Intro and Specs
In this review, I’ll be taking a close look at the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini, a compact pod vape that’s been making waves in the vaping community since its release in 2025.
I’ve spent considerable time testing this little device, and I have to say, it’s an impressive addition to VOOPOO’s popular ARGUS lineup. If you’re familiar with the larger ARGUS G3, think of this as its more pocket-friendly sibling that doesn’t compromise on performance.
The G3 Mini is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for beginners transitioning from disposables or experienced vapers looking for a reliable backup device. I’ve found it to be exceptionally lightweight at just 42.8 grams, yet it feels surprisingly durable in hand thanks to its aluminum alloy construction.
The built-in battery is rated between 1350 and 1500 mAh (most sources cite 1350 mAh), which I’ve found more than adequate for a full day of moderate vaping.
What I really appreciate about this device is how straightforward it is to use. There are no buttons to press or settings to adjust—just inhale and vape.
The GENE.AI chipset inside automatically adjusts power based on the pod you’re using, with a maximum output of 30 watts. In my testing, this smart chip delivered consistently smooth draws and stable performance throughout the battery life cycle.
The G3 Mini comes with a 0.7-ohm pod that’s ideal for a balanced MTL (mouth-to-lung) or restricted DTL (direct-to-lung) vape. I’ve found it produces excellent flavor, which isn’t always the case with compact pod systems.
What’s particularly nice is that the G3 Mini is compatible with the full range of Argus pods, supporting resistances from 0.4 to 3.0 ohms. This gives you plenty of flexibility to find your perfect vape.
The pod capacity is 2 mL for TPD regions and 3 mL elsewhere, with a convenient top-fill design. I did notice that the dual-chamber structure inside the pod can make refilling a bit slower than some competitors, but it’s a minor inconvenience for the quality of vape you get.
It charges via USB-C at a rated 5V/1A, though in my testing, the actual charging speed was a bit slower than advertised—more on that later.
While the G3 Mini doesn’t have adjustable airflow or a display screen like its bigger brother, I think these omissions make sense for a device focused on simplicity and portability.
It’s clearly designed for straightforward, low-wattage MTL vaping, especially with high-nicotine salt e-liquids. In my experience, it excels at exactly what it’s designed to do.
Build Quality and Design
When I first got my hands on the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini, I was immediately impressed by how light it felt—at just under 43 grams, it’s one of the lightest pod systems I’ve tested. But don’t let that fool you; this little device is surprisingly sturdy. The aluminum alloy body gives it a premium feel while keeping the weight down, and I’ve found it holds up well to the daily wear and tear that pocket devices typically endure.
The G3 Mini sticks to a classic pen-style form factor, which I appreciate for its familiarity and pocketability. The finish is predominantly matte, which not only looks sleek but also does a good job resisting fingerprints and minor scratches. I particularly like the ribbed sides, which add a bit of visual interest while providing extra grip. It’s a small detail, but it makes the device feel secure in my hand, even when I’m on the move.
Looking at the branding, VOOPOO has kept things minimal and tasteful. The “ARGUS G3 Mini” logo is printed near the bottom of the device alongside the battery specs. It’s clean and understated, which I prefer over flashier designs.
There’s a small LED indicator set into a thin, shiny accent strip across the middle of the body—this is the only real glossy element, and it catches the light just enough to break up the matte finish without being too eye-catching.
On each side of the device, I found a small, non-adjustable airflow hole. These are positioned for a comfortable MTL draw—slightly looser than a cigarette but still satisfying. I do wish there was some airflow adjustment option, as I know some MTL purists prefer a tighter draw, but the fixed setting works well for most users, myself included. Just below one of the airflow holes sits the USB-C charging port, which is flush with the body and easy to access.
The pod connection uses strong magnets, and I’ve been impressed with how securely the pod snaps into place. There’s no rattle or wobble at all, which is something I’ve encountered with other pod systems.
The pods themselves are lightly tinted, which looks sharp but can make it a bit tricky to see your juice level in low light—a minor inconvenience I’ve found myself dealing with.
It came in a vibrant grass green color with a matte body and just a hint of shine on the accent strip and sides. It’s enough to give it a bit of flair without being over the top. VOOPOO offers up to eight color options, so there’s likely something to suit most tastes.
Overall, I’d say the ARGUS G3 Mini is a well-built device that feels premium for its price point. It’s basic in the best way: sturdy, comfortable, and just stylish enough to stand out from the crowd without shouting for attention.
Performance
I’ve spent a good amount of time testing the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini, and I have to say, the performance is impressive for such a compact device. I’m no stranger to ARGUS pods, having reviewed many of them in the past, and the G3 Mini lives up to the reputation of the line.
The included 0.7-ohm pod delivers a smooth, cool vape with surprisingly punchy flavor, and it’s been consistent across every juice I’ve thrown at it.
The draw is a classic MTL: not super tight, but not loose either, hitting that sweet spot for most folks coming off disposables or looking for a reliable daily driver.
I do wish there was adjustable airflow, though. For me, the fixed airflow is fine, but I know some MTL purists will find it a bit too open, and it’s a recurring complaint I’ve seen in the community.
One thing that really stands out to me is the coil longevity. I’ve run at least 30 mL of salt nic through the pod, and the flavor is still crisp with no signs of burning or drop-off—honestly, that’s impressive for a pod system at this price point. The GENE.AI chipset seems to keep the power delivery steady, so you don’t get those weird dry hits or flavor dips as the battery drains.
Battery life itself is solid for such a compact device; I’m getting a full day of moderate use, which is about what I’d expect from the 1350 mAh cell. Charging is a bit on the slow side (closer to two hours than the advertised one), so it gets a ding there, but at least you can vape while it’s plugged in thanks to passthrough support.
