Bench Test Results: Samsung 35E3 - 8A 3350mAh 18650…latest version of a great performer

These tests below only note my personal ESTIMATED ratings for the batteries I tested at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.

Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of property damage, personal injury, or even death. They are not supposed to be used outside of a fully protected battery pack and you use them at your own risk. Never exceed the battery’s true continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.

Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.

If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.




Test Results
This is a great cell, performing better than the 35E and is essentially equal to the Molicel M35A and performs a touch better than the EVE 33V. The 35E3 has a “3” on the wrap, on the lower left corner of the printing. If there is no “3” then it is the older 35E.

Samsung rates this cell at 8A continuous and 13A non-continuous as long as you keep it under 60°C. As I do for all the over-3000mAh 18650’s I recommend not going over about 5A to improve performance (minimize voltage sag) and help extend cell life. Do not go below 2.65V with this cell.

The two cells I tested delivered 3458mAh and 3466mAh. This is great consistency and is typical for cells from the big manufacturers.

Two cells were purchased for testing by me from 18650BatteryStore (18650 Battery Store - Lithium Ion Batteries, Chargers and Accessories).


Continuous Current Discharge Graphs



Ratings and Performance Specs Graphic


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