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AA vs AAA Batteries – Which One to Use and Where?
3054 Views Out of the many differences between AA and AAA batteries, the size is the most tangible. Even though both cells feature the same output voltage, the amount of charge stored in them varies, and so varies the energy that each can deliver. Depending upon power requirements manufacturers make their devices to run with either AA or AAA variant of cells.
Size – The most notable difference, as mentioned, is the size, with AA being the big brother out of the two. Slot designated for AAA cannot fit AA cells and vice versa, although you can find adapters that feature an additional slot to accommodate one additional battery of the other type. AAA is more slender than AA, which is also taller height-wise.
Voltage – Typically the same, each cell will have 1.2 – 1.5 Volt range. You will note little difference in the power between the two initially. However as time passes by both cells lose some of their voltage capacities. The internal resistance goes up and the open-circuit voltage goes down chiefly because the battery does not hold the same amount of active charge. People often say the double As are more powerful, though it is not so. Double As have a bigger charge compartment and deteriorate little when compared to the smaller AAAs. When used for the same amount of time, the bigger AA Batteries will still have higher open circuit voltage and lesser internal resistance and thus impart more power to the circuit.
Long-Lasting Batteries
AA Batteries are better and last longer than AAA batteries and are thus used in big toys, mp3 player,s and other equipment that dissipate too much power.
With dormant devices, like remote controllers and flashlights, that usually sit idle and are only rarely used, it makes more sense to use the compact AAA, although some older RCs still use bigger cells.
Bateries Capacity – mAh
mAh (milli-ampere hour) is a more perceivable way of calculating battery life. A battery rated 2500 mAh can deliver 2500 milliampere of current straight for 1 hour until it dies out eventually. Depending upon how much current is the circuit operating in, the battery may last even longer; normal lifespan varies from 2 to 5 years under normal usage.
Battery Cost
Typically the AAA should be less expensive because it is less resilient, but the demand for AAA in the global market is increasing. As with every other commodity, higher the demand, higher the price, and so the cost of these batteries may also see a surge.
For AA and AAA Batteries Comprehensive Overview, Refer Table Below.
| Characteristics | AA Batteries | AAA Batteries |
| Size | Bigger. | Smaller. |
| Cost | High | Equal or higher |
| Capacity | < 600 mAh and upto 2800 mAh, depending upon chemical composition. | < 400 mAh and upto 1200 mAh, depending upon chemical composition. |
| Output Voltage | 1.2 – 1.5 Volt | 1.2 – 1.5 Volt |
| Useful for | Digital camera, Clock, Remote Control, Toy, Torch, Radio, Audio Players. | Clock, Remote Control, Torch. |
| Use Type | Heavy Duty, or as per need | Light duty, or as per need |
| Shelf Life | Conventional Battery – up to 2 years Alkaline Battery – more than 5 years | Conventional Battery – up to 2 years Alkaline Battery – more than 5 years |
| Energy-density | High | Low |
| Power-density | High | Low |
| Rechargeable Variant | Available | Not-available |
AA Vs AAA Batteries FAQs
What do you mean by AA vs AAA batteries?
A big difference between AA and AAA batteries lies in their size. The higher the alphabet, the smaller is the battery. That means AAA batteries are smaller than AA batteries. Moreover, AA vs AAA batteries differs in their usage and power supply as well. Bulky equipment like toys and cameras need AA batteries since they are wider and longer than the AAA batteries.
What should I buy, AA or AAA batteries?
In AA vs AAA batteries, the size you buy depends on the device you’re buying it for. Suppose you need batteries for your remotes. Then, depending on its configuration, it would require either AA or AAA batteries. Mostly, toys and big equipment use AA batteries since they contain more power and endurance than AA batteries. However, you need to study your device need before you buy one?
Are AAA batteries smaller than AA batteries?
Yes, AAA batteries are smaller AA batteries. Remember it this way, the higher the alphabet, the bigger is the battery. In terms of battery size in descending order., D, C, AA, and AAA represent its size.
What is the difference between AA vs AAA batteries?
The differences between both the batteries include:
AA batteries:
1. Longer and wider
2. Last longer than AA due to its storage capacities
3. Used in devices requiring more power like toys and cameras
AAA batteries:
1. Smaller in size than AAA
2. Run out of juice faster than its counterparts
3. Used to power small and more portable devices
What is inside AA and AAA batteries?
Apart from size, power, and endurance., the chemical composition of both AA and AAA batteries is the same.
1. Anode forms the negative side of the battery
2. Cathode form the positive side of the battery
3. Electrolyte: is the chemical juice that separates anode and cathode and conducts the transfer of chemical energy into electrical energy
Depending on whether the batteries are rechargeable or non-rechargeable, their chemistry might differ. Most of the AA and AAA non-rechargeable batteries are made of zinc-carbon, which is disposed of once they run out of their juice. On the contrary, AA and AAA rechargeable batteries are made out of nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and other metals that can be recycled once they are rendered powerless.
Which brand’s AA vs AAA batteries should I buy?
Several brands in the market sell AA and AAA batteries. The top battery manufacturers for such batteries include:
1. Smartcell
2. Duracell
3. Panasonic
4. Amazon Basics
5. Nippo
6. Eveready