Hello readers welcome to new posts. In this post we will discuss AA vs AAA Battery: What Is the Difference? If you ever used an electronic device or toy you have seen that the smaller batteries used are AA and AAA batteries. They are commonly used in different household devices like remote controls, cameras, and speakers. etc. These two batteries look the same but come with differences. In this post we will discuss different parameters to find their differences so let’s get started with AA vs AAA Battery: What Is the Difference?
AA vs AAA Batteries: What Is the Difference?
AA Batteries
What are AA batteries?
AA batteries are also called double A battery is the cylinder-like structure of a power cell that is part of primary battery types. They are mostly used in different electronic devices
Size and dimensions
AA batteries come with a standard value of their size their dia is about 14.5milimeter and 50.5 mm in height. Their uniform structure helps them to use different devices interchangeably
Capacity and voltage
It comes in differnt chemistries like lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable nickel metal hydride. The voltage of alkaline AA batteries is about 1.5 volts lithium and NiMH AA batteries come with 1.5 volts and 1.2 volts values. Their capacity can be lies from 1200 mAh for alkaline to more than 2900 milliampere-hours for NiMH batteries
AA Battery Common applications
AA batteries are commonly used in differnt devices and toys
- Remote controls
- Portable audio players
- Toys and gaming controllers
- Flashlights
- Digital cameras
- Wireless computer peripherals
AAA Batteries
What are AAA batteries?
AAA batteries also called triple-A batteries and come with a cylinder-like structure as AA batteries have. They are primary-type batteries
Size and dimensions
AAA batteries come with a 10.5 mm (0.41 inches) diameter and their height is about (1.75 inches). Their small size makes them effective to use in less space applications
Capacity and voltage
These batteries also come in lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH chemistries. The voltage value for Alkaline AAA batteries is 1.5 volts, while lithium and NiMH AAA batteries come with voltage values of 1.5 volts and 1.2 volts. The capacity of AAA batteries lies from 600 mAh to 1,000 mAh for alkaline and high-capacity NiMH batteries respectively
AAA Batteries Common applications
- TV and DVD remote controls
- Digital thermometers
- Portable gaming devices
- Cordless phones
- Wireless computer mice
- Blood glucose meters
Types of AA Batteries
| Type | Chemistry | Voltage | Capacity (mAh) | Rechargeable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaline | Zinc-manganese dioxide | 1.5 | 1450-3300 | No |
| Lithium | Lithium-iron disulfide | 1.5 | 1100-3000 | No |
| NiMH | Nickel metal hydride | 1.2 | 1500-3000 | Yes |
| Li-ion | Lithium-ion | 3.6-3.7 | 1000-3300 | Yes |
AAA Batteries Types
| Type | Chemistry | Voltage | Capacity | Rechargeable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaline | Zinc-carbon | 1.5 V | 1000-2700 mAh | No |
| NiMH | Nickel-metal hydride | 1.2 V | 1500-3000 mAh | Yes |
| Li-ion | Lithium-ion | 3.7 V | 700-2000 mAh | Yes |
| LiFePO4 | Lithium iron phosphate | 3.2 V | 1000-2000 mAh | Yes |
Key Differences: aa battery vs aaa
Physical size and shape
The basic difference between aa battery vs aaa is their physical structure. AA battery is larger and thick then AAA battery, which is not compatible with devices that are configured to operate on AAA battery. While AAA batteries are small size and thin that preferred for small size devices
Capacity and energy output
AA batteries typically possess higher capacities and energy output compared to AAA batteries. This means that AA batteries can power devices for a longer duration before requiring replacement or recharging. Therefore, if you have a device that demands higher energy consumption, AA batteries might be the more suitable choice.
Applications and Compatibility
While both AA and AAA batteries can power differnt devices but are not used as interchangeably since they are different sizes. A device operated on an AA battery does not have enough room and connectors to handle an AAA battery. So before using these batteries must check the compatibility
Factors to Consider
Device compatibility
Before use of AA and AAA batteries, must check device compatibility. Find the battery size and features according to the device. The use of improper battery size can cause damage of devices
Battery life and longevity
The capacity of the battery is related to its longevity and operating life. AA batteries with larger capacity normally work for a longer duration than AAA batteries. If you have to use it for a longer duration and need to reduce the battery frequency AA can be used
Cost and availability
Normally the cost of these two batteries is the same but some brands have differnt prices due to change in chemistries. These batteries are easily available
Primary Battery Vs Secondary Battery
| Feature | Primary Battery | Secondary Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Can be recharged | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | One use | Multiple uses |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Power output | Lower | Higher |
| Self-discharge rate | Higher | Lower |
| Environmental impact | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Used in devices that need less power | it use in devices that use high power |
aaa vs aa Batteries
| Feature | AA | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 14.5 x 50.5 mm | 10.5 x 44.5 mm |
| Volume | 8.3 cm³ | 3.8 cm³ |
| Weight | 23 g | 13 g |
| Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
| Capacity | 1400–3500 mAh | 600–1200 mAh |
| Current | 1.5–2 A | 0.5–1 A |
| Applications | remote controls, Flashlights, toys, cameras, radios, etc. | game controllers, Remote controls, clocks, smoke sensors, etc. |
| Cost | Slightly more costly | less expensive |
Is the Voltage Of AA and AAA Batteries Different?
