Question 1

What is the difference between the "Black" and the "White" AmazonBasics rechargeable batteries?

Accepted Answer

[Updated on April 4, 2015]To clarify, there are now three different versions of AmazonBasic rechargeable NiMH batteries:- The original AmazonBasics batteries came in black wrappers. They are made in China and have the capacity rating of 2000mAh. They are NOT as good as Sanyo eneloop batteries.[[ASIN:B0030T1NEA AmazonBasics AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]- The second version of AmazonBasics batteries came in white wrappers. They are made in Japan and also have the capacity rating of 2000mAh. They are (according to me) rebranded 2nd-gen Sanyo eneloop, so you can expect at least 1500 cycles lifespan.[[ASIN:B00CWNMV4G AmazonBasics Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]- The third version is also black but called 'high-capacity'. They are (according to me) rebranded Sanyo XX. They are rated 2400mAh, but actual capacity is around 2550mAh, just like Sanyo XX. The rated lifespan of the XX is only 500 cycles.[[ASIN:B00HZV9TGS AmazonBasics High-Capacity Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]

Question 2

What is the difference between the "Black" and the "White" AmazonBasics rechargeable batteries?

Accepted Answer

I purchased the white label 1900mAh batteries and black labeled 2000mAh batteries several years ago.  Contrary to other's comments, the white batteries are still charging up to full capacity, and the black batteries have all lost significant capacity.  White labels say "made in japan" and black labels "made in china".  Mfg Date of black batteries is AUG2014, and white batteries have "201409" imprinted.  These have all been charged in the same MH-C9000 WizardOne from the beginning.

Question 3

What's the recommended recharge current for the AA and AAA? I'm using a lacrosse bc-700 with three possible charge settings: 200mA, 500mA or 700mA . 
According to the lacrosse manual 200mA is generally suggested, but this is slow, 13 hours for AA. So i wondered about using a higher current to reduce the time, but would…

Accepted Answer

Both of the earlier answers are correct.  I'd recommend slower settings as often as possible.  Degradation of rechargeable batteries is incremental.  Each charge very slightly decreases the maximum charge the battery will hold.  So, with the higher charge rates, your battery's maximum capacity drop from say a 2,000 mA capacity to 1,900 mA capacity to 1,800 ... significantly faster.  I'll keep mine close to their rated capacity longer, thank you.NOTE:  "Smart" chargers are MUCH easier on rechargeables than are the others and they more consistently charge to full capacity.  They aren't cheap but I consider them well worth the extra cost  I NEVER use a "dumb" charger.  Beware! Some manufacturers falsely claim "smart charger;" Energizer for example. Look for "independent charge channels" or "Delta V detection." For the most budget minded, I recommend the four battery Sony BCG34HLD2RN.  I also like the La Crosse BC-700 for it's higher number of feature at a modestly higher cost.  I've owned both and love them.

Question 4

Can these batteries recharge with a Duracell or Energizer charger? I don't want to have to purchase a new charger if I don't have too.

Accepted Answer

AmazonBasics Pre-Charged batteries can be recharged using any good-quality Smart charger designed for NiMH cells. But for longer battery lifespan, avoid ultra-fast (15- or 30-minute) chargers and Dumb (overnight) slow chargers. Most of the Duracell and Energizer chargers you see on the market only charge in pairs, which you should avoid.One inexpensive but Smart charger I often recommend is the ASIN:B003GS6FIE Sony Cycle Energy BCG34HLD. It can recharge each cell individually, which is much better than the official ASIN:B004NSUMTO AmazonBasics NiMH Charger

Package Dimensions L x W x H	15.7 x 10.5 x 2.6 centimetres
Package Weight	0.27 Kilograms
Product Dimensions L x W x H	11.7 x 5.1 x 1.4 centimetres
Item Weight	218 Grams
Brand	Amazon Basics
Colour	White
Part number	HR-3UTG-AMZN (8P)
Size	8 Pack
Style	AA
Guaranteed software updates until	unknown

Amazon Basics 8-Pack Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries, 2000 mAh, 1.2V, Recharge up to 1000x Times, Pre-Charged

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