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Last Updated on February 20, 2018 by
Nitecore i4/D4 Comparison Review
by J. C. Martin, III
Nitecore Digicharger D4: about $32
Nitecore Intellicharger i4: “B”
Nitecore Digicharger D4: “A”
Initial Thoughts
If you are in the market for a lithium battery charger, as many of you may be, Nitecore is certainly a brand you need to consider. Nitecore chargers are hard to beat, as their springs are strong and they include several safety features. Nitecore chargers also permit single-battery charging and the simultanous charging of more than one kind of battery, i.e. 18650 and 26650 sized Lithium Ion IMR batteries. Nitecore chargers do not disappoint.
Upon receiving and using the Nitecore i4, I wrote down a few things to consider. Be careful when opening the box, as the charging cable can easily fall out of its packaging. The Nitecore chargers have excellent warranty services. The i4 has a bright blue light, and uses those lights to indicate battery capacity. It came with detailed instructions and has no LCD display, unlike the Nitecore D4. The i4 and D4 can be plugged into the wall, and can charge up to 4 batteries a piece, independently or together. Its strong springs make for good connections with batteries. If you charge 4 empty 18650 batteries with the i4 for 6 hours, they will be fully charged and ready to go. The i4 ceases to charge when its batteries are reach full capacity.
The i4 and the D4 mostly do the same thing, as they both charge 4 batteries. The benefit of the i4 is that it costs about half as much as the D4. The benefit of the D4 is the LCD screen, which is a total plus and for a few more bucks it is the one I would recommend. This is because the screen tells you more about the status of the batteries and their capacity while charging, something the i4 does not do. The D4 lets you know how long the batteries have been charging for, how long they took to charge, and the display reads, “All” when charging is complete. I have used both chargers and far prefer the D4.
Nitecore i4 and D4 Features and Specifications
Nitecore Intellicharger i4
Features:
- Capable of Charging 4 Batteries Simultaneously
- Each 4 Slots Charge Independently
- Compatible and Identifies Li-ion, Ni-MH, and Ni-Cd
- Optimized Charging Design for IMR Batteries
- Three Charging Modes (CC, CV, and Trickle Charge)
- Automatically Detects Battery Status
- Selects Appropriate Voltage and Charging Mode
- 3 Light LED Displays Charging Status for Each Battery
- Automatically Stops Charging when Complete
- Overcharge Protection for Battery Protection
- Temperature Monitoring to Prevent Overheating
- Made from Durable ABS, Flame Retardant/Resistant Material
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- Utilizes Optimal Heat Dissipation
- Certified by RoH, CE, FCC, and CEC
- Box Includes Warranty Card and User Manual
- Insured Worldwide by Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.
Specifications:
- Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.35A(MAX) or DC 12V 1A
- Output Voltage: 2V +/- 1%, 1.48V +/- 1%
- Output Current: 375mA x 4 / 750mA x 2
- Dimensions: 138mm x 95mm x 36mm
- Weight: 184g (without batteries and power cord)
- Compatible with: Li Ion/IMR: 26650, 22650, 18650, 17670, 18490, 17500, 18350, 16340 (RCR 123), 14500, 10400; Ni-MH / Ni-Cd: AA, AAA, AAAA, C
Nitecore Digicharger D4
Features:
- Can Charge 4 Batteries Simultaneously
- Battery Slots Monitor and Charge Batteries Independently or Together
- Compatible with and Identifies Li-ion, Ni-MH, and Ni-Cd Rechargeable Batteries
- Optimized Charging Design for IMR Batteries
- Integrated LCD Panel Clearly Displays Charging Parameters and Progress
- Two Buttons on the Side for Selection of Specific Battery and Parameters
- Intelligent Circuitry Auto-Detects Battery Type and Status before Charging Mode (CC, CV, dV/dt)
- Can Charge LifeP04 Batteries via Manual Selection
- Compatible with Small Capacity Batteries
- Automatically Ceases to Charge Batteries when Complete
- Overtime Prevention to Protect Batteries
- Incorporates Temperature Control Function
- Made from Durable ABS, (Flame Resistant/Retardant)
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- Designed for Optimal Heat Dissipation
- Certified by RoHS, CE, FCC, and CEC
- User Manual Included in Box
- Box Includes 2 EdisonBright D-Cell-to-AA Size Adapters, Car Adapter, and Warranty Card
- Worldwide Insurance covered by Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.
Specifications:
- Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.35A(MAX), DC 12V 1A
- Output Voltage: 2V +/- 1% / 3.7V +/- 1% / 1.48V +/- 1%
- Output Current: 375mA x 4 / 750mA x 2
- Compatible with: Li-ion / IMR / LifeP04: 26650, 22650, 18650, 17670, 18490, 17500, 18350, 16340(RCR 123), 14500, 10440
- Also Compatible with: Ni-MH / NiCd: AA, AAA, AAAA, C
- Dimensions: 143mm x 99mm x 36mm
- Weight: 239g (without batteries or power cord)
User Manual Information
Be sure to keep the useful manual that comes with a Nitecore Intellicharger for reference. 
Both the i4 and D4 User Manuals are informative and important. The two manuals are similar, as they include Features, Specifications, Operating Instructions, Precautions, and Warranty Service Information. The manuals also include some information on how specific features work, such as the i4’s Battery Activation and Overtime Prevention, and the D4’s Battery Activation feature, which quickly activates a newly installed battery at a low current for 6 seconds to detect normal current before charging. The D4 manual includes a few paragraphs such as Charging LiFeP04 Batteries, Charging Small Capacity Batteries, Nocturnal Charging Mode, and Battery Activation. Reading the User Manual is encouraged, as proper operation of the charger is vital for battery safety and continued proper use of rechargeable batteries.
Warranty Information
Nitecore offers not just a warranty, but a comprehensive after sale Worldwide Warranty Service. A malfunctioning charger can be replaced via its distributor within 15 days with its included receipt. After 15 days and up to 12 months the chargers can be repaired or replaced by an authorized dealer. After 1 year, the warranty covers labor costs and maintenance with the exclusion of accessories and replacement parts. Plenty of things can nullify the warranty, such as damages stemming from unauthorized modification or disassembly, damage from leaking batteries, and malfunctions occurring due to improper use. Nitecore chargers come with a warranty card, which can be stamped by the distributor and used to exchange the device upon improper functioning. More information on Nitecore warranties for their chargers are attainable from their website or an authorized retailer. If there exists a discrepancy in regards to warranty information, the Nitecore website prevails.
About Nitecore
Nitecore is an industry leading company, exporter, wholesaler, and manufacturer of electronics and electrical appliances specializing in flashlights and battery chargers. They operate from Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. From 2001 to 2006, Nitecore designed and sold flashlights under other brand names. In 2007, they designed and made available their first branded flashlight, and have been designing and manufacturing innovative products ever since. Their team consists of motivated engineers compassionate about the making and selling of high-quality electronics all the world over. We are all thankful for Nitecore’s awesome chargers, as they work so well.
Concluding Thoughts
Nitecore, from years of manufacturing experience and feedback, has definitely designed some 
amazing battery chargers. They are made out of flame resistant material and utilize intelligent circuitry to promote safer and more efficient battery charging. Whether you go with the Nitecore i4 Intellicharger or chose the Nitecore D4, you will have made a good decision when deciding to purchase a lithium battery charger. The D4’s added features, including the LCD display, make it a more desirable selection. Most batteries can be charged in under 6 hours with both chargers, making them a safe and convenient way to use batteries to vape as often as desired. Thank you for reading and vape on.
