Batteries are gradually replacing conventional disposable batteries in a wide variety of household applications. With a one-time purchase of a rechargeable battery pack and charger, you can save a lot of money (compared to regularly replacing standard batteries). In our review article, we will try to tell you which AAA batteries are better, as well as their scope, leading manufacturers and popular models.
Classification and sizes
Classification of rechargeable batteries determines the exact correspondence of the size and shape of the product to its letter or alphanumeric designation (or the so-called form factor). Commonly called "little finger" batteries with a length of 44 mm and a diameter of 10 mm, according to the American standard, are designated by three Latin letters - AAA (in the international standardization system - HR03). Accordingly, AA batteries (HR6) are used instead of disposable "AA" batteries with a length of 50 mm and a diameter of 14 mm.
Varieties
Depending onthe chemical composition of the technological elements included in the technical device of the AAA battery, such products are:
- Lithium polymer (Li-Pol). A design feature of such products is a micro-USB connector installed on the case, through which recharging is carried out using the cord included in the package. Such batteries have not yet been widely used because of their very high cost. For example, a set of two batteries (400 mAh each) Rombica Neo X3 costs about 1000 rubles. The pluses include increased voltage - 1.5 V.
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd). These AAA rechargeable batteries have been popular for a long time. However, given the highly toxic characteristics of cadmium and its derivatives, as well as the increased modern requirements for environmental safety of humans and the environment, almost all leading manufacturers of this battery segment have abandoned their production.
- Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). They are the most popular today and are perhaps the best AAA batteries. The choice of these products is very wide both in terms of manufacturers represented on the Russian market, as well as in terms of price and technical indicators. Therefore, they will be discussed in this article.
For information! Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) AA and AAA batteries are no longer being produced at all.
AAA battery specifications
AAA batteries are characterized by:
- Operating voltage: 1.2 V.
- Capacity:from 550 to 1100 mAh.
- Form factor - AAA (HR03).
- Dimensions: length - 44 mm, diameter - 10 mm.
- Weight: 12-15 grams.
- The number of full charge/discharge cycles guaranteed by the manufacturer: from 500 to 3000.
- Uninterrupted service life: 3 to 10 years.
- Self-discharge level.
Scope of application
Batteries are used in a variety of devices:
- digital cameras and flash units;
- video cameras;
- voice recorders;
- portable radios and multimedia music centers;
- wireless game console controllers;
- hair trimmers;
- radio telephones;
- wireless mice, keyboards and headphones;
- portable CD and MP3 players;
- children's electromechanical toys (including radio-controlled);
- miniature flashlights (incandescent or LED);
- electric shavers, epilators and toothbrushes.
The choice of AAA battery capacity directly depends on the energy consumption of a particular device.
Pros and cons
The undoubted advantages of NiMH batteries (compared to disposable batteries and rechargeable products based on Li-Pol or Ni-Cd) are:
- Saving money (one-time purchase will last for many years).
- The energy intensity of modern AAA batteries often exceeds that of standard batteries.
- Modern rechargeable Ni-MH products (unlike batteries) almost do not reduce the amount of energy output even at high discharge currents.
- These products (compared to Ni-Cd) almost completely lack the effect of the so-called memory, so you can put them on charge without waiting for a full discharge. There is no degradation in performance.
- Complete environmental safety of the materials used in the manufacture. This allows them to be operated without causing any harm to human he alth, and also greatly simplifies the process of subsequent disposal.
- Great selection of products.
The main disadvantage of such products is that manufacturers do not recommend their use at sufficiently low temperatures. Only some models (usually with the Pro index) are designed for operation at minus 20 degrees.
Top Manufacturers
The leading and most popular NiMH battery manufacturers today are:
- Japanese Panasonic, Sanyo, Sony and Maha;
- American Duracell and Energizer;
- German Ansmann and Varta;
- Dutch Philips;
- Hong Kong GP;
- Russian Cosmos, Robiton and Zubr.
They have all won the trust of consumers and have good value for money.
Popular models from Panasonic
The well-known Japanese manufacturer Panasonic, the first to start production of nickel-metal hydride batteries with a low self-discharge current, remains the undisputed leader in the ratings of AA and AAA batteries.
For use in devices with the HR03 (AAA) battery form factor used, the company offers three types of “little finger” batteries.
The "younger" Eneloop Lite model today costs 210-220 rubles. Possessing a minimum (compared to more expensive products from Panasonic) capacity (550 mAh), the device allows you to carry out the maximum number of recharge cycles to date (up to 3000).
The price of a Panasonic Eneloop product with a capacity of 750 mAh is 260-270 rubles. The number of full charge/discharge cycles guaranteed by the manufacturer is also very high - 2100.
Note! The Panasonic AAA batteries described above retain 70 percent of their charge even after three years of storage.
The "older" Eneloop Pro model, which allows 500 full recharge cycles, today has a fairly large capacity for this type of battery (950 mAh) and costs 300-320 rubles. A distinctive feature of this product is the ability to operate at ambient temperatures down to minus 20 degrees. After a year of storage, such a battery will lose only 15 percent of its original charge.
For information! By reading the instruction manual for a specific "device", you can determine which AAA batteries are best suited for it.
An important advantage of batteriesPanasonic Eneloop is that they are sold already charged and ready for immediate use (Ready To Use).
