2835 vs 5050 LED: A Wholesale Buyer’s Guide to Smarter Procurement

Problem

Many wholesale buyers only focus on price when sourcing LEDs. They see “2835” or “5050” on a datasheet and assume it’s just about size. But overlooking differences in lumen efficiency, heat dissipation, and application fit can cause project overruns, customer complaints, and wasted inventory.

Agitation

Picture this: You ship 10,000 meters of LED strips to a client for a hotel renovation. But after installation, the 2835 strips look dim compared to the 5050 RGB signage nearby. The client is unhappy, replacements cost thousands, and your reputation takes a hit—all because you matched the wrong chip type to the wrong project.

Solution

Understanding 2835 vs 5050 LEDs is critical for protecting margins and delivering consistent quality. Below we break down specs, applications, and procurement strategies so you can choose the right product every time.

2835 LED at a Glance

Size: 2.8 × 3.5mm SMD

Brightness: 20–24 lumens per chip (white)

Efficiency: High lm/W, lower power consumption

Applications: Bulbs, panel lights, office fixtures, household appliances

Cost: Lower per unit compared to 5050

Key advantage: Best for pure white, high-efficiency lighting where power savings matter.

5050 LED at a Glance

Size: 5.0 × 5.0mm SMD

Brightness: 15–22 lumens per diode (RGB capable)

Efficiency: Slightly lower lm/W due to higher heat

Applications: RGB strips, stage lighting, signage, decorative lighting

Cost: Higher unit price, but essential for full-color effects

Key advantage: Best for RGB or high-brightness projects where visual impact matters.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature 2835 LED 5050 LED

Package Size 2.8 × 3.5mm 5.0 × 5.0mm

Efficiency (lm/W) 100–120 (white) 70–90 (RGB mix)

Heat Output Low Higher, needs PCB with good dissipation

Applications Panels, bulbs, backlights RGB strips, signage, decorative

Cost Lower Medium to high

Lifespan (LM-80) 30,000–50,000 hours 25,000–40,000 hours

Procurement Strategy: How to Choose Between 2835 and 5050

1. Match the Chip to the Application

Use 2835 when your client prioritizes energy efficiency and longevity (office buildings, retail lighting, appliances).

Use 5050 when the project demands colorful RGB output or visual impact (bars, stage, outdoor signage).

2. Negotiate Around Binning & Consistency

Both 2835 and 5050 chips can suffer from color inconsistency. Always require:

Tight binning specs (±100K for white LEDs, ≤3-step MacAdam for premium projects).

LM-80/TM-21 test reports to validate long-term reliability.

3. Factor in PCB & Heat Management

2835 works fine with FR-4 PCBs for general lighting.

5050 often requires aluminum PCBs or thicker copper to prevent thermal runaway.

4. Secure Price Advantage

Lock pricing by tying it to raw material indices (like copper, phosphors).

Always compare per-lumen cost, not just per-unit price.

Both 2835 and 5050 LEDs have their place in the wholesale market. The smart buyer doesn’t ask “Which is better?” but rather:

“Which chip is better for this project’s needs, at this price point, under these conditions?”

If you master this perspective, you’ll consistently deliver reliable quality, secure higher margins, and outcompete suppliers who only sell “by size.”