Hi,

Ansmann has developped new AA batteries with LI-ion technology. Capacity is 3500 mAh.

What does this mean for strobes still using AA-batteries? Faster recyle time?

Or is there no change to be expected?

Price is about the same as eneloop pro's

Info at:

https://shop.ansmann.de/en/pure-power-3500-aa

Thanks, best Michiel.

Ansmann is a distributor and relies on Asian third-party manufacturers, specifically OEM companies, to produce these batteries.

I could be wrong but these aren't real Li-ion 1.5 V chemicals cells but micro devices. Lithium cells market is dominated by giants like Panasonic, Samsung SDI, LG Chem, and Murata.

These cells consist of two main components: an internal 3.7V lithium cell, which is smaller than a standard AA and often in a 14430 format, and an integrated circuit, specifically a DC-DC buck converter, positioned near the positive terminal. This chip is responsible for stepping down the native 3.7V tension to a constant 1.5V, while also managing charging protocols and thermal protection.

Companies like Tenavolts, which is Zhiyu Innovation, XTAR, Hixon, or large industrial plants located in the Shenzhen area, are the original manufacturers of this technology.

IIRC the models I saw on Chinese sites cannot be charged with a normal NiMh or Lithium recharger but they needs a special charger, basically a 5V power supply.

Edited July 16Jul 16 by Davide DB

XTar equivalent:

XTAR

XTAR AA 1.5V 3600 Lithium battery - XTAR

Stable 1.5V 2.5A constant-voltage output for efficient power. Built-in LED charging indicator and low-battery alert for worry-free runtime

I don't believe it. We need some tests to confirm it's capacity.

For what I know best 14500 (AA) Li-Ion batteries have around 1000 mAh. At 3.7V it's 3.7 Wh but the ad stated it's 4.89 Wh. The battery inside should be shorter than 50 mm to leave a space for a voltage stabilizer and charging circuit. So in my guess 1320 mAh for the lithuim inside is a scam.

I've found 14430 with 1050mAh capacity and it's 3.78 Wh https://keeppower.com/product/keeppower-14430-1050mah-protected-li-ion-rechargeable-battery-p1443c3/

And another 14430 with 1300 mAh and it's 4.81 Wh https://www.akkuteile.de/en/lithium-ionen-battery/size-14430_100212_3661

So it looks possible if not take to account losses on DC-DC transformation.

But it has low constant discharge current, so I think it would have low max pulse current.

30 minutes ago, Davide DB said:

XTar equivalent:

2200 mAh sounds totally legit. I guess 3600 model number it's rounded mWh.

Buried in the datasheet is the maximum discharge current of 2A, which seems a little low, a test of regular eneloops I found was measuring 5, 6, 7 up to 10A. This high discharge current is needed for fast recycle times on UW strobes. The recycle time for strobes is set by the internal resistance of the cells, so these would recycle slower than eneloops. The labelled capacity seems high but likely a work of fiction.

On 7/16/2026 at 11:44 PM, KPV said:

I don't believe it. We need some tests to confirm it's capacity.

For what I know best 14500 (AA) Li-Ion batteries have around 1000 mAh. At 3.7V it's 3.7 Wh but the ad stated it's 4.89 Wh. The battery inside should be shorter than 50 mm to leave a space for a voltage stabilizer and charging circuit. So in my guess 1320 mAh for the lithuim inside is a scam.

I've found 14430 with 1050mAh capacity and it's 3.78 Wh https://keeppower.com/product/keeppower-14430-1050mah-protected-li-ion-rechargeable-battery-p1443c3/

And another 14430 with 1300 mAh and it's 4.81 Wh https://www.akkuteile.de/en/lithium-ionen-battery/size-14430_100212_3661

So it looks possible if not take to account losses on DC-DC transformation.

But it has low constant discharge current, so I think it would have low max pulse current.

Vapcell 14500 F15 - Rated at 1500mah, tests (according to some internet sites) around 1400+. I am currently using these in Shearwater Perdix and to power the HUD bus as well, these do work great so far.

https://www.vapcelltech.com/h-pd-251.html

As for the 1.5V ones, one area that might prove problematic could be heat dissipation. If I am not mistaken these do get much more toasty in use than Eneloops.

Edited July 26Jul 26 by makar0n

11 minutes ago, makar0n said:

As for the 1.5V ones, one area that might prove problematic could be heat dissipation. If I am not mistaken these do get much more toasty in use than Eneloops.

Exactly the same reason why they will recycle more slowly than eneloops. Internal resistance is everything for getting a good recycle time on your strobes. Eneloops still remain your best option I think.