The Touchscreen Pod System Done Right
Pod systems with screens aren't new. Pod systems with touchscreens that actually work well? That's rare. The OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra enters a category littered with gimmicky implementations and delivers something genuinely impressive: a 2.2-inch display that responds like a smartphone and enhances rather than complicates daily use.
Released alongside the Pro 3 to celebrate OXVA's sixth anniversary, the Ultra represents the company's premium vision for pod vaping. Beyond the eye-catching display, OXVA includes their Super Pulse System, promising consistent flavor output even as the battery drains. The question is whether these premium features translate to a meaningfully better vaping experience.
After extensive testing across multiple coil options and e-liquid types, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
XLIM 3 Ultra (Black)
Testing Period
3 weeks daily use
Coils Tested
0.6Ω and 0.8Ω V3 mesh
E-Liquids
Freebase and salt nic
Charge Cycles
15+ full cycles
Styles Tested
MTL and RDL vaping
Design and Build Quality
The XLIM 3 Ultra commands attention through understated premium execution. The zinc alloy body carries satisfying heft at 90 grams - noticeably heavier than most pod systems, but that weight communicates quality rather than inconvenience. The matte finish resists fingerprints effectively, and the overall construction suggests genuine durability.
At 121.9 x 28.9 x 16.5mm, the Ultra is taller and thicker than the original XLIM but remains pocketable. The rectangular profile with slightly rounded edges fits comfortably in hand without sharp corners digging into your palm during extended sessions.
The physical controls are minimal but well-executed. A side-mounted airflow slider provides smooth adjustment from tight MTL to open RDL. A discrete lock switch prevents accidental firing. The USB-C charging port sits at the bottom, keeping cables out of the way during use.
Color options include the expected Black and Silver, plus more adventurous choices for those wanting personality. The PCTG pod cartridge attaches magnetically with confident precision - no wobble, no gap, just a satisfying click into place.
The Touchscreen Experience
Let's address the headline feature directly: this touchscreen actually works.
The 2.2-inch display runs at 220 x 700 pixels with 331 PPI - smartphone-level sharpness that makes text crisp and icons clear. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations and responsive touch input. OXVA added a 3H hardness nano SiO2 coating for scratch resistance, plus an anti-fingerprint treatment that keeps the screen readable.
In practice, the touchscreen responds precisely where you tap. No frustrating missed inputs, no delay, no need to repeatedly jab at controls. Swiping through menus feels natural rather than fighting against laggy hardware.
The interface provides:
- Wattage adjustment - Slide to set output between 5-30W
- Puff counter and analytics - Track usage over time
- Lock controls - 5-second auto-lock prevents misfires
- Three UI themes - Customize the display aesthetic
- Four vaping animations - Visual feedback during use
Is a touchscreen necessary for vaping? No. Does it make daily interaction more engaging? Surprisingly, yes. Checking your puff count, adjusting wattage, or just watching the animations provides a tactile satisfaction that button-based systems lack.
The intelligent mistouch protection deserves mention. After 5 seconds of inactivity, the screen locks automatically. Combined with the physical lock switch, accidental pocket activation is essentially impossible.
Performance and Flavor
Flavor is where OXVA built their reputation, and the XLIM 3 Ultra maintains that standard. The combination of proven mesh coils and the new Super Pulse System delivers consistently rich, saturated flavor.
Super Pulse Technology
The Ultra's marquee performance feature addresses a common pod system complaint: flavor degradation as battery depletes. Standard devices deliver weaker hits at 20% battery versus 80%. Super Pulse maintains consistent power output throughout the discharge cycle.
In testing, flavor at 10% battery remained noticeably better than other pod systems at similar charge levels. The difference isn't dramatic, but it's perceptible - especially with complex e-liquid profiles where subtle notes can disappear with underpowered coils.
Coil Options
The Ultra ships with 0.6Ω and 0.8Ω V3 pods, covering the most popular vaping styles:
0.8Ω Mesh (12-18W): Classic MTL experience. Tight, restrictive draw that satisfies former smokers. Excellent throat hit with nicotine salts at 10-20mg. This coil maximizes battery life while delivering rich flavor.
0.6Ω Mesh (18-25W): The versatile choice. Open enough for restricted direct-lung hits, tight enough for looser MTL. Works well with both salt and freebase nicotine. Most users will find their sweet spot here.
0.4Ω Mesh (25-30W): Full DTL territory. Maximum vapor production and flavor intensity for those preferring an airier draw with lower nicotine freebase.
1.2Ω Regular (8-12W): Ultra-tight MTL for high-nicotine salt users wanting minimal vapor and maximum satisfaction per puff.
The new V3 pods deserve specific praise. The side-mounted fill port eliminates the leaking that occasionally plagued older XLIM pods. During three weeks of testing across multiple pods, not a single leak. The 3ml capacity means fewer refills, and the top-fill design makes the process quick and clean.
Flavor Quality
Multiple independent reviewers call the XLIM 3 Ultra one of the best-tasting pod systems available. The mesh coils deliver flavor density typically requiring larger setups. Fruit blends render with clarity, desserts show appropriate layering, and menthol comes through clean without chemical undertones.
The 30W maximum output might seem modest compared to the 40W ONEO, but for the coil resistances included, it's perfectly matched. The auto-wattage detection selects appropriate power for each coil, or you can override via touchscreen.
