Spotlighting the key differences and major applications of CR2016 and CR2025 batteries
In order to select the appropriate source of power supply, it is highly important to understand the parameters of a battery such as its energy capacity and dimensions as well. In this article, let us embark on the distinctive features between the CR2016 and CR2025 batteries.
Differences between CR2016 vs CR2025 Battery
CR2016 Battery vs CR2025 Battery: Similarities
● Battery Type: Both are lithium coin (button) cell batteries.
● Voltage: They both have identical nominal voltage of 3 volts.
● Chemical Composition: They both have the Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2) chemistry.
● Diameter: They have a common diameter of 20 mm.
● Polarity: They are of the same polarity with the positive (+) side on the flat surface.
● Primary: They are both primary (non-rechargeable) batteries.
As we have already had a sneak preview of comparing the comparative factors and the similarities, now we will seek the in-depth perspective of a CR2016 Battery and a CR2025 Battery.
What is the CR2016 Battery?
CR2016 is a 3-volt lithium coin battery used in widely used in low-power electronic devices such as watches, remote controls, calculators and medical equipment. CR2016 is a primary battery and can provide stable energy in low power device where stable performance and long durability are required.
It is also known by the IEC standard such as CR2016, where 'CR' refers to Lithium Manganese Dioxide chemistry, and '2016' is for its diameter and thickness. Due to its low profile and stable output voltage, it is well-suited to use in small, mobile devices.
Chemical Composition and Chemical Reaction of a CR2016 Battery
1. Anode (Negative Electrode): Lithium metal (Li)
2. Cathode (Positive Electrode): Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)
3. Electrolyte: Lithium salts such as Lithium Perchlorate (LiClO₄) or Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆).
4. Electrochemical Reaction
5. At the Anode (Negative Electrode):
● Chemical Reaction: Li (solid) → Li+ + e−
6. At the Cathode (Positive Electrode):
● Chemical Reaction: Li (solid) → MnO2 + Li+ + e− → LiMnO2 (Lithium Manganese Dioxide)
Advantages of the CR2016 Battery
1. A compact size of 20mm diameter and a thickness of 1.6 mm, makes the battery highly slim.
2. Provides a longer shelf life of up to 10 years (approximately) when the charge is stored properly.
3. Stable voltage output of 3V throughout the discharge cycle of the battery.
4. -20°C to 60°C wide operating temperature range.
5. Designed with leak-resistant construction and Mercury-Free Composition.
Disadvantages of the CR2016 Battery
1. A primary (non-regional) lithium cell battery cannot be charged and replaced after the charge is dried.
2. The CR2016 cell battery has a capacity of about 90 mAh and is not durable, and with a capacity of about 220-240 mAh is a much smaller life than coins such as CR2032.
3. The CR2016 is particle-sized and designed for low-drain devices because of its limited capacity.
4. Performance substantially diminishes at extreme temperatures for CR2016 batteries.
5. Whenever these are discarded incorrectly, CR2016 batteries prove hazardous to nature.
Applications of CR2016 Battery
● Digital and analogue watches.
● Calculators
● Fitness bands
● Medical equipments such as glucose meters, thermometers, etc.
● Midi and mini gadgets and toys.
CR2016 Battery Equivalents
Battery Model |
Diameter (mm) |
Thickness (mm) |
Voltage (V) |
Capacity (mAh) |
Notes |
CR2016 |
20 |
1.6 |
3 |
~90 |
Standard model |
CR2025 |
20 |
2.5 |
3 |
~165 |
Thicker; longer life |
CR2032 |
20 |
3.2 |
3 |
~220 |
Thicker; longer life |
CR1620 |
16 |
2 |
3 |
~75 |
Smaller diameter |
CR1220 |
12.5 |
2 |
3 |
~40 |
Smaller diameter |
Pricing and Availability of the CR2016 Batteries
CR2016 Batteries can be purchased from the website of unikeyic Electronics. CR2016 3V Button Battery (P/N: CR-2016/BN) is available for a price of $0.243.
What is a CR2025 Battery?
CR2025 battery is a lithium coin cell 3V used to power small electronic appliances like remote controls, wristwatches, and CMOS motherboards. The CR is the code of lithium manganese dioxide, 20 is the diameter of 20mm and 25 is the thickness of 2.5mm. It is a primary battery having capacity of 170mAh and it is applicable in low drain and portable applications.
Chemical Composition and Chemical Reaction of a CR2025 Battery
1. Anode (Negative Electrode): Lithium metal (Li)
2. Cathode (Positive Electrode): Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)
3. Electrolyte: Lithium salts such as Lithium Perchlorate (LiClO₄) or Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆).
4. Electrochemical Reaction:
● At the Anode (Negative Electrode):
Chemical Reaction: Li (solid) → Li+ + e−
● At the Cathode (Positive Electrode):
Chemical Reaction: Li (solid) → MnO2 + Li+ + e− → LiMnO2
Benefits of CR2025 Battery
1. The battery is 20mm in diameter and 2.5 mm thick, a slim and compact design that fits well in space constrained devices.
2. The CR2025 battery has lithium chemistry, meaning it can last up to 10 years in storage in reliably powered devices that are not used often.
3. Regulated 3V voltage during the discharge cycle of the battery guarantees stable performance of connected devices without unexpected performance losses.
4. -20°C to 60°C broad operating temperature range ensures that the CR2025 batteries operate in a variety of environmental situations.
5. Leak-resistant, constructed and Mercury-Free Composition.
Drawbacks of CR2025 Battery
1. Its capacity is about 150-170 mAh, compared to the CR2032 with a capacity of about 220-240 mAh.
2. The CR2025 batteries are usually limited particularly in high-drain applications due to the capability of withstanding a maximum continuous discharge current of approximately 10 mA.
3. CR2025 battery can cause possible contact problems in equipment that expects the thicker battery such as the CR2032, and can cause intermittent or unreliable operation.
4. The CR2025 is a primary (non-rechargeable) lithium coin cell battery that when used up, can not be recharged.
Common Applications of the CR2025 Battery
● Keyless vehicle entry systems.
● CR2025 batteries are typically used inside calculators.
● Digital cameras and camera accessories like external flashes and wireless shutter release control CR2025 batteries.
● CR2025 batteries power several IoT sensors and smart gadgets.
● With low self-discharge, it allows the CR2025 battery to be used in temperature sensors and smart locks.
● CR2025 batteries find usage in Glucometers, Digital Thermometers, and Hearing Aids, to name a few medical devices.
Pricing and Availability of the CR2025 Batteries
CR2025 Batteries can be purchased from the website of Unikeyic Electronics. CR2025 3V Button Battery (P/N: CR-2025/BN) is available for a price of $0.177.
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