Does branding make a difference?

[Phone Guy]

If it's been recommended that someone (me) use Orbtronic NCR18650PF... and I can get Panasonic NCR18650PF (not branded Orbtronic) cheaper and or local (ie: immediately) would that be the same?

Or do Orbtronic batteries actually have different specs? (IR, chemistry, amperage, etc)

 

[Phone Guy]

I'm going to guess they are exactly the same?