Comparison Olight I5R EOS vs Olight i5T EOS

Model of the LED(s) used in the flashlight. Knowing the exact name of the LED, you can find its detailed characteristics and evaluate the capabilities of the flashlight. In addition, this information may be useful when replacing a failed diode.

Note that the LED model is indicated mainly if it is a high-quality LED with advanced characteristics. Such light sources are produced by different manufacturers, but the most popular in modern flashlights are products from Cree with its series Cree XM, Cree XP, Cree XHP. Here are some of the most common LEDs from this brand: Cree XP-L, Cree XM-L2, Cree XP-E, Cree XP-G, Cree XM-L T6, Cree XM-L2 T6, Cree XM-L U2, Cree XM- L2 U2, Cree XP-G R5, Cree XP-G2 R5, Cree XP-E Q5.

Cree XM-L and XM-L2 series diodes are used in high-power flashlights. XP-G and XP-G2 are used in relatively small models. They produce a beam of light in the shape of a circle with a darkening inside when using a reflector to focus. XP-E and XP-E2 are a godsend for small items with an evenly f...ocused beam and even illumination on the sides. The number “2” in the designation of the diode model indicates increased brightness (compared to the basic modification). The XHP series is also gaining popularity - the LEDs in this line more than double the light flow. At the same time, they are compatible with standard printed circuit boards and optics. The numerical prefix 35/50/70 in the name of XHP diodes indicates the dimensions of the housing.

Along with solutions from Cree, high-quality LEDs from the American manufacturer Luminus are often found in flashlights. Its range includes both inexpensive diode options for budget flashlights and advanced LED light sources with high luminous brightness and luminous flux intensity for the most powerful flashlights.

A separate case is represented by diode plates made using COB technology (chip-on-board, that is, “chip on a board”). Such plates are arrays of a large number of miniature light sources, soldered directly into a printed circuit board at a short distance from each other and filled with a special composition; This composition performs two functions at once. First of all, it protects the LEDs from contact with air, which increases their service life; In addition, the coating effectively diffuses light, creating a uniform luminous flux.

Note that previously, to create LED arrays, SMD technology was mainly used, with individual LEDs soldered onto the surface of a printed circuit board. However, COB is a more modern and advanced option: this technology allows small but bright light sources to be placed at very high densities, achieving powerful lumen output even with small array sizes. In addition, SMD boards did not provide a protective coating.

In general, it makes sense to pay attention to flashlights with COB plates if you need a high-quality source of diffused light. As a result, such diode arrays are especially popular in travel lanterns and auxiliary lighting (see "Type"), but can also be used in other varieties - from ultra-compact key fobs to high-power hand-held lamps.

Luminous flux (measured in lumens) can be described as the total amount of light produced by an LED or other light source and emitted in all directions the source shines by itself. In practice, this means a flashlight’s capability depends not only on luminous flux but also on beam angle. For example, a relatively weak flux can be concentrated into a narrow beam to achieve good throw; while effectively covering a wide area will inevitably require a large number of lumens.

Peak luminous flux is the short-term maximum brightness a light source can deliver with a fresh battery and low temperature, usually in Turbo mode. It’s used to gauge instantaneous burst output. Unlike sustained (long-term) luminous flux, the peak lasts seconds or minutes and then drops due to heating down to High mode, so for real-world use it’s more important to understand how many lumens a flashlight can maintain steadily. You can see this with EDC models: a stated 2000 lm is impressive for a quick outdoor search, but for a long walk the device will switch, say, to 1000 lm, keeping a comfortable body temperature and solid runtime.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that high flashlight brightness is far from always justified, and you should choose this parameter based on real conditions of use. At short distances, very bright light can be a hindrance: it tires the eyes and can dazzle people nearby. In addition, increasing brightness usually requires more powerful sources of both light an...d power, so the flashlight’s weight and overall dimensions go up.

The maximum range at which the flashlight provides any effective illumination of objects. Different manufacturers have different criteria for this efficiency when measuring ranges, and therefore it is only possible to unequivocally compare among themselves in range only models of one manufacturer. At the same time, this parameter allows us to compare models from different manufacturers with some certainty: for example, flashlights with a lighting range of 15 m and 100 m will clearly belong to different range classes, regardless of manufacturers.

Note that the range of illumination depends not only on the maximum luminous flux provided by the lantern (see above), but also on the features of its design: the narrower the beam is provided by the reflector of the lantern, the greater the range will be, and vice versa — scattered light does not spread far. Some models allow you to adjust the beam width depending on the requirements of the situation (for more details, see "Adjusting the focus").

