CR2016 vs. CR2032 What’s the difference
2024-01-29 21288

In today's technology-driven world, small electronic devices play an increasingly vital role in our daily lives. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, from car key remotes to medical monitoring devices, these gadgets rely on a crucial component – high-efficiency button cell lithium batteries. This article aims to delve into two common types of button lithium batteries – CR2016 and CR2032, analyzing their characteristics, advantages, applications, and lifespan. Through a detailed comparison of these two batteries, we'll reveal how they provide stable, reliable power in various applications and how to choose the right battery for specific needs.

Before we start, many readers might wonder what " CR " stands for in the CR series batteries. CR stands for Lithium Manganese Dioxide. The prefix 'CR' indicates the traditional carbon chemicals in the batteries, where zinc can provide a higher voltage than carbon alone. If a battery's prefix is 'CR,' it likely contains lithium manganese dioxide.

1. What is a CR2016 Battery
2. Applications of CR2016 Battery
3. What is a CR2032 Battery
4. Applications of CR2032 Battery
5. Lifespan of CR2032 and CR2016 Batteries
6. CR2016 vs CR2032: Interchangeability Comparison
7. Summary
8. FAQ


1. What is a CR2016 Battery




In the realm of cutting-edge lithium batteries, the CR2016 is an epitome of high efficiency, constituting an indispensable component within the landscape of contemporary miniature electronic devices. Its pervasive application spans a myriad of gadgets, encompassing fitness apparatus, digital timepieces, automotive key fobs, computational devices, and playthings. The CR2016's intricate design ensures seamless functionality across diverse environmental conditions, thus assuming a pivotal role in the fabric of our day-to-day existence.

1.1 Distinctive Attributes and Merits of CR2016


The ubiquity of the CR2016 battery can be attributed significantly to its exceptional pulsatile prowess and distinguished discharge characteristics. Illustratively, within the domain of electronic playthings, the CR2016 exhibits a capacity to furnish a consistent current even under elevated loads, thereby guaranteeing the unobtrusive operation and responsiveness of such recreational devices. Moreover, it upholds a steadfast voltage output throughout the discharge phase, a critical facet ensuring the precision of intricate instruments like digital chronometers and fitness monitoring devices. The CR2016 battery boasts enduring reliability, as evidenced by studies indicating its deployment in automotive key fobs, wherein frequent usage does not compromise the remote's performance integrity.

1.2 Specifications of CR2016


The nominal capacity of the CR2016 battery is 90mAh, with a voltage of 3V, making it suitable for a variety of devices needing a stable power supply. It can operate stably in extreme temperature conditions (-30°C to +60°C), making it very practical in outdoor sports equipment like bicycle computers and heart rate monitors. With a diameter of only 20mm and a weight of 1.7g, the CR2016 battery is also outstanding in terms of portability. Additionally, its 10-year shelf life not only reduces the frequency of battery replacement but also minimizes waste generation from an environmental sustainability perspective. For instance, some high-end digital watch brands specifically note that using CR2016 batteries can significantly extend the lifespan of the watches, reducing environmental impact.

2. Applications of CR2016 Battery


  • - Small PDA devices
  • - Wireless home doorbells
  • - Electronic toys
  • - Portable electronic products
  • - Digital thermometers
  • - Digital altimeters
  • - Bicycle computers
  • - Heart rate monitors

3. What is a CR2032 Battery




The CR2032 battery, an avant-garde button-type lithium-ion cell, finds ubiquitous application across an array of electronic devices, assuming a pivotal role in energizing the BIOS and real-time clocks within computing systems. Commonly denoted as a CMOS battery, it boasts a parallel 3-volt output akin to its CR2016 counterpart but diverges in certain facets of performance.

