Jessica Tyson
14/05/2025 • 5 min read
If you ask us, compact pod vape kits will never go out of style. Lightweight, portable, and small enough to slip into your pocket or bag without a second thought, they’re perfect for on-the-go vaping.
Two key brands, Vaporesso and Uwell, have become well known for producing high-quality, user-friendly pod vapes that offer exceptional flavour and performance. Today, we’re pitting two of their most popular releases against each other: The Vaporesso Luxe Q2 and the Uwell Caliburn A3.
They’re both perfectly portable, easy to use, and provide great flavour. But which one is the better fit for you? Let’s find out.
Both the Vaporesso Luxe Q2 and the Uwell Caliburn A3 arrive in well-presented packaging that reflects their premium design and build quality.
Unboxing the Luxe Q2, you’ll find:
Right out of the box, the Luxe Q2 feels sleek and stylish with a sturdy zinc-alloy frame and a textured leather grip. The device exudes a premium look and offers a comfortable hand feel. It’s clear (the name clearly hints at this too) that Vaporesso is aiming for a high-end, sophisticated vibe with this model.
The pods attach securely with a magnetic connection, and the device’s airflow control system is subtly integrated into its design.
Unboxing the Uwell Caliburn A3, you get:
1 x Quick start card
Unlike the textured leather found on the Vaporesso Luxe 2, the Caliburn A3 sticks to Uwell’s tried-and-true design, featuring a slim, lightweight aluminum chassis that is cool and smooth to the touch. The build quality feels solid but incredibly light, making it perfect for those who want an ultra-portable vape.
Despite their shared compact pod system design, key differences in battery capacity, airflow control, and flavour technology set the Luxe Q2 and Caliburn A3 apart.
Of the two devices, the Luxe Q2 prioritises extended battery life and customisable vaping experiences with its larger battery, higher wattage, and adjustable airflow. Meanwhile, the Caliburn A3 focuses on simplicity and flavour purity, offering a more streamlined experience with its efficient power usage and PRO-FOCS technology.
As mentioned before, the Vaporesso Luxe Q2 offers a more premium feel with its durable zinc-alloy frame and comfortable leather-textured grip. It feels sturdy in hand, and the textured finish adds to its durability. It is slightly bulkier than the Caliburn A3, but with its larger battery and airflow control, this is to be expected. Available in five elegant shades of Orange, Black, Blue, Grey, and Green, it would be an ideal choice for anyone who wants to vape in style.
On the other hand, the Uwell Caliburn A3 prioritises portability with its lighter and slimmer aluminum alloy chassis, but it certainly seems up to the test of everyday wear and tear. The fire button is conveniently placed, the LED indicators add a modern touch, and its large e-liquid window makes it easy to monitor juice levels at a glance. Much like the Luxe Q2, its colour options are thoughtfully chosen and not overwhelming: vapers can choose from six classic shades of Red, Silver, Grey, Green, Blue, and Black.
Both devices use pods with integrated coils, simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for separate coil replacements.
Starting with the Vaporesso Luxe Q2, its pods feature Vaporesso’s COREX heating technology, which improves flavour production and extends the pod’s lifespan. Additionally, SSS Leak-Resistant Technology effectively prevents e-liquid leaks, and the top-fill design of the pods further minimises mess and keeps everything clean. With resistance options of 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω and 1.0Ω, these pods cater to different vaping styles; 0.6Ω provides more vapour, while 1.0Ω offers a tighter MTL draw. Notably, the Luxe Q2 is compatible with all Luxe Q pods, allowing for further experimentation.
In contrast, the Uwell Caliburn A3 pods incorporate Uwell’s PRO-FOCS flavour technology, focusing on enhancing flavour richness and consistency. The 1.0Ω pod is optimised for MTL vaping, delivering a balanced throat hit and vapour production. Unlike the Luxe Q2, the Caliburn A3 supports a side-fill system, making refilling straightforward while minimising the risk of leaks.
In terms of battery capacity, the Vaporesso Luxe Q2 comes out on top with its 1000mAh battery, nearly double the capacity of the Caliburn A3’s, at 520mAh. This gives the Luxe Q2 a significant edge in longevity, making it the perfect choice for vapers who need an all-day device. When recharging is necessary, its 2A rapid charging capability achieves a full charge in just 30 minutes, providing up to 48 hours of use under moderate vaping conditions, making it highly efficient for extended sessions.
The Caliburn A3 compensates for its smaller battery with exceptional power efficiency. A single charge lasts around 9.5 hours for moderate vapers, defined as those who take frequent, short puffs throughout the day. Thanks to its upgraded charging system, the A3 reaches full charge in just 15 minutes (50% faster than its predecessor) making it excellent for quick top-ups.
Both devices feature convenient Type-C fast charging and intuitive battery indicator systems. The Luxe Q2’s bright, well-sized LED, located centrally on the front, follows a breathing pattern, expanding as it illuminates. It activates during vaping and briefly afterward, providing a clear visual of the remaining battery. Conversely, the Caliburn A3’s indicator, positioned at the bottom, uses a layered shell for a stacked lighting effect. It employs a simple colour system, enabling users to easily monitor their power level.
The Vaporesso Luxe Q2 delivers a tailored draw thanks to its precise airflow adjustment, allowing users to switch from a tighter MTL draw (similar to traditional cigarettes) to a more open restricted direct-lung (RDL) inhale. This side-slide airflow system is an upgrade from previous Luxe models, giving users greater control over vapour production and throat hit. The device's compatibility with both nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids further adds to its versatility.
Discover the different vaping styles and e-liquid formulations in our guide: Exploring RDL, DTL, and MTL Vaping.
Vaporesso’s COREX heating technology ensures consistent flavour and enhanced vapour production throughout the pod’s lifespan, while the AXON Chipset automatically adjusts output based on the installed pod, optimising performance without the need for manual settings. Additionally, Vaporesso’s integrated pod technology allows for more puffs per refill, maximising the 2ml e-liquid capacity. For safety, the Luxe Q2 features an eight-second cut-off, preventing accidental overheating and prolonging coil life.
The Uwell Caliburn A3, in contrast, prioritises intense flavour and simplicity. Its PRO-FOCS flavour technology enhances e-liquid taste, ensuring a rich, bold inhale with warm vapour that highlights subtle flavour notes. While it lacks adjustable airflow, its draw is finely tuned for a smooth and satisfying MTL experience. Like the Luxe Q2, the Caliburn A3 includes an eight-second cut-off to prevent prolonged firing, indicated by five green flashes when the device stops.
Both the Vaporesso Luxe Q2 and Uwell Caliburn A3 are exceptionally user-friendly pod systems, offering excellent alternatives to disposable vapes and providing a more cost-effective and sustainable way to enjoy high-quality vaping. The choice between these two devices ultimately comes down to vaping style.
Choose the Vaporesso Luxe Q2 if:
Choose the Uwell Caliburn A3 if:
Whichever side you lean towards, both the Luxe Q2 and Caliburn A3 deliver a satisfying vaping experience, proving that high-quality and user-friendly pod systems are here to stay.
