Varta AlwaysReady AAA 800 mAh Rechargeable Batteries

Varta AlwaysReady AAA are low self-discharge NiMH cells that arrive pre-charged and stay ready. With a nominal 800 mAh capacity and 1.2 V output, they are a dependable choice for everyday, low-to-medium drain devices where convenience and reusability matter.

Key specs

Chemistry	NiMH (low self-discharge)
Size / designation	AAA / HR03
Nominal capacity	800 mAh
Nominal voltage	1.2 V
Charge retention	Up to 80% after 12 months (stored at room temperature)
Cycle life	Hundreds of recharges when used and charged properly
Best use cases	Remotes, cordless phones, wireless keyboards/mice, toys, LED flashlights, portable radios

When to choose these

• Use if you want ready-to-use rechargeables that hold charge well in storage.
• Use for devices drawing roughly 10–200 mA (remotes, wireless peripherals, LED lights on low/medium).
• Choose for cordless phones that specify NiMH AAA cells.

When to consider alternatives

• High-drain gear (photo flashes, powerful headlamps): consider higher-capacity AAA (900–1100 mAh) or AA-size devices if possible.
• Very long unattended shelf life or extreme cold: primary lithium AAA (non-rechargeable) may be better.
• Devices that physically require AA cells: use AA versions instead of AAA with adapters.

Runtime estimates

Approximate runtime (hours) = capacity (mAh) ÷ device current (mA) × 0.7–0.8 to reflect real-world conditions.

• LED flashlight at 100 mA: about 5.5–6.5 hours per cell.
• Wireless sensor at 10 mA: about 55–65 hours per cell.
• Portable radio at 90 mA: about 6–7 hours per cell.

Note: Many devices use cells in pairs; total runtime depends on device design and brightness/volume settings.

Charging and compatibility

• Charger type: Use a smart NiMH charger (with delta-V, temperature, or microprocessor control). Avoid “dumb” timers that can overcharge.
• Suggested charge rates: 0.3–0.5C (240–400 mA) for best longevity; up to 1C (800 mA) is possible with a quality charger but increases heat.

200 mA (≈0.25C)	~5–6 hours including top-off
400 mA (≈0.5C)	~2–3 hours
800 mA (≈1C)	~1–1.5 hours (more heat; use with care)

• Device compatibility: Works in devices that accept AAA cells and support 1.2 V NiMH. Some battery indicators calibrated for 1.5 V alkaline may show “low” earlier—this is normal.
• Use cells in matched sets (same brand/capacity/age) for multi-cell devices.

Care, storage, and safety

• Store partially to fully charged in a cool, dry place; top up every 6–12 months if unused.
• Avoid deep discharge; recharge when performance drops noticeably.
• Do not mix old and new cells or different capacities in the same device.
• Remove cells from devices that will sit unused for months.
• Do not short-circuit, crush, or expose to high heat. Recycle at end of life.

Alternatives to consider

• Higher-capacity AAA NiMH (900–1100 mAh): longer runtime with a modest trade-off in cycle life.
• AA NiMH (1900–2500 mAh): significantly more capacity if your device accepts AA.
• Primary lithium AAA: best for infrequent use, cold weather, or emergency kits (not rechargeable).

FAQ

Will 1.2 V NiMH work in devices that expect 1.5 V alkaline?

In most modern devices, yes. NiMH maintain a steadier voltage under load, often outperforming alkaline in medium/high-drain use. A few devices with strict voltage cutoffs may misread state of charge.

Do these come pre-charged?

Yes. They are low self-discharge cells and are usable out of the package. For maximum runtime, give them a full top-up before first use.

How many times can I recharge them?

Typically hundreds of cycles. Actual life depends on charge rate, heat, and how deeply you discharge the cells.

Can I mix these with other batteries?

No. Do not mix capacities, brands, or old and new cells in the same device. Replace and charge in matched sets.

What charger should I use?

Use a smart NiMH charger that terminates based on delta-V or temperature. This helps prevent overcharge and extends battery life.