3.1 Characteristics and Merits of CR2032


The CR2032 battery exhibits a myriad of resemblances to the CR2016, particularly in terms of commendable pulse capability, elevated discharge characteristics, and sustained voltage stability during discharge. Its protracted dependability garners substantial favor among diverse manufacturers of electronic products. Notably, in the realm of computing, the CR2032 finds extensive utility in the CMOS batteries embedded in motherboards, sustaining temporal data and fundamental configuration details even in the absence of primary power. This application ensures swift and precise restoration of settings, even following prolonged periods devoid of power.

3.2 Specifications of CR2032


The CR2032 battery boasts a nominal capacity of 225mAh, eclipsing the 90mAh rating of the CR2016, thereby affording protracted power support for devices necessitating heightened current. The voltage remains a steadfast 3V, catering to the exigencies of most diminutive electronic contrivances. Its capacity to function steadfastly across temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C renders the CR2032 apt for diverse environmental conditions. Sporting a 20mm diameter yet tipping the scales at 3.1g, it marginally outweighs its CR2016 counterpart. Analogous to the CR2016, the CR2032 exhibits a commendable shelf life of a decade.

A paradigmatic application scenario materializes in fitness tracking apparatus, where enduring battery life is imperative for the sustained monitoring of user activities. The CR2032, characterized by its augmented capacity and durability, delivers unwavering power to such devices, consequently mitigating the frequency of battery replacements and elevating the end-user experience.

4. Applications of CR2032 Battery


CR2032 batteries assume a pivotal role in an array of contemporary electronic apparatuses owing to their elevated efficacy and dependability. These batteries prove especially apt for gadgets necessitating a sustained and unwavering power supply over extended durations, such as memory retention, digital chronometers, vehicular transponders, laser pointers, fitness contrivances, and medical instruments, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers. Presented herewith are specific instances delineating the significance and utility of CR2032 batteries across diverse domains.

4.1 Application in Automotive Transponders


Within the automotive sector, CR2032 batteries find extensive application in remote control keys. These keys mandate diminutive yet potent batteries to ensure enduring functionality. Illustratively, a renowned automobile marque employs CR2032 batteries in its remote control keys, ensuring consistent performance even under frequent utilization. This application safeguards the dependability of the car key, mitigating the peril of battery malfunctions that could incapacitate the vehicle.

4.2 Application in Medical Instruments


CR2032 batteries assume a critical role in medical apparatus, particularly those necessitating precise measurements and continuous surveillance. In certain advanced thermometers, the enduring power and steadfast output of CR2032 batteries guarantee swift and accurate body temperature readings. This proves indispensable for patients requiring continual health monitoring, particularly amid influenza outbreaks or other health exigencies.

4.3 Application in Health Monitoring Devices


Personal health monitoring instruments like fitness trackers impose escalating demands on power sources. The CR2032 battery emerges as an optimal choice for these devices, attributed to its capacious capacity and prolonged stability. For instance, a reputable brand of fitness trackers relies on CR2032 batteries to sustain protracted monitoring of user activity metrics, encompassing step tallies, caloric expenditure, and sleep patterns. Consequently, aiding users in comprehending and ameliorating their well-being.

In conclusion, the CR2032 battery stands as a linchpin in diverse technological realms, facilitating sustained and efficient operation across an eclectic spectrum of applications. Its versatility extends from automotive key fobs to cutting-edge medical devices and contemporary health-tracking gadgets, underpinning the reliability and functionality of an array of indispensable tools in our daily lives.

5. Lifespan of CR2032 and CR2016 Batteries




The CR2016 battery can last about 2 hours, while the CR2032 can last about 3 hours. This means that the CR2016 is not as powerful as the CR2032. However, it does last longer. It's important to note that ampere-hour capacity is a metric for measuring how much energy a battery can store. Similarly, this depends on the device. If you have a large device, such as a flashlight, then the CR2032 would be a better choice. This is because the CR2016 is slightly thicker than the CR2032.

