VAPORESSO XROS MINI Pod System – Full Review!

The VAPORESSO XROS MINI Starter Kit in this review was provided by our friends over at Vaporesso (thank you!).  Feel free to refer to their site if you would like additional info on this device or any of their other products.

Introduction

Before I get into this, let me get something out of the way: I think pod systems are boring.  It seems like a new device hits the market almost every day, and I frequently ask myself, “Why should I even care?”  21700 box mods, dual-coil RDAs, innovative MTL RTA’s—that’s what gets me excited!  I’ve been vaping for over 7 years, what could a dime-a-dozen pod system possibly have to offer??

As it turns out, quite a lot…

It only takes a minute of honest reflection to understand why these “beginner setups” are such a crucial part of this industry.  When I leave for work every day, I always put 2 pods in my backpack.  When I go out of town, they represent at least half of my setups.  So, while part of me is constantly refusing to respect them, the fact is that I rely on pod systems every single day.  Not only that, but whenever I’m trying to help someone quit smoking, pods are my go-to recommendations due to their simplicity and affordability.  In short: pod systems are boring…but they matter.

The original XROS has been my daily carry for almost a year now (I’ve burned through around 20 pods), so I was especially curious to see what improvements had been made with the new VAPORESSO XROS MINI.  If you don’t feel like listening to my babble, go ahead and skip to the summary at the end.  For everyone else, let’s dive in!

VAPORESSO XROS MINI Features / Specs

• Dimensions (with pod attached): 98.9 x 23.4 x 13.5mm
• Colorways: Black, Space Grey, Silver, Grape Purple, Orange Red, and Lime Green
• Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
• 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • USB Type-C Charging Port
  • 1A Max Charging
  • LED Battery Indicator
• Wattage Output: 11W / 16W
• Non-Slip Diamond Texture Design
• Refillable Pods
  • Max E-liquid Capacity: 2mL
  • Updated 1.2Ω Pod
  • SSS Leak-Resistant Technology
  • Top Fill System
  • Magnetic Pod Connection

Packaging & Presentation

If you’ve purchased a VAPORESSO product over the past 2 years, you already know what to expect.  Their packaging is always simple, clean, and undoubtedly aimed at adult consumers.  If another manufacturer needs advice on how to appropriately brand their products, this would be a perfect example. I also like how VAPORESSO often matches the color scheme of the packaging to represent the color of the device inside. While it’s nothing to get excited about, it’s a nice touch that a detail-oriented person like myself can appreciate.

[In the Box]

• VAPORESSO XROS MINI Device
• XROS MINI Pod: 1.2Ω
• USB Type-C Charging Cable
• User Manual and Warranty Card

I’m forced to point out one big con here: there’s only one pod included with this kit.  That’s totally unacceptable by pretty much anyone’s standards.  If someone has the misfortune of receiving a defective pod in their package, they won’t even be able to use the device until they purchase replacements.  I assume VAPORESSO did this to bring down the MSRP, as the kit is super affordable.  Nonetheless, every starter kit (or tank) should come with 2 replacements, no exception.

VAPORESSO XROS MINI & XROS Differences

For anyone interested, here’s a quick list of the upgrades and downgrades with the XROS MINI (when compared to the original):

• Larger battery: 1000mAh vs. 800mAh
• No adjustable airflow
• No button
• Approximately 14mm shorter
• New diamond pattern design (one side only)
• Improved 1.2Ω pods (also compatible with original XROS pods)

Build Quality, Design, & Ergonomics

No complaints in this department.  For such an inexpensive little device, it’s built extremely well.  I’ve had plenty of cheap-feeling pod systems, and this certainly isn’t one of them.  The new diamond pattern is a nice improvement over the plain exterior of the original, and the 2-tone paint finishes are stunning.  Let’s just hope it holds up better than the original (mine started flaking off after 6 months of use).

As far as ergonomics go, the short stature of the VAPORESSO XROS MINI makes it especially pocket-friendly.  In my opinion, this is the ideal size for a pod system.  It’s beyond me how they managed to squeeze in a 1000mAh battery when comparable devices generally have around 550 – 750mAh.  It’s also worth mentioning that they’ve softened up some of the sharp edges on the bottom, which was one of my minor complaints with the original.

