Samsung 26F 5.2A 2600mAh Bench Test Results...just not worth it

These cells were purchased with funds donated by the vaping community for the purposes of testing. Thank you! To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.

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 says "max discharging current" 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.




Bottom Line
This cell has a low current rating, 5.2A, but uses the safer "hybrid" NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry version of "ICR". It does not use the more volatile LCO (lithium-cobalt oxide) chemistry version of ICR that is also used in LiPo's. NMC chemistry is used in the 25R, VTC4/5, HE2/4, and other cells we use often and consider to be pretty safe.

It also has a low capacity rating, 2600mAh, compared to several other <10A batteries. There's very little reason for a vaper to use this battery. If you do use them, stay below 15W to get what you can from these cells without the weak battery warning appearing immediately.

The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.


Continuous-Current Test Results



Pulse-Current Test Results
No pulse tests were done since I cannot recommend this battery for any style of vaping.


Datasheet Specs


Comments

• At 5A continuous it reached about 2500mAh. This is good performance for a 2600mAh cell at 5A so I am rating it at 2600mAh.
• At 10A continuous the temperature rose to 86°C. This is above the average temperature of a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR) and is an indication that we are operating above its true rating. The voltage is sagging considerably.
• At 15A and 20A continuous the voltage almost instantly plunged below 3.2V. The cell is useless at these current levels.
• I am setting a CDR of 5.2A for this cell. The temperature is low at this current level but the voltage starts sagging too much if we go any higher. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect good cycle life from this cell at 5.2A continuous.

To see how other cells have tested and how hard you can safely push them, check out these links:
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/18350-safety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7566/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/18650-safety-grades-picking-a-safe-battery-to-vape-with.7447/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/26650-safety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7554//