OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra vs XLIM Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?
The OXVA XLIM series is one of the most popular pod families of the last few years, known for top-fill cartridges, strong flavor and solid build quality. OXVA now has two current flagships, the OXVA XLIM Pro 3 and the OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra. They share the same battery, wattage range and cartridges, so the choice comes down to the screen, size and a few smart features.
Short answer: buy the XLIM Pro 3 if you want a compact, classic XLIM at the lower price. Buy the XLIM 3 Ultra if you want the big 2.2-inch touch screen, faster charging and OXVA's new Super Pulse System.
Specs Compared
OXVA XLIM Pro 3 | OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
Price on our store | $29.99 | $32.99 |
Battery | 1500mAh | 1500mAh |
Output | 5W to 30W | 5W to 30W |
Pod capacity | 3ml top fill | 3ml top fill |
Included cartridges | 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm | 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm |
Screen | 1.05" HD color display | 2.2" HD full touch screen, 60Hz |
Charging | USB Type-C, 5V/2A | USB Type-C, 5V/2A (about 80% in 30 minutes) |
Firing | Auto-draw or button | Auto-draw or button |
Airflow | Side airflow control | Side airflow control |
Size | 119.9 x 25.7 x 15mm | 121.9 x 28.9 x 16.5mm |
Weight | 77.4g | 90g |
Body | Zinc alloy with IML or PU leather | Zinc alloy with IMP or PU leather |
What They Have in Common
Both kits run on a 1500mAh battery with a 5W to 30W output, and both use OXVA's 3ml top-fill XLIM cartridges. Each comes with a 0.6ohm and a 0.8ohm cartridge, and both accept the wider XLIM range, from 0.4ohm for a looser, warmer draw to 1.2ohm for a tight MTL pull. You can fire either one by just inhaling or by pressing the button, and both have side airflow control.
That means flavor and vapor are very similar. The 0.8ohm cartridge at 12W to 16W is the sweet spot for nicotine salts, and the 0.6ohm cartridge at 18W to 25W gives more vapor and warmth for lower-strength salts or thin freebase. If resistance numbers are new to you, our guide to what ohms mean explains it.
Where the XLIM 3 Ultra Is Different
The screen. The Ultra's headline feature is a 2.2-inch HD touch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. You adjust wattage, check puffs and change settings by tapping and swiping, and you can personalize the visuals. It also has mis-touch protection so it doesn't change settings in your pocket.
Super Pulse System. OXVA says this is the brand's first system designed to keep flavor consistent as the battery drains, so the last puffs before a charge taste closer to the first ones.
Charging. Both charge at 5V/2A over Type-C, and OXVA rates the Ultra at about 80% in 30 minutes.
Finish. The Ultra adds an anti-fingerprint coating and comes in eight colors, including Midnight Black, Bordeaux Red, Ultra Carbon and Mocha Brown.
The trade-off is size. The Ultra is wider, thicker and about 13g heavier.
Where the XLIM Pro 3 Wins
Size and weight. At 77.4g and 15mm thick, the Pro 3 is the more pocketable of the two, and it feels like a classic XLIM.
Price. It costs $3 less on our store, and it sits in our devices under $30 collection.
Color choice. It comes in 12 finishes, from Forged Black and Ceramic White to Race Red and Pro Carbon.
Simplicity. The 1.05-inch color display shows what you need: wattage, battery and puffs, without a touch interface to learn.
Which XLIM Should You Buy?
Buy the XLIM Pro 3 if you want the best value, a slimmer device, or you already love the XLIM feel.
Buy the XLIM 3 Ultra if you like big screens and touch controls, or you want the most consistent flavor as the battery runs down.
Upgrading from an older XLIM? Either is a big step up in battery and adjustability. The Pro 3 will feel familiar, and the Ultra feels like a new device.
How the XLIMs Compare to Other Pod Kits
If you're weighing the XLIM against Vaporesso's flagship, read our Vaporesso XROS 6 review: the XROS 6 has a bigger 1800mAh battery, while the XLIMs have bigger screens. On a tighter budget, our SMOK Novo 3 review covers one of the cheapest good pod kits, and we compare the XROS 6 with the Novo 3 in Vaporesso XROS 6 vs SMOK Novo 3. You can see every option in our pod systems collection.
Best E-Liquid for the XLIM Pro 3 and XLIM 3 Ultra
Use nicotine salts with the 0.8ohm cartridge for the classic XLIM experience. Pod Juice salts are a favorite for fruity and icy flavors. If you prefer lower nicotine and more vapor, try a thin freebase with the 0.6ohm cartridge. Our salt nic vs freebase basics and Pod Juice salts vs freebase guide explains which to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pods and Battery
Do the XLIM Pro 3 and XLIM 3 Ultra use the same pods?
Yes. Both use OXVA's 3ml top-fill XLIM cartridges and accept the XLIM range from 0.4ohm to 1.2ohm.
Is the XLIM 3 Ultra's battery bigger?
No. Both have a 1500mAh battery and a 5W to 30W output.
Choosing and Using Your XLIM
Which one is better for beginners?
The XLIM Pro 3. It's simpler, lighter and cheaper, and it fires by drawing just like the Ultra.
Can I use freebase e-liquid?
Yes. Both work with nic salts and freebase. Use the 0.6ohm cartridge for freebase.
Final Verdict
These are two excellent pod kits with the same heart. The OXVA XLIM Pro 3 is the value pick and the one we'd recommend to most people. The XLIM 3 Ultra is for vapers who want the touch screen and the newest features. Shop the XLIM Pro 3, the XLIM 3 Ultra, or the full OXVA collection.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.
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