Our First Impressions of the UWELL Caliburn G4!

The UWELL Caliburn G4 arrives with a lot of expectations—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. The previous generation built a strong reputation for flavor, reliability, and ease of use, so anything new in this lineup has to work a little harder to stand out.

Right away, the G4 makes it clear that this isn’t just a minor refresh. It brings a redesigned look, a vibrant screen, and updated pod technology, all while staying compact and lightweight.

Alongside it, the UWELL Caliburn G4 Mini offers a stripped-down alternative. It’s aimed at users who don’t need extra features and just want something simple, affordable, and effective. Both devices share a common strength: compatibility with older G3 pods, which means there’s no need to start from scratch.

Design and Build Quality

The G4 leans into a more modern aesthetic. Its aluminum alloy body is coated in a smooth, almost glossy finish that feels different from typical metallic designs. It’s visually appealing, though it does tend to pick up fingerprints more than expected.

At just over 50 grams, it’s incredibly portable. Despite having a screen and upgraded internals, it never feels bulky. The rounded edges make it comfortable to hold, though the curved base means it doesn’t stand upright very easily.

The display is a highlight. It’s not oversized, but it’s sharp, colorful, and easy to read. With multiple themes and brightness settings, it adds a level of customization that wasn’t always present in earlier models.

The G4 Mini takes a more traditional approach. It skips the screen entirely and sticks to a classic, no-frills design. The satin finish resists fingerprints better, and the lighter weight makes it even more pocket-friendly. It may not stand out visually, but it gets the job done.

Ease of Use and Features

The G4 introduces a few more controls than previous models, but it’s still approachable. Basic actions like adjusting wattage, switching modes, or navigating the menu rely on simple click patterns. It might take a minute to learn, but once it clicks, it feels intuitive.

One of the best improvements is the refill system. The pods now feature an exposed side-fill port, meaning there’s no need to remove the pod to refill it. It’s a small change, but it makes everyday use much more convenient.

Airflow is adjustable both through the device slider and by flipping the pod orientation. While the difference isn’t dramatic, it gives just enough flexibility to fine-tune the draw.

The G4 Mini, on the other hand, keeps things extremely simple. There are no menus or settings—just fill the pod, adjust airflow, and vape. The LED indicator provides a basic battery level reading, which is all most users need for a device like this.

Performance and Flavor

Flavor has always been the strong point of the Caliburn series, and the G4 continues that trend. The updated PRO-FOCS 4.0 pods deliver rich, consistent flavor that holds up well over time.

The 0.9-ohm pod is geared toward mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. It’s slightly cooler than some might prefer, but the flavor clarity is excellent. Even after extended use, it maintains performance better than expected.

The 0.6-ohm pod offers more versatility. It works well for both MTL and restricted direct lung (RDL) vaping, making it a solid all-around option. It’s especially impressive in the Mini, where it performs well without any need for adjustments.

Longevity is another strong point. These pods handle heavy use without quickly degrading, which is a big win for users who go through a lot of e-liquid.

Battery Life and Charging

On paper, the G4’s 1300 mAh battery looks like a major upgrade. In practice, though, it doesn’t feel dramatically different from previous models. The runtime is solid, but not significantly better than smaller batteries.

Charging is slightly slower as well, which offsets some of the benefit of the increased capacity. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does raise expectations that aren’t fully met.

The battery percentage display can also feel inconsistent at times. It may hold steady for a while and then drop quickly, which can make it harder to judge how much charge is actually left.

The G4 Mini follows a similar pattern. Its battery life is decent but not standout, and charging times are fairly standard for its size.

Pros and Cons

The biggest strengths here are clear: excellent flavor, strong pod compatibility, and a lightweight, portable design. The G4’s display and customization options add another layer of appeal, while the Mini keeps things simple for those who prefer a straightforward experience.

On the downside, battery performance doesn’t quite match expectations, and the G4’s finish can feel a bit too prone to fingerprints. Small issues like limited wattage on certain pods or occasional inconsistencies in readings are worth noting, but they don’t overshadow the overall experience.

What's Our Verdict?

Both the UWELL Caliburn G4 and UWELL Caliburn G4 Mini deliver what the series is known for: reliable performance and excellent flavor. The G4 adds more features and customization, while the Mini keeps things accessible and easy to use.

They’re not perfect—battery performance could be better—but they still set a high standard for pod systems. For beginners and experienced users alike, these devices remain some of the most well-rounded options available today.