probably 1000mAh real capacity
Gemini says this:
The practical max capacity for a genuine 18650 battery is
3500mAh to 3600mAh. Any cells claiming capacities significantly above this (such as 4000mAh, 5000mAh, or 9800mAh) are fake, overrated, or dangerously fraudulent. [
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3]
Genuine Top-Tier Cells
The highest real-capacity 18650 batteries on the market are produced by premium Japanese and Korean manufacturers. Industry-leading models include: [
1]
- Panasonic NCR18650G: 3600mAh (the longstanding benchmark for pure energy storage)
- LG INR18650-M36: 3600mAh (features a higher 10A continuous discharge rating)
- Samsung INR18650-36G: 3600mAh [1]
Trade-off: Capacity vs. Discharge Rate
It is physically impossible to have a battery with both a massive capacity (e.g., 3500mAh) and an extremely high continuous discharge rating (e.g., 20A–30A) in the 18650 format. [
1]
- High-Capacity Cells (3000–3600mAh): Best for low-to-medium-drain devices like flashlights, laptops, or portable radios.
- High-Drain Cells (2000–2800mAh): Best for power tools, vapes, or RC drones that require high bursts of power. [1, 2, 3]
For a closer look at genuine battery specs, you can check authentic inventory from verified sellers on platforms like the
18650 Battery Store. [
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