Battery Life
Here's where the Ultra's story gets complicated.
The 1500mAh capacity matches the Pro 3 and significantly exceeds most pod systems. On paper, this should translate to excellent runtime. In practice, results varied.
OXVA claims up to 4 days per charge, which is optimistic even for light users. More realistic expectations:
- Light use (MTL, 0.8Ω): 2-3 days
- Moderate use (0.6Ω): 1.5-2 days
- Heavy use (lower resistance, frequent sessions): 1 day
Some reviewers noted the Ultra's runtime fell slightly short of the Pro 3 despite identical rated capacity. Whether this reflects the touchscreen's power draw, unit variation, or testing methodology differences is unclear. The discrepancy isn't dramatic - we're talking hours, not days - but it's worth noting for those prioritizing maximum battery life.
Fast Charging Compensates
The charging performance partially offsets any runtime concerns. USB-C at 5V/2A reaches 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes. A full charge takes 55-67 minutes depending on starting level.
For practical daily use, this means a quick top-up during lunch provides afternoon coverage. The fast charging transforms potential battery anxiety into a minor inconvenience.
Airflow System
The side-mounted airflow slider provides smooth adjustment from fully closed (tight MTL) to fully open (relaxed RDL). The mechanism offers appropriate resistance - easy enough to adjust intentionally, firm enough to prevent accidental changes.
The adjustment range genuinely covers both vaping styles. With airflow closed and the 0.8Ω coil, the draw replicates a cigarette pull convincingly. Open it up with the 0.6Ω coil, and you can achieve a satisfying restricted lung hit. The transition is gradual rather than binary.
Dual Activation
The Ultra supports both auto-draw and button firing. The auto-draw sensor activates in 0.01 seconds - essentially instant - with sensitivity calibrated to prevent accidental firing while remaining responsive to intentional draws.
Button activation provides an alternative for those preferring manual control or wanting to prime coils without drawing. The button doubles as the power control (5 clicks on/off) and provides haptic feedback during use.
Having both options accommodates different preferences and situations. Auto-draw for casual sessions, button for more deliberate use.
Comparison with XLIM Pro 3
The obvious comparison is OXVA's simultaneously-released Pro 3. Both devices share:
- 1500mAh battery
- 30W maximum output
- 3ml V3 pods
- Adjustable airflow
- Same coil compatibility
- Similar dimensions
The differences:
| Feature | XLIM 3 Ultra | XLIM Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.2" touchscreen | Smaller traditional screen |
| Interface | Touch-based | Button-based |
| Pulse Tech | Super Pulse | Standard |
| Price | ~$40 | ~$35 |
| Weight | 90g | Slightly lighter |
The Pro 3 reportedly achieves slightly better battery efficiency in some tests. The Ultra offers the superior interface and potentially more consistent flavor via Super Pulse. Neither choice is wrong - it's a matter of priorities.
Who Should Buy the XLIM 3 Ultra
Tech-forward vapers: If you appreciate well-implemented technology and enjoy interactive features, the touchscreen delivers genuine satisfaction beyond gimmickry.
Flavor chasers: Super Pulse technology and XLIM's proven mesh coils produce some of the best flavor in the pod category.
Premium seekers: The zinc alloy construction, responsive display, and polished software create a premium experience that budget pods can't match.
Dual-style vapers: The airflow range and coil selection genuinely accommodate both MTL and RDL preferences in a single device.
Former XLIM users: If you loved the XLIM Pro or other XLIM devices, the Ultra represents the series at its best.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Minimalists: If touchscreens and animations feel like unnecessary complexity, the Pro 3 offers identical core performance with simpler operation.
Budget-conscious buyers: At roughly $40, the Ultra costs more than many excellent pod systems. The premium features justify the price, but they're not essential for a great vape.
Maximum battery priority: While the 1500mAh capacity is substantial, users needing absolute maximum runtime should compare directly with alternatives.
Stealth vapers: The 90g weight and touchscreen glow aren't ideal for ultra-discrete use.
Final Thoughts
The OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra achieves something rare: a touchscreen implementation that enhances rather than complicates the vaping experience. The 2.2-inch display responds beautifully, the interface is logical, and the premium construction feels genuinely substantial.
More importantly, the Ultra delivers on fundamentals. Flavor production matches or exceeds anything in the pod category. Build quality inspires confidence. The coil ecosystem provides genuine versatility. These aren't flashy specs compromising core functionality - they're premium additions to an already excellent platform.
The battery runtime falling slightly short of expectations prevents a higher rating. For a flagship device emphasizing premium features, matching or exceeding the Pro 3's efficiency seems reasonable to expect. Fast charging compensates practically, but the discrepancy exists.
At around $40, the XLIM 3 Ultra competes with premium pod systems and holds its own. For vapers wanting the best touchscreen pod experience currently available, combined with XLIM's legendary flavor, the Ultra earns strong recommendation.
Whether the touchscreen and Super Pulse justify the premium over the Pro 3 depends on individual priorities. Both devices represent OXVA at peak form. The Ultra simply adds polish for those who appreciate it.
Looking for setup instructions? A user manual for the XLIM 3 Ultra is coming soon.
More OXVA reviews: OXVA XLIM Pro | OXVA ONEO
Sources: Vaping360, VersedVaper, Ecigclick, VapingVibe, Planet of the Vapes, E-Cigarette Forum, Official OXVA