Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK comparison - which is better

The battery offered by these manufacturers has an output of 3.7 volts, a capacity ranging from 1800mAh to about 3500mAh, and the functionality of a lithium-ion battery. If you are wondering which one is better while comparing Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK, then this guide is for you.

How do I choose 18650 battery

To choose a suitable and high-quality 18650 battery, there are many factors to consider. First consider the application scenario. The following indicators must be checked before choosing a 18650 battery.

Flat top or a button top

A button top 18650 battery is currently required by an increasing number of gadgets. Here, the plus pole is elevated above the battery’s other cells. These are frequently found in items like video doorbells. On the other hand, large OEM manufacturers frequently create 18650 batteries with flat tops.

In this type of battery, the top is flat, as implied by the name, and this kind of flat-top battery is mainly used to form a battery pack. Generally, nickel sheets are used to weld the flat top between each cell, so that the cells are connected in series and parallel in an orderly manner.

Protected or unprotected battery

It’s also important to see if the battery is protected or unprotected. A small electrical circuit is built into the cell packaging of protected batteries. By doing this, the battery is shielded from a range of potential issues, including short-circuiting, overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating.

Many include several built-in features that are used to guard against these problems. These batteries have the benefit of being less prone to explode and cause damage.

When using lithium-ion batteries, the protection board is indispensable. Some 18650 batteries have protection boards, and this type is specially used for portable tools, such as flashlight batteries, vape batteries, etc.;

The 18650 cell without a protective board may be much cheaper than the one with a protective plate, but there are more problems that need to be paid attention to in use. For the battery pack, because the battery pack will have another BMS protection board to protect the whole battery pack.

Check fake 18650 batteries

Scammers who target batteries excel at their craft. The difference of batteries being fake or real is quite subtle. You cannot tell the difference from the packaging or from the online listings. The only way to distinguish a fake 18650 battery from a real one is by weight.

Just as with any branded product, you need to watch out for copies. It’s typical practice for numerous vendors to purchase inexpensive cells, brand them, and then sell them in stores as authentic batteries.

Purchase channel

There are many purchase channels, the general purchase channel of batteries is Alibaba or the battery website. When choosing, or in the process of inquiring about batteries, you need to look at the qualifications of the seller. It is best to choose a seller with experience in making batteries, because they will be more experienced in the quality of batteries.

Introduction of Samsung and BAK

Samsung
Lee Byung-Chull built Samsung, a South Korean company, in March 1938 as a grocery trading business. A black-and-white television was the company’s first electronic product when it entered the electronics market in 1969.

Over the years, Samsung has seen significant growth and development by introducing technology and innovation. The company produces a variety of modern technologies and electronic appliances, including TVs, tablets, mobile phones, refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, and laptops.
BAK
BAK is a manufacturer from China that offers various rechargeable custom battery packs and circuit protection systems. It was founded in 2002. This business has a highly qualified engineering research and development staff that can offer a variety of independent research and development PCM design solutions.

BAK has produced numerous safety-related products. The technology of directed blasting of cylindrical batteries has currently reached maturity, and it is the first and only business in China to have done so while also resolving the thermal runaway issue. The company has performed well in ensuring the quality of battery packs.

Type of Samsung 18650 battery and BAK

Both Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK offer LifeOp4 batteries and ternary batteries. Some of the common models from both these manufacturers are(The information comes from the Internet, if there is an error, welcome to suggest).

