Rechargeable batteries are currently the most widely used type of battery. Due to their reusable nature, the cost per use is only a few cents, making them a must-have for those who frequently use small appliances, such as students. However, because they are the most expensive type of battery, they are also the most frequently counterfeited. The sheer number and sophistication of counterfeit rechargeable batteries are astonishing. Identification is becoming increasingly difficult, and counterfeit batteries have been found on the shelves of some stores. Therefore, it is essential to understand relevant information before purchasing.
Most rechargeable batteries on the market are nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Due to differences in capacity, the usage time after charging varies, much like the difference between small and large bottles of cola – you get the enjoyment of different capacities, and of course, their prices differ as well. Taking the most common AA type (size 5) batteries as an example, the market offers varieties of 500mAh, 600mAh, 700mAh, 800mAh, 850mAh, 1000mAh, and even 1200mAh. They are all the same size, but their capacity, i.e., the usage time, differs. For example, a typical portable music player using a 500mAh battery can use it for approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, while a 1000mAh battery can double the usage time, reaching 5 to 6 hours. From a convenience perspective, larger capacity batteries are naturally better, especially when charging conditions are inconvenient; in such cases, using larger capacity batteries should be the primary consideration.
However, if the money for one pair of 1000mAh batteries could buy two pairs of 600mAh batteries, I still recommend buying two pairs. This way, you can use one pair while charging the other, alternating between them. While nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries have significant advantages, cadmium is a toxic substance, and their production has been banned internationally since 2000. Their successors, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion batteries, have been introduced. These offer better charge/discharge performance, no memory effect, larger capacity, and shorter charging time than NiCd batteries, making them significantly more advantageous. However, imported NiMH batteries are currently expensive (20-30 RMB per AA type), limiting their widespread use; they are mainly used in mobile communication devices like early mobile phones. Domestically produced NiMH batteries are now available, priced slightly higher than regular NiCd batteries. Considering the best cost-performance ratio, I recommend purchasing NiMH batteries.
The authenticity of rechargeable batteries is probably everyone's biggest concern. There are two main types of counterfeit rechargeable batteries on the market. One type is made from ordinary batteries, and these are generally priced lower than the normal price. However, they usually cannot be recharged or can only be charged a few or ten times. Identifying them is relatively simple: using a multimeter to test the voltage will show 1.5 volts, while genuine rechargeable batteries are 1.2 volts. The other type of counterfeit battery uses domestically produced rechargeable batteries to imitate imported (mainly Japanese brands). These batteries perform normally, but you've paid more for them. Currently, this type is the main type of counterfeit product on the market. It is understood that among genuine Japanese brand rechargeable batteries, only AIWA has not been counterfeited. This is because the market sales volume is small, so no counterfeits have been found, but the price is higher than other similar products. The origin of rechargeable batteries claiming to be imported is unclear. However, according to information, some manufacturers of certain brands, such as TOSHIBA, do not produce ordinary nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries at all, yet many rechargeable batteries bearing this brand are sold on the market, and their source is naturally counterfeit.
Due to the unique nature of the rechargeable battery market, when buying low-priced rechargeable batteries, it's better to directly purchase genuine domestic products. These domestic batteries are produced by Sino-foreign joint ventures, and their internal quality and packaging are no less than those of imported batteries. A significant portion is exported, and they cost only 6-8 yuan each. Alternatively, you can buy genuine batteries that you are certain are not counterfeit.
