Lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery?

What is the best choice?

Lithium-ion battery or lithium-polymer battery - do you know which battery technology is better?

Especially at a time when the power bank is increasingly becoming a constant companion for many, the choice of battery technology can have an influence on the requirements that such a charging station can fulfil when you are on the move. Whenever there is no power socket available, you need a reliable way to charge your smartphone or other devices on the go. Both lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) and lithium-polymer batteries (Li-Po) can be used in mobile charging stations.

What is the difference?

Lithium-ion batteries are characterised by the fact that they have a low self-discharge rate. This means that the charging capacity of a power bank is used rather sparingly as long as it is not used to charge the smartphone. Periodic deep discharging is not necessary with this technology, as the maximum number of cycles of a lithium-ion battery can be increased by shallow charging anyway. This means that the battery will last longer if you never fully discharge it and preferably never fully charge it either. Always keep the lithium-ion battery between a level of 20 and 80 per cent to ensure a long service life.

The lithium-polymer battery is characterised by its very low weight and is particularly inexpensive to manufacture. This makes it less susceptible to overcharging and overheating. However, polymer technology is somewhat more temperature-sensitive overall, which is why a smartphone usually contains a lithium-ion battery. This technology does not use a liquid electrolyte, which means that no solid housing is required for the battery, resulting in a much wider range of applications and fits. However, the lithium polymer battery has a lower energy density, which is why this variant needs to be charged more frequently. Here too, you can significantly increase the service life of the rechargeable battery with flat charging cycles.

The decision depends on the need

Whether you should opt for a power bank with a lithium-ion battery or one with a lithium-polymer battery therefore depends on its intended use and your personal preference. The big advantage of a lithium-ion battery is that you can use it for much longer on a single charge. So if you don't have access to a power socket for a longer period of time, this could be the better choice. However, it is important to note that such batteries can age very quickly. The ageing process begins immediately upon completion and not just when the battery is put into operation.

If you want a longer service life and greater charging power, buying a lithium polymer battery could be the right decision. However, this version is less suitable for longer use without recharging. A decisive advantage of the polymer battery is its variable design. You should always take care when handling a power bank or other devices with rechargeable batteries. Never expose the battery to temperatures that are too high or too low and recharge it in the flattest possible cycles. In this way, you will achieve a longer service life for both variants and avoid damaging the device.

If you have any further questions about lithium-ion batteries, power banks with lithium-polymer batteries or other products, we at InLine® are here for you. Get in touch with our team or find your answer and more tips and tricks in our blog.

InLine products with lithium battery

InLine® Lithium-ion battery, 3,000mAh, 18650

With a charging capacity of 3000mAh, this lithium-ion battery is particularly suitable for devices with high energy consumption. Compared to other cells, this battery can be charged with a high continuous discharge current of 20A, despite its comparably high charging capacity. With up to 500 charging cycles, this rechargeable battery is therefore ideal for use in e-cigarettes, Wi-Fi cameras & doorbells, tools, lamps, laptops or other mobile devices.

Type: 18650
Capacity: 3,000mAh
Voltage: 3.7 volts
Storage temperature: 0°-35°C
Operating temperature: -20° to 40°C
Battery dimensions DxH: 18.6 x 65.5mm

Item no.: 01277

InLine® Lithium High Energy Battery, Photo Battery, CR2, 3V 850mAh, 1pcs Blister

InLine® Lithium High Energy Battery, 1pcs Blister.

"HIGH ENERGY" provides an above-average energy
Lithium
CR2
capacity: 850mAh
provides constant and reliable energy
e.g. as photo battery or for motorized toys, remote control, clock, and more.
Application recommendations on the packaging
In 1pcs. blister packing

Item no.: 01271

InLine® AmpEQ mobile, Tri-Tone Hi-Res AUDIO Pre- and Headphone-Amp, 3.5mm stereo

Note:We refer to the website ‘Drivers-Download’ in the operating instructions included in the contents of delivery; this website has no connection with our company and is now being misused for phishing purposes.
We therefore strongly advise against using this website!

Experience your music in a new pleasure! This InLine® AmpEQ Hi-Fi headphone amplifier has a built-in 3-band equalizer and a loudness button for perfect sound adjustment of your favorite music, according to your taste.

Headphone Amplifier with 3-band equalizer
Loudness switch and switch for the equalizer
Gain Switch (-10dB)
2x 3.5mm stereo input Line-IN
1x 3.5mm stereo headphone output (Equalizer + Amplifier)
1x 3.5mm stereo output Line-OUT (Equalizer)
3 controls for treble (3KHz-20KHz), middle (200Hz-4kHz) and bass (20Hz-250Hz)
2 controls for balance (L/R) and volume
Stereo Crosstalk: 90dB
Suitable for headphone impedance 16-600Ohms
Micro-USB jack for power supply and charging (5V / 0.5A), USB power adapter optional
High-quality metal / aluminum construction
Gold-plated contacts of audio jacks
Built-in rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
Battery capacity: 2200mAh
Battery life: around 6 hours
Charging time: around 2 hours
Content: InLine® AmpEQ Tone control headphone amp and pre-amp x1, Users Manual x1, Micro USB cable x1, InLine® Premium Audio Cable 3.5mm M/M x1, Magnet tape for connecting other modules x1

Item no.: 99204I

InLine® woodplate, USB PowerBank 5.000mAh, with LED, walnut wood

Another product of the Inline® woodline series. The flat woodplate USB Powerbank with 5.000mAh Li-Polymer battery. The real wood housing makes the Power Bank for a visually appealing companion for traveling, when camping, on vacation, etc. The USB port allows your devices such as mobile phones or action cams. The USB connector provides up to 2,1A charging current.

Samsung brand lithium polymere cell with 5.000mAh (effective capacity can be about 70%-80% of rated capacity)
With a battery you can get up to 8,5 hours longer (depend on the model of mobile phone/smartphone)
A USB socket for charging mobile USB devices
output 5V/2,1A
Micro-USB connector for charging the spare battery
800mA charge current, fully charged in about 6,5hours
With short circuit protection, overcharge protection, discharge protection
Standby up to 18 months
Operating temperature: -10°C to 40°C
Storage temperature: -20°C to 50°C
Lifetime: over 500 charging cycles
Size: 131x68x9.6mm
Real wood walnut case
LED status: blue light flashing when it's charging and LED blue when fully charged and USB device is connected, 25% capacity per blue light
Contents: USB spare battery, micro USB charging cable 1m

In its product range "woodline" InLine presents gadgets with bodies or details of real wood. The Bluetooth / induction speaker, Power Banks, stylus or headphones with loving applications of real walnut wood looks attractive and feels great for hand and ear.

Item no.: 01478S

InLine® woodwoom, Bluetooth walnut wooden speaker, 52mm

Simply set it up, connect and go! The woodwoom works with any Bluetooth device. Enjoy impressive sound for more listening experience with a distance of up to 10 meters and up to 7 hours of play time. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable via USB.

Bluetooth specification: 3.0
Transmission distance: up to 10m
Frequency: 150Hz - 20kHz
52mm speaker, 3W
Lithium battery, 600mAh, 3.7V
Charging time: about 3-5h
Input power: USB +5 V, max. 1A
Real wooden case
Dimensions: Ø: 75mm x H: 73mm
Weight: 250g

In its new product range "woodline" InLine presents gadgets with bodies or details of real wood. The Bluetooth / induction speaker, Power Banks, stylus or headphones with loving applications of real walnut wood looks attractive and feels great for hand and ear.

Item no.: 55380H