A spec sheet that just says "20 hours runtime" is stating a fact, but not the whole fact — runtime depends entirely on which brightness mode that figure was measured at, and the mode that gives the longest number isn't always the one you'll actually run.
A tower running at its lowest brightness setting lasts far longer than the same unit at maximum output — the LI-300, for example, runs over 13 hours in Standard mode but 71+ hours in Eco mode on the same battery packs. Both figures are accurate; they just describe different operating conditions.
When a runtime figure is quoted without specifying the mode, it's worth asking directly which brightness level it corresponds to — a supplier quoting a generous-sounding number at the dimmest setting isn't being dishonest, but it's not comparable to a competitor's number quoted at a brighter, more usable setting.
The relevant runtime figure for planning purposes is whatever mode you'll actually run during normal operation, not whichever mode produces the most flattering number. See our lumens estimation guide for sizing the output you actually need — that determines which runtime figure is the one that matters for your shift planning.
Runtime figures are usually quoted for a specific pack count (e.g. "LI-24-500 x3") — a unit that accepts fewer packs than the quoted figure will run for proportionally less time. Confirm the pack count behind any runtime claim, not just the hours.
Ask for the full brightness-mode breakdown, not a single headline figure, and compare runtime at the mode you'll actually use across every option you're evaluating — not each supplier's best-case number. See our buying checklist for other spec-sheet figures worth checking the same way.
Runtime scales directly with brightness — a lower setting genuinely lasts longer on the same battery. Both a short Standard-mode figure and a longer Eco-mode figure can be accurate for the same unit.
Which brightness level it corresponds to — a generous number at the dimmest setting isn't comparable to a competitor's figure quoted at a brighter, more usable setting.
Whichever mode you'll actually run during normal operation, not whichever mode produces the most flattering headline number.
Yes — runtime is usually quoted for a specific pack count; a unit running fewer packs than quoted will run for proportionally less time.
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