I have to call out that VOOPOO only includes one pod in the box. That’s always a letdown in my book, especially since the G3 Mini is compatible with the full range of Argus pods—there’s a lot of room to experiment, but you’ll need to buy extras to do it. They should always include two pods, so it gets a ding there for that.
Still, the magnetic pod connection is rock solid, and I haven’t had any leaks or rattles during my testing period. Overall, the G3 Mini nails the basics: great flavor, excellent coil life, and a super simple, beginner-friendly experience. I just wish they’d throw in a second pod and maybe give us some airflow options, but for what it is, the performance is hard to beat.
Battery Life and Charging
In my testing of the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini, I’ve paid close attention to the battery performance since it’s such a crucial aspect of any portable vape. The device comes with a built-in battery rated between 1350 and 1500 mAh, with most sources (including the manual I received) citing 1350 mAh.
For internal battery devices like this, I typically expect the actual usable capacity to be around 80% of what’s listed, so I was looking for roughly 1080-1200 mAh of real-world performance.
The manual lists charging at 5V/1A, which should theoretically give a full charge in about 80-90 minutes for a battery of this size. However, in my testing, I found the actual charging performance fell a bit short of these claims.
The maximum charge rate I measured was 0.67A, with the device typically charging at around 0.6A for most of the cycle. This is noticeably below the advertised 1A, which isn’t uncommon in the industry, but I do wish manufacturers would be more accurate with their specs.
The G3 Mini uses a simple LED indicator to signal charging status: the light stays on while charging and turns off once the process is complete. What I found interesting is that the light went off on my device at about 92 minutes, but I noticed it wasn’t actually full at that point. It had reached about 988 mAh, or roughly 90% of its capacity.
After this, the device continued charging at a reduced rate—around 0.5A for another 10 minutes, then dropping to 0.15A for an additional 10 minutes, and finally tapering off to 0.08A before reaching a true full charge.
The total time to 100% was about 1 hour and 54 minutes, at which point the measured usable capacity was around 1070 mAh. This is just under the 80% threshold of the listed capacity, but still within the expected range for a device of this class.
I’m not sure why VOOPOO designed the charging this way—perhaps to extend battery life in the long run—but it’s worth noting if you’re in a hurry and see the light turn off.
In day-to-day use, I found the G3 Mini’s battery reliably delivered a full day of moderate vaping, which matches what I’d expect from a 1350 mAh pod system. The device also supports passthrough vaping, so you can use it while it’s plugged in—a practical touch for those who vape frequently.
Overall, I’d say the battery life is solid for a device of this size, but the charging speed is a bit underwhelming compared to the manufacturer’s claims. The nearly two-hour full charge time is on the slow side, especially given the 1A rating on paper.
If you’re content with charging to about 90%, the 92-minute mark is a reasonable turnaround, but those needing a true full charge should plan for closer to two hours. In my opinion, VOOPOO would have been more accurate rating the G3 Mini’s charging at 0.7A rather than 1A, so it gets a ding there for that.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly design that I found extremely portable
- Excellent flavor and coil longevity that impressed me throughout testing
- Beginner-friendly operation with no buttons or settings to confuse new users
- Strong magnetic pod connection with no leaks or rattles in my experience
- Compatible with full range of Argus pods, giving me plenty of options
- Durable aluminum alloy build with ribbed grip that feels premium in hand
- Passthrough vaping supported, which I found convenient for all-day use
- Clean, understated aesthetics with multiple color options to choose from
Cons:
- No adjustable airflow, which I found limiting for fine-tuning the draw
- Only one pod included in the box, which disappointed me as they should include two
- Charging speed is slower than advertised (I measured closer to 2 hours than the claimed time)
- Slightly tinted pods made it difficult for me to see juice levels in low light
- Dual-chamber pod design made refilling slower than I’d prefer
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini, I can confidently say it delivers exactly what it promises: a compact, beginner-friendly pod vape that excels in simplicity, portability, and flavor.
I’ve been impressed by how lightweight yet sturdy it feels in hand, thanks to its aluminum alloy construction. The strong magnetic pod connection has been rock solid throughout my testing, with no leaks or rattles to speak of.
Performance has been a clear highlight for me. The GENE.AI chipset paired with the well-tuned 0.7-ohm pod consistently produces smooth, flavorful draws that have surprised me for a device this size. I’ve run over 30 mL of e-liquid through a single pod, and the flavor is still as good as day one—that kind of coil longevity is impressive at this price point.
The battery has reliably powered me through a full day of moderate vaping, though I did find the charging speed fell short of the advertised 1A rate, taking closer to two hours for a full charge rather than the implied one hour.
I do have a few minor gripes. The lack of adjustable airflow is the most noticeable omission, especially for someone like me who enjoys fine-tuning the draw. I was also disappointed to find only one pod in the box—VOOPOO should really include two, especially since the G3 Mini is compatible with the full range of Argus pods. The slightly tinted pods can make juice levels hard to see in low light, and the dual-chamber design makes refilling a bit slower than I’d like.
That said, these drawbacks are outweighed by what the G3 Mini gets right: excellent flavor, great coil life, solid build quality, and true ease of use. I’ve found it to be an ideal device for new vapers, those transitioning from disposables, or anyone seeking a reliable, no-fuss backup device.
Its streamlined operation, versatile pod compatibility, and pocket-friendly form factor make it a standout in the crowded pod vape market—especially for users who value flavor and simplicity over advanced customization.
If you’re after a straightforward, high-performing pod system that just works, I think the G3 Mini is hard to beat. Have you tried the VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Mini yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on its fixed airflow and all-day battery life.