Mixing them together will result in low-voltage operation of electronic devices. Just be sure not to mix the two up-because they're exactly the same battery. Is a 1.5 V Battery the Same as AA?Ī 1.5-volt battery is the same size as AA batteries, but is rated for lower voltage to suit a device with a lighter power requirement such as a flashlight.

It's still widely used today in such devices as toys, remote controls, computer mice, desk lamps, and small flashlights.Īluminum-Calcium, also known as lightweight alkali anode (LWA) cells, were initially developed to provide a lighter alternative to normal zinc chloride cells. AA Battery Type Comparisonįrequently Asked Questions What Does AA Stand for in Batteries?ĪA batteries stand for either Alkaline-Manganese or Aluminum-Calcium.Īlkaline-Manganese is one of the first battery technologies developed at the turn of the last century by Thomas Edison and his associates. These batteries work well in low voltage devices, such as remote controls, toys, flashlights, etc., because they offer more power at lower voltages than other battery types.Īlkaline cells can be recycled into fresh supplies when power runs out for these applications. They have a much higher energy density than other rechargeable batteries and don't suffer from the memory effect (common with nickel-based cells).Īlkaline batteries provide a constant voltage until all cells inside are used up. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in mobile electronics, though they require protection circuitry to prevent the cell from overcharging. They have a longer life than regular AA batteries, and use less power. However, if you use a camera flash or other high-powered device, you should buy rechargeable AA batteries. But they are slightly more expensive initially than disposable batteries. Which Type of AA Battery is Best for Which Situation?įor all-day power, rechargeable AA batteries are best. They offer a long-lasting cell type that can power more robust devices such as digital cameras or clocks with compasses built in them.ĪA lithium batteries are an excellent choice for most gadgets because they last up to 9 years and don’t leak. On the other hand, AA lithium batteries (non-ion) are meant for quick and powerful bursts of energy but aren’t designed to be recharged. They use lithium combined with other compounds and power most electronics today, including laptops, cell phones, and tablets. The lithium-ion cells are larger and rectangular, often taking the form of button-top AA batteries. They tend not to last for an extended period, but they can be recharged several times before the battery is no longer functional. Lithium-ion cells are often abbreviated to 'li-ion. They do, however, have one major advantage over lithium AAs: they don't lose their power even if you leave them unused overnight or on a shelf for years at a time. The key advantage about these alkaline batteries is that they're immediately available for purchase when your battery dies out on you without having to wait weeks or months for delivery.Īlkaline AA batteries are not ideal for regular use in battery-powered devices. Many people don't know that you have to be careful with them because they are not rechargeable. The AA battery is one of the most used in popular electronics such as an alarm clock, some toys and children's watches. This is much more convenient for devices that need multiple batteries since you don't have to remove each one separately just so the device can charge or work. Rechargeable AA battery packs are great because they're like a single cell when it comes to swapping them in and out. With all of the great choices out there today, finding a pack that fits your device is now as easy as pie. Rechargeable AA batteries come in handy when we find ourselves needing more juice than our devices have left up their sleeves-even if they only last us until lunchtime.

Best aa batteries for cameras