Fenix HL16 AAA vs Nitecore NU33 size comparison
The Nitecore NU33 is 2 mm (0.08 in) shorter than the Fenix HL16 AAA, and 12 mm narrower at its widest point. Weights are published on different bases (listed vs with battery and headband), so compare them with care.
The Nitecore NU33 is 2 mm (0.08 in) shorter than the Fenix HL16 AAA, and 12 mm narrower at its widest point. Weights are published on different bases (listed vs with battery and headband), so compare them with care.
Dimensions
| Fenix HL16 AAA Check price ↗ | Nitecore NU33 Check price ↗ | |
| Length | 64 mm (2.52 in) | 62 mm (2.44 in)−2 mm |
| Height | 48 mm (1.89 in) | 36 mm (1.42 in)−12 mm |
| Thickness | 27 mm (1.06 in) | 46 mm (1.81 in)+19 mm |
| Weight | 97.2 g with battery and headband | 96 g listed |
| Battery | 3x AAA | Built-in |
| Max output | 450 lm | 700 lm |
| Throw | 104 m | 135 m |
| Type | Headlamp / right-angle | Headlamp / right-angle |
| Price | $29.95 at fenixlighting.com, as of Nov 4, 2026 | $49.95 at batteryjunction.com, as of Nov 4, 2026 |
| Source | fenixlighting.com sourced Headlamp unit; front view drawn width x height | batteryjunction.com sourced Retailer lists 62 x 46 x 36 mm |
We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. Rankings are never paid for. Disclosure
HL16 AAA vs NU33: how they differ
Size and weight
The Nitecore NU33 is the shorter light: 62 mm (2.44 in) against 64 mm (2.52 in), a difference of 2 mm (3%). At its widest point the Nitecore NU33 is 12 mm slimmer (36 vs 48 mm). Weights are published on different bases (Fenix HL16 AAA: 97.2 g with battery and headband; Nitecore NU33: 96 g listed), so they are not directly comparable.
Brightness and throw
The Nitecore NU33 is rated brighter: 700 lm maximum vs 450 lm for the Fenix HL16 AAA, 56% more. For beam distance the Nitecore NU33 reaches further: 135 m vs 104 m rated throw (30% more).
Battery
The Fenix HL16 AAA runs on removable 3x AAA batteries; the Nitecore NU33 runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. Only the Fenix HL16 AAA lets you swap in a charged spare.
Price
When we checked on Nov 4, 2026, the Fenix HL16 AAA was $29.95 at fenixlighting.com and the Nitecore NU33 $49.95 at batteryjunction.com, so the Fenix HL16 AAA cost $20.00 less. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Type
Both are headlamps / right-angle lights in our catalog with a headlamp body.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Fenix HL16 AAA if you want a removable cell you can swap. Choose the Nitecore NU33 if you want a slimmer profile (12 mm narrower), more output (700 lm vs 450 lm), longer throw (135 m vs 104 m) and a built-in battery with no separate cell to buy. We compare published size, weight, output, throw and battery only, not runtime, interface or build quality.
Check price ↗ Fenix HL16 AAA Check price ↗ Nitecore NU33
We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. Rankings are never paid for. Disclosure
HL16 AAA vs NU33 FAQ
Which is smaller, the Fenix HL16 AAA or the Nitecore NU33?
The Nitecore NU33 is the shorter light: 62 mm (2.44 in) against 64 mm (2.52 in), a difference of 2 mm (3%). At its widest point the Nitecore NU33 is 12 mm slimmer (36 vs 48 mm). Weights are published on different bases (Fenix HL16 AAA: 97.2 g with battery and headband; Nitecore NU33: 96 g listed), so they are not directly comparable.
Which is brighter, the Fenix HL16 AAA or the Nitecore NU33?
The Nitecore NU33 is rated brighter: 700 lm maximum vs 450 lm for the Fenix HL16 AAA, 56% more. For beam distance the Nitecore NU33 reaches further: 135 m vs 104 m rated throw (30% more).
Which is cheaper, the Fenix HL16 AAA or the Nitecore NU33?
When we checked on Nov 4, 2026, the Fenix HL16 AAA was $29.95 at fenixlighting.com and the Nitecore NU33 $49.95 at batteryjunction.com, so the Fenix HL16 AAA cost $20.00 less. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Do the Fenix HL16 AAA and Nitecore NU33 use the same battery?
The Fenix HL16 AAA runs on removable 3x AAA batteries; the Nitecore NU33 runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. Only the Fenix HL16 AAA lets you swap in a charged spare.
Compare Fenix HL16 AAA with similar lights
Compare Nitecore NU33 with similar lights
More
Sources
- Fenix HL16 AAA: specs from Fenix product page (manufacturer). Price $29.95 from fenixlighting.com, checked Nov 4, 2026; prices change often.
- Nitecore NU33: specs from manufacturer published specs as listed by batteryjunction.com. Price $49.95 from batteryjunction.com, checked Nov 4, 2026; prices change often.
Found an error? Email liambuehlerbusiness@gmail.com and we will fix it.