CR123 vs CR123A: Are They the Same 3V Lithium Battery? Complete Guide

If you’re searching for cr123 vs cr123a, chances are you’re standing in front of a very practical problem: you need the right battery, and you don’t want to damage an expensive device by choosing the wrong one. Cameras, tactical flashlights, security sensors, and medical or outdoor gear all rely on stable power—and battery naming confusion causes more mistakes than most people expect.

The reality is that most confusion around cr123a vs cr123 has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with labeling. However, there is one critical pitfall that buyers fall into repeatedly: mixing standard 3V lithium batteries with rechargeable lookalikes that share the same physical size but not the same voltage.

This guide explains everything clearly—from naming conventions and voltage to cr123a battery equivalent options, camera compatibility, and how to choose the best cr123a battery for real-world use, with Bevigor as a reliable reference point throughout.

CR123 vs CR123A — Are They the Same Battery?

In most consumer and professional applications, CR123 and CR123A refer to the same battery size and chemistry.

The difference is largely naming convention:

CR123A is the most common retail and packaging label
CR123 is frequently used as shorthand
Other equivalents include DL123A, EL123A, or simply “123”

From a practical standpoint, if your device label or manual says CR123 and you purchase CR123A batteries, you are almost always buying the correct battery.

Key takeaway:
For standard lithium primary batteries, cr123 vs cr123a is usually a naming difference, not a functional one.

Quick Technical Comparison: CR123 vs CR123A

Both batteries share nearly identical technical specifications that make them suitable for compact, high-drain devices.

Chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂)
Nominal voltage: 3V
Typical capacity: 1400–1500 mAh
Size: approximately 17 mm × 34.5 mm
Rechargeable: No (primary lithium)

Because of these shared specs, 3v cr123a lithium batteries are widely standardized across brands and devices.

Why the CR123A 3V Lithium Battery Became an Industry Standard

The cr123a 3v lithium battery is popular for one simple reason: it delivers consistent, reliable power in a very compact form.

Compared to alkaline or lower-density options, CR123A lithium batteries offer:

Stable voltage output under high current draw
Excellent performance in cold weather
Very low self-discharge during storage
Long shelf life (often up to 10 years when stored properly)

These characteristics explain why 3v cr123a lithium batteries are commonly used in cameras, motion sensors, tactical flashlights, and security systems where reliability matters more than rechargeability.

Are CR123 and CR123A Batteries Interchangeable in Real Use?

For most users, yes—but only under the right conditions.

When interchangeability is generally safe

CR123 and CR123A batteries can be safely swapped when:

Both are standard 3V lithium primary batteries
The device manual does not mention rechargeable compatibility
You are replacing all batteries at the same time in multi-cell devices

This covers the majority of everyday use cases.

When you should be cautious

Interchangeability becomes risky when:

Rechargeable substitutes are involved
Devices use multiple batteries in series
Equipment is voltage-sensitive, such as cameras or sensors

In these situations, matching voltage and chemistry matters more than matching size.

The Lookalike That Causes Problems: RCR123A / 16340

The most common mistake people make when researching cr123 vs cr123a is accidentally buying rechargeable alternatives.

Rechargeable batteries labeled RCR123A or 16340:

Share the same physical dimensions
Operate at higher voltage (typically 3.6–3.7V, up to 4.2V fully charged)
Use lithium-ion chemistry instead of lithium primary

Many devices designed for cr123a 3v lithium battery use cannot tolerate higher voltage, especially cameras and security electronics.

Rule of thumb:
If your device does not explicitly say “16340 supported” or “RCR123A compatible,” do not use rechargeable substitutes.

CR123A Battery Equivalent: What Actually Works?

A proper cr123a battery equivalent must match three things:

Physical size
Chemistry
Nominal voltage (3V)

Common equivalents that usually work interchangeably include:

CR123
DL123A (Duracell)
EL123A (Energizer)
CR17335

Brands such as cr123a Energizer battery or Duracell DL123A are commonly referenced standards, but runtime can vary depending on freshness, storage, and manufacturing quality.

Camera Battery CR123A: Why Photographers Rely on It

For photography equipment, camera battery cr123a performance is critical.

Cameras and flashes often require:

High pulse current during shooting
Stable voltage to protect internal electronics
Reliable performance in cold or outdoor environments

CR123A lithium batteries are widely used in:

Digital cameras
Camera flashes
Night-vision and trail cameras

This is why photographers and outdoor users often prioritize battery consistency over rechargeability.

Heavy CR123A Battery Applications: Flashlights and Security Gear

In heavy cr123a battery use cases—such as tactical flashlights, alarms, and motion sensors—failure is not an option.

CR123A lithium batteries are preferred because they:

Deliver strong burst current
Maintain voltage under load
Perform reliably after long storage periods

These characteristics make them ideal for emergency and security applications where batteries may sit unused for months or years.

How to Choose the Best CR123A Battery for Your Device

Instead of focusing on brand names alone, choosing the best cr123a battery comes down to matching the battery to your usage pattern.

