In the tracker industry, battery power is one of the considerations users must consider when choosing a tracker. Trackers can help locate and manage items such as keys, luggage, remote control, and more.
However, there are significant differences in battery design between different brands of trackers, which can have a significant impact on longevity, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.
What are Rechargeable Batteries
These batteries can be recharged and used multiple times. Common types include lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and nickel-cadmium (NiCd). They are designed for devices that draw a lot of power or are used frequently. Once the battery is depleted, it can be plugged into a charger and restored for further use.
For example, Seinxon trackers are designed with rechargeable batteries. All the user needs to do is prepare a standard 5V 1A adapter and plug the Type-C charging cable into the charging clip, then use the charging clip to charge the tracker.
Related read: How do you charge rechargeable batteries?
Benefits of rechargeable batteries
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Environmentally friendly
- Longer lifespan and faster charging times.
Disadvantages of rechargeable batteries
- Higher upfront costs
- Self-discharge issues
- Requires charger
- Limited lifespan
What is a Disposable Battery
Disposable batteries, also known as disposable batteries or primary batteries, are designed for single use. Common types include alkaline and zinc carbon batteries. Once depleted, they cannot be recharged and must be discarded. These batteries are typically used in devices that require less power or are used infrequently. The Apple AirTag, for example, has a battery life of 12 to 18 months, but it needs to be replaced manually when it runs out.
Advantages of disposable batteries
- Lower initial cost
- High energy density
- Long shelf life
- Convenience
Disadvantages of disposable batteries
- Higher long-term cost
- Environmental concerns
- Unstable power output
Rechargeable vs Disposable Batteries
|
Aspect |
Rechargeable Batteries |
Disposable Batteries |
|
Cost |
Higher initial cost, but costs decrease over time |
Lower initial cost |
|
Environmental Impact |
Less waste, but requires energy for recharging |
More waste, but no energy needed for reuse |
|
Energy Density |
Generally lower (but improving) |
Usually higher energy density |
|
Cycle Life |
500-1000+ charging cycles |
Single-use, only one cycle |
|
Performance in High Drain Devices |
Excellent, maintains stable power |
Quickly depletes under high load |
|
Self-Discharge Rate |
Prone to losing charge when stored |
Minimal self-discharge, longer shelf life |
|
Convenience |
Requires charging infrastructure |
Ready to use out of the box |
Cost
Rechargeable batteries have a relatively higher initial purchase cost but, as time progresses, their cost gradually reduces. Since rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly, the total cost of long-term use is much lower compared to disposable batteries. On the other hand, disposable batteries have a lower initial cost and are suitable for infrequent or short-term use scenarios, but their cumulative cost gradually increases with frequent replacements.
Environmental Impact
Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly as they can be used multiple times, significantly reducing the number of batteries that end up in landfills. A single rechargeable battery can replace hundreds of disposables. However, manufacturing rechargeable batteries requires resources, energy, and time. They contain heavy metals and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not handled properly. Conversely, disposable batteries pose a significant environmental threat as they are single-use and contain toxic chemicals that take hundreds of years to degrade.
Energy Density
is another important difference. Disposable batteries typically have a higher energy density and therefore provide a longer initial charge for the same size. In contrast, rechargeable batteries typically have lower energy densities, although this gap is narrowing as technology advances. Some new rechargeable batteries have been able to provide energy densities close to those of disposable batteries without increasing their size.
Cycle Life
Rechargeable batteries offer significant advantages. Typically, rechargeable batteries can carry out more than 500 to 1,000 charging cycles, which is suitable for devices that need to reuse electricity over a long period. Disposable batteries, on the other hand, can only be used once and must be replaced after use; they cannot be recycled.
Performance of High Power Consumption Devices
Rechargeable batteries perform more consistently. For devices with high power demand, rechargeable batteries can continuously provide a stable output, while disposable batteries tend to quickly run out of power under high load conditions, resulting in a significant reduction in device runtime. Therefore, rechargeable batteries perform better in application scenarios that require constant high power output.
Self-discharge Rate
This is also a significant difference between the two. Rechargeable batteries are prone to self-discharge during storage and may lose power when not in use for a long period, so they need to be recharged regularly to keep them in use. Disposable batteries, on the other hand, have a lower self-discharge rate and can remain fully charged for long periods, making them suitable for devices that are not used for long periods but need to be available at all times.
Convenience and Maintenance
Finally, when it comes to convenience, disposable batteries have the clear advantage of being ready to use right out of the box, making them suitable for scenarios that require a quick and instant solution to power issues. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, require the support of charging infrastructure, and while they last a long time, they require the user to recharge them regularly, and may not be as convenient as disposable batteries in an emergency.
Rechargeable Bluetooth Tracker
Rechargeable trackers are easy to use, especially since they don’t require frequent battery changes. This is especially convenient for devices that are used every day, such as those for tracking keys or wallets. Users can simply charge them like a smartphone to ensure that the device is always ready to use.
For those who use trackers a lot, such as in a busy household or for tracking important items every day, the rechargeable option ensures that the tracker is always running with minimal downtime.
The Seinxon rechargeable Bluetooth tracker provides a practical and user-friendly solution for tracking items over a fairly long distance of up to 165 feet. This tracker is as simple to use as devices such as Apple AirTag, and can be used by people who are not tech-savvy.
Related read: Do you have to charge an Airtag?
If the tracked item is out of Bluetooth range, the Seinxon tracker can use other people's Apple systems to assist in locating it.
Best of all, the Seinxon can be used for 6 months on a full charge without frequent charging.
In Conclusion
Choosing between rechargeable or disposable batteries for your tracker largely depends on the specific application and user preferences. In the long run, rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
For applications like using a wallet or key tracker, opting for a rechargeable mode tends to be a better choice. Furthermore, selecting a Seinxon tracker, which costs only $24, can be a highly economical option that aligns well with the benefits of rechargeable batteries.