Vaporesso XROS 3 vs. Uwell Caliburn G3: Which Pod Vape is Better for You?

When it comes to pod vape kits, two brands consistently dominate: Vaporesso and Uwell. Both have produced some of the best-performing pod systems on the market, and the releases that we are talking about today—the Vaporesso XROS 3 and the Uwell Caliburn G3—are no exception.

But which one is the right device for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’re going to break down everything from unboxing to performance, helping you decide which pod vape kit best suits your needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Before diving into performance, let's consider the initial experience: what do the XROS 3 and Caliburn G3 offer upon unboxing?

Vaporesso XROS 3

Opening the Vaporesso XROS 3 box, you’re greeted with a minimalist yet premium presentation. Inside, you’ll find:

• 1 x Vaporesso XROS 3 device
• 1 x 0.6Ω mesh pod
• 1 x 1.0Ω mesh pod
• 1 x USB-C charging cable
• 1 x User manual
• 1 x Reminder card
• 1 x Warranty card

The device itself feels solid in hand, with a smooth aluminium chassis and a sleek, matte finish. The pods attach magnetically, giving a satisfying click when inserted. Right away, the build quality feels premium.

Uwell Caliburn G3

Unboxing the Uwell Caliburn G3, you get:

• 1 x Uwell Caliburn G3 device
• 1 x 0.6Ω pod
• 1 x 0.9Ω pod
• 1 x USB-C charging cable
• 1 x User manual

The Caliburn G3 has a familiar slim, pen-style design but feels incredibly lightweight. The button placement is ergonomic, and the LED indicators provide instant feedback. The pods also attach firmly with a magnetic connection, and the mouthpiece is comfortable for extended use.

Key Features

Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and the Uwell Caliburn G3 offer a solid set of features designed to enhance the vaping experience. While they share similarities, there are some key distinctions that set them apart.

Vaporesso XROS 3

• 1000mAh battery: A long-lasting battery for all-day vaping.
• 16W max power output: Optimised for smooth, flavourful MTL and RDL draws.
• Pulse Mode powered by the AXON chip: Maintains consistent power output for a smooth experience.
• Neon battery indicator: Displays remaining battery life at a glance.
• Adjustable airflow: Customise your draw for MTL or RDL vaping.
• SSS Leak-Resistant Technology: Helps prevent leaks and keeps your device clean.
• COREX Heating Technology: Enhances flavour consistency and extends coil lifespan.
• Compatible with XROS series pods: Wide pod compatibility for different vaping styles.
• Type-C fast charging: Quick and efficient recharging.
• Button and draw activation: Flexible usage options for different preferences.

Uwell Caliburn G3

• 900mAh battery: Slightly smaller but still capable of lasting through the day, but 20% battery capacity increase over the previous Caliburn G2 model.
• Adjustable power output (5W-25W): More control over power settings for a tailored experience.
• OLED display screen: Provides clear visibility of settings and battery life.
• Dual airflow system: Allows vapers to switch between a tight MTL or a slightly looser RDL inhale.
• PRO-FOCS flavour technology: Ensures rich, consistent flavour with every puff.
• Side-fill pod system: A convenient and mess-free refilling method.
• Type-C fast charging (2A): Reduces downtime between charges.
• Three trigger modes: Choose between button activation, auto-draw, or a combination of both for a tailored experience.

Now for the good stuff: a direct comparison of what matters most.

Design and Build Quality

The Vaporesso XROS 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Caliburn G3, giving it a solid, premium feel in the hand. The flawless rounded-edge design and smooth matte finish not only make it comfortable to hold but also help resist fingerprints, keeping it looking sleek over time. The sturdy metal construction enhances durability, making it feel more robust and long-lasting. The fire button is subtly integrated into the body, maintaining a clean aesthetic while still being easy to locate and use. Additionally, the newly upgraded flat mouthpiece is designed to fit perfectly on the lips, delivering a more precise MTL vaping experience.

In contrast, the Caliburn G3 takes a more compact and lightweight approach. Its slim profile makes it ultra-portable, easily sliding into a pocket without feeling bulky. One of the standout design elements is the OLED display screen, allowing users to check wattage, battery life, and vaping mode at a glance. Additionally, the wider ClearView juice window ensures better visibility of e-liquid levels, reducing the risk of dry hits.

The XROS 3 is available in a variety of vibrant and stylish colours, including Sky Blue, Ice Blue, Peach Pink, Fresh Green, Neon Sunset, Synthwave, Zenith, Rose Pink, Royal Gold, Mint Green, Black, Navy Blue, Space Grey, and Icy Silver. The Caliburn G3 also offers a wide range of colour options - its original colours include Silver, Grey, Black, Red, Green, and Blue, while new additions include Midnight Gold, Cobalt Blue, Pastel Pink, Mauve Violet, and Serene Lake.

