Test Report Summary: At under 10A this is the best performing round cell we can buy. At 10A and 20A it slightly outperforms the Molicel P42A and at 30A they are about equal. The Samsung 50S does run hotter though and the P42A runs at a higher voltage at the start when at high power levels.
Samsung lists the max continuous discharge rating at 25A. This rating has an 80°C temperature limit but the cells I tested get close to 90°C at 25A down to 2.5V so I am rating them at 20A continuous. I do not know why these cells ran hotter as Samsung does not exaggerate their ratings.
The dataheet also lists a 45A “temperature limited” rating. Samsung says you can run the 50S at up to 45A but you must never let the temperature of the cell go over 80°C. Since the cells I tested ran hotter than they are supposed to I am giving them a 35A non-continuous rating as long as you keep their temperature below 80°C.
I recommend staying at 20A or lower though to reduce risk, increase performance (less voltage sag), and to increase the life of the cell.
The two cells I tested delivered 5117mAh and 5122mAh. This is fantastic consistency and is typical of cells from the big manufacturers.
At this time, Vapcell rewraps this as their red T50, rated by them at 20A/35A 5000mAh.
Two cells were donated for testing by Vapcell (http://www.vapcelltech.com). Thank you!
Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/tlOx3LW
Full Test report: Bench Test Results: Samsung 50S - 25A 5000mAh 21700…a great performer but ran a little hot | E-Cigarette Forum
I want to work for the community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery and device tests | Patreon.
These tests only note my personal ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” 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 property damage, personal injury, or even death. They are not supposed to be used outside of a fully protected battery pack and you use them at your own risk. Never exceed the battery’s true continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.
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.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum