CR2016 vs. CR2032: A Comparison of Coin Cell Batteries

Button cells, often referred to as button batteries because of their small, button-like appearance, differ from cylindrical batteries like the widely used AA batteries by having a larger diameter and thinner thickness. Button batteries are categorized based on their distinct shapes, including cylindrical, square, and special-shaped varieties.

 

There are two main types of button batteries: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. The rechargeable options include 3.6V lithium-ion button batteries (LIR series) and 3V rechargeable lithium-ion button batteries (ML or VL series). The non-rechargeable options include 3V lithium-manganese button batteries (CR series) and 1.5V alkaline zinc-manganese button batteries (LR and SR series).

 

Common button battery models such as AG3, AG10, and AG13 are used in toys, gifts, computer motherboards, and electronic watches. Notable models include CR2032 used in electronic dictionaries, CR2025 also used in electronic dictionaries, and CR2016 or SR44 and SR626 frequently used in electronic watches. This article explores the differences between CR2016 and CR2032, aiming to address a common question among consumers.

 

Overview of CR2016

 

CR2016 is a non-rechargeable, 3V button-type manganese lithium battery. The "CR" designation refers to the international IEC number for button manganese lithium batteries, "20" indicates a diameter of 20 mm, and "16" indicates a thickness of 1.6 mm. These batteries are button-shaped and are a common type of 3V button battery, with a nominal voltage of 3.0V and a rated capacity of 75mAh.

 

These batteries are frequently used in a variety of electronic devices, including computer motherboards, memory cards, mobile phones, Bluetooth wireless products, remote controls, calculators, electric toys, micro radio instruments, alarm systems, and medical equipment. Their widespread use is due to their stable voltage output and relatively small size.

CR2016 Specifications

 

Overview of CR2032

 

The 3V CR2032 lithium manganese battery features a lithium-manganese dioxide structure. This design uses manganese dioxide, known for its highly stable chemical properties, as the positive electrode material, and metallic lithium as the negative electrode material. The battery's electrolyte consists of solid salts or salts dissolved in organic solvents, and it has the characteristic shape of a button, often referred to as a lithium button battery or lithium manganese button battery.

 

A notable feature of the CR2032 lithium button battery is its high specific energy, meaning it stores a significant amount of energy per unit mass. This, along with a long storage period and minimal self-discharge, makes it suitable for various applications. The battery is known for its safe usage profile and operates across a wide temperature range, functioning reliably between -20 to +70℃.

 

These attributes make the CR2032 lithium button battery a popular choice for a variety of electronic devices, including watches, calculators, key fobs, and small medical devices. Its ability to perform consistently in different temperature conditions adds to its versatility, making it a reliable power source for both everyday consumer electronics and specialized equipment.

CR2032 Specifications

 

Difference Between CR2016 and CR2032

 

In summary, while both CR2016 and CR2032 are 3V batteries, their differing power capacities highlight the importance of careful consideration when replacing them. Similar to AA dry batteries, understanding the interplay between voltage, capacity, and size is key to achieving optimal performance in various electronic gadgets. Therefore, being informed about these lithium button batteries allows users to make smart choices based on their devices' requirements.

Feature	CR2016	CR2032
Cell Size	Diameter: 20mm, Height: 1.6mm	Diameter: 20mm, Height: 3.2mm
Nominal Voltage	3V	3V
Capacity	75mAh	220mAh
Applications	Watches, calculators, devices with lower power consumption	Medical devices, slightly more power-hungry electronics
Usage Suitability	Low-power devices	Low to medium-power devices
Dimensions	Smaller diameter, 16mm	Standard diameter, 20mm
Price	Generally lower due to lower capacity	Typically higher due to higher capacity

 

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Thickness

 

The differences between CR2016 and CR2032 button batteries go beyond their names. The numbers in their names indicate their size—both have a diameter of 20 mm, but the key distinction lies in their thickness. CR2016 is slim at 1.6 mm, while CR2032 is thicker at 3.2 mm. Although both provide 3V of power, the thickness significantly affects their power capacity and longevity.

 

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Capacity

 

Generally, a thicker battery can store more power. This principle holds true for all batteries of the same type. In essence, thicker batteries offer greater power capacity and thus have a longer lifespan. If your device can accommodate the extra thickness, opting for a thicker battery can provide a longer-lasting power source.

 

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Weight

 

The weights of these batteries differ noticeably. The typical weight for a CR2032 is 3.1g, while a CR2016 weighs around 1.6g.

 

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Applications

 

When comparing CR2016 to CR2032, it's important to consider their specific applications. CR2032 is commonly used in electronic dictionaries, whereas CR2016 is widely employed in electronic watches.

 

To delve into specifics, CR2016 operates at 3V with a power capacity of approximately 75mAh. In contrast, the thicker CR2032 also provides 3V but can store more power, around 200mAh. The significant difference in power capacity is due to the thickness, as the CR2032 is twice as thick as the CR2016.

 

Can one CR2032 replace two CR2016 batteries?

 

Using two CR2016 batteries in series to replace a CR2032 isn't a good idea. Connecting them in series results in a voltage of 6V, which is incompatible with devices designed for a single 3V CR2032.

 

However, there is an alternative. Placing two CR2016 batteries side by side (in parallel) can somewhat replace a CR2032. This setup maintains a voltage of 3V, theoretically providing a combined capacity of 150mAh. Nevertheless, this is still less than the capacity of a single CR2032, only about 3/4 of its power. Additionally, requiring two battery slots can make this solution somewhat cumbersome.

CR2016 vs. CR2032: Similarities Between CR2016 and CR2032

Both CR2016 and CR2032 batteries have the following similarities:

 

 

 

Shared Materials:

 

Both CR2016 and CR2032 use the same materials. The positive electrode is manganese dioxide, which is known for its highly stable chemical properties, while the negative electrode is metallic lithium. The electrolyte is a lithium battery electrolyte containing lithium perchlorate, with solvent components including propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and dioxolane (DOL).

 

Similar Shape:

 

Both batteries have a cylindrical shape.

 

Matching Diameters:

 

The diameters are the same, with both being categorized as 20mm and 16mm, respectively.

 

Uniform Voltage Levels:

 

Both batteries have the same voltage specifications, with a nominal voltage of 3.0V and an end voltage of 2.0V.

 

Identical Operating Temperature Range: The operating temperature range for both CR2016 and CR2032 is from -20℃ to 60℃. However, practical usage typically occurs within the range of 5℃ to 60℃. Some BR series batteries with a wider temperature range can operate from -50℃ to 125℃, but this is not covered in detail in this discussion of the CR series.

 

Uniform Storage Environment:

 

Both batteries should be stored in a similar environment, ideally at a temperature of approximately 20℃ and with relative humidity (RH) kept below 75%.

 

Final Words

 

The comparison between CR2016 and CR2032 highlights the subtle differences that influence their suitability for various electronic devices. Although these button batteries share certain similarities, such as their compact size and coin-like shape, their differing specifications make them distinct. Understanding these differences, including variations in diameter, thickness, and voltage, helps consumers make informed choices based on their devices' specific needs.