These are not the Samsung 50E pre-production samples that are floating around and rewrapped by some companies. The 50E2 is a much better performing later release of the 50E indicated by a “2” in the lower left corner of the printing on the wrap.
It’s similar to what Samsung did with the 25R. There was the blue-wrapped 25R2, then the green-wrapped 25R5, followed by the green-wrapped 25R6. Each one having a tweak to its performance.
I do not know if these will end up being the cells Samsung uses for production or if they will make additional tweaks but I am very impressed with the performance improvements over the 50E. Their internal resistance is very low which helps keep temperatures down and the voltage up, increasing the energy this cell can deliver.
This is an accurately rated, great performing ultra-high capacity 21700 cell. The datasheet lists the minimum capacity at 4753mAh and standard capacity of 4900mAh. The two 50E2’s I tested delivered 5051mAh and 5062mAh at 1A (0.2C) down to 2.5V. The DC internal resistance measured 20.7mOhms and 20.8mOhms. This is astounding consistency and fantastic to see.
The DC internal resistance of these cells is the same as a lot of the 20A 18650’s we use. But the current rating of the 50E2 is limited by its 60°C operating temperature limit. You cannot operate these at high current levels or temperatures. However, the low internal resistance of the 50E2 makes it a great performer.
This Samsung 50E2 outperforms the (earlier) Samsung 50E, the Samsung 48G, and the LG M50 samples I recently purchased (more about the M50 later). I do not know when the 50E2 will be available for sale or who will carry it but I hope it is soon.
I am rating the Samsung 50E2 at 10A/30W and 4900mAh. I will be retesting these again when they reach full production.
Two cells were donated for the purposes of testing by ENERdan GmbH (https://enerdan.de/en/). Thank you!
Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/hDYoHRt
Test report: https://bit.ly/2zvhMnB
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These tests only note the ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” batteries or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Any rating in my ratings tables can change at any time as different grade cells appear on the market, we get swamped with fakes, or new information becomes available to me. Please, never assume that the ratings in the tables are permanent and will never change! Always download the latest version before considering any cell purchase.
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