Uwell Caliburn vapes have always been some of the most popular pod vapes on the market, but the series does have a small drawback in that the names can be a bit confusing. The new Caliburn G4 series is a perfect example of that issue. It includes two lower-cost options – the Caliburn G4 and Caliburn G4 Mini – and which device is the right fit for you may not be immediately obvious. Can you buy the G4 Mini and save a little money, or will you end up regretting the fact that you didn’t spring for the Caliburn G4? In this guide, we’ll make your decision easy.

How do the Uwell Caliburn G4 vs. G4 Mini compare? Let’s walk through the details.

Price and Included Items
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing the Caliburn G4 vs. G4 Mini is that they differ a bit on price. The G4 Mini typically retails for around $12-15, while the Caliburn G4 has a retail price closer to $25. As you probably expected, the more expensive Caliburn G4 is a more capable device overall. The price difference, though, isn’t just because the two devices have different features – they also include different items. Here’s an overview of what each package includes.

• Caliburn G4: Includes the Caliburn G4 device plus two pods and an instruction manual.

• Caliburn G4 Mini: Includes the G4 Mini device plus one pod and an instruction manual.

The Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini are both fairly basic packages, which you’d probably expect given their price points. Neither package includes a charging cable, which is a bit of a drawback given how unreliable older USB-C cables can sometimes be. The fact that the G4 Mini only includes one pod might be a factor in your purchasing decision, though, since it virtually guarantees that you’ll need to add an extra box of pods to your order. That negates some of the price difference between the two devices, although you can find both the Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini throughout Europe for a fair price at Vaporia.

Battery Life and Maximum Output
The Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini have the same maximum output of up to 35 watts, which is a good thing if you like big clouds because it means that you’ll get roughly equal vapor production and flavor quality with the two devices. One difference between the two, though, is that you’ll be enjoying those big clouds a bit longer with the Caliburn G4 because it has a battery capacity of 1,300 mAh. The G4 Mini, meanwhile, has a battery capacity of 1,100 mAh. That’s about 15 percent less.

Whether you’ll actually notice the battery difference in practice depends on how you use the device. You’ll almost certainly notice it if you prefer to vape at higher wattages, although the extra capacity of the Caliburn G4 is negated somewhat by the fact that it has a color screen – a feature we’ll discuss in a moment.

The Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini both support 2-amp fast charging, which means that you won’t have to wait long to get back to vaping when your device’s battery dies.

Size and Weight
Do you like to use a vape that’s as small and pocketable as possible? If so, you might prefer the Caliburn G4 Mini because it’s noticeably smaller and lighter than the Caliburn G4. That’s because the Caliburn G4 has a higher-capacity battery, which adds to the size and weight.

Here’s how the two devices compare.

Size: The Caliburn G4 Mini is about 18.6 percent smaller than the Caliburn G4.

• Caliburn G4: 114.98 mm long, 26 mm wide, 15.65 mm thick
• Caliburn G4 Mini: 112.7 mm long, 24.1 mm wide, 14 mm thick
Weight: The Caliburn G4 Mini is about 15.9 percent lighter than the Caliburn G4.
• Caliburn G4: 54.7 grams
• Caliburn G4 Mini: 46 grams

Adjustable Power
The biggest difference between the Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini is that the Caliburn G4 has fully adjustable power. You can use the control button to set the device to the wattage of your choice, which gives you total freedom to customize your experience. The G4 Mini, on the other hand, selects its own wattage based on the resistance of the pod you’re using. You can adjust the wattage by using a different pod, but that’s the only way to change the device’s output.

Color Display
The fact that the Caliburn G4 has adjustable power means that you need a way to see what you’re doing. The Caliburn G4 has a full-color screen that shows the device’s current power level along with a variety of other information. It looks absolutely spectacular for such a small display, and it shows colorful animations while you vape. A more muted monochrome theme is also available if you’re looking for an experience that’s less flashy.

Vaping Modes
The Caliburn G4 has two selectable vaping modes that can enhance your experience beyond simply adjusting the wattage. The two modes allow you to adjust how the device delivers power.

• In Storm mode, the Caliburn G4 delivers a bit of extra power to the coil at the beginning of your puff to kickstart vapor production instantly.

• In Waves mode, the Caliburn G4 maintains a more modest power level to prevent burnt flavors.

The Caliburn G4 Mini doesn’t have selectable vaping modes.

Firing Style
The fact that the Caliburn G4 has a button for changing its settings means that it’s a more complex device than the G4 Mini, which is simpler. The button on the Caliburn G4, though, isn’t just for changing the settings; you can also use it to make the device fire. The Caliburn G4 supports both button-based and inhale-based firing, but the G4 Mini supports puff-activated firing only.

The Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini both have adjustable airflow.

Caliburn G4 vs. G4 Mini: What’s the Bottom Line?
So, what’s the bottom line? If you’re trying to decide between the Caliburn G4 and G4 Mini, which one should you buy?

• The Caliburn G4 is objectively a “better” vape because it does more. It has a color screen, adjustable power and two selectable vaping modes. On the other hand, it also costs more and is a little larger and heavier than the G4 Mini.

• The Caliburn G4 Mini is less capable than the Caliburn G4, but it’s also smaller, lighter and easier to use. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible on your next vape or prefer an experience that’s as simple and straightforward as possible, the G4 Mini might be the right choice for you.