CR123 vs CR123A Batteries: Which Ones Are Better? 2025 Guide

Understanding Battery Types

What are CR123 batteries?

The CR123 battery is a lithium battery with 3 volts and is used in high-operation devices. It is used in a flashlight and cameras. CR is a cylindrical rechargeable battery, and 123 is the diameter of the battery in 18mm.

The CR123 battery is powered through lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) chemistry, has good energy density, and provides compact and high-operation devices.

Their cylindrical shape makes CR123 batteries sleek and comes with dimensions of 15.6 mm in diameter and 27 mm in height. For maintaining normal voltage 3 in their working lives, CR123 batteries ensure constant and reliable power supply for devices.

These batteries are non-rechargeable and are used for one time. If anyone tries to recharge these batteries, it will cause overheating.

These batteries are the main part of digital cameras, flashlights, laser points, etc.

Applications of CR123A

• It is mostly used in high-performance LED lights and digital cameras.
• It is also used in tactical flashlights, used in military uses.
• This battery, also used in home security systems and outdoor surveillance cameras, provides longer working life and uninterrupted functionality.

What are CR123A Batteries?

CR123A batteries are part of small devices since they have features to provide power effectively. It comes with the same voltage as CR123 but is different in length and diameter. The A in the name is an anode that defines its positive end. It has a short-length R123 battery. The other advantage is that it is used in devices that do not handle CR123 batteries.

CR123 battery is a lithium power battery based on LiMnO2 chemistry. These features of the chemical composition of these batteries help to have a high energy density and make them the best power energy sources.

Its cylindrical shape comes with dimensions of 17 mm diameter and 34.5 mm height. These batteries have a constant power supply, which is the main factor for effectively fueling different devices.

Like CR2 batteries, CR123 batteries are made to be used for one time. They are not used for charging purposes.

CR123A Batteries Features

• Its nominal voltage are 3.2-3.3 Volts
• its capacity is 1550 mAh
• Its operating temperatures are -20°C to 75°C.
• Height 34.2 mm and Width (Diameter) 17.0  mm
• Its chemistry is Lithium Manganese Dioxide

Technical Specifications: CR123 vs. CR123A

Voltage

Both batteries come with the same voltage value. The voltage of the CR123 battery is 3 volts, and the CR123A battery is 3.6 volts. It menas we can use the CR123 battery in place of CR123A but reverse is not possible

Size and dimensions

CR123A battery has dimensions of 16.5mm and a length of 51mm, and CR123 comes with a diameter of 17mm and a length of 65mm. The difference in length is important since it defines that we cannot use CR123 batteries where CR123A is used. The difference in diameter is less, so in some conditions, they can be replaced.

The CR123 battery weight is 15 grams, and the CR123A battery weight is 12 grams.

Effect of Temperature

These two batteries have the same effect on temperature. The main difference is that CR123A can handle about 60 degrees, and CR123 does not have features to handle greater than 55 degrees Celsius.

Battery Capacity

CR123 battery capacity is 3000mAh and R123A capacity is 2600mAh.

Chemistry

Both are lithium batteries. So they come with the same chemical features. The basic difference is that CR123A has low energy density and high inner resistance. So CR123A’s charging speed is faster than CR123.

Safety Issues

These batteries come with different safety parameters. Such as the lithium battery used in the camera has features to handle high temperatures and high voltage spikes during recharging.

Lifespan

These two batteries have the same working life if accurately used. The working life of two batteries is about ten years. It is important to note that the life of the battery can be affected by storage conditions and uses.

Storage Conditions

Stores these batteries in original packaging to avoid damage to the battery. It also avoids leakage or corrosion if stored in humid conditions. If storing CR123A in its original packaging, store it in dry places away from water or liquids.

CR123 and CR123a Name Meaning

According to them, these two batteries look the same. The main difference between the name and the letter is the manufacturer’s preference. Some manufacturers are called CR123 and some CR123A. The letter A at the end of the name CR123A is a reference that explains that the battery is 2/3 the size of a standard A-size battery.

The starting two letters in the name CR for lithium. R is round, which means the battery has a cylinder structure. 123 number is the battery size. That means the battery is 2/3 the standard length of a battery.

So, if you use a battery CR123 or CR123A, it can be thought that it is a similar type of battery.

Are CR123 and CR123A batteries the same?

These two batteries are similar. The basic difference is the manufacturer’s presence for their names. A in the battery is 2/4 size of standard size. A battery

Are CR123 and CR123a interchangeable?

