XROS 5 Mini Vape Kit Review: Vaporesso’s Most Underrated Pod?
Compact Powerhouse
I’ve been using the Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini for a few weeks now and, bluntly, it’s exactly what I wanted from a compact refillable pod: proper flavour, massive battery life for its size and very little faff. It’s simple, solid and — crucially — it feels built to last in daily use. The rest of this review covers everything from build and pods to who should buy it and how it stacks up against a close rival.
Sent over by Vaporesso for a proper test drive, this pen-style pod vape has slotted right into my daily routine. As a former smoker who’s tried heaps of pod systems, I was keen to see if the Mini could deliver that same satisfying hit without any faff. It’s aimed at MTL and RDTL vapers, packs a whopping battery for its size, and uses those clever COREX pods for spot-on flavour. Let’s dive in and see how it fared in my hands.
Ratings
Neat, pocketable, feels premium (but prone to light scratches). - Feels sturdy
Big 1000mAh cell for the size; takes a short top-up via USB-C (2A). - Lasts ages
COREX mesh pods deliver punchy, consistent flavour. - Absolutely belting
Auto-draw, top-fill pods and an airflow slider make it very beginner friendly.
What's In The Box
Box
×1Sleek packaging that keeps all components neatly organized.
XROS 5 Mini Device
×1Compact battery unit - Ready to Use.
0.6Ω XROS pod
×1Pre-installed flavour bomb - RDTL / flavourful start.
USB-C Cable
×1Quick charger - for charging (No wall adaptor included).
Filling E-Liquid Instruction
×1Simple guide to help you refill without mess - Basics and Safety.
User Manual
×1Handy guide - Easy-to-follow setup and safety instructions for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-notch flavour from COREX mesh pods.
- Super-fast 2A USB-C charging.
- Brilliant adjustable airflow for custom draws.
- Top-fill pods (clamshell) — clean refills.
- No buttons or screens – perfect for beginners
Cons
- Body panels can pick up scratches fairly easily.
- Only one pod included in the box (no spare).
- LED battery indicator can be hard to read in bright sunlight.
- No power adjustments – auto only.
Specifications
Perfect for Beginners and On-the-Go Vapers
If you’re switching from disposables or just want a no-nonsense vape that fits in your pocket, this is spot on. It’s brilliant for newbies – no fiddly settings, just fill and puff. Commuters and busy folks will love the all-day battery and quick charge. MTL fans get a tight cigarette-like draw, while RDTL vapers can open the airflow for smoother hits. Not for cloud chasers, but ideal if you prize flavour, simplicity, and reliability without breaking the bank.
If you’re tired of disposables but don’t want menus, fiddly settings or a heavy device, the XROS 5 Mini is ideal. It’s for the commuter, the beginner switching from a cigarette style draw and the vaper who wants great flavour without micromanagement. The large battery means you can forget your charger at home and still get through the day.
Getting vaping in a Jiffy
Pod Out
Bring the Pod out from the device and open it! Peel the protective sticker from the pod contacts and slot the pod home!
Fill Up
Flip open clamshell mouthpiece, squeeze in 50/50 juice! Fill ~80% (do not overfill)!
Prime It
Put the coil back and wait 5 mins for the coil to soak – avoids dry hits!
Adjust Airflow
Slide the toggle for tight MTL or looser RDTL. Use the side slider to tweak draw; inhale to vape. No buttons needed!
Xros 5 Mini Vs Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini
| Specification | Xros 5 Mini | Uwell Caliburn G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1000 mAh | 900 mAh |
| Charging | 2A USB-C (40 mins full) | 2A USB-C (35 mins full) |
| Output | Auto-adjust up to ~30W | Up to 35W (auto or preset) |
| Activation | Auto-draw only | Auto-draw + button |
| Airflow | Adjustable slider | Adjustable slider |
| Display | Tidal LED (4 levels) | OLED screen |
| Pod Capacity | 2ml | 2ml |
| Included Pods | 1x 0.6Ω | 2x (0.6Ω & 0.9Ω) |
| Power Output | Auto up to 30W | Adjustable 5-25W |
| Weight | 65g | 47g |
| Dimensions | 110.5 x 24.2 x 14.1mm | 115.5 x 24 x 13.8mm |
| Price (approx) | £17.99 | £19.99 |
| Flavour Tech | COREX 3.0 mesh | Feelm ceramic coil |
| Leak Resistance | SSS tech | Pro-FOCS tech |
Battery
Charging
Output
Activation
Airflow
Display
Pod Capacity
Included Pods
Power Output
Weight
Dimensions
Price (approx)
Flavour Tech
Leak Resistance
The XROS 5 Mini is compatible with the XROS pod family (COREX 3.0 / Corex 2.0 depending on region). Resistances commonly available: 0.4Ω, 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, 1.0Ω and 1.2Ω — the 0.6Ω/0.8Ω are the most versatile for nic salts and 50/50 blends. Use 50/50 e-liquids for best wicking with these mesh pods.
The XROS 5 Mini shines with the full XROS pod range – all 2ml, top-fill, and backward compatible. Stick to 50/50 PG/VG juices like nic salts or freebase for best results.