The common models of Samsung 18650 battery are following：

• Samsung 11Q 18650 Battery (3.2V)
• Samsung 20S 18650 2000mAh 30A Battery (3.6V)
• Samsung 25R 18650 2500mAh 20A Battery (3.6V)
• Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mAh 15A – Button Top Battery (3.6V)
• Samsung 35E 18650 3500mAh 8A – Button Top Battery (3.6V)
• Samsung 25S 18650 2500mAh 25A Battery (3.6V)
• Samsung 29E 18650 2850mAh 2.75A Battery (3.65V)
• Samsung 32E 18650 3200mAh 6.4A Battery (3.65V)

The common models of BAK 18650 battery are following：

• BAK 18650 3050mAh 6.1A – Protected Button Top Battery (3.6V)
• BAK 18650 2900mah Lithium Ion Battery (3.2V)
• BAK 18650 3350mAh 6.5A Battery (N18650CP) (3.6V)
• BAK 18650 2500mAh 20A Battery (N18650CNP) (3.6V)

Comparison of Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK 18650

Let’s take a look at the main information of Samsung and BAK’s 18650 3.7v 2900mAh battery cell：
Samsung 18650 battery

BAK 18650 battery

Here is a comparison of the 3.7v 2900mAh Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK 18650 battery.

Minimum capacity
● The minimum capacity for Samsung 18650 is 2,750mAh (0.2C, 2.50V discharge).
● The minimum capacity for BAK 18650 is 2800mAh by standard charge and discharge.

Internal resistance
● The internal resistance for Samsung 18650 is 45 mΩ.
● The internal resistance for BAK 18650 is ≤ 35 mΩ(AC Impedance, 1000 Hz).

Maximum discharge current
● For Samsung 18650, it is 2,750mAh (continuous discharge) and 8250mAh (not for continuous discharge).
● For BAK 18650, max discharge current: 3C(8250 mAh).

Maximum charging current
● For Samsung 18650, the standard charge current is 1,375mA.
● For BAK 18650, the standard charge current is 2750mA.

Cycle performance
● For Samsung 18650, each cycle is an interval between the charge current 1,735mA with 0.05C cut-off. The interval between the discharge current is 2,750mA with a 2.50V cut-off with a capacity after 500 cycles.
● For BAK 18650, the formula follows as “Discharge capacity of 801st cycle/ Original discharge capacity ≥ 80%”.

Weight
● The weight of the Samsung 18650 is only 48g.
● The weight of BAK 18650 is ≤ 48g.

Temperature
● For Samsung 18650 battery, the charge temperature discharge temperature is 25°C (-10°C 25°C 40°C) with a relative capacity of 60% 97% 97%.
● For BAK 18650 battery, the charge temperature at 25°C has a relative capacity of 100%, whereas it is the capacity for 60°C and 45°C is ≥100%. At 10°C, it is ≥90% and at 0°C, it is ≥85%. If it goes further below -10°C, the relative capacity will be ≥80%. At -20°C, it is ≥70%.

Safety test
● The Samsung 18650 battery has been tested and approved for no fire and no explosion under External Short-circuit Test, Overcharge Test, Reverse Charge Test, and Heating Test.
● The BAK 18650 battery has been tested and approved for no fire, no leakage, and no explosion under vibration test, drop test, overcharge test, forced discharge test, 130°C hot oven test, crush test, short circuit test at room temperature, thermal cycling, and low-pressure test.

Which is better – Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK

There is no doubt that both of these battery manufacturers have excelled at their job in producing the finest 18650 batteries. Both of Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK performed well for the majority of the users. These batteries are tested for high safety, quick charging, high capacity, long cycles, high rate, and great temperature adaptability. The test results for BAK N18650NCP – Samsung 25R and 30A 2500mAh 18650 are roughly equivalent.

Focusing on the number of cycles and internal resistance, BAK 18650 cell is better than Samsung 18650 battery, and its capacity is also larger than Samsung. And 3C continuous discharge shows that BAK battery discharge is more stable. Cell testing is also more secure.

Price of Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK 18650

A small comparison of prices between the Samsung 18650 battery vs BAK is given below.
● Samsung battery price ranges from $1.85 to $5 for various models of batteries. Considering 2500mah, you can get it for $2 to 5.
● BAK battery price ranges from $2 – $5, considering you want a powerful battery like the 18650 3.6V 3350mAh lithium-ion battery.
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