{"product_id":"samsung-18650-rechargeable-battery-3-7volt-li-ion-batteries-3000mah-flat-top-18650-for-headlamp-and-flashlights-headlight-etc","title":"Samsung 30Q 18650 Battery - 3000mAh 15A High Capacity - Flat Top \/ Button Top \/ Nickel Tab Options (INR18650-30Q)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eThe Samsung 30Q (INR18650-30Q) is a 3,000mAh lithium-ion cell rated for 15A continuous discharge — one of the more widely used 18650 cells in mods, flashlights, and DIY battery packs since it hit the market around 2015-2016. It sits between pure high-drain cells like the 25R and higher-capacity, lower-current cells like the 35E, which is the main reason it's stayed popular for as long as it has: it works for a wide range of medium-drain devices without forcing you to choose between runtime and power.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eThis listing is available in three terminal configurations —\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eFlat Top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eButton Top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e, and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eNickel Tab\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— so you can order the exact format your device or pack build needs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQuick Specs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within ds-scroll-area--enabled _1210dd7 c03cafe9\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eParameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eValue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eBrand \u0026amp; Model\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSamsung SDI INR18650-30Q\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eChemistry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eLi-Ion (INR \/ NCA-type)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e18650 (18.3mm diameter x 65.0mm height)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eNominal Capacity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e3,000mAh (minimum ~2,900mAh)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eNominal Voltage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e3.6V\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eFull Charge Voltage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e4.2V\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eDischarge Cutoff Voltage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e2.5V\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eContinuous Discharge Current\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e15A — this is the number on Samsung's own datasheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003ePulse Discharge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eTolerates brief pulses somewhat above 15A, but Samsung's public documentation doesn't list a specific continuous-equivalent pulse rating. Treat 15A as your real design ceiling rather than relying on pulse headroom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAC Impedance (1kHz)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e≤26mΩ per datasheet; typical measured DC internal resistance on fresh cells runs ~16-20mΩ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eCharge Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e0°C to 50°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eDischarge Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e-20°C to 75°C (surface temperature; avoid running near the upper limit for extended periods)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eProtection Circuit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eNone (unprotected cell)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e~45-48g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eTerminal Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eFlat Top \/ Button Top \/ Nickel Tab (select at checkout)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA note on that discharge rating, since it comes up constantly:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esome listings elsewhere advertise this cell at 20A or higher continuous. That's not accurate. 15A continuous is the figure in Samsung's own spec sheet, and it's what we test to.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eChoosing Your Terminal Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eFlat Top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— a flat positive terminal. This is what most modern flashlights, mods, and DIY packs use, and it's the standard choice unless your device specifically calls for something else.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eButton Top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— a raised positive terminal, similar to a standard AA battery. Needed for older devices and certain flashlights with spring-loaded contacts that won't make consistent contact with a flat terminal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eNickel Tab\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— comes with nickel strips pre-welded to both terminals, ready to drop into a battery pack build without needing your own spot welder. Useful for 1S\/2S\/3S+ packs, robotics, drones, or portable power builds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eIf you're not sure which one your device needs, check the battery compartment or your device's manual — most manufacturers specify this directly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWhere This Cell Works Well\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eRegulated mods, sub-ohm builds — enough current for most 60-100W setups without living at the edge of the cell's rating\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eHigh-output flashlights and headlamps — good balance of runtime and sustained brightness for lights that don't need extreme turbo bursts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eLight-to-medium power tools — cordless screwdrivers, small drills, and similar tools that don't demand sustained high-amp draw\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eDIY battery packs — 1S\/2S\/3S and larger configurations for robotics, drones, or portable power stations; the Nickel Tab option is built for this\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003ePortable power stations and outdoor gear — camping lights, heated jackets, portable fans, and similar moderate-drain electronics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWhere it's not the right pick:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunregulated mechanical mods, or any device that regularly needs more than 15A per cell. For those, look at the 25R or 20S instead — see the comparison below.