CR2025 vs CR2032 Batteries: Which Battery Lasts Longer?

Introduction

The CR2025 and CR2032 are some of the most common button cell batteries in the market. They are also quite versatile as they can be used in multiple applications that need a reliable battery to power devices. 

We look at these two batteries to understand how best to use them. We also look at the performance differences, picking genuine batteries, among other things, in this CR2025 vs CR2032 guide. 

What is a CR2032 Battery?

The CR2032 is a non-rechargeable lithium coin cell battery that is largely used in small electronic devices. This includes watches, key fobs, and computer motherboards. The battery has 20 mm in diameter and 3.2 mm in thickness. So, if you are ever looking for a replacement, take note of the dimensions. 

The CR2032 battery is popular because of its compact size, low self-discharging rate, leak-resistant construction, and long shelf life. 

Devices That Commonly Use CR2032

Consumer Electronics: Watches, remote controls, small LED lights, toys and games, and calculators.

Vehicle-Related: Garage door openers, car key fobs.

Computers and Security: Computer motherboards for powering CMOS memory, wireless cameras, and security sensors. 

Health and Fitness: Pedometers, hearing aids, thermometers, blood glucose monitors, and fitness trackers. 

Other applications for the CR2032 battery: Bathroom scales, door chimes, and more. 

What is a CR2025 Battery?

The CR2025 battery is another non-rechargeable 3-volt lithium battery. It is still a button cell battery because of its dimensions. With the dimensions of 20mm in diameter and 2.5mm in  thickness, it still comes in handy to power several small electronics. We are talking of watches, medical devices, and calculators. 

Devices That Commonly Use CR2025

We can also look at the devices that use this battery, in this CR2032 battery vs CR2025 battery. Here are the top devices that use CR2025.

Key fobs: This is for car remote key fobs and wireless doorbells use this type of battery since they are dependable and offer long-lasting power. 

Watches: Several wristwatches, especially those with digital display, use the CR2025 battery to offer a stable and consistent power source. 

Calculators: Basic calculators with better portability and that do not require high power will commonly be equipped with this battery type. 

Medical devices: Simple medical equipment, such as glucometers, can work well with the CR2025 battery. You can expect it to also work great with stopwatches, pedometers, and more. 

Electronics and accessories: Small LED lights and other small electronic toys could use the CR2025 battery to run them. 

CR2025 vs CR2032: Key Differences

The table below gives you a quick overview of the main differences between the CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. 

It is best to always check the device manual to find out which battery is recommended for the device. Also, size matters. Forcing the wrong battery size into the battery compartment can damage the device’s contacts or housing. 

Performance Comparison

You can expect a lot of differences when it comes to the CR2025 vs CR2032 batteries. Here is what you might experience. 

Battery Life 

The battery life largely depends on the power draw of the device. These batteries can last for years in low-drain devices such as key fobs, but not for long in higher-drain applications. 

Voltage Stability

The CR2032 batteries generally offer a stable 3V output through their discharge. This is vital for those who want to use it in sensitive electronics or functions that need consistent power. 

Temperature tolerance 

The CR2032 and CR2025 are both good in terms of temperature tolerance. They can work well in extreme heat and cold. The optimal operating temperature range for these batteries is -30°C to +60°C. 

Compatibility and Interchangeability

We also have to look at compatibility and interchangeability while looking into the CR2032 vs CR2025 batteries. Can you use the CR2032 in place of the CR2025 battery?

• It might work only if the device’s compartment is large enough to accommodate its extra thickness.
• It will not work if the device’s battery compartment is designed for a CR2025. 
• In this case, the CR2032 will offer a higher capacity so that it may last longer than the CR2025. 
• It is unlikely that the CR2032 may cause electrical damage, as they have the same voltage.

Can you use a CR2025 in place of a CR2032?

• Only as a temporary option if you cannot find a CR2032 battery in a shop near you. 
• It won’t work well on most devices because it is thinner and might not make proper contact. This is because the device needs the thicker CR2032. 
• The operating life will be much shorter, since the CR2025 has a lower capacity. 
• Safety is not a big deal since the battery will not cause electrical damage. However, it may lead to inconsistent performance. 

You should always watch out for the signs of compatibility problems. For example, the device may not turn on at all or may lead to intermittent power issues. Also, sometimes there can be a loose fit, or the battery keeps popping out each time the device is moved. 

Which Battery Should You Choose for Your Device?

The CR2025 is best suited for slimmer devices that do not need a lot of capacity to run. Expect to find them common in calculators and small remotes. 

As for the CR2032 battery, we recommend it for devices that require a longer-lasting battery. Examples include computer motherboards, car keys, and medical devices. 

As always, check the device’s specifications to see the recommended battery. This ensures you end up with the correct battery size for good contact in the battery compartment. 

How to Identify Genuine CR2025 and CR2032 Batteries

The best solution would be to buy from authorized dealers. At least you can be assured of working with reputable distributors who will get you genuine products. You may also want to avoid extremely low prices, as they might be counterfeit batteries. 

Genuine products generally have official seals and labeling on the batteries. Verify that the brand is good and will give you the chance to verify the serial number on the website. This goes a long way to show that they are genuine batteries. 

Inspecting the battery yourself can give you assurance that it is a good option. Check the printing quality, note the weight, and the casing. Just make sure everything looks uniform. Counterfeit batteries may have blurred or sloppy text and will not be as well-built. 

Troubleshooting Battery Issues

Maybe you are experiencing a few issues even after changing the battery. What could be the solution? Here are some of the issues and the potential solutions:

The device would not turn on even after replacing the battery. Here is what you should do;

• Check the polarity and make sure the positive and negative ends of the new batteries are properly inserted into the battery compartment. 
• Clean the battery terminals, as dirt, dust, or corrosion can affect how they work. 
• Ensure the battery is the correct model and fit. It is important that the battery fit snugly in the battery compartment. 
• Consider performing a hard reset on the device, as this can help sort out the software glitches the device may have. 

Conclusion 

The CR2025 and CR2032 batteries are both good, depending on how they are used. We can recommend the CR2025 for low-drain devices, and the CR2032 for high-drain devices. Still, make sure that the device is designed to work with the type of battery you pick to avoid compatibility issues. 

Video: CR2025 vs CR2032 Batteries: What are the Differences?