One of the pioneering names in the world of vaping is still at it, this time with another groundbreaking product – the SMOK G-PRIV 220w TC Touch Screen.
While SMOK G-PRIV is not claiming to be the first touchscreen device – Sigelei and Laisimo did it first – it may be the best yet.
From churning out cheap tube clones to innovating vape tech, SMOK has gone a long way and the G-PRIV looks to cement the company’s name as one of the best in the industry.
PACKAGING & DESIGN
The G-PRIV comes in a standard black box that prominently features the mod on the front.
The kit contents, specs, description, as well as other information including the legal disclaimer are located at the back.
There is also a scratch seal on the side of the box where you can find the authenticity code which you can check online to be sure you have a legit mod.
Opening the box, you will find the G-PRIV seated in foam. Underneath this layer, there is the USB charging cable, a user manual, warranty card, as well as a battery safety leaflet.
One of the first things I thought when I took the MOD out was how impressive it looks.
It measures at 85mm x 58.5mm x 28mm, and while the size is just about what you’d expect from a dual 18650 mod, it’s slightly thicker than I’d ideally like.
If you have large sausage fingers, this might be a little bit of an issue. Otherwise, you should be okay.
The battery door is held in place be eight magnets, and can be quite difficult to remove. You remove the cover by pulling at it using your fingernail.
It can get frustrating at times due to sheer strength you need to get it off. However, because it is held strongly in place, you won’t have to worry about the cover falling off easily.
The mod is solid with no rattling anywhere, even the battery cover. The body is composed of zinc alloy, while the battery cover is made of a carbon fibre material.
The touchscreen is made of shock-proof and shatter-proof glass.
The fire button is the same used on the H-PRIV, which is easy to use and makes for a clean design.
The G-PRIV also has a spring loaded 510 connector, which is pretty much standard for all mods these days.
The USB charging port can be found on the bottom, which can be used both for charging the device and for updating the firmware.
Overall, the G-PRIV is a solidly built, well designed, good-looking device. One you’ll be happy to show off to your vaper buddies.
KIT CONTENTS
- 1 x Sigelei Fuchai 213W
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Security Code Card
MOD SPECIFICATIONS
- Aluminum Alloy Construction
- Dimensions: 88*44*29mm
- 0.91 Inch OLED Display
- Wattage Range: 10W – 213W
- Temperature Range: 200°F – 570°F / 100°C – 300°C
- Resistance Range: 0.1Ω – 3.0Ω
- Input Voltage: 6.4V – 8.4V
- Output Voltage: 1.0V – 7.5V
- Output Max Current: 35A
- Firing Modes: VW, TC (SS, Ti, Ni)
- Requires 2 x 18650 Batteries (Not Included)
- Spring Loaded 510 Pin
- Battery Door Panel
FUNCTIONALITY
The G-PRIV works pretty much the same as the many variable wattage devices out there.
What sets it apart though is the touchscreen. This basically integrates the mod’s info, and adjustment buttons in one place.
When you first put in the batteries you’ll need to press the firing bar five times in quick succession to switch it on.
To turn it off, do the same but with an extra step – you’ll need to confirm on the touchscreen by tapping on ‘yes’ to confirm you actually want to switch it off.
I don’t think the touch to confirm you want to switch it off function is necessary, but it’s there.
If you need to lock the firing bar, simply tap it three times.
This prevents accidental misfires inside your pocket or purse. To unlock just tap the bar another three times.
While there are no more adjustments buttons, you might notice a small button situated just above the firing bar.
This is used to lock the touchscreen to avoid accidental touches and can also be used to switch the display off.
To lock the touchscreen, you press the button for about two seconds until a lock icon shows up. The screen will be on, but it won’t register any inputs.
To turn the touchscreen off, simply tap the button. This will turn the screen off and will also avoid accidental touches.
Both options are extremely useful, and recommended whenever you vape.
Unless you want to accidental set your wattage to the full 220 watts and inhale cloud full of burnt cotton, best use the lock button each and every time.
The menu is accessible via the “back” button on the upper left part of the screen. Once in, you can choose between VW mode, TC mode, Max Puss, and settings.
