Are you in the phase of thinking about upgrading from your Vaporesso XROS 4 to the new Vaporesso XROS 5?
The good news is that Vaporesso hasn't just slapped a new number on the same device and called it a day like some manufacturers do. There are some actual improvements in the XROS 5 that make a real difference to your daily vaping experience. Whether they're worth the upgrade cost depends on what matters most to you.
Let us break down exactly what's changed, what's stayed the same, and help you figure out if this upgrade deserves your money.
Both devices use Vaporesso's COREX technology, but the XROS 5 brings the latest 3.0 version while the XROS 4 uses the older 2.0 pods. The COREX 3.0 pods are compatible with both platforms and are the only pods Vape Cartel now stocks! We've been testing the same e-liquids in both devices, and the difference isn't subtle.
The COREX 3.0 pods deliver noticeably cleaner, more detailed flavour that lets you pick out individual notes in complex e-liquids. Where the 2.0 pods would sometimes give you a slightly muted taste after a few days of use, the 3.0 pods maintain that crisp flavour right until they're completely done. Kind of like a runner walking the last 5 kms of a marathon vs running at full speed and collapsing just after the finish line!
- COREX 2.0 (XROS 4): Good flavour, occasional muting after heavy use
- COREX 3.0 (XROS 5): Cleaner taste, better heat distribution, longer-lasting flavour
- Pod lifespan: 3.0 pods typically last 2-3 days longer before flavour drops
- Sweet liquid handling: 3.0 pods resist gunking up from dessert e-liquids better
The secret sauce is in the new "Hive Mesh" structure. Hive Mesh distributes heat more evenly across the coil meaning fewer dry hits when your liquid's running low and more consistent performance throughout the pod's life. The improved cotton wicking also handles chain vaping much better – crucial for heavy users switching from cigarettes or disposables.
COREX 3.0 pods work perfectly in the XROS 4, so you can upgrade your flavour experience without buying a new device. But the XROS 5's power management seems to extract even more from these pods.
Design and Build Quality: The XROS 5 oozes Quality
The Vaporesso XROS 4 wasn't exactly ugly or cheaply built, but the XROS 5 is just a massive leap forward. The overall footprint is similar, but every surface has been refined for better ergonomics and durability.
The edges are slightly more rounded, making it more comfortable in hand. The fire button has a more clicky feel to it with better tactile feedback. The airflow slider is smoother with less wiggle room, giving you more precise control over your draw.
Both devices have got that same 0.88" screen, but the one on the XROS 5 is definitely crisper to look at. You've also got six different theme options to play with compared to the XROS 4's more basic display choices. Not exactly life-changing, but it's nice being able to personalise the device more than XROS 4.
Most importantly, the XROS 5 just feels more solid in daily use. These small refinements add up to a device that seems like it'll handle the inevitable drops and pocket abuse better than its predecessor.
Power Delivery and Control: More Precision Where It Counts
Both devices max out at 30W, but the XROS 5 gives you more control over how that power gets delivered. The XROS 4 uses a simple three-mode system (ECO, NORMAL, POWER) regardless of which pod you're using, which works fine but can feel limiting. The XROS 5 keeps this user-friendly three-mode system for most pods, but unlocks precise wattage control in 0.5W increments when you pair it with a 0.4Ω pod. This allows you to dial in exactly the vapour production you want rather than settling for preset levels.
- XROS 4: Three power modes only, all pods
- XROS 5: Three modes for most pods, precise wattage control with 0.4Ω pods
- Power efficiency: XROS 5 delivers more consistent performance as battery depletes
- Smart detection: Improved pod recognition and automatic power suggestions
The Vaporesso XROS 5 also delivers power more efficiently throughout the battery's discharge cycle. With the XROS 4, you'd notice weaker hits as the battery got low. The XROS 5 maintains consistent performance right up until the last 5-10% of the battery power.