Irrespective of the difference in length, putting them in sensitive devices can cause some difficulties. With that, Cr123A is made of high-tech LED torches and digital cameras. In the form of voltage, the CR123 battery has a higher voltage than the CR123A but is shorter than the CR123A model. So substitution can cause performance problems in devices where used.

CR123A Equivalents

• 16340: The 16340 battery is a lithium-ion battery that is the same size and voltage as the CR123A battery. It can be used as a replacement for CR123A batteries in some devices. However, it is significant to note that 16340 are rechargeable while CR123A batteries are non-rechargeable.
• DL123: It is a lithium manganese dioxide battery that has the same size and voltage as the CR123A battery. It is also used interchangeably in CR123A batteries in most devices.
• EL123A: It is a lithium manganese dioxide battery that comes with a similar size and voltage as a CR123A battery. It can be replaced with CR123A batteries.
• CR17335: The CR17335 battery is a lithium thionyl chloride battery, which is the same size and voltage as the CR123A battery. It can be interchanged with CR123A batteries. However, it is good to note that CR17335 batteries are not as common as CR123A batteries, so they can be difficult to get.

What is another name for a CR123A battery?

It is also called EL123A, DL123A, RL123A, batteries.

Why are CR123 batteries so expensive?

As their demand is low, other types of common batteries make their production cost higher. With that, CR123 batteries also come with special materials like lithium, which is expensive.

What is a substitute for a CR123A battery?

16650 Rechargeable Orbtronic Protected Battery is best as a replacement of 2 x CR123A.

At what voltage is a CR123 battery dead?

~3.0V is dead voltage for CR123A.

What does CR stand for in battery?

It stands for Chromium.

Similarities Between CR123 and CR123A Battery

 Chemistry

• Lithium manganese dioxide chemistry is used for this battery and has high energy density for proper working conditions.

Voltage

• The nominal voltage of CR123 and CR123A batteries is three volts and is best for use in devices for provide constant voltage,

Size and Shape

• Both have the same dimensions and the dimensions are 17mm in diameter and 34.5mm in length.

Applications

• These two batteries are used in cameras, flashlights, and some other electronic devices for constant power delivery.

 Non-Rechargeable

• CR123 and CR123A batteries are non rechargeable and used for one time.

What is the best CR123 vs. CR123A?

The main difference between CR123 and CR123A is their charging voltage. Both are 3rd generation lithium-ion batteries, the CR123A battery charged at 1.5 volts, and the CR123 battery charged at 1.2 volts. This means CR123A batteries are more powerful than CR123 batteries.

Can I use CR123 for CR123A?

There is no certain difference between CR123 and CR123A batteries. They come in the same size; only the name is different, and they can be used as replacements for some applications.

How long does a CR123A last?

The CR123A lithium battery has a life span of about 3 to 5 years. CR123A battery size is called a camera battery. Since these batteries are used in photography equipment.

Why use CR123 batteries?

Due to its larger size, the CR123 battery has a longer runtime and high capacity. It is best for devices that need high power, like digital cameras, tactical flashlights, laser pointers, and electronic toys.

Do CR123 batteries leak?

Leaking, not common But they can fail catastrophically.

Is a CR123 battery rechargeable?

CR123A is a lithium primary (non-rechargeable) cell.

How many volts is a 123 battery?

The CR123A battery has a voltage of 3V and a capacity of 1470 mAh.

How long do CR123A batteries take to charge?

Charging time is 2.4 hr for 1-2 CR123A batteries or 1.6 hr for 1- 2 CR2 batteries.

What is the alternative to CR123 batteries?

The 16650 battery is the best option. If light has a large-diameter tube, then the 18650 is much better.

What is CR123 also called?

CR123A batteries also called DL123, EL123A or CR17345;

What Duracell is equivalent to CR123?

The Duracell equivalent to CR123 is CR123.

What is the alternative name for CR123A?

The other name for CR123A is DL123.

What does CR123 stand for?

The CR in CR123 is a cylindrical lithium battery, and 123 is its size; its diameter is 17 mm, and its length is about 34.5 millimeters.

Is CR123A the same as CR2?

CR2 batteries are not like CR123A batteries and cannot be used interchangeably due to size differences.

What is the difference between Duracell CR2 and CR123?

CR2 batteries are the same and best for devices in limited space, and CR123 batteries are larger and provide high capacity and a longer working life for high power devices.