While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it only says "max" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Cell photos: https://imgur (dot) com/a/SrzPS
(Sorry for the split link but direct links to Imgur do not display properly)
Bottom Line
This is a 21700 cell. It is about 21mm in diameter and 70mm long.
This cell performs about as well as the 15A 4000mAh Sanyo NCR20700B down to 3.2V. While the internal resistance of this Samsung is a bit higher than the Sanyo, causing a bit more voltage sag, the higher capacity of this Samsung helps compensate for that.
The datasheet’s mention that the 9.6A continuous current rating given to this cell would result in reduced cycle life made me think it would probably end up being a 7A-8A cell in my testing. Especially considering that Samsung used 4.8A for their cycle life testing. But, I was wrong. Samsung does underrate their cells and this one has a 500 cycle rating at 4.8A. Even with the accelerated aging caused by using it as a 10A battery, versus as a 4.8A battery, the cycle life would only be reduced down to the level where the other batteries we use are rated, about 200 cycles. This is why I am still rating it at 10A.
This cell ran quite cool when discharged its continuous rating. It’s limited more by its own higher internal resistance, causing greater voltage sag, than by high temperatures when run too hard.
This bottom of this cell is unique, being recessed and scored unlike any other cell I’ve tested. It almost seems like the bottom is designed to split open, i.e., vent, if there is an overpressure situation. But there is no mention of this in the datasheet so assume I am wrong for now. If stacking these cells in a mod you will need a magnet between them to allow them to make reliable contact.
Both of the cell's I tested were 70.3mm long and were an uncomfortably tight fit in LUC V4 chargers. I do not know which others chargers they may or may not fit in.
The model number and batch/date code printing are on both the wrap and the metal can of the cell.
I am rating this Samsung cell at 10A and 4800mAh. It would be an okay choice for vaping at up to about 35W per cell.
The two cells that were tested were purchased for that purpose by me.
Continuous-Current Test Results
Pulse-Current Test Results
Performance Compared to the Sansung NCR20700B Cell
Comments
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it only says "max" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Cell photos: https://imgur (dot) com/a/SrzPS
(Sorry for the split link but direct links to Imgur do not display properly)
Bottom Line
This is a 21700 cell. It is about 21mm in diameter and 70mm long.
This cell performs about as well as the 15A 4000mAh Sanyo NCR20700B down to 3.2V. While the internal resistance of this Samsung is a bit higher than the Sanyo, causing a bit more voltage sag, the higher capacity of this Samsung helps compensate for that.
The datasheet’s mention that the 9.6A continuous current rating given to this cell would result in reduced cycle life made me think it would probably end up being a 7A-8A cell in my testing. Especially considering that Samsung used 4.8A for their cycle life testing. But, I was wrong. Samsung does underrate their cells and this one has a 500 cycle rating at 4.8A. Even with the accelerated aging caused by using it as a 10A battery, versus as a 4.8A battery, the cycle life would only be reduced down to the level where the other batteries we use are rated, about 200 cycles. This is why I am still rating it at 10A.
This cell ran quite cool when discharged its continuous rating. It’s limited more by its own higher internal resistance, causing greater voltage sag, than by high temperatures when run too hard.
This bottom of this cell is unique, being recessed and scored unlike any other cell I’ve tested. It almost seems like the bottom is designed to split open, i.e., vent, if there is an overpressure situation. But there is no mention of this in the datasheet so assume I am wrong for now. If stacking these cells in a mod you will need a magnet between them to allow them to make reliable contact.
Both of the cell's I tested were 70.3mm long and were an uncomfortably tight fit in LUC V4 chargers. I do not know which others chargers they may or may not fit in.
The model number and batch/date code printing are on both the wrap and the metal can of the cell.
I am rating this Samsung cell at 10A and 4800mAh. It would be an okay choice for vaping at up to about 35W per cell.
The two cells that were tested were purchased for that purpose by me.
Continuous-Current Test Results
Pulse-Current Test Results
Performance Compared to the Sansung NCR20700B Cell
Comments
- At 5A continuous this cell delivered about 4498mAh. This is average performance for a high internal resistance 4800mAh cell discharged at 5A so I am rating it at 4800mAh.
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