Airflow Refinement: Finding That Perfect Draw
Both devices have adjustable airflow, but the XROS 5's system has been properly refined for more precise control. The XROS 4's airflow was decent but sometimes felt like it jumped from tight to loose without much middle ground. The XROS 5's slider mechanism has been completely reworked. It moves more smoothly with better tactile feedback, making it dead easy to find and maintain that perfect draw resistance. This is crucial for mouth-to-lung vapers, especially those transitioning from cigarettes or disposables.
- Draw range: Both offer MTL to RDL, XROS 5 has more usable steps
- Adjustment precision: XROS 5 slider offers better control
- Auto-draw sensitivity: XROS 5 responds to lighter pulls
- Consistency: Less variation between different airflow settings
We've found the Vaporesoo XROS 5 can go from a tight cigarette-like draw all the way to a loose, airy hit with more genuinely usable positions in between. For new vapers trying to find their sweet spot, this improved functionality makes a real difference.
User Experience: Ultimately What Matters Most
The Vaporesso XROS 5 brings several small but great improvements to daily usability. The auto-draw activation is more sensitive and durable, responding to lighter pulls that feel more natural for ex-smokers. The puff counter is more accurate, and the menu system feels more intuitive.
Pod detection has been improved too – the XROS 5 instantly recognizes which resistance you've installed and suggests optimal settings. The XROS 4 would sometimes need a pod to be reseated before reading correctly, which was frustrating.
- Menu navigation: Slightly more intuitive on XROS 5
- Pod detection: Faster and more reliable recognition
- Auto-draw: More sensitive activation, feels more natural
- Overall responsiveness: XROS 5 feels snappier in daily use
These aren't headline features, but they're the kind of refinements that make a device pleasant to use long-term rather than occasionally annoying.
So. Should You Upgrade from XROS 4?
If you're currently using an XROS 4 and it's working well for you, the decision comes down tothe features of the XROS 5. Do they add more relevance to your life? Will they enhance your vaping experience?
The battery life and charging speed improvements alone might justify the upgrade if you're frequently caught short or always hunting for a charging cable. The flavour improvement from COREX 3.0 is genuine, though you could get most of this benefit by just buying Corex 3.0 pods for your XROS 4.
The refined airflow control and build quality are nice bonuses, but probably not upgrade-worthy on their own unless you're particularly fussy about draw characteristics.
For most XROS 4 users, We'd say stick with what you've got unless battery life is a real pain point. The XROS 4 is still a fantastic device, especially with 3.0 pods.
Which One for New Vapers?
If you're choosing your first refillable pod vape kit, tehn definitely go straight for the Vaporesso XROS 5. The improved battery life, faster charging, better flavour delivery, and more precise controls make it a more user-friendly introduction to refillable vaping.
At R640.00 for the XROS 5, it's only slightly more expensive than what the XROS 4 was, but you're getting meaningful improvements across the board. When you factor in the long-term savings compared to what disposables cost (potentially over R15000 a year), the price difference becomes insignificant.
The Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini is also worth considering if you prefer something closer to disposable size. It keeps most of the improvements but loses the screen and some power control features.
The Bottom Line: Evolution, Not Just Making Pretty
The Vaporesso XROS 5 isn't a face lift from the XROS 4, but it's a thoughtful evolution that improves almost every aspect of the user experience. Better battery life, faster charging, superior flavour delivery, more precise control – it all adds up to a more satisfying device.
For new vapers making the switch from cigarettes or disposables, it's hands down the better choice. The improvements make the transition smoother and the long-term experience more enjoyable.
For existing XROS 4 users, it's a harder call. If battery life and charging speed are as issue points, it's worth considering the upgrade. If your XROS 4 meets your needs, you can always upgrade the pod experience with COREX 3.0 pods and save your money.
Either way, both devices represent excellent value in the refillable pod market, especially when you consider the massive savings compared to disposables or prefilled pod systems.
Got questions about either device or need help deciding which suits your needs? Give us a shout at Vape Cartel – we've been testing both extensively and can help you make the right choice for your situation and budget.