In-Depth Guide: Understanding Vaping Device Batteries (Illustrated)

"Built-in battery" vs. "18650 lithium battery"

Based on the type of battery used, common e-cigarette devices can be divided into "built-in battery" and "18650 battery" types. A built-in battery means that the device comes with a battery included, and users do not need to purchase a separate battery and charger; they can charge the device via a USB port. The most typical e-cigarette device is of the "EGO" type, which usually has this "built-in battery" format.

The "18650 battery" refers to devices that do not come with a battery included, requiring users to purchase a battery separately. Many first-time e-cigarette buyers overlook this detail and find themselves unable to use the product upon receipt due to the lack of a battery.

In product descriptions, devices with built-in batteries typically indicate "built-in battery" or specify the battery capacity in "xxxxmAh," while removable battery devices will indicate "removable battery," "powered by 18650 battery," or "battery not included." Consumers should pay attention to this information and confirm with the seller before purchasing to avoid buying a device that does not meet their needs.

The advantages of built-in batteries include safety, portability, and ease of use. Users can start using the device right after purchase. The downside is that the battery is sealed inside the device, and once the battery is depleted, it can only be charged and cannot be replaced with a spare battery. If used in an environment without power, the device cannot continue to function. Additionally, if the internal battery is damaged, users cannot replace it themselves and must send it back for repair, which can be costly.

The advantages of the "18650" battery include widespread application and replaceability. If the battery runs out, users can replace it with a spare battery and continue using the device. Users can charge the removed battery at their convenience without being affected by the battery's charge level.

Another advantage of the 18650 battery is its strong prevalence in e-cigarette devices; most devices use 18650 batteries. If you purchase a new device, your existing 18650 batteries can still be used in the new device.

However, the downside of 18650 lithium batteries is that users need to have some battery knowledge to purchase suitable products. Due to the high output current of e-cigarette devices, the 18650 batteries used typically require a high discharge current, known as "power batteries." If a battery with low discharge capability is used in a high-output device, it may damage the device and the battery, affecting the normal operation of the device. Therefore, when purchasing a device powered by 18650 batteries, you also need to select suitable batteries. If you want to extend the battery's lifespan, you will also need to purchase a suitable charger, making the purchasing process more complicated compared to built-in battery devices.

"Single battery" vs. "dual battery"

Devices can also be categorized into "single battery" and "dual battery" types based on the number of batteries used. A single battery device uses one 18650 battery, typically smaller and lighter, making it portable. A dual battery device uses two 18650 batteries, usually larger and heavier.

Generally, single battery devices have lower maximum power than dual battery devices. Currently, the highest power for single battery devices is commonly 30W, 50W, 75W, and 80W. In contrast, dual battery devices often start at 100W, with 150W and 180W being common, and many devices reaching 200W. Besides the difference in maximum power, dual battery devices also have better battery life, meaning they can be used for longer periods. For example, using the same tank at a consistent 12W power, a single battery device may require one and a half batteries for a day, meaning you would need to change the battery once a day, while a dual battery device can last nearly two days with two batteries.

For newcomers, if the goal is primarily to switch from smoking, it is advisable to purchase a single battery device, as the atomizers typically used for smoking cessation do not require more than 20W of power. Purchasing a dual battery device would not only be more expensive but also require more spare batteries, leading to wasted power. A single battery device with a maximum power of around 70W is portable, lightweight, and fully meets usage needs. Even if you develop an interest in vaping through smoking cessation, 70W is sufficient to support regular sub-ohm and dripping atomizers.