Old versus new versions of Philips 921 LED bulb

Anybody got an opinion on the new version of the Philips 921 LED compared to the old one for back-up lights? I've seen several threads here concerning the older version (12841B2) but not the newer one (12789LPB2).

I'm basing which is the newer one on what Amazon says and a thread I saw on a Subaru Outback forum that quoted a response from Philips that was pretty vague about the differences.

According to the packaging, 12841B2 is 3 watts and 12789LPB2 is 2.2 watts. The Philips website says 3.4 watts for the 12841B2. I haven't been able to find info about the 12789LPB2 on their website. There are clearly differences in the bulb appearance, but I'm not sure what to make of them, especially for our application. Both are still available on Amazon. My local Pep Boys has only the newer one.

Maybe somebody here has tried the newer one, or both, or can form an opinion from looking at the designs online.

12841B2

Philips 921 Bright White Vision LED Back-up Light, 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2D41OQ/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

12789LPB2

Philips 12789LPB2 Bright White Vision LED Back-up Light (921 /T16), 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-12789LPB2-Bright-Vision-Back-up/dp/B01I3OTWQ2/ref=dp_ob_title_auto

 

subscribed, I was just looking at these for my 11 Tacoma and 14 4Runner

 

When you're looking at LED lights, the power consumption doesn't necessarily translate directly into brightness. Very likely, the newer ones produce the same amount of light, just at a lower power consumption. More efficiency!

 

A moderator/knowledgeable member over at Candle Power Forums says the 12841 is higher performing than the 12789 and that Philips came out with the 12789 because they thought the 12841 was too expensive.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...d-versus-new-versions-of-Philips-921-LED-bulb

In a review on Amazon, a customer says he bought both bulbs for a 2016 VW Golf SportWagen and preferred the light from the older 12841 bulb. He said the 12789 housing looked like a result of cost reduction by the manufacturer.

A post I found on a Subaru Outback forum quotes Philips as saying the 12789 can distribute light better in certain applications, but doesn't say which applications. When I called the customer service phone number for Philips Automotive Lighting, the person who answered wasn't even aware there were two versions. She gave me a corporate customer service e-mail address. I sent a query to it two days ago, but have received no response.

 

So i take it nobody has tried these bulbs in the tacoma yet?

 

I've seen posts here from members who have tried the 12841 in Tacomas, but I haven't been able to locate anyone on here posting experience with the 12789 in a Tacoma. I'm paying more attention to specs and direct user observations than photos. What the human eye sees directly or through a backup camera could differ markedly from a photo taken with a different camera displayed on a computer monitor.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/philips-921-reverse-led.382192/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/led-reverse-bulbs-philips-12841b2.384655/

 

Here is my query this week to Philips followed by their response:

"I was referred to this email address by Philips Auto Lighting at 800-257-6054,
where the representative who answered was unable to answer my question.
Apparently, there are an older and newer version of the Philips 921LED back-up
light bulb: 12841B2 and 12789LPB2. What are the differences between the two,
especially as they relate to which bulb may function better in my 2009 Toyota
Tacoma. Based on my research, both are available for sale."


Dear Consumer,

We apologize for the delay, we will not be able to provide a specific answer to
your question.

The newer version can improve light output on certain tail lamp designs.
Unfortunately we do not have the data on your specific vehicle to be able to
provide a definite answer.

Our vote is for you to try the newer version.

Best Regards,
Consumer Care Philips Aftermarket
800-257-6054

 

Sure I installed the supposed new bulbs a month or so ago. They were less than $20 for two.

Not sure what you're looking for as most people won't buy both sets of bulbs just to compare/contrast.

They fit.
They're inexpensive.
They are white.
They are brighter than the OEM lights they replaced.

IMO, they are a suitable and inexpensive upgrade from OEM. Anyone looking for rear facing headlight type lighting should look to something mounted outside of the OEM taillight lenses. Think bumper mounted floods wired into the reverse light circuit.