Ever wondered why the batteries are named in 123 or 123a? You must be thinking what is the difference between them? What is the usage of these batteries?
Actually, there are no functional differences between 123 vs 123a batteries in layman terms. They are just manufactured by different manufacturers. But an over-speculative mind would find 123a to have an edge over 123 on the operating range. In contrast, 123 has slightly more capacity.
123 Battery vs 123a Battery
When you are going to buy a battery, you may have noticed many variants of batteries like 123, 123a, CR123, CR123a, etc. Don’t get confused because they all are the same thing.
The 123 battery is manufactured by Energizer, whereas the 123a is manufactured by Rayovac. As you can see, the different companies labeled their product differently. When you see the specifications comparison, you will see that they do the same job.
123 Battery Review
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The 123 battery is manufactured by The Energizer Company. This battery is a non-rechargeable battery. But it provides long-lasting performance for your digital cameras, regular cell phones, and other high-tech devices.
It’s a lithium battery that gives you 10 years or more shelf life to stock. Also, it works in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 60°C.
123a Battery Review
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On the other hand, the 123a battery is manufactured by The Rayovac Company. This battery is also a non-rechargeable and lithium battery. It also has a long shelf life but works in very extreme temperatures like -20°C to 60°C.
It provides long-lasting power for camera equipment so you’ll never miss that perfect shot. They’re also compatible with flashlights, home security systems, and hunting accessories.
Aspect wise
Dimension
In proportion to size, both of the batteries have the same length and width. They are 1.36 inches (34.5 mm) in length and 0.67 inches (17.0 mm) in diameter.
But in terms of weight, Energizer 123 batteries are 0.5g more in weight. Which is not so noticeable and they don’t affect functionality.
Shelf Life
Both batteries have a shelf life of 10 years or more. So that you can stock your sheer number of batteries at once for a long period. They both can be stored up to 60°C.
Voltage
In simple words, both battery cells have a high potential to push electric current through the device, especially given their small size. They both come with a nominal voltage of 3 volts.
Capacity
123 batteries operate at 1,500 mAh of continuous power with approximately 3,500 mAh of pulse current. They provide a low 1.5A continuous discharge rate and a higher rate of 3.5A pulse discharge.
Whereas, 123a batteries operate at 1,400 mAh of continuous power with a discharge rate of 1.4A continuous.
Chemistry
Both batteries have a lithium-based salt as an electrolyte with a Lithium and Manganese dioxide (Li/MnO2) chemical system. The cathode (positive terminal) is made of heat-treated manganese dioxide on both types of battery cells.
Safety
Lithium is a dangerous chemical, especially when it comes to contact with the skin. Also, high voltage can damage devices.
Both 123 and 123A come with PTC (Pressure, Temperature, and Current) protection which disconnects the circuit if the current gets too high.
Usage
The Energizer 123 is a great battery cell for many products, including LED flashlights, home security systems, smoke alarms, and water purifiers.
The Rayovac 123a works best for Cameras, flashlights, home security systems, hunting accessories, etc.
The differences
As you can see from the discussion above, there is no significant difference between them. The differences they have actually are the letter “A”, 0.5g weight, and 100 mAh capacity.
Surely, these differences are not noteworthy enough to mention. Because they don’t have any effect on their performance. They both give the same performance.
At a Glance
You can see the general specifications from the table:
| Specs | 123 | 123a |
| Classifications | Lithium | Lithium |
| Nominal voltage | 3V | 3V |
| Capacity | 1,500 mAh | 1,400 mAh |
| Chemistry | Lithium and Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO2) | Lithium and Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO2) |
| Weight | 16.5g | 16g |
| Length | 1.36” | 1.36” |
| Diameter | 0 .67” | 0.67” |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 60°C | -20°C to 60°C |
| Shelf life | 10 year | 10 year |
| Usage | Digital cameras, regular cell phones, and other high-tech devices, etc. | Camera, flashlights, home security systems, hunting accessories, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between CR123 and 123 batteries?
There are no differences between CR123 and CR123a batteries. They have the same size, only their names are different because they are manufactured by different companies.
2. What battery can replace 123A?
You can replace your 123A battery with the following models of batteries-
- 123
- BR2/3A
- CR123
- CR123A
- CR123R
- CR17335
- CR17345
- DL123A
- EL123AP
- K123LA
- L123A
- SF123A
- VL123A
- 5018LC
3. Can you recharge 123 and 123A batteries?
No, you can’t recharge 123 and 123A batteries. Because they are non-rechargeable batteries.
4. Do lithium batteries go bad if not used?
Yes, they go bad! If the new battery has never been used, please do not leave it for too long. Here are a few tips on how to charge lithium batteries.
Especially if the new battery has not been used, don’t store the new battery for four or five months. If you can’t use it in time, remember to recharge the battery! You can read the
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no competition between 123 vs 123a batteries. Basically, they are the same product but produced by different manufacturers. It is up to you which one you prefer.
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