battery life -- booster vs LDO

[Commie]

If I understand correctly, an LDO will require 2 batteries, while a booster requires just one.

So, if I'm vaping at, say, 4v, I can either use 1 18650 for 3000MAh, or two 18350ies for 1200MAh. If that is correct, then why LDO over a booster? More heat, less battery life, isn't it?

Or am I understanding it wrong, and an LDO draws less from each of the two batteries, getting similar life out of the smaller batteries?

Thank you for any information!

Commie

 

[Java_Az]

The booster will still beat the LDO. It comes down to efficiency and LDO's are not very efficient. The best battery life would be using a Buck switching regulator and two stacked batteries that set up can get you over 90% efficient. Most of your good boost switching regulators get in the 80% efficient range. With a LDO and two batteries stacked @ 8 volts and you have it set for a output of 4 volts you will only get 50% or less since it is burning off 4 volts as heat.