It is also worth bearing in mind that models with the same claimed lighting range can cover different spaces. For example, a hand lamp (see Type) with a reflector diameter of 20 cm will be able to provide a wider beam than a conventional hand lamp with a 5 cm reflector. And although in both cases the objects that fall into the light spot will be illuminated in the same way, however, in the first case, the size of the spot itself will be larger, and the actual efficien...cy of the flashlight will be correspondingly higher (in light of the fact that it is easier to "feel" individual objects with a wide beam, especially at a considerable distance).

The number of brightness levels provided in the flashlight design. Most modern models have one level of brightness, but there are models with the ability to adjust. Several levels of brightness allow you to choose the best option for a particular case: for example, to view a small room, you can reduce the brightness and save battery power, while in a large warehouse you may need full power of the flashlight. Accordingly, the more brightness levels are provided in the design of the flashlight, the wider your options for choosing the best option will be.

Also note that in addition to step-by-step brightness adjustment, with fixed levels, modern flashlights can also be used with smooth adjustment. It is detailed below; here we note that the stepped format is technically simpler, cheaper, and therefore is used much more often. And in individual lamps, these options are combined — for them, the characteristics indicate both the number of individual brightness levels and the presence of smooth adjustment. The specific way to implement such a combination may be different. For example, a brightness control ring can have several fixed levels with clear values, and the ability to set any intermediate position between these values; the main mode of operation with smooth adjustment can be supplemented with a fixed level of reduced or increased brightness; etc.

The capacity of the battery provided in the design or delivery of the flashlight.

Theoretically, a higher capacity allows to achieve greater battery life, but in fact, not everything is so simple. Firstly, the actual battery life will also depend on power consumption — and it can be different even in models with the same luminous flux (this is due to the difference in the characteristics of individual LEDs). Secondly, the physical features of the designation in milliamp-hours (mAh) are such that only batteries with the same nominal voltage can be directly compared by this indicator (in other cases, indicators must be recalculated using special formulas).

In light of all this, we can say that battery capacity is more of a reference than a practically significant parameter. So, in some cases, it allows you to compare different models of flashlights with each other, but only very approximately. For example, a device with a 1600 mAh battery will definitely have a longer battery life than a model with an 800 mAh battery that is similar in brightness, lamp type and “weight category”; but how much battery life will be higher is impossible to say for sure. So, in order to assess the practical capabilities of a flashlight, it is worth focus on more "close to life" characteristics — first of all, on the directly claimed maximum battery life (see above), as well as battery life indicators in different modes indicated in the manufacturer's documentation.

The operating time in Low mode indicates how long the flashlight shines at low brightness before there’s a noticeable decrease in light level according to factory tests, usually at room temperature and with the battery provided. Low is chosen for long-duration tasks: set it as a tent light, attach it with a magnetic tail under the hood, or leave it as a nightlight or marker—situations where autonomy and moderate brightness are important. In this mode, the electronics heat up less and consume power more efficiently than in Medium/High, so the stated hours often reach the tens, especially in models with 18650/21700 batteries. It's important to consider that the actual "Low mode runtime" varies depending on the quality and capacity of the battery, outdoor temperature, and driver settings (such as whether there are steps and constant brightness maintenance). Compared to "Eco/Ultralow," Low provides a more practical level of light for household and service tasks, preserving the main advantage—long autonomy without overheating and unnecessary battery resource loss.

The ability to charge the flashlight from a standard USB port. Such connectors are mandatory for modern computers and laptops, they are found in other types of equipment (from tablets to audio systems); in addition, USB power adapters are produced for household sockets and car cigarette lighters. Thus, charging from USB significantly expands the capabilities of the flashlight: instead of a specialized charger (which, moreover, can be forgotten or lost), you can use any USB port for this.

Note that compact models (for example, keychains - see "Type") are often equipped with their own USB plugs, but a larger flashlight may require a cable.

The charging port itself can be microUSB or USB-C. In some cases, there are models with a proprietary cable, on one end of which there is a USB-A plug.

A permanent type magnet built right into the body of the flashlight.

The built-in magnet is selected so that it can hold the flashlight on a steel or other magnetic surface. At the same time, in many models, the magnet is placed at the end of the elongated body and allows you to “stick” the device to at least a horizontal surface, and often also to vertical walls. Anyway, this function allows you to at least fix the flashlight on magnetic materials, freeing your hands; this can be a great alternative to the hanging hook (see above), especially if there are no hooks nearby. And in some flashlights, a magnetic latch is also used to secure the plug from the charger; in models with such functionality, it may even be possible to mount the charger on the wall and simply hang a flashlight on it to replenish the energy supply.