No, these two batteries have the same voltage. Both battier voltage value is 1.5 volts. That means if we use any of the new batteries it will provide 1.5 volts. Though when the battery discharges its voltage decreases. The voltage value for AA or AAA battery in case of full discharge is one volt
How Much Do AA and AAA Batteries Cost?
The cost of AA and AAA batteries is based on quantity, type, and brand. Normally AA battery is more costly than AAA battery
Average prices of AA and AAA batteries in the United States:
- AA batteries:
- Alkaline: $0.60 to $1.00 per battery
- Rechargeable: $1.00 to $2.00 per battery
- AAA batteries:
- Alkaline: $0.50 – $0.80 per battery
- Rechargeable: $1.00 – $1.50 per battery
Difference Between Rechargeable And Primary Batteries
| Feature | Rechargeable | Primary |
|---|---|---|
| Can be recharged | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | Can last for hundreds of cycles | Can only be used once |
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
| Cost per cycle | Lower | Higher |
| Environmental impact | Lower | Higher |
| Applications | Devices that need frequent use or long battery life | Devices that have a short battery life |
Are AA And AAA Interchangeable?
aaa battery vs aa, are not interchangeable in the form of their size. AA battery is larger than AAA battery not used for AAA-compatible devices. Though AAA batteries can be used for AA-compatible devices. It means we can use AAA batteries for AA batteries but not AA used for AAA battery devices.
In the case of voltage, these two batteries are similar. Their nominal volts are 1.5 volts. Though AAA battery has less capacity than an AA battery. It means that an AAA battery will not work for longer than AA battery in devices that need a larger power
FAQS
Difference between AA and AAA batteries
- Size: AA batteries size is larger than AAA batteries. AA batteries’ height is about 50.5 mm and 14.5 mm dia, while AAA batteries’ height is 44.5 mm and dia is 10.5 mm.
- Capacity: AAA battery capacity is less than AA batteries. It means that AA batteries can store larger power then and work for a longer duration
- Voltage: Both have the same volts 1.5 volts.
- Applications: AA batteries are used in larger power devices like games, and remote controls. flashlight and AAA battery used low-power devices like clocks, calculators, and toys.
Which is better AA or AAA batteries?
It is based on the device where you have to use these batteries. If deice needs larger power then AA battery is used for less power AAA battery used
What is the difference between AA and AAAA batteries?
The basic difference between AA and AAAA batteries is their size. AA batteries are larger than AAAA batteries. AAAA batteries are also called micro batteries.
Why are batteries called AA and AAA?
The letters “AA” and “AAA” are just shows that are used to define the size of the batteries. They do not have any certain meaning.
Is it OK to use AAA batteries instead of AA?
Yes, it is OK to use AAA batteries instead of AA in some applications. Though some devices just used AA batteries. In these cases, using AAA batteries will not be used
What is the disadvantage of an AA battery?
The main disadvantage of AA batteries is their size. They are larger than AAA batteries, so they use larger space in different devices
Are AAA batteries high quality?
AAA batteries can be high quality. There are many brands of AAA batteries, and some of them are better than others. It is important to select a brand that is famous
Which battery lasts the longest?
In general, AA batteries work for a larger duration than AAA batteries. As the capacity of the AA battery is larger. Though the operating life of a battery is based on different factors like the structure of the battery chemical behavior and devices
How long can AAA battery last?
The lifespan of an AAA battery is based on parameters like the type of battery, battery chemistry, and the device that the battery is used in. Though, an AAA battery can last for some hours to some days
How many years does a AAA battery last?
A AAA battery life can be several years if it is not used. In general, a AAA battery will last for two to three years if regularly used
Can AA battery last 10 years?
An AA battery can last for ten years if not used. If regularly used can work for five to seven years
How many hours does an AAA battery last?
The number of hours that an AAA battery lasts based type of battery, the chemistry of the battery, and the device that the battery is used. But, an AAA battery can last for several hours to several days. For instance, an AAA battery can last for about eight hours in a flashlight or two to three days in a remote control.
