Samsung 35E or Tenpower 35HE? Comparing two 18650 cells using the manufacturers' datasheets

Two 18650 cells, the same capacity class, and very different selling points. The Samsung 35E relies on its reputation and a long record in battery packs. The Tenpower 35HE counters with a higher continuous-current rating, a higher permitted fast-charge current and, in our shop, a lower price. The right choice depends on what the finished battery has to do.

We compare the datasheet figures and immediately turn them into practical decisions for an e-bike, electric scooter, small inverter, energy-storage system and a 13S4P pack. There is no graph-versus-graph contest: the manufacturers used different test conditions, so overlaying the curves would suggest a precision that is not really there.

Samsung 35E and Tenpower 35HE: key specifications

In capacity, both are in the same class: both cells are rated at 3400 mAh and both are often sold as 3500 mAh. The datasheets state capacity differently (Samsung a minimum of 3350 mAh, Tenpower a nominal value). The clear difference is current: Tenpower's continuous-discharge rating is 25% higher and its maximum charge current is 70% higher.

What do these numbers mean in practice?

Both are high-capacity cells rather than true high-drain models. A single cell is well suited to steady, moderate loads such as lighting, electronics, a power bank or a small backup system. For power tools that demand high current spikes at startup, choose a high-drain cell such as the Samsung 25R or Molicel P28A.

The picture changes when several cells are connected in parallel. In a 4P group, current is shared between four cells: Samsung cells can deliver a catalogue-rated 32 A together, while Tenpower cells reach 40 A. This is why a properly designed 4P, 5P or larger pack can power more than a mild e-bike. It can also serve a fairly powerful scooter, e-bike or small inverter. The pack still needs a suitable BMS, interconnects, wiring, thermal design and a safety margin below the maximum ratings.

The datasheets also illustrate a simple effect: as load rises, operating voltage falls, so usable energy in Wh drops more than capacity in Ah alone would suggest. A pack designed with headroom runs cooler, holds a higher voltage under load and retains its performance for longer.

13S4P pack: capacity, power and charge time

A popular “48 V” 13S4P pack uses 52 cells and has a nominal voltage of 48 V.

Tenpower's 90 minutes refers to 3.4 A fast charging; Samsung's approximately 4 hours refers to standard charging at 1.7 A. These are not tests at the same current. With a 5 A pack limit, both charge at a similar rate; exact time depends on the BMS, charger and final CV stage. Tenpower's -20°C rating permits discharge, but available capacity falls sharply in the cold; the datasheet does not establish 10 A at -20°C.

The 1.54 and 1.92 kW figures are electrical limits derived from the cells alone, not design recommendations. Leaving a sensible 20-30% margin puts the packs roughly in the 1.0-1.2 kW class for Samsung and 1.3-1.5 kW for Tenpower on the DC side. The real limit can be lower because of the BMS, temperature and interconnects, while an inverter adds conversion losses. Both packs can therefore suit a 500-1000 W inverter if the complete battery is designed for it.

When is the Samsung 35E the better choice?

• When your design is already proven on Samsung cells. 8 A per cell is enough, and changing the cell in a finished design would mean validating it again.
• When a recognised brand matters. Samsung SDI has an exceptional reputation, extensive documentation and a long track record in battery packs.
• When the battery will be charged gently. With a 3-5 A charger, Tenpower’s fast-charge advantage largely disappears.

Check the current Samsung 35E price

When is the Tenpower 35HE the better choice?

• When you want more current from the same configuration. In 4P, the difference is 40 A versus 32 A.
• When shorter charging downtime matters. A pack designed to accept 13.6 A can charge noticeably faster than its Samsung counterpart.
• When you are watching the total pack cost. In our shop Tenpower costs less than the Samsung 35E; across 52 cells, even a small per-cell difference becomes meaningful.

Check the current Tenpower 35HE price

Summary: two good cells for different jobs

The Samsung 35E is a reputable, high-capacity cell with a long track record in battery packs. The Tenpower 35HE offers a higher current limit, faster charging and, in our shop, a lower price.

For a gently charged pack where current per cell stays within 8 A, both are good choices, and Samsung has the brand advantage. For an e-bike, scooter or battery feeding a small inverter, where more power and shorter charging matter, Tenpower may offer more practical benefits. Neither is the right choice for power tools with large current spikes. Those require high-drain cells.

Building your own pack? Contact us with the voltage, continuous power, peak power and planned charge current. We will help you choose the cell and parallel-group size.

Data sources

• Samsung INR18650-35E specification v1.1
• Tenpower INR18650-35HE product datasheet v1.4

The 13S4P calculations are approximate. They do not replace an engineering design or testing of a specific cell batch.

Article author

Stanisław Zagrajek

Co-founder of evzero.eu