Confirm your device requirements

Check the device label or manual for:

CR123
CR123A
DL123A
EL123A

If any of these appear, a standard CR123A lithium battery is typically correct.

Decide between primary and rechargeable

Choose primary CR123A batteries if:

The device is mission-critical
Long shelf life matters
Rechargeable support is not clearly stated

Rechargeable options should only be used when explicitly supported.

Match the pack size to your usage

Occasional use: → smaller consumer packs
Frequent replacement: → bulk packs for consistency and value

Bevigor CR123A Batteries in Real-World Use

Bevigor focuses on practical lithium power designed for real devices—not just lab specs.

Bevigor CR123A batteries are built to provide:

True 3V lithium primary output
Stable performance for cameras and sensors
Long-term storage reliability

Consumer product reference:
https://bevigor.com/products/bevigor-cr123a-lithium-batteries-1500mah

Bulk & wholesale reference:
https://bevigor.com/products/bevigor-1500mah-cr123a-lithium-battery-3-volt-bulk-pack

Featured Snippet Summary: CR123 vs CR123A

Are CR123 and CR123A the same?
Usually yes. CR123A is the full label; CR123 is shorthand.
Can CR123 be replaced with CR123A?
Yes, when both are standard 3V lithium primary batteries.
What should not be swapped without checking?
Rechargeable RCR123A or 16340 batteries.

Final Verdict: CR123 vs CR123A

For most users, cr123 vs cr123a is not about performance differences—it’s about understanding naming conventions and avoiding voltage mismatches.

If your device calls for CR123 or CR123A:

Choose a standard 3V CR123A lithium battery
Avoid rechargeable substitutes unless clearly supported
Prioritize consistency, especially in cameras and security gear

If you’re unsure about compatibility, Bevigor support is available here:
https://bevigor.com/pages/contact-us

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): CR123 vs CR123A Batteries

Are CR123 and CR123A batteries the same?

In most situations, yes. CR123 and CR123A batteries are functionally the same when they are standard 3V lithium primary batteries. The difference is mainly in naming conventions: CR123A is the full retail label, while CR123 is often used as shorthand. As long as size, voltage, and chemistry match, they are typically interchangeable.

Can I replace a CR123 battery with a CR123A?

Yes. If your device specifies CR123 or CR123A, you can usually replace one with the other without issues, provided both are 3V lithium primary batteries. Problems only occur when rechargeable substitutes are used in devices that do not explicitly support them.

What is a CR123A battery equivalent?

A proper cr123a battery equivalent must match the same physical size, chemistry, and nominal voltage. Common equivalents include CR123, DL123A, EL123A, and CR17335. These equivalents are widely used across brands, although real-world runtime can vary based on battery quality, freshness, and storage conditions.

Is a CR123A battery 3V or 3.7V?

A standard cr123a 3v lithium battery is rated at 3.0 volts. Confusion often comes from rechargeable lookalikes such as RCR123A or 16340 batteries, which typically operate at 3.6–3.7V and can reach higher voltage when fully charged. These rechargeable versions are not direct substitutes unless the device explicitly supports them.

Can I use a 16340 (RCR123A) instead of a CR123A?

Only if your device manual clearly states that it supports 16340 or RCR123A batteries. Because a 16340 battery operates at higher voltage than standard 3V CR123A lithium batteries, using it in unsupported devices may cause malfunctions or permanent damage—especially in cameras and security equipment.

What devices commonly use CR123A batteries?

CR123A batteries are commonly used in digital cameras, camera flashes, tactical flashlights, security sensors, alarm systems, and certain medical or outdoor electronic devices where stable voltage and reliable performance are essential.

Are CR123A batteries good for cameras?

Yes. The camera battery CR123A format is popular because it delivers stable voltage, strong pulse current, and reliable performance in cold or outdoor environments. This makes CR123A batteries well-suited for photography, trail cameras, and surveillance-related camera systems.

Are CR123A batteries rechargeable?

No. Standard CR123A batteries are non-rechargeable lithium primary batteries. Attempting to recharge them can be dangerous. Rechargeable alternatives exist but are labeled differently (such as RCR123A or 16340) and must only be used in devices designed for higher voltage input.

How long do CR123A batteries last in storage?

CR123A lithium batteries are known for low self-discharge and long shelf life. When stored in a cool, dry place, they can retain usable power for many years. Always check the expiration date printed on the packaging for best performance.

Can I mix old and new CR123A batteries in the same device?

It’s not recommended. Mixing old and new batteries—or batteries from different brands—in a device that uses multiple cells can lead to uneven discharge, reduced runtime, and inconsistent performance.

What is the best CR123A battery to choose?

The best CR123A battery is one that matches your device’s voltage requirements, offers consistent performance, and comes from a reliable manufacturer. For cameras, security systems, and long-term storage applications, a high-quality 3V lithium primary CR123A battery is generally the safest and most dependable choice.

CR123 vs CR123A: What’s the Real Difference?