Nitecore has recently started offering AA rechargeable batteries, introducing the NH2400 to the market. This new product is designed to compete mainly with lithium-ion batteries that keep a steady voltage of 1.5 volts. The NH2400 boasts a slightly higher capacity compared to competitors. For instance, Fenix's similar product only provides 3.3 watt hours.
Specifications of the NH2400
In contrast, Nitecore claims that the NH2400 has a capacity of 2,400 mAh along with 3.6 Wh. However, there's a significant drawback: these batteries cannot be charged using regular chargers. The company specifies that the NH2400 must be charged via a USB-C port, which is built into the battery. It accepts a maximum charging power of 2.5 watts.
Charging Details
Included with the purchase, Nitecore provides a four-way cable whip for charging. Additionally, the batteries come with an LED indicator that shows the charging progress. It is reported that it takes about three hours to fully charge the batteries using the cable whip, and they are estimated to endure around 500 charge cycles. While this may seem low, Panasonic's NiMH-based Eneloop LSD batteries can last for approximately 2,100 cycles. However, Panasonic notes that around 600 cycles is a more realistic number under strict testing methods.
The NH2400 batteries seem to have been recently released, as they are still being shipped and are hard to come by. In Nitecore's US store, a four-pack of NH2400 batteries along with the cable whip is listed for just below $25.
The Rise of AA Rechargeable Batteries
New AA rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for traditional 1.2-volt batteries, as they are believed to perform better in devices that need the 1.5 volts provided by fully-charged AA batteries. Besides the NH2400, which has a declining voltage, there are also batteries available that maintain their voltage until depletion.
It’s important not to confuse the NH2400 batteries with the 14500 round batteries, which operate at a higher voltage and are intended for specialized applications since they are not compatible with AA slots. Users should exercise caution here too, as Fenix markets its USB AA rechargeable batteries as 14500 batteries with 1.5 volts and sometimes with the LR6 label.
Nitecore's Product Range
Nitecore also offers 14500 batteries but refers to them primarily for their higher voltage. These batteries provide 1,100 mAh at 3.6 volts, which gives them a slight edge in capacity over the NH2400 rechargeable batteries.
Source: Link
