CR123A VS RCR123A Batteries: Differences & How to Choose

The RCR123A and CR123A look nearly identical.

However, their internal chemistry and voltage are quite different. Mismatched voltages are a leading cause of device failure in consumer electronics.

This guide clarifies those differences, ensuring you choose the perfect power source to protect your devices and get the performance you expect.

Table of Contents

• CR123A vs. RCR123A: Key Differences at a Glance
• Meet the CR123A: The Reliable Powerhouse
• Meet the RCR123A: The Rechargeable Workhorse (16340)
• CR123A vs. RCR123A: The Head-to-Head Comparison
• Can You Swap Them?
• Which EBL Battery is Right for You?
• Powering Forward with the Right Choice
• FAQ
  

CR123A vs. RCR123A: Key Differences at a Glance

Let's get straight to the point. Here is the most important information you need when comparing the CR123A vs. RCR123A.

The main takeaway is the voltage difference.

A CR123A is a primary, non-rechargeable battery that provides a steady 3.0 volts.

In contrast, the RCR123A rechargeable battery (also called a 16340) is a secondary cell that operates at a higher 3.7 volts.

With this quick overview in mind, let's explore the specific characteristics of each battery so you can see exactly what makes them tick.

Meet the CR123A: The Reliable Powerhouse

The CR123A battery is a cylindrical primary battery with a lithium-based chemistry, specifically Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2).

The International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) uses the letters CR to indicate the lithium chemistry of CR123A batteries.

Specifically, the C represents Chemistry while the R is short for Round, an indication of the mostly cylindrical nature of these batteries.

123A means one battery that has two-thirds the size of a standard A battery. It is not compulsory that the letter A must always be included. The A battery is not used anymore.

As a "primary" battery, it's designed for a single use and is not rechargeable.

It delivers a strong, consistent performance for its entire life.

One of its most praised features is its incredibly long shelf life. CR123A can retain most of its charge for up to 10 years, making it the perfect choice for emergency kits and life-saving equipment.

The earliest CR123A battery was meant to be used only on cameras because its high current capacity helps ensure sufficient power for a camera’s flash and motor drive.

With continuous innovation, the usage scope has since expanded to include a lot of other high-drain products.

Common CR123A battery used for applications include:

• LED flashlights
• Home and office automation
• Light meters
• Smoke detectors
• Camcorders
• Lighting equipment
• Cordless drills
• Tactical equipment, etc

Meet the RCR123A: The Rechargeable Workhorse (16340)

RCR123A rechargeable battery is a secondary, lithium-ion battery, which means you can charge it, use it, and repeat the process hundreds of times.

They are regarded as rechargeable versions of the mostly non-rechargeable CR123A batteries. You should be careful to determine whether your device will be compatible with such an increased voltage.

A large variety of 16340 batteries have a lithium-cobalt-oxide (LiCoO2) chemistry, so they can be recharged with Li-ion smart chargers.

Take care to ensure you are charging with high-quality smart chargers to avoid fire incidents or explosions due to overcharging or overheating.

The most important thing to know about the RCR123A is its other name: 16340, which stands for they have a diameter of 16mm and a height of 34mm.

They are designed for frequent use, so they excel in high-drain devices that would burn through single-use batteries quickly, such as:

• Arlo cameras
• LED flashlights
• Camcorders
• Video game consoles
• Radios
• Cordless vacuums
• Digital cameras
• Vapes, etc
  

CR123A vs. RCR123A: The Head-to-Head Comparison

When we look at RCR123 vs CR123A, the specifications tell a clear story. Seeing them side-by-side makes it easy to spot the right choice for your needs.

Feature	CR123A	RCR123A
Rechargeable	No (Single Use)	Yes (Up to 1200 times)
Voltage	3.0V (Consistent)	3.7V (Higher, Drops as Used)
Capacity (mAh)	~1500-1600mAh	~750-800mAh
Chemistry	Lithium (LiMnO2)	Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
Shelf-Life	Up to 10 years	Lower Self-discharges between 10% to 30% after being stored for a year
Charge/Discharge Cycles	Discharge just once	Up to 1200 times
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Much cheaper over its lifespan
Safety	Very stable	Built-in PTC protection

As you can see from the table, while they share a size, they are fundamentally different.

• Capacity: Capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), is like the size of a battery's fuel tank. A CR123A has a higher initial capacity.

On the other hand, the higher the capacity of an RCR123A battery, the lower its maximum drain. It's a trade-off. A battery with a bigger 'gas tank' (higher capacity) usually has a smaller 'fuel hose' (lower drain rate). It runs longer, but delivers its power more gently.

However, some products claim to be capable of both high capacity and high drain. Be sure to get as much information as you can (including their buyer reviews) about such products before investing in them.

• Initial Charging Conditions:  

Due to safety concerns, producers of RCR123A batteries often distribute them to consumers with only a 50% charge and then ask that the batteries be fully charged before first use. This is different from CR123A batteries, which come fully charged and ready for instant use.

• Voltage: This is the most critical difference.

The CR123A provides a steady 3.0V.

The RCR123A starts at a higher 3.7V (and can even be above 4.0V when fully charged) and gradually drops as it's used.

• Safety: A typical RCR123A battery is designed with several forms of built-in protection that may include overcharging protection, over-discharging protection, maximum discharge current protection, overvoltage protection, overheat protection, and short-circuit protection.

They should be designed with at least charging/discharging and thermal protection due to their lithium-ion chemical composition.

However, whether RCR123A or CR123A, do not disassemble these batteries, subject them to high temperature, keep them close to fire, short circuit them, or abuse them in other ways.

This head-to-head breakdown leads us directly to the most important safety question you should be asking.

Can You Swap Them?

This is the question we get most often, and the answer requires care. 

