Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 400 Review: Best Budget LCD Battery Under $15?

Overview

Finding an LCD-equipped 510 battery under $15 used to be impossible. Budget batteries meant basic LED indicators and three preset voltages at best. The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 400 challenges that assumption by packing a full-color display, five voltage settings, and USB-C charging into a $12.50 package.

The NEO 400 is the compact sibling in Cartisan's NEO lineup, designed for users who want display-equipped convenience in a more pocketable form factor. The question is whether the smaller 400mAh battery undermines the otherwise impressive feature set.

After a week of daily use across multiple cartridge types, the Pro Pen NEO 400 proved itself a genuine value leader, though not without limitations.

Design & Build Quality

The Pro Pen NEO 400 follows the classic pen battery form factor but distinguishes itself with a centered LCD display that sets it apart from generic competitors.

Form Factor

At 0.75" x 2" x 5.12", the NEO 400 maintains a slim profile that disappears into pockets easily. The cylindrical body feels natural in hand, and the overall length is comparable to a standard pen battery. There's nothing revolutionary about the shape, but that's fine. The pen form factor works.

The LCD Display

The standout feature is the full-color LCD screen positioned on the front of the device. Unlike OLED displays that show only basic text, this screen provides a more visual interface showing:

• Current voltage setting with clear numerical display
• Battery level indicator
• Charging status when connected to power

The display activates during use and when adjusting settings, then dims to conserve battery. It's bright enough to read in daylight without being obnoxious indoors.

Materials and Construction

The body uses plastic construction, which is expected at this price point. The finish is smooth with a matte texture that resists fingerprints reasonably well. Build quality is solid for the price. There's no rattling, the button has decent tactile response, and the 510 threading connects cartridges securely.

Available Colors

Cartisan offers the NEO 400 in Blue, Green, Purple, Black, and Rainbow finishes. The Rainbow option features an iridescent coating that shifts colors in light, adding some personality to the budget price point.

Features

Five Voltage Settings

The NEO 400 offers five preset voltage levels:

Voltage	Best For	Experience
2.1V	Thin oils, live resin	Maximum flavor, minimal vapor
2.5V	Standard cartridges	Balanced flavor and vapor
2.9V	Most cartridges	Good vapor production
3.3V	Thick oils	Increased output
3.7V	Very thick distillates	Maximum vapor

This five-level range beats the typical three-setting budget batteries and provides enough granularity to dial in most cartridge types. The 2.1V floor is particularly valuable for live resin and high-terpene cartridges where flavor preservation matters.

Triple-click the power button to cycle through voltages. The LCD immediately displays the new setting, eliminating the LED color-code memorization that budget batteries typically require.

Preheat Function

Double-click the power button to activate preheat mode. This gently warms the cartridge for a few seconds, loosening thick oils that may have settled or become viscous in cooler temperatures. Useful for distillate cartridges that tend to clog or flow slowly.

USB-C Charging

While many budget batteries still use Micro-USB, the NEO 400 includes USB-C charging. This isn't just about convenience (though using the same cable as your phone is nice). USB-C generally provides faster, more consistent charging. The 400mAh battery charges from empty in approximately 30-45 minutes.

Button Controls

• 5 clicks - Power on/off
• 3 clicks - Cycle voltage settings
• 2 clicks - Activate preheat
• Hold button - Fire/draw

The control scheme is intuitive and matches the industry standard, so there's minimal learning curve if you've used other button-activated batteries.

Performance

Vapor Quality

Across six different cartridges, from thin CBD oils to thick THC distillates, the NEO 400 delivered consistent vapor quality appropriate to each setting.

At lower voltages (2.1V-2.5V), hits are cool with pronounced flavor. Terpene-forward cartridges shine here, with the subtle notes coming through clearly. Vapor production is modest but sufficient for flavor chasers.

Mid-range settings (2.9V) offer the best balance for everyday use. Most standard cartridges perform well here with good flavor retention and satisfying vapor production.

Higher voltages (3.3V-3.7V) increase vapor density noticeably. Use these for thick distillates that underperform at lower settings. Flavor takes a backseat to clouds, which is the expected trade-off.

Button Response

The firing button responds immediately with no noticeable lag. Cartridges heat quickly at all voltage settings. The lack of auto-draw means you must hold the button for every hit, which some users prefer for control while others find tedious.

Battery Life: The Trade-Off

Here's where the NEO 400's compact design costs it. The 400mAh battery is modest by current standards. In practice, expect:

• Light users (15-20 puffs/day): 1-2 days between charges
• Moderate users (30-40 puffs/day): Daily charging required
• Heavy users (50+ puffs/day): Multiple charges per day

The USB-C fast charging helps offset the limited capacity. A quick 15-minute charge adds meaningful runtime, and full charges complete in under an hour. Still, users who prioritize all-day battery life should consider the NEO 650 with its larger 650mAh capacity for just $1 more.

Real-World Usage

The NEO 400 works well for users who have regular access to charging. It's a solid choice as a desk battery, nightstand companion, or secondary device. The compact size and display make it convenient for evening sessions when you want precise voltage control without bulk.

For all-day portable use without charging access, the battery limitation becomes more apparent. Plan accordingly.

Who Should Buy This

The Pro Pen NEO 400 makes sense if you:

• Want LCD display features on a tight budget and don't want to spend $30+ for a screen
• Value precise voltage control with five settings instead of three
• Have regular charging access at home, work, or in your car
• Prefer compact pen-style batteries over box mod form factors
• Need a reliable secondary device when your main battery is charging

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Skip the NEO 400 if you:

• Need all-day battery life without midday charging (consider the NEO 650)
• Prefer auto-draw activation for hands-free convenience
• Want premium build quality with metal construction
• Use cartridges heavily and don't want to worry about battery management

The Bottom Line

The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 400 delivers on its promise: LCD display technology at a price point where it shouldn't exist. The full-color screen, five voltage settings, and USB-C charging are genuine features, not gimmicks. For $12.50, you're getting capabilities that cost $30-40 elsewhere.

The 400mAh battery is the clear compromise. This isn't a set-and-forget all-day device. It's a feature-rich battery that requires regular charging. For users who accept that trade-off, or who want a compact display-equipped option for home use, the NEO 400 is excellent value.

If battery life is a priority, spend the extra dollar on the NEO 650. Otherwise, the Pro Pen NEO 400 proves that budget doesn't have to mean basic.

Looking for more Cartisan products? Visit our Cartisan brand page for the full lineup.