【Overview】
The Samsung 30Q (INR18650-30Q) is a 3,000mAh lithium-ion cell rated for 15A continuous discharge — one of the most widely used 18650 cells in mods, flashlights, and DIY battery packs since hitting the market around 2015-2016. It sits perfectly between pure high-drain cells like the 25R and higher-capacity, lower-current cells like the 35E.
Why it's still the best pick: It works for a wide range of medium-drain devices without forcing you to choose between runtime and power.
This listing is available in five terminal configurations — Flat Top, Button Top, Nickel Tab, Protected Top, and Pre-wired with Leads — so you can order the exact format your device or pack build needs. (Please note: For Protected Top and Button Top versions, the battery length will increase by 1-2mm. Please check your device's bay depth!)
【Key Features】
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Genuine Samsung SDI Cell: Authentic INR18650-30Q chemistry, not a rewrapped cell.
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3,000mAh Capacity (Min. 2,900mAh): Delivers a great balance of runtime and power.
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True 15A Continuous Discharge: This is the number on Samsung's own datasheet. Some sellers advertise 20A+ — that is not accurate. We test to 15A.
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Ultra-Low Internal Resistance: Typical measured DC internal resistance on fresh cells runs ~16-20mΩ (AC Impedance ≤26mΩ).
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Multiple Terminal Options: Flat Top (standard), Button Top (for spring-loaded devices), Nickel Tab (for spot-welding DIY packs), Protected Top (with safety circuit) or Pre-wired Leads (plug-and-play).
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Wide Operating Temperature: Discharge works from -20°C to 75°C.
【Parameters & Specifications】
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Brand & Model: Samsung SDI INR18650-30Q
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Chemistry: Li-Ion (INR / NCA-type)
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Size: 18650 (18.3mm diameter × 65.0mm height for Flat Top)
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Nominal Capacity: 3,000mAh (Minimum ~2,900mAh)
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Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
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Full Charge Voltage: 4.2V
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Discharge Cutoff Voltage: 2.5V
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Continuous Discharge Current: 15A (Design ceiling)
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AC Impedance (1kHz): ≤26mΩ
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Charge Temperature: 0°C to 50°C
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Discharge Temperature: -20°C to 75°C
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Protection Circuit: None (Unprotected cell) / Optional Protected Top version
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Weight: ~45-48g
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Terminal Options: Flat Top / Button Top / Nickel Tab Options / Protected Top / Pre-wired with Leads (select at checkout)
【Samsung 30Q vs. 25R vs. 35E vs. 20S 】
Simple way to decide: Under 8A and runtime is the priority → 35E. Around 15A and you want a balance → 30Q. 20A and up → 25R or 20S.
【Applications】
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Regulated mods, sub-ohm builds: Enough current for most 60-100W setups without living at the edge of the cell's rating.
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High-output flashlights and headlamps: Good balance of runtime and sustained brightness.
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Light-to-medium power tools: Cordless screwdrivers and small drills.
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DIY battery packs: 1S/2S/3S and larger configurations for robotics, drones, or portable power stations (perfect for Nickel Tab).
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Portable power stations and outdoor gear: Camping lights, heated jackets, portable fans.
【How to Tell You've Got a Genuine Cell】
This is one of the more counterfeited 18650 cells on the market. Here’s what to check:
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Weight: A genuine 30Q weighs 45-48g. Noticeably lighter usually means a smaller cell rewrapped.
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Printed markings: Authentic cells carry a laser-etched or printed date/lot code consistent with Samsung SDI documentation.
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Internal resistance: If you can test it, fresh genuine cells read in the 16-20mΩ DC IR range.
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Seller transparency: We point you to Samsung's actual datasheet and state 15A as the continuous rating.
【What We're Actually Seeing in Testing】
We ran a basic discharge test on a sample from a recent incoming batch (USB-C battery analyzer, three runs averaged, room temperature ~22°C):
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Charged to 4.2V, discharged at a steady 15A to the 2.5V cutoff.
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Average measured capacity: ~2,890mAh.
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Average voltage under load: ~3.5V for most of the discharge.
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Surface temperature: Peaked around 55-60°C — warm, consistent with a cell running at its rated current.
(This is a basic in-house check, treated as a reference point, updated as new batches come in.)
【FAQ】
Q1: What's the difference between Flat Top, Button Top, and Nickel Tab?
A: Flat Top is flat and fits most modern devices. Button Top has a raised positive terminal, needed for older spring-loaded devices. Nickel Tab comes pre-welded with nickel strips on both terminals, ready for solder-free pack assembly. (Protected Top adds a safety circuit, and Pre-wired Leads are ready for direct replacement.)
Q2: Does this battery have a built-in protection circuit?
A: This is an unprotected cell. Your device or a separate BMS needs to handle overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection. (We do offer a Protected Top option if you need built-in protection).
Q3: What charger should I use?
A: A dedicated intelligent Li-ion charger rated for 3.6V/4.2V cells. Match the charger to your pack configuration — a 1S charger for a single cell, 2S for two in series.
Q4: How many cycles before capacity noticeably drops?
A: Under sustained high-current discharge, expect meaningful capacity loss (down to roughly 70%) somewhere in the 250-300 cycle range. Lighter use extends that considerably.
Q5: How do I identify positive and negative terminals?
A: The flat top (or raised button) is positive (+). The bottom, with the shiny metal casing and a slight indentation, is negative (-).
Available now: Flat Top / Button Top / Nickel Tab / Protected Top / Pre-wired Leads. Not sure which terminal type your build needs? Reach out before ordering and we'll help you get it right the first time.
