Number of diodes
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.
Brightness levels
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.
Smooth brightness control
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.
Solar battery
The presence of a solar battery in the design of the lantern — a photocell that generates current when light hits it. This current is used to recharge the flashlight battery. Thus, periodically exposing the flashlight to the light, you can significantly extend the time of its operation without recharging the battery (or even do without recharging at all). This can be very useful during a long stay away from civilization — for example, on a multi-day hike.
Note that the name "
solar battery " does not mean that the solar cell only works in direct sunlight. Charging can also take place in cloudy weather, and even under artificial lighting, unless its efficiency will be lower than under the sun.