You can use an RCR123A rechargeable battery to replace a CR123A only if your device's manual or manufacturer explicitly states it is compatible with the 3.7V voltage.

Think of it like putting high-octane racing fuel in a regular family car. While the car might run for a bit, the engine isn't designed for it and will eventually suffer damage.

The same principle applies here.

The electronics in a device designed for a steady 3.0V can be "fried" or permanently damaged by the 3.7V to 4.2V supplied by a fully charged RCR123A.

How do you know if your device is compatible?

1. Check the Manual: This is the most reliable source. Look for the "Specifications" section.
2. Examine the Device: Often, the required voltage (e.g., "3V DC") is printed or molded into the plastic near the battery compartment.
3. Visit the Manufacturer's Website: Look up your product's support or specifications page.

When in doubt, don't risk it. Using the correct battery is the best way to guarantee your gear works safely for years.

Which EBL Battery is Right for You?

Let's make the choice simple.

The Best All-around: The EBL 3V USB Rechargeable CR123A

This is the battery you're looking for if you want the cost savings of a rechargeable cell without the risk of high voltage.

While traditional CR123A batteries are single-use, our engineers have embedded a voltage-regulating chip into this special rechargeable lithium cell.

This tiny, intelligent chip acts as a converter. It takes the battery's natural 3.7V charge and precisely steps it down, ensuring the power delivered to your device is always a steady and safe 3.0V.

This innovation means you get:

• Advanced built-in Pressure, Temperature, Current (PTC) protections
• Safe protection against over-charge, over-discharge, over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuiting
• Rechargeable
• Leak-proof
• 2400mWh high energy capacity for a longer working time for your devices
• Steady voltage
• No memory effect
• Can be recharged up to 1200 times when fully or partially drained.
• Operates in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 140°F.
• Advanced USB smart charging design
• Easy storage case for a pack of 4 batteries
• Direct USB Charging with the included 2-in-1 cable, so you don't need a separate charger.

Upgrade to the 3V Rechargeable CR123A

Choose EBL CR123A If:

You need absolute, long-term reliability. These are for your go-bag, emergency preparedness kits, smoke detectors, and security sensors that you can't afford to fail.

If the device is critical and used infrequently, the 10-year shelf life of our CR123A batteries is your best guarantee of power.

• 6/12/18/24 packs CR123A lithium batteries
• Non-rechargeable
• Uses an advanced lithium cell core with high power density for high performance in high-tech devices, such as flashlights, digital cameras, camcorders, toys, smoke detectors, and more.
• 1600mAh high capacity, and  3V constant for a longer than other brands
• A lower self-discharge rate that ensures up to 10 years life span
• No Leakage & Safer to use
• Non-rechargeable replacement for batteries like 123, 123A, BR2/3A, CR123, CR123A, CR123R, CR17335, CR17345, DL123A, EL123AP, K123, K123A, K123LA, L123A, RCR123, SF123A, VL123A, VL123A, 5018LC
• Ideal for a variety of devices including flashlights, digital cameras, light meters, and lots of other popular photo equipment.
• Explosion-proof design
  

Shop Reliable CR123A Batteries

Choose EBL RCR123A (16340) If:

Your device is part of your daily routine.

For your high-powered flashlight on the job, your Arlo camera that's always on, or any gadget you use weekly, our RCR123A rechargeable battery is the smarter, more sustainable choice.

You'll save hundreds of dollars over the battery's life and prevent dozens of batteries from ending up in landfills.

• 4/8/12/16/32 packs 16340 Li-ion battery
• Rechargeable
• These ultra-long-lasting Li-ion batteries are manufactured with premium raw materials and high-density cell technology
• Can be recharged up to 1200 times when fully or partially drained
• Longer life & economical
• Doesn't contain Hg/Cd/Pb, so will not pollute the environment
• Ideal replacement batteries for CR123, CR17345, K123A, VL123A, DL123A,5018LC, SF123A, and EL123AP
• Great for high-power demand devices such as flashlights, Arlo cameras, toys, etc.
  

Go Rechargeable with RCR123A

Don't Forget the Charger!

To unlock the full potential and lifespan of your rechargeable batteries, a high-quality smart charger is a must.

It ensures safe charging and helps maintain battery health over hundreds of cycles.

Find Your Perfect Charger

Powering Forward with the Right Choice

If you frequently use battery-powered devices such as those mentioned above and others, then you should often have a need for CR123A and RCR123A batteries.

But while CR123A and RCR123A batteries are both lithium-based, some significant differences exist between them.

Because of these differences, ensure you either read any user instructions on your device’s body, study any manuals that come with the device, visit the manufacturer’s website, or consult an expert to determine device compatibility with both models before replacing a CR123A battery with a higher voltage RCR123A battery.

If you are searching for high-grade CR123A and RCR123A batteries, then our brand EBL is highly recommended.

FAQ

What replaces CR123A?

The most direct replacement is a rechargeable RCR123A (or 16340) battery, but you must confirm your device can handle the higher 3.7V voltage.

Can I use a 18650 battery instead of a CR123A?

No, a single 18650 battery is much larger than a CR123A. However, in some flashlights designed for two CR123A batteries, one 18650 may be used as a replacement if the device manufacturer confirms compatibility.

What is the difference between RCR123A and 18350?

While both are rechargeable, the 18350 battery is slightly wider (18mm vs 16mm) and may not fit in devices designed strictly for the RCR123A size.

What is the alternative name for CR123A?

Besides the technical name CR17345, you will often see them sold by brands under names like DL123A, EL123AP, and K123A.

Why are CR123A batteries so expensive?

Their higher cost comes from their advanced lithium chemistry, which provides a higher energy density and a much longer shelf-life (up to 10 years) than standard alkaline batteries.