Comparison Philips X30HEADX1 vs Philips LPL74X1

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.

Color temperature determines the overall color of the glow—how “warm” or “cool” is the hue of the light beam emitted by the flashlight. Note that the relationship between “warmth” and color temperature is inverse: higher numbers mean “cooler” colors.

The indicator is expressed in Kelvin (K). Values up to approximately 2800 K correspond to warm light, around 4000 K is daylight white light, above 5000 K is cold light (which, as the color temperature rises, becomes more and more blue). In the context of flashlights, the parameter can remain constant or be flexibly changed to suit the user’s needs (in models with a color temperature adjustment function).

The number of LEDs (see "Lamp type") provided in the design of the lantern.

At first glance, the more LEDs, the more powerful this model. However, in fact, things are not so clear cut. Firstly, one high-end LED may well provide more light output than several inexpensive diodes. Secondly, modern luminaires can use both traditional LEDs and arrays of numerous miniature diodes on a common basis. Such arrays can be implemented using SMD technology or more advanced COB; the differences between these options are described in more detail in the Diode Model section, here we note that a solid SMD or COB plate is also considered to be 1 LED — despite the fact that in terms of luminosity it can exceed conventional LEDs by several times, or even orders of magnitude.

Thus, it is hardly worth directly evaluating the brightness and efficiency of the flashlight by this parameter. But what the number of diodes often directly affects is reliability: most “repeatedly charged” lamps are able to continue working even if some of the diodes fail. In addition, in some types of flashlights — in particular, tourist models and hand-held diffused lamps (see "Type") — each LED illuminates a separate sector, and together they cover a full 360 ° horizontally.

The angle of light or illumination provided by a flashlight.

The meaning of these parameters is generally the same — we are talking about the angle that forms the edges of the light flux diverging from the lantern. The only difference is what is meant by edges. So, speaking about the angle of the glow, they usually mean the angle directly between the edges of the main stream; beyond these edges the light does not propagate. And the word "light" refers to a relatively narrow sector in the centre of the light flux; there is also light outside its edges, but its intensity is low, and effective illumination is provided only within the light zone. Thus, there is no fundamental difference between these terms — both of them characterize the width of the sector effectively covered by the lantern.

In addition to the coverage width itself, the luminous flux density and, as a result, the effective illumination range also depend on this indicator. With the same number of lumens (see “Maximum luminous flux”), a small coverage angle allows you to brighter illuminate objects that fall under the beam and provide greater “range”; and a large angle, respectively, will mean extensive coverage, but with a small effective range and less illumination of objects within the beam.

Also note that if the coverage area has the shape of a rectangle, then for different brands (and even in different models of the same brand) this parameter can be designated differently:...in some cases, the angle is measured along the larger side of the rectangle, in others — diagonally. Most often, this difference is not fundamental, but exceptions are possible; in such cases, you should refer to the official documentation of the manufacturer.

Maximum runtime of the flashlight without changing batteries or recharging the battery.

Note that in models with brightness control, this time is indicated for the most modest and, accordingly, economical mode. For example, in a flashlight with a maximum luminous flux of 1000 lm, the claimed operating time of 20 hours can be achieved at a brightness of only 30 lm, and at maximum battery life may not exceed half an hour. These nuances should be clarified according to the detailed characteristics. However, also note that additional modes of operation (see below) are not taken into account in this case: for example, if the flashlight from our example in SOS mode can operate for 30 hours, the characteristics will still state 20 hours.

It is also worth bearing in mind that for models with replaceable batteries, the actual operating time will also depend on the quality of such batteries. For example, for flashlights for AA and AAA elements, battery life is most often given when using high-quality alkaline batteries; if instead of them inexpensive saline ones are used, the operating time may be several times shorter.

In general, when choosing a flashlight according to the maximum operating time, it does not always make sense to focus on “long-playing” models: they often have either low power or impressive weight / dimensions, and the price can significantly “bite”. Flashlights with a long battery life will be useful first of all to those who have to s...tay “away from civilization” for a long time: extreme tourists, rescuers, military, etc. And for most everyday tasks in a modern city, and even for trips to nature for several days, up to 10 hours is enough.

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 ability to smoothly change the brightness of the lamp.

In general, this function allows you to adjust the mode of operation depending on the situation: for example, to inspect 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. At the same time, smooth adjustment makes it possible to select any brightness level within a certain range and, thus, provides more precise and fine tuning than stepwise adjustment (see "Brightness level"). On the other hand, this option is more expensive, and therefore is much less common. And in some models, both types of adjustment can even be combined. 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 time to fully charge the battery, which is equipped with a flashlight, from a standard charger (when using other batteries or a "non-native" charger, this time can vary both in one direction and in the other direction).