Samsung ICR18650-26x -- small spec. differences; big price difference?

Buk___

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Jul 28, 2017
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I'm looking on NKON site at Samsung ICR18650-26x cells in order to build a second battery that is compatible for paralleling with my existing pack that uses ICR18650-26F cells.

They offer 3 variations:

ICR18650-26F @ €3.40
ICR18650-26H @ €2.55
ICR18650-26J @ €2.65

I went looking for differences that would explain the markup of the F cells. I downloaded the Samsung specification pdfs for all 3 and flicker compared them page by page and the differences I found are remarkably few.

The nominal voltage of the F variant is listed as 3.7V, whereas the other two are given as 3.63V.

Under the heading "Status of the cell as of ex-factory", the OCV voltage for 50% charge is given as 3.65V to 3.85V for the F & H variants and 3.55V to 3.75V for the J variant.

Under "External Short-circuit Test", the test calls for <50mOhm wire for F & H; but 60-100mOhm wire for the J.

Under "PTC Specification (in the Cell)" There are small differences:
Code:
                        Hold Current          Resistance               PowerDissipation                 ResistanceAfterTrip
ICR18650-26F                2.7A         9~18mΩ                         Max. 2.5W                         Max. 33mΩ
ICR18650-26H               2.9A          7~16mΩ                         Max. 2.5W                         Max. 28mΩ
ICR18650-26J                2.9A          7~16mΩ                         Max. 2.5W                         Max. 28mΩ

(I believe that the PTC stands for "positive temperature coefficient"; a thermal protection device.)

I set out to try and understand why I should pay 30% more for the F variant, and other than the 0.07V higher nominal voltage, I'm not seeing anything to justify that extra cost.

Am I missing something? Or just being too anal.

Thanks Buk.
 
the last letter tells you at which country/factory the cell has been made in case of the -26
 
insane said:
the last letter tells you at which country/factory the cell has been made in case of the -26

You may be right, but it doesn't explain the differences in their specifications; or the prices.
 
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