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Include WithCR2 vs CR123 Batteries: Comprehensive Technical Comparison
Lithium batteries like CR2 and CR123 are widely used in high-performance electronics, but their differences in size, capacity, and applications often lead to confusion. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the right battery for your needs.
1. Core Specifications
CR2 Battery
Dimensions: 15 mm (diameter) × 27 mm (length)
Voltage: 3V (Lithium primary chemistry)
Capacity: 750–850 mAh (non-rechargeable)
Weight: ~11 grams
CR123 Battery
Dimensions: 17 mm (diameter) × 34.5 mm (length)
Voltage: 3V (Lithium primary or 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable variants)
Capacity: 1400–1600 mAh (non-rechargeable) / 650–800 mAh (rechargeable Li-ion)
Weight: ~16 grams
2. Key Differences
| Feature | CR2 | CR123 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | Shorter (low capacity) | 2× longer (higher capacity) |
| Device Compatibility | Compact electronics (e.g., penlights, medical devices) | High-drain devices (e.g., tactical flashlights, cameras) |
| Price | $2.50–$4.00 per unit | $2.00–$3.50 per unit |
| Rechargeability | Rarely available | Common (16340 Li-ion variant) |
3. Applications
CR2 Preferred For
Medical devices: Hearing aids, glucose monitors.
Compact gadgets: Laser pointers, keychain flashlights.
Low-power sensors: Smoke detectors with space constraints.
CR123 Preferred For
Tactical equipment: Weapon lights, night-vision devices.
Professional photography: DSLR camera flashes.
Outdoor gear: GPS trackers, emergency beacons.
4. Critical Considerations
Energy Density
CR123’s larger size provides ~90% higher energy density than CR2, making it ideal for devices requiring sustained power.
Temperature Performance
Both operate in , but CR123’s capacity degrades slower in extreme cold due to higher mass.
Safety
CR2: Prone to overheating in high-drain devices.
CR123: Safer for high-current applications (built-in PCB in Li-ion variants).
5. Cost Analysis
| Scenario | CR2 (Annual Cost) | CR123 (Annual Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily use in flashlight | $120–$200 | $80–$150 |
| Low-usage (sensor) | $10–$20 | $15–$25 |
6. Environmental Impact
CR2: Mostly disposable; limited recycling options.
CR123: Rechargeable variants reduce waste (500+ cycles).
7. Final Recommendation
Choose CR2 if:
Your device has strict size limitations.
Power demands are moderate (e.g., medical devices).
Choose CR123 if:
You need extended runtime or high-current output.
Rechargeability is a priority (use Li-ion 16340).
Always check your device’s voltage and size requirements before purchasing. For high-drain scenarios, CR123’s superior capacity and safety features make it the clear winner.
Kevin Chen
Founder / Writer at Rantle East Electronic Trading Co.,Limited
I am Kevin Chen, I graduated from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in 2000. I am an electrical and electronic engineer with 23 years of experience, in charge of writting content for ICRFQ. I am willing use my experiences to create reliable and necessary electronic information to help our readers. We welcome readers to engage with us on various topics related to electronics such as IC chips, Diode, Transistor, Module, Relay, opticalcoupler, Connectors etc. Please feel free to share your thoughts and questions on these subjects with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
