Amazon Basics Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries

Amazon Basics Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries

Durable, low self-discharge AA cells designed for high-drain devices like digital cameras, speedlights, game controllers, and wireless accessories. Pre-charged and ready to use, they reduce waste and total cost of ownership versus disposables.

Key specs at a glance

Chemistry	Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), low self-discharge
Nominal voltage	1.2 V
Typical capacity	Approx. 1900–2100 mAh (varies by model and conditions)
Recharge cycles	Hundreds of cycles; up to ~500–1000 with proper care
Pre-charged	Yes; retains most charge for months in storage
Charger compatibility	Use any quality NiMH AA charger (do not use Li-ion chargers)

When to choose these

• Use for frequent or high-drain gear: cameras/flash units, gaming controllers, wireless mice/keyboards, LED flashlights, toys.
• Great for households, schools, studios, and event teams that cycle batteries often.

When to consider alternatives

• Ultra-long shelf life or extreme cold: consider primary lithium AA.
• Very low-drain, seldom-used devices (e.g., some TV remotes): alkaline can be simpler if you rarely replace batteries.
• Critical safety devices (e.g., some smoke/CO alarms): follow the device manual; many specify primary batteries only.

Expected runtime examples

Actual runtime varies with device draw, temperature, and cutoff voltage. Estimates assume ~70–80% usable capacity in real-world use:

• Wireless mouse (10–20 mA): roughly 80–150 hours of active use per charge.
• Game controller (100–200 mA): about 8–15 hours of play.
• LED flashlight (500 mA on medium): around 3–4 hours of continuous light.
• Camera flash (intermittent bursts): typically several hundred pops per set, depending on power level and recycle time.

Charging and care

• Use a smart NiMH charger with automatic shutoff (ΔV, temperature, or timer). Avoid chargers meant for Li-ion or alkaline batteries.
• Best results: charge at 0.2–0.5C (about 400–1000 mA for a 2000 mAh cell). Slow charging reduces heat and can extend life.
• Do not mix cells of different age, brand, or charge level in the same device. Keep cells in matched sets for devices that use 2–4 AAs.
• Store in a cool, dry place. For storage over several months, top up every 3–6 months.
• Recycle at approved battery collection points. Do not incinerate or disassemble.

Pack size guidance

• 4–8 pack: home use, remotes, small kits.
• 12–24 pack: families, classrooms, small studios.
• 36+ pack: photographers, AV teams, events, and facilities with many wireless devices.

Compatibility notes

• Voltage: NiMH cells are 1.2 V vs. 1.5 V alkaline. Most modern devices work fine, but some battery meters may show “low” earlier.
• Chargers: only charge in NiMH-compatible chargers. Do not attempt to recharge alkaline or lithium primary batteries.

FAQ

Are these the same as 1.5 V batteries?

No. NiMH AAs are 1.2 V nominal. Many devices are designed for 1.2–1.5 V and work normally; a few may report low battery sooner.

How many times can I recharge them?

With a quality charger and moderate depth of discharge, expect hundreds of cycles (often up to ~500–1000). Heat, fast charging, and deep discharge reduce lifespan.

Do they have a memory effect?

NiMH cells have minimal memory effect. You do not need to fully discharge before charging; in fact, frequent full discharges can shorten life.

Can I use them in smoke or CO alarms?

Only if the device manual explicitly allows rechargeable AAs. Many alarms require primary batteries for guaranteed standby duration.

What’s the best way to store spares?

Store at room temperature, out of direct sun, ideally partially charged. Top up every few months for ready-to-use performance.