GP product line
AAA batteries (according to numerous buyers) from GP are very popular due to a very balanced price / quality ratio. The Hong Kong manufacturer offers the user 6 models of products of the HR03 form factor with a capacity of 650 to 1000 mAh and a cost of 85 to 150 rubles, respectively. The number of recharge cycles for all products is the same and is about 1000.
Like all leading manufacturers, GP has started producing batteries with low self-discharge current. Model GP AAA ReCyko + with a capacity of 850 mAh costs about 140 rubles. The Always Ready label on the packaging indicates that the device is already charged and intended for immediate use (without pre-charging).
Popular models from Energizer and Duracell
Both American manufacturers have long been known to Russian consumers. In their reviews, they prefer the two most popular AAA battery models: Duracell Duralock (about 200 rubles) and Energizer Extreme (260 rubles). Their technical indicators are the same: capacity 800 mAh, the number of recharge cycles - 1000. Both are sold in a charged state, which indicates their low self-discharge current. And although Duracell guarantees its product for 5 years of trouble-free operation, most likely under the same conditionsEnergizer will last just as long. Which AAA batteries are better, only their own experience of using them, and with the same energy consumer, can finally judge. Otherwise, the comparison will turn out to be very incorrect.
The most popular AAA batteries from German manufacturers
Among the "Germans" the most famous and proven manufacturers of batteries are Varta and Ansmann. Owners of portable equipment with high power consumption (such as flashlights) are very popular with AAA batteries from both companies with the Professional index. The cost of both models with a capacity of 1000 mAh (Varta Professional AAA and Ansmann Professional AAA) is approximately the same and amounts to 170-180 rubles. The only difference is that Varta guarantees 1500 recharge cycles, while Ansmann - only 1000. Although, in our deep conviction, this is unlikely to drastically affect the product's lifespan. With the so-called simple (that is, not using the battery for its intended purpose) for a year, both devices retain up to 85% of the original charge.
Products of Russian manufacturers
Naturally, domestic manufacturers are also engaged in the production of the popular type of AAA batteries. Among the popular models, users note "Cosmos KOCR03" and "3ubr Dynamic Pro AAA". Both models have the maximum capacity for this form factor - 1100 mAh, andThey are intended for use in devices with high power consumption. The cost is approximately the same and is about 150 rubles. The number of recharge cycles is about 1000.
The Robiton AAA Micro battery (worth 90-100 rubles) has a slightly lower capacity (900 mAh). The manufacturer positions this product as the cheapest among analogues without memory effect and with low self-discharge current.
Chargers
As the best charger for AA and AAA batteries, battery manufacturers naturally recommend their own brand devices. That is, everything is simple, I bought, for example, a Panasonic Eneloop kit, buy a Panasonic Basic Charger BQ-CC51E for 1200-1300 rubles. Such a device will allow you to simultaneously charge 2 or 4 products. Approximate charging time is 8-10 hours (although this will largely depend on how badly the batteries have been drained).
For comparison: a universal charger (AA or AAA) Robiton Smart S100, also designed for simultaneous charging of 2 or 4 batteries, costs 900-950 rubles. The built-in processor monitors the change in voltage and other electrical parameters and automatically turns off the device at the end of the charging process. Charging time varies from 1.5 to 6 hours depending on the capacity of the batteries. The package includes a power adapter and a power supply for connecting to the car's cigarette lighter (this greatly expandsproduct functionality).
Which of the above devices of the middle price category from fairly well-known manufacturers will be the best charger for AA and AAA batteries. It would seem that everything is simple: Robiton is cheaper and charges faster, Panasonic is more expensive and slower. However, electronics gurus unequivocally state that the higher the charging speed (and hence its current), the shorter the battery life and vice versa. Currently, the cost of NiMH batteries is not that high, so some users will not want to achieve their maximum life (5-10 years) in order to save their own time.
The most advanced can purchase a high-tech microprocessor intelligent charger with the ability to manually set modes and monitor process steps (voltage, current and capacitance level) on a multifunctional LCD screen. A popular device with such capabilities Robiton Master Charger Pro LCD today costs about 3400 rubles.
For information! Almost all modern chargers are equipped with a protection device against the so-called polarity reversal. If you accidentally insert the battery incorrectly (that is, mix up "+" and "-"), then this will not lead to failure of either the charger itself or the battery.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing batteries, you should pay attention to several main aspects:
- First of all, it is capacity. The larger it is, the longer it naturally takes.will work your device until the next recharging. However, the recovery process for high-capacity products will take longer.
- If you use the device (with batteries installed in it) often enough, you can safely purchase standard batteries. But if you turn on the device from time to time, then buy products with a low self-discharge current. Then, after taking out a flash from the shelf in six months, you can be completely sure of its performance. Ordinary rechargeable batteries will be discharged to zero in such a period.
- The number of recharge cycles is mainly of concern to very zealous owners. Even with the minimum value of this indicator (500) and very intensive operation (recharging every 2 days), the most budget batteries from GP will last at least a year and a half.
Important! You can not save too much on the charger, as this leads to a decrease in battery life. It is best to purchase products with an automatic shutdown function from trusted manufacturers.
The final conclusion on which AAA batteries are best for your CD player or your beloved child's radio-controlled car will help you to carefully read the instruction manual (which often indicates the recommended capacity) and consult an experienced sales assistant in a specialized store.
