The Newell AA USB-C rechargeable batteries are a two-pack of Li-ion AA cells with a USB-C port built into each cell. That one detail changes how you charge them: you top them up straight from a computer, a phone charger, or a power bank with the included cable. No separate battery charger needed.
Each cell holds 1550mAh, delivers a steady 1.5V, and charges in around two hours, with an LED that flashes green while charging and holds steady when full. For remotes, game controllers, torches, clocks, toys, and wireless triggers, they are a reusable, lower-waste alternative to disposables.
Newell AA USB-C 1550mAh Rechargeable Batteries (2-Pack). Li-ion AA cells with a USB-C port in each battery, rated for up to 1,200 charge cycles, with a USB-A to USB-C cable included.
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TL;DR
Each Newell AA cell has its own USB-C port, so a cable from a power bank, laptop, or phone charger tops it up, with no separate charger to pack. You get 1550mAh at a steady 1.5V, up to 1,200 charge cycles, and a Li-ion design with no memory effect. Two things to know: devices may show them as full right until they run out, and Newell notes they may not suit audio gear. For heavy flash use, high-drain NiMH cells are still the safer bet.
What Makes a USB-C Battery Different?
A normal rechargeable AA needs a matching charger. You slot the cells into a cradle, plug it into the wall, and wait. Lose the cradle, or forget it on a trip, and the cells are stuck. It is one more device to own, store, and carry, and one more thing to forget when you pack for a shoot.
The Newell USB-C cells move the charging circuit inside the battery. Each cell has a small USB-C socket, so you charge it the same way as a phone or a pair of earbuds. The included USB-A to USB-C cable works with a laptop port, a wall adapter, or a power bank, which makes these handy for a travel kit where space is tight.
How the USB-C connector works, per USB-C, Wikipedia.
Why They Beat Disposables
Disposable AA batteries add up in cost and waste. Each Newell cell is rated for up to 1,200 charge cycles, so a single battery can replace a large stack of single-use cells over its life, with far fewer batteries in landfill.
The Li-ion design avoids the memory effect, so you can top the cells up at any time. Newell rates them to keep around 80% of their charge after months of storage, so a spare pair is ready when you need it. A built-in safety system guards against overheating, overcharging, and overloading while charging.
Why the memory effect matters for older chemistries, per Memory effect, Wikipedia.
Where They Work Best
| Device | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| TV remotes, clocks, toys | Great | Low, steady draw, and no more buying disposables |
| Game controllers, wireless mice, keyboards | Great | Frequent use makes recharging pay off quickly |
| Torches | Great | The steady 1.5V keeps brightness consistent |
| Flash triggers and remotes | Good | Light draw, easy to top up from a power bank on location |
| Speedlights | Test first | High burst current; NiMH is the usual choice |
| Microphones, wireless transmitters, radios | Check first | Newell notes possible noise or distortion |
Fit ratings are our general guidance, based on Newell's listed uses and how each device draws power.
Good to Know Before You Use Them
The Battery Indicator May Read Full Until It Is Empty
Inside, these are Li-ion cells with a small circuit that holds the output at a steady 1.5V. That is great for consistent performance, but it means the voltage barely drops as the cell drains, then stops. Devices that estimate charge from voltage may show full right up until the battery runs out. Keep a charged spare for anything that matters, and avoid relying on them where a low-battery warning is important.
Flashes and High-Drain Gear
Newell lists everyday devices like remotes, torches, controllers, clocks, and toys among their uses, but not camera flashes. Speedlights draw a lot of current in short bursts, and for regular flash work, high-drain NiMH AAs remain the usual choice. If you want to use these in a flash, test the recycle time first, and keep NiMH or alkaline spares in the bag.
Audio gear: Newell notes these cells may not suit devices used for sound transmission or processing, such as some microphones, wireless transmitters, effects pedals, and radios, where noise or distortion is possible. If you hear a problem, switch to a standard cell.
How to Charge Them
Charging is as simple as charging a phone. There is no cradle to find and no proprietary charger to pack.
- Connect the cable to power: Plug the included USB-A to USB-C cable into a laptop port, a wall adapter, or a power bank.
- Plug into the cell: Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the port on the battery.
- Watch the LED: The LED flashes green while charging and holds steady green when the cell is full, usually after about two hours.
- Use the battery: Unplug the cell and use it as you would any standard AA battery.
Newell also makes AAA, 9V, and 18650 cells with built-in USB-C charging. At CameraStuff we currently stock the AA two-pack, so ask our team if you need another size.
Newell AA USB-C Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Newell AA USB-C 1550mAh rechargeable battery (2-pack) |
| Type | AA (R6) |
| Technology | Li-ion |
| Capacity | 1550mAh (2.3Wh) |
| Voltage | 1.5V |
| Charge cycles | Up to 1,200 |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Charging port | USB-C, one per cell |
| Charge indicator | LED, flashing green while charging, steady when full |
| Self-discharge | Retains around 80% of charge after months of storage |
| Protection | Overheating, overcharging, overloading |
| Weight | 17g per cell |
| In the box | 2 x AA USB-C cells, 1 x USB-A to USB-C cable |
| Compatibility note | May not suit devices used for sound transmission or processing |
As specified by the manufacturer, Newell.
A Greener, Simpler Choice
Most homes are full of AA devices: remotes, clocks, controllers, torches, and toys. Every flat disposable is a trip to the shop and another cell in the bin. A rechargeable that tops up from a cable you already own removes both problems. Like the rest of the Newell range, these carry a 40-month warranty.
Shop Newell AA USB-C BatteriesRelated Guides
About Newell
Newell has been making reliable, affordable products for photographers and filmmakers since 2009. Its range covers camera batteries, chargers, power banks, LED lights, and accessories, all backed by a 40-month manufacturer's warranty. For full product details, visit Newell's official website.
Shop All NewellNewell USB-C Battery FAQs
Do I need a charger to charge these batteries?
No. The USB-C port is built into each cell, so you charge it directly with the included USB-A to USB-C cable from a laptop port, a phone charger, or a power bank.
Can I charge them from a power bank?
Yes. A power bank is one of the easiest ways to top them up on the go, which makes them handy for travel and location work.
Are they good for camera flashes?
They will run many AA devices, but Newell does not list flashes among its recommended uses. For heavy flash work, high-drain NiMH AAs remain the usual choice. If you want to try them in a flash, test recycle times before relying on them for a shoot.
Why does my device show the battery as full until it suddenly dies?
These cells hold a steady 1.5V for almost their whole charge, then stop. Devices that judge charge level by voltage may show full right up until the cell is empty, so keep a charged spare.
Which devices are not a good fit for USB-C cells?
Newell notes they may not suit devices used for sound transmission or processing, such as some microphones, wireless transmitters, effects pedals, and radios, where noise or distortion is possible.
Where can I buy Newell AA USB-C batteries in South Africa?
CameraStuff stocks them online and in our Randburg showroom, with free delivery on orders over R1000, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and local support for Newell's 40-month warranty.
Conrad Knuist
Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist
Conrad Knuist is Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist at CameraStuff, South Africa's specialist camera and lighting retailer. With over 18 years of hands-on experience across portrait, event, and commercial photography, Conrad helps South African creators keep their gear powered.
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