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSamsung 30Q vs. 25R vs. 35E vs. 20S\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within ds-scroll-area--enabled _1210dd7 c03cafe9\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eCell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eCapacity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eContinuous Discharge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSkip It If\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eINR18650-25R\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e2,500mAh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e20A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eHigh-output devices, unregulated mods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eRuntime matters more than raw current\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eINR18650-30Q\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e3,000mAh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e15A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eRegulated mods, mid-to-high output flashlights, balanced DIY packs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eYou need sustained current above 15A per cell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eINR18650-35E\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e~3,450mAh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e~8A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eRuntime-first: speakers, UPS, low-drain packs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eYou need sustained current above ~8-10A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eINR18650-20S\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e2,000mAh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e30A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eExtreme high-drain: mech mods, RC, heavy tools\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eCapacity\/runtime is your priority\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSimple way to decide:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efigure out what your device actually pulls per cell under normal use, not its absolute maximum. Under 8A and runtime is the priority → 35E. Around 15A and you want a balance of the two → 30Q. 20A and up → 25R or 20S depending on how extreme the load gets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eHow to Tell You've Got a Genuine Cell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eThis is one of the more counterfeited 18650 cells on the market, simply because it's popular enough to be worth faking. A few things worth checking before you rely on it:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— a genuine 30Q weighs 45-48g. Noticeably lighter usually means a smaller cell rewrapped inside 30Q packaging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003ePrinted markings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— authentic cells carry a laser-etched or printed date\/lot code consistent with Samsung SDI's documentation formatting, not a generic sticker slapped on top.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eInternal resistance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— if you can test it, a fresh genuine cell typically reads in the 16-20mΩ DC IR range. Significantly higher readings suggest a degraded, counterfeit, or old-stock cell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSeller transparency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— a seller who can point you to Samsung's actual datasheet (rather than a generic spec list) and who states 15A as the continuous rating, not 20A+, is a good sign.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWhat We're Actually Seeing in Testing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eWe ran a basic discharge test on a sample from a recent incoming batch — standard USB-C battery analyzer, three runs averaged, room temperature (~22°C):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eCharged to 4.2V, discharged at a steady 15A to the 2.5V cutoff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAverage measured capacity: ~2,890mAh across the three runs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAverage voltage under load: around 3.5V for most of the discharge, tapering in the final 15-20% of capacity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSurface temperature peaked around 55-60°C at the end of the 15A pull — warm, consistent with a cell running at its rated current, not alarming\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eThis is a basic in-house check, not lab-grade equipment, so treat it as a reference point rather than a precise measurement. We'll update these numbers periodically as new batches come in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ1: What's the difference between Flat Top, Button Top, and Nickel Tab?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: Flat Top has a flat positive terminal and fits most modern devices. Button Top has a raised positive terminal, needed for older devices or flashlights with spring-loaded contacts. Nickel Tab comes pre-welded with nickel strips on both terminals, ready for solder-free pack assembly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ2: How does the 30Q compare to the 25R and 20S?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: The 30Q trades some discharge headroom for more capacity: 3,000mAh at 15A, versus the 25R's 2,500mAh at 20A or the 20S's 2,000mAh at 30A. Choose the 30Q if runtime matters more to you than maximum current output. Full comparison table above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ3: Does this battery have a built-in protection circuit?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: No. This is an unprotected cell. Your device or a separate BMS (battery management system) needs to handle overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ4: What charger should I use?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: 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, and so on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ5: How do I identify positive and negative terminals?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: The flat top (or raised button on the Button Top version) is positive (+). The bottom, with the shiny metal casing and a slight indentation, is negative (-).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ6: Is the Samsung 30Q still a good choice in 2026?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: For its intended use case, yes. It's an older design at this point and Samsung has shifted a lot of its 18650 production focus toward newer formats, but the 30Q remains widely available, well-documented, and reliable within its 15A rating. If your device needs more current than that, it's worth looking at the 25R or 20S instead rather than pushing the 30Q past its spec.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eQ7: How many cycles before capacity noticeably drops?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eA: Under sustained high-current discharge, expect meaningful capacity loss (down to roughly 70% of original) somewhere in the 250-300 cycle range. Lighter use — lower current, partial discharges — extends that considerably.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAvailable now: Flat Top \/ Button Top \/ Nickel Tab.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNot sure which terminal type your build needs? Reach out before ordering and we'll help you get it right the first time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Samsung","offers":[{"title":"Button Top","offer_id":51454084874486,"sku":"OAS113","price":5.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Flat Top","offer_id":51454084907254,"sku":"OAS114","price":6.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nickel Tab","offer_id":51454084940022,"sku":"OAS115","price":6.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0819\/2753\/6886\/files\/samsung-18650-3000mAh-flat-top-lighting-battery-main_3c32464a-4b8a-4ead-a597-399cd55de524.webp?v=1786964982","url":"https:\/\/oneandes.com\/products\/samsung-18650-rechargeable-battery-3-7volt-li-ion-batteries-3000mah-flat-top-18650-for-headlamp-and-flashlights-headlight-etc","provider":"OneAndes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}