- 0.6Ω Mesh: RDTL, bold flavour
- 0.8Ω Mesh: Loose MTL, smooth hit
- 1.0Ω Mesh: Tight MTL, battery saver
- 1.2Ω Mesh: Cig-like MTL, strong throat
- 0.4Ω Mesh: Airy RDTL, clouds
|
Pod Resistance
|
Best Style
|
Throat Hit
|
Vapour
|
Recommended E-Liquid
|
Everyday Pick
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0.4Ω (RDTL)
|
Warm, airy RDTL
|
Low–Med
|
High
|
50/50 freebase, low strength nic salts
|
Weekend clouds
|
|
0.6Ω (RDTL/MTL)
|
Balanced
|
Medium
|
Medium–High
|
50/50 nic salts or freebase
|
Great all-rounder
|
|
0.8Ω (MTL)
|
Tight–loose MTL
|
Medium
|
Medium
|
50/50 nic salts (10–20mg)
|
Daily driver
|
|
1.0Ω (MTL)
|
Classic cig-like
|
Med–High
|
Medium
|
50/50 nic salts
|
Smooth nic satisfaction
|
|
1.2Ω (Tight MTL)
|
Ultra-tight MTL
|
High
|
Low–Med
|
50/50 nic salts (higher mg)
|
Discreet & efficient
|
Maintenance & Care
Keeping It Clean
Wipe the pod contacts with a dry cloth weekly to avoid buildup – keeps connections crisp. (Wipe the device and pod contacts with a dry cotton bud every few pod changes for reliable connection and to avoid misfires.)
Pod Swaps & Priming
Change when flavour fades or it tastes burnt – usually after 10-14 days of heavy use. (Always prime new pods — fill, wait ~5 minutes — and avoid firing immediately. If you taste dryness or muted flavour, swap pod.)
Charging Tips & Battery Care
Use a 2A adapter for fastest top-up; avoid overcharging overnight to preserve battery health. (Use a decent USB-C cable and avoid leaving the device charging overnight. The Mini supports 2A charging for a fast top-up.)
Expert Opinions
Jamie Ellis
•Senior Vape Tester — Vape Forest UK
Praises the COREX pods and overall refinement; calls the duo (XROS 5 & Mini) near-perfect pod kits for 2025.
This Mini’s a game-changer for shop switchers – battery lasts forever.
Pros
- Flavour king, no leaks.
- Flavour, battery, pod compatibility.
Cons
- Scratches easy.
- Not much — limited negatives noted.
Tom Rivers
•Technical Vape Analyst — Vape Forest UK
Calls the Mini a “pocket-friendly powerhouse” — highlights the 1500mAh battery and COREX tech as justifying the modest price.
Swapped from disposables; it’s dead easy and tastes proper lush.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly, quick charge.
- Good value, flavour boosting tech.
Cons
- LED hard to see outdoors.
Saatch Shahrokh
•Vape Reviewer & Content Editor — Vape Forest UK
COREX pods deliver consistent hits; build feels premium for the price.
Pros
- Adjustable airflow spot-on.
Cons
- Only one pod in box.
Our Verdict
The Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini is a belter of a pod kit – simple, powerful, and packed with flavour. I’ve chucked it in my bag, used it on the tube, and it never let me down. Battery life is phenomenal, charging’s rapid, and those COREX pods make every puff a joy. Minor niggles like scratches and the dim LED don’t spoil the party. If you’re after an upgrade from disposables or a reliable daily driver, grab this. It’s proper value and performs like kits twice the price. Highly recommended!
If you want a tiny, fuss-free refillable that punches well above its weight for flavour and battery life, the Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini is a top pick. It sidesteps the disposable-vibe while remaining as simple to use — great for anyone switching from disposables or for vapers who want a reliable pocket carry. The main caveat is cosmetic susceptibility to light scratches and the fact you only get one pod in the box; both small compromises for what is otherwise an excellent everyday device.
Final score: Highly recommended for beginners and commuters; flavour chasers will also appreciate it.
£17.99
Free UK delivery on orders over £25
Frequently Asked Questions
With normal use you can expect a full day or more — the built-in 1000mAh battery is unusually large for a mini pod and lasts far longer than most compact kits. Charging is via USB-C (2A). Easily a full day for moderate vaping; up to 7-8ml of juice per charge.
The XROS pods are optimised for 50/50 blends and nic salts (especially the 0.6Ω/0.8Ω pods). Freebase 50/50 shortfills also work fine in higher-ohm pods (1.0–1.2Ω).
The SSS leak-resistant design plus clamshell top-fill keeps leaks to a minimum. Normal handling (upright storage) should prevent leakage.
Yes — auto-draw, top-fill and automatic power matching make it one of the simplest, most forgiving kits to use. Spot on – no buttons, just inhale and go.
Absolutely – 50/50 ratios work best for cracking flavour.
Tidal LED shows 4 levels; flashes when low.
Article Author
The Vape Scribe
I am known as The Vape Scribe, a dedicated author specialising in insightful, well-researched content on the vaping industry. From in-depth flavour analyses to emerging market trends, my work aims to inform, engage, and inspire readers across the vaping community.
Continue Your Journey
Discover more expert insights and comprehensive guides from our vaping specialists
Top 5 Pen-Shape Vape Kits UK (2025) — Best Pen Style Vapes for Portability & Flavour
My Honest Take: Top 5 NEXEL Thunder 15K Flavours You Must Try
