a really good price.

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8 pieces for $31.59 with code NC11. You might need to move to another country to avoid high shipping costs though…

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[quote=hIKARInoob]

Luckily I still have free shipping to my country.
Thanks for the code though, ordering 8 is tempting but at that price customs might start bothering me.
Is Gearbest honest with their declaration or do they mark everything with a random low value?

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That’s what I noticed with all my orders. They are always marked way down.