New XROS MINI Pods

Although there’s a new line of pods for the XROS MINI, it’s still compatible with the original XROS pods. Hats off to VAPORESSO for that!  Not only does it give consumers more options, but it also allows them to upgrade to the newest device while continuing to use the replacement pods they’ve already purchased.

The new pods look mostly the same and still feature the convenient top-filling system, but there is one major difference: the wicking ports are smaller.  Believe it or not, this is probably the most exciting upgrade for me.  I always run the original XROS with one airhole open.  This amount of restriction draws too much liquid into the coil, leading to frequent gurgling.  It was a flawed design, at least for MTL vapers who prefer a tighter draw.  This flaw has been completely eliminated with the new XROS MINI pods by simply shrinking down 2 of the wicking ports.  Small change, BIG difference!

Performance, Flavor, & Functionality

Improved wicking aside, you’re really not getting any improvements in the Performance or Flavor categories…and by no means do I consider this a con.  The VAPORESSO XROS MINI performs great and the flavor is still some of the best you’re likely to find in this product group.  The potential cons for some, however, might be the downgrades.  First of all, the XROS MINI does not have a firing button, although I’d be surprised to hear any complaints since the auto-draw is damn near flawless.  The feature that I firmly expect to pose an issue (for some) is the airflow…or the lack of it!  Allow me to me explain.

[Airflow]

When it comes to modern pod systems, my pet peeve is that most of them don’t have “proper” MTL airflow.  The XROS MINI is a rare exception in this department—the airflow is TIGHT!  This is likely why VAPORESSO had to reduce the wicking ports; if they hadn’t, you’d be drinking more e-liquid than you’d be vaping.  If I had to guess, I’d say it was in the 0.8 – 0.9mm range.  And since the airflow is non-adjustable, I have no doubt that this will divide users right down the middle.  Some will love it, others will be busting out the drill like the old days!

VAPORESSO XROS MINI Pros & Cons

[PROS]

• • Excellent build quality & paint finish
  • Cross-compatible pods
  • Improved wicking
  • Proper MTL airflow (a potential con for some)
  • Fast USB-C charging
  • Top-Fill System
  • Extremely responsive auto-draw
  • LED battery feedback
  • Long-lasting battery for its size

[CONS]

• • No airflow control
  • Only one pod included with the kit

[POTENTIAL CONS FOR SOME]

• • No Button
  • Tight airflow
  • Replaceable pods rather than coils

VAPORESSO XROS MINI – Final Thoughts

Having spent some time with the VAPORESSO XROS MINI, I’m convinced that there was a very specific intent fueling the design choices.  In my opinion, this kit was made for smokers.  Think about it, they downgraded some of the features, or rather, they “simplified” the design.  They even tightened up the airflow to the point that replicates a cigarette.  VAPORESSO seems to have disregarded the usual demands from hobbyist vapers and instead focused on a narrow piece of the market—newbies!  If that’s true, good for them.  As I’ve said many times, transitioning smokers should always be the number one priority in this industry.

That’s not to say that the rest of us can’t enjoy it too.  I feel like the XROS MINI is the perfect stealth device.  It’s small, quiet, flavorful, reliable, and cheap.  Forget about disposables for when you’re on-the-go, this will perform better than any of them and it’ll pay for itself with just 2 refills.  The only real caveat is the tight airflow; for those who prefer a looser draw, go for the LUXE Q.

I think that about covers it.  Feel free to leave a comment down below if you have any questions.  Thanks so much for reading!

Jeremy V.

My name is Jeremy and I’ve been writing for VAPE.DEALS since early 2016.  Digging for deals is what I do!  I’m a former 15-year smoker and will always be grateful that I found vaping when I did.  This site played a key role in my journey.  It kept me interested and excited about vaping during those first crucial months away from cigarettes.  Now, my ambition is to pass along that excitement to others; to help people make the switch and never return to combustible cigarettes.  This industry is important and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.  Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions: [email protected]