Under VW mode, you can set your preheat options from Min., Soft, Normal, Hard, and Max. Of course, you can set your wattage here, which you can max out up to 220 watts.
Below 100 watts, you set the power in 0.1 increments. However, from 100 to 220 watts, you can only set it in 1 watt increments.
In TC Mode, you can choose between the type of wire you’re using – Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless. There are options for preheat wattage as well as adjusting TCR.
With the Max Puff feature you can set the maximum number of puffs you want and once reached, the device won’t fire.
Ideal if you’re using a dripper and want to reduce the chances of getting a dry hit.
There are other settings you can play with including screen timeout, time and date setting, and others.
One thing that I wish you could do with this screen is change the background for some personalisation.
Why go through all the trouble to make a nice looking touch-screen MOD that restricts customisation, SMOK?
Who knows, maybe we’ll see an update 0ne day that will change this.
DISPLAY
The touchscreen measures 2.4 inches, which is pretty good for a MOD!
It won’t have the same resolution as a high-end smartphone, but it is bright and legible enough to read under direct sunlight.
The touchscreen is very responsive, hence the need to lock it every time you vape, and it’s super easy to use with the exception of the drop down options, which I touched on earlier.
Aside from the usual wattage/temperature displayed, you will find a digital clock on the upper left corner and two battery level indicators on the upper right, one for each battery.
I might sound as though I’m getting a little nit-picky again here but I think it would be useful to know which battery is which. As it is there is no way of telling.
Another thing worth noting is that the screen is an absolute fingerprint magnet. It won’t be unusual to find yourself constantly wiping the screen down.
You can use a screen protector to reduce fingerprints as well as protect the glass from scratches, but since the glass itself is made from tough material you may not feel it’s that necessary.
BATTERY DETAILS
The G-PRIV uses two 18650 batteries and I found that I got good battery life. While vaping at around 60 to 75 watts I managed to get at least a full days’ battery life.
It goes without saying that this will depend on what kind of 18650 you use, how high you set your wattage, and how frequently you turn the screen on.
DISLIKES
- Touch screen drop down options size – While the touchscreen is big enough for most users, those with big fingers may find it hard to select some of the drop down options
- Could be thinner – The G-PRIV is a little on the thick side. It could use some slimming down to improve ergonomics
- Screen is a fingerprint magnet – Prepare to wipe your screen constantly
- No option to change background – The large screen could have been much more customisable if you could change the background
- No battery percentage – The battery level indicator is good, but it could have been better if you could change it to show the percentage instead
- Dual battery levels could get confusing – Since the device uses dual batteries, there are two battery indicators as well. However, there is no way to know which indicator is for which battery
- Main screen could use more info – The large screen real estate could have been utilised more by putting in more info on the main screen
LIKES
- Fires instantly after update – Before updating, there was a slight delay in firing. After updating, firing was instant and consistent
- Solid build quality – From the materials used to the overall build, everything feels high end. With no rattles, even the battery door stays put even when shaken. Better than the H-Priv, which wasn’t all that stellar
- Best touchscreen device so far – Among all the other touchscreen mods out there, this is by far the best
- Intuitive UI – The menu system is easy to use
- Dual 18650 – The use of dual batteries is a plus, giving you ample battery life to last you a day or so of usage
- Firing bar – The firing bar is easy to use
- Overall great looking device – The use of a firing bar and touchscreen improves the lines of the device, giving off a much cleaner and sleeker looking device
SHOULD YOU GET THE G-PRIV?
The G-PRIV is a powerful device with a lot going for it.
It’s a shame SMOK didn’t capitalise on the ample screen real estate by adding more useful info and letting you change the background, but these are small niggles.
The touchscreen is nice and useful, though I do question how necessary a touchscreen is for a MOD used for vaping.
Who know’s, maybe this is the direction we’re heading in for all future devices. Only time will tell…
All being said, the G-PRIV is a quality device that vapes really well.
I’d say that it is worth the money if you like the idea of a dual 18650 touchscreen mod as it’s easily one of the best one’s around at the moment.