Jessica Tyson
12/05/2025 • 5 min read
Vaporesso’s XROS series has established itself as one of the best options for pod system enthusiasts, offering the perfect balance of simplicity, performance, and portability. Among the lineup, the XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini are two standout devices designed for vapers who want a hassle-free vape, but one that does not compromise on ability.
But how do these two models compare, and which one is better suited to your vaping style? In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything from design and battery life to performance and ease of use to help you come to a decision on which device is right for you.
Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini come in compact, well-packaged boxes with all the essentials to get started. As you may anticipate, they share a similar unboxing experience, the main differences being related to the devices themselves.
Opening the Vaporesso XROS 3 box, you’ll find:
Our first impression of the device is that it feels solid and premium in hand, with a cool, smooth aluminum body that speaks to its high-grade construction. The ergonomic design fits comfortably, making it feel natural to hold. The fire button, seamlessly integrated into the body, adds a touch of sophistication and hints at a thoughtful user interface.
Inside the XROS 3 Mini packaging, you'll get:
As expected from the "Mini" name, this version is even more compact and lightweight. The absence of a button immediately signals a focus on simplicity and portability. It feels like an ideal device for those who prefer ease of use and on-the-go vaping. The unique texture on the device is also very noticeable and adds a nice touch.
Each kit also comes with a reminder card, a signature Vaporesso addition that provides quick-reference information on the device and its pods.
Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini offer a robust vaping experience with many shared core features, including:
As you can see, many similarities exist between the two devices - you’d think so, given that they are both part of the same XROS series. However, key differences are also apparent. The XROS 3 features adjustable airflow and both a button and draw activation, allowing for a customised vaping experience, while the XROS 3 Mini simplifies vaping with fixed airflow and draw-activated operation only, prioritising ease of use.
To dive deeper into both these similarities and distinctions, let's explore the main points of comparison, beginning with their build.
Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini feature a high-quality aluminum body. Their rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip, while the transparent e-liquid window present on both devices makes it easy to monitor juice levels. The Type-C charging port is positioned at the base, meaning both devices need to be laid flat while charging, they can’t be standing.
The XROS 3 is slightly larger and includes a fire button and an adjustable airflow slider. The button is seamlessly integrated, offering manual activation alongside auto-draw, and the airflow slider at the back lets users fine-tune their inhale, making it a better fit for those who like to experiment with different vaping styles. This model is available in a wide range of 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 XROS 3 Mini, true to its name, is more compact and lightweight, making it an ultra-portable choice. Without a fire button or airflow control, it delivers a simplified, fully automatic experience. Its fixed airflow ensures a smooth, balanced draw, ideal for those who prefer a no-fuss vape.
A standout feature of the XROS 3 Mini is its Precision Carving Texture Technology. This design combines a gradient finish with a diamond-cut section, creating a striking light and shadow effect when viewed from different angles. Aside from aesthetics, this texture also improves grip, making the device feel even more comfortable in hand. The XROS 3 Mini is available in an equally vibrant colour selection, with options including Sky Blue, Lemon Yellow, Lilac Purple, Aqua Green, Rose Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Green, Black, Navy Blue, Space Grey, and Icy Silver.
Both the Vaporesso XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini leverage the highly adaptable XROS pod series, ensuring seamless cross-compatibility with the entire range of XROS series pods. Each comes with a 0.6Ω mesh pod for rich flavour and a smooth inhale, but users can switch to 0.8Ω, 1.0Ω, or 1.2Ω pods for a different experience.
One of the standout innovations in these pods is COREX heating technology, which utilises a Morph-Mesh structure to deliver faster, more even heating across the coil surface. This improves the vaporisation efficiency ratio by 50%, ensuring sheer flavour accuracy from the very first puff to the last. Unlike some pod systems where flavour intensity diminishes over time, the XROS pods maintain their rich taste consistently throughout their use.
To further elevate the vaping experience, the COREX cotton wicking material has been engineered to be fluffier, allowing for higher liquid delivery. This prevents the burnt taste that often results from an inadequate e-liquid supply while also extending the pod’s lifespan by 50%. Thanks to this innovation, XROS pods can last up to 20 days, but of course, this will depend on individual use.
Adding to the user-centric design, the pods incorporate SSS Leak-Resistant Technology. This sophisticated system employs a multi-layered approach, combining effective sealing, proper cotton saturation, and secure storage, to minimise e-liquid leakage. This ensures a clean and hassle-free vaping experience, conserving precious e-liquid and contributing to the overall longevity of the pods.
Finally, the mouthpiece has also been redesigned with a flatter shape, allowing it to fit more comfortably against the lips. This small yet significant adjustment enhances the mouth-to-lung experience, providing a more natural and satisfying inhale.
Both the XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini are powered by a 1000mAh battery, offering up to 48 hours of moderate use on a single charge. While the XROS 3 Mini may seem like the more power-efficient option due to its lack of manual firing, real-world performance shows minimal difference in battery life between the two.
Charging is handled via a Type-C port, with both devices reaching a full charge in around 45 minutes. The LED battery indicator, which changes colour to signify remaining battery levels, offers a clear visual representation of the remaining power, enabling users to manage their usage effectively.
Thanks to the combination of COREX heating technology, mesh coils, and Pulse Mode powered by the AXON chip, both the XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini deliver exceptionally rich flavour and consistently smooth vapour. Pulse Mode enhances power delivery by pulsing the output during inhalation, providing a consistently strong hit and maintaining flavour quality from start to finish. The included 0.6Ω mesh pod strikes an ideal balance between warmth and intensity, while compatibility with other XROS pods allows users to tailor their experience further.
The key difference between the two devices lies in airflow control. The XROS 3’s adjustable slider lets vapers modify draw resistance, making it suitable for both MTL and RDL vaping styles. This means users can switch between a tight, cigarette-like inhale or a looser, airier draw depending on their preference.
In contrast, the XROS 3 Mini offers a fixed airflow setup, ensuring a steady inhale without requiring any adjustments. While this provides a consistently smooth and satisfying draw, it lacks the flexibility that some vapers may prefer.
Both devices are compatible with a wide range of e-liquids. Users may prefer nicotine salt e-liquids for higher nicotine strengths and a smoother throat hit, or freebase nicotine e-liquids for lower nicotine strengths and a more pronounced throat hit. Both types of juices work perfectly with these devices.
Choosing between the Vaporesso XROS 3 and XROS 3 Mini ultimately depends on how much control you want over your vaping experience. Both devices share the same high-quality build, battery capacity, and pod compatibility, delivering excellent flavour and vapour production, but as we’ve covered, certain additional features are only available on the XROS 3.
Whichever you choose, both devices stand out as strong contenders in the XROS lineup.