6. CR2016 vs CR2032: Interchangeability Comparison




In an intricate examination delving into the distinctions between CR2032 and CR2016 batteries, we unravel the nuanced facets of their performance and utility, drawing distinctions in capacity, voltage, and thickness.

6.1 Evaluation of Capacity


The standardized capacity of the CR2032 battery stands at an impressive 240mAh, a notable disparity when compared to the modest 90mAh of the CR2016. This divergence implies that, when subjected to identical load conditions, the CR2032 manifests a protracted operational lifespan. To illustrate, with a 24mA load, the CR2032 endures approximately 10 hours, while its CR2016 counterpart lingers for a mere 6 hours under a 15mA load. This substantial variation in capacity designates the CR2032 as a more fitting power source for devices necessitating a sustained and unwavering power supply. Notable examples encompass certain medical monitoring devices and high-performance remote controls.

6.2 Voltage Parity


Despite their contrasting capacities, the CR2032 and CR2016 batteries share parity in voltage, both registering at a consistent 3 volts. This uniformity facilitates their deployment in analogous devices with equivalent voltage requisites. For instance, myriad petite electronic gadgets such as select digital timepieces and calculators are configured to operate on a 3-volt power foundation.

6.3 Discrepancy in Thickness


About thickness, the CR2032 boasts a girth of 3.2mm, whereas the CR2016 maintains a more slender 1.6mm profile. This physical variance renders them incompatible with certain devices. A case in point is discernible in compact electronic apparatuses, like specific models of automobile key fobs, where spatial constraints permit the accommodation of a lone CR2032 battery but preclude the insertion of two CR2016 batteries. Endeavoring to replace one CR2032 with two CR2016 batteries may precipitate device impairment due to ill-fitting dimensions or undue voltage amplification.

In summation, while the CR2032 and CR2016 share congruence in voltage, disparities in their capacity and thickness delineate distinctive application domains and suitability. Acquainting oneself with these distinctions is imperative for ensuring the judicious and secure utilization of electronic devices, compelling users to contemplate these variables when selecting batteries.

7. Summary


The above is the entire content of this article. Through a comprehensive analysis of CR2016 and CR2032 batteries, it can be seen that although they have similarities in voltage, high-efficiency discharge characteristics, etc., there are significant differences in capacity, size, and application fields. Whether it is CR2016 or CR2032, the right choice depends on the needs of the device and the usage scenario. Understanding the differences not only helps ensure that devices run efficiently but also helps improve battery efficiency, reduce waste, and protect the environment.

8. FAQ


Can I use a CR2032 battery in place of a CR1616?

While CR2032 and CR1616 batteries have the same voltage and are technically compatible due to similar chemical composition, it's important to note the key physical differences. The CR2032 is larger and thicker than the CR1616, with a diameter of 20mm compared to CR1616's 16mm, and a thickness of 3.2mm versus CR1616's 1.6mm. In some cases, if there is sufficient space in the device's battery compartment, a CR2032 can be fitted into a slot designated for a CR1616.

Can I use a CR2032 in a key fob instead of a CR2016?

Yes, you can use a CR2032 in place of a CR2016 in a key fob. Both batteries have the same voltage specification, 3V. The only significant difference is in their thickness. The CR2016 is half as thick as the CR2032. As long as the key fob can accommodate the slightly increased thickness of the CR2032, it should effectively replace the CR2016.

What is the typical capacity difference between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries?

The capacity of a CR2016 battery typically ranges from 75 to 90 mAh (milliamp hours), while the CR2032 battery usually has a capacity ranging from 210 to 240 mAh. The significant difference in capacity directly affects how long each battery can power a device.

Can you use two CR2032 batteries instead of one CR2016?

No device manufacturer would recommend using batteries not specified for a device model. It's unsafe and could lead to device failure. However, if the battery compartment size allows, two CR2032 batteries could temporarily replace one CR2016. Users would do this at their own risk. In such cases, battery polarity should be observed: “minus” to “plus.”
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