Pod and Coil System

Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and the Uwell Caliburn G3 use replaceable pod systems instead of separate coil replacements, making them beginner-friendly and reducing the hassle of swapping coils manually.

The XROS pods feature built-in COREX heating technology with a Morph-Mesh structure, which enhances vaporisation efficiency by 50%, ensuring flavour consistency from the first puff to the last. Additionally, the fluffier COREX cotton enhances liquid delivery, preventing dry hits and extending pod lifespan by 50%, with some users reporting up to 20 days of use per pod.

Vaporesso’s SSS Leak-Resistant Technology is also designed to prevent leakage, keeping e-liquid where it belongs while maintaining efficient wicking. The top-fill system makes refilling simple and mess-free, requiring users to remove the mouthpiece rather than the entire pod. Additionally, XROS pods are cross-compatible across the entire XROS range, offering different resistance options to suit various vaping styles.

The Caliburn G3, on the other hand, introduces an improved side-fill mechanism, making it even easier to refill without removing the pod from the device. Like the XROS 3, it uses mesh coil technology, but it has a slight advantage with its adjustable power output, allowing users to fine-tune their experience for a tighter MTL draw or a slightly looser RDL inhale.

The G3 cartridges are built with ultrasonic welding and a U-shaped channel, improving air-tightness by 150% compared to other pod systems. This not only enhances anti-leak endurance but also stores excess condensate, reducing the chances of leaks and messy refills.

Battery Life and Charging

When it comes to battery performance, the Vaporesso XROS 3 holds a slight advantage with its 1000mAh battery, compared to the 900mAh battery found in the Uwell Caliburn G3.

The XROS 3 is designed to maintain consistent performance throughout the battery cycle, meaning you won’t experience a drop in power as the battery drains. Its efficient USB-C fast charging process takes roughly 45-50 minutes for a full charge. The XROS 3 is capable of lasting a full day of moderate vaping.

The Caliburn G3, despite having a slightly smaller battery at 900mAh, compensates with adjustable wattage (5W-25W). While this feature gives users greater control over their vape experience, higher wattage settings will drain the battery more quickly. However, for those who keep it at a lower setting, the difference in battery longevity between the two devices will be minimal.

The Caliburn G3 also charges quickly via USB-C (2A), typically reaching full capacity in about 40-50 minutes, depending on the power source. The Caliburn G3 is also capable of lasting a full day of moderate vaping.

Performance and Flavour

The Vaporesso XROS 3 delivers a tighter, more refined MTL draw, which makes it ideal for those transitioning from smoking or for vapers who enjoy a classic, cigarette-like inhale. It supports both freebase nicotine to nic salts, allowing users to experiment with different blends. The adjustable airflow allows for some flexibility in draw resistance, letting users fine-tune between a tighter MTL and a looser RDL inhale, though the RDL is still relatively tight. Thanks to COREX heating technology, the XROS 3 delivers a clean, consistent flavour, allowing subtle notes in e-liquids to shine. This makes it particularly suitable for users who enjoy complex flavour blends or those transitioning from traditional cigarettes. It also enhances vapour consistency and coil longevity, ensuring rich flavour throughout the pod’s lifespan.

The Uwell Caliburn G3, on the other hand, is known for its bold flavour output thanks to PRO-FOCS flavour technology. This system recycles vapour before inhalation, which results in a more saturated, intense flavour experience. It is optimised for both freebase and nic salt e-liquids, ensuring versatility for all vapers. Additionally, the adjustable wattage allows users to increase power output for a warmer, more flavourful draw. This is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy stronger flavour intensity and denser vapour production.

Ease of Use

The XROS 3 keeps things simple with its button and draw activation, meaning users can vape either by pressing the fire button or simply inhaling. The intuitive, single-slider airflow adjustment allows users to tweak the draw resistance without navigating complex menus, making it a hassle-free choice for beginners or those who prefer a straightforward experience. Refilling is also simple, with the top-fill system requiring only the removal of the mouthpiece.

The Caliburn G3, however, introduces an OLED display screen that allows users to quickly check battery life and adjust wattage on the fly, giving users more control. The power settings allow for a more customised vape, catering to those who like to tweak their wattage, airflow, and overall experience. The side-fill system also simplifies refilling, minimising mess.

Vaporesso XROS 3 vs. Uwell Caliburn G3: Final Verdict

Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and Uwell Caliburn G3 are top-tier pod vape kits, the choice between them will come down to what you value most in your vaping experience.

Choose the Vaporesso XROS 3 if:

• You prioritise simplicity and ease of use.
• Long battery life is essential for your daily vaping.
• You prefer a consistent, refined MTL draw.

Choose the Uwell Caliburn G3 if:

• You enjoy tinkering with your vaping experience.
• Intense flavour production is your top priority.
• You appreciate the convenience of an OLED display.

Regardless of your choice, both the XROS 3 and Caliburn G3 stand as excellent alternatives to disposable vapes, offering superior performance, extended longevity, and greater cost-effectiveness.