Voopoo Argus G3 Review

Voopoo have now released the latest iteration in their Argus MTL pod kits line, the Voopoo Argus G3. Presented in a very snazzy package, the G3 purports to be the most excellent Argus pod device yet.

I’ve used every Argus kit released and am familiar with the range. Some have been exceptional, while others have felt rushed, cheap, and disappointing. I have high expectations for the G3, which presents itself as a full-package, daily-carry vape pen. So, this week, I’ve been using it with gusto to determine whether it’s the best Argus yet or just another stepping stone between hardware generations.

Review Disclosure: Voopoo supplied me with a non-TPD-compliant Argus G3 Kit for this review. I appreciate the generosity, though I will note that my review will be impartial, fair, and informed solely by over ten years of vaping experience.

Video Review

Packaging and Content 

The Voopoo Argus G3 arrives in a cardboard box covered in a cardboard sleeve that bears the usual aesthetics of Voopoo products.

• The front of the sleeve shows the device within, with a note mentioning the “I-cosm code 2.0” pods within. The Voopoo logo and device name are at the top of the sleeve’s face. As this is not a UK unit I’ve been sent to review, there is no TPD warning on my sleeve.

• One side of the sleeve displays an authenticity hologram, while the other lists device features such as the battery capacity and screen size.

• The back of the sleeve lists the kit contents and contact information for Voopoo.

Peeling of the sleeve, we are presented with something I’m seeing more and more in pod kit packages: a cardboard slip listing what all the button-tap combos do on the device. This is great, as you don’t need to do risky experimenting when you already know what taps do what!

Under the slip, we find the device on the left, with a pod already inserted. On the right, we have a well-folded section that, when opened, reveals the spare pod, charging cable, info cards, user manual, and included lanyard. 

Build Quality

Score: 4.3 out OF 5

The Argus G3 is exceptionally lightweight and gentle on the fingers and palm. The main reason for this is that the primary construction material is PCTG. This durable plastic build makes a gentle construction likely to please as many people as it annoys.

I know many vapers who love PCTG builds because they remind them of disposables and enjoy lightweight devices.

Me? I’m old school. I grew up with mods made out of pure tungsten. That’s not true, but it sounds very cool. I find plastic builds acceptable on budget kits, but this doesn’t seem to be one of those. I don’t hate PCTG, but I prefer a cool metal shock when I pick up my kit.

The TFT screen is nice and clear, with a 0.96” size and a full-colour display. One side of the kit features an ample airflow slider (ALWAYS a good thing in my book), and the other side features the sole button of the device. When shaken hard, the button has a slight rattle, but I’m not sure why you’d do that.

The USB-C charging port is on the kit’s base and, as is becoming standard with many pod pens, is surrounded by a soft rubbery material. This has three benefits: no scuffs on your furnishings, no bashing the kit when put down, and no scratchy marks around the charging port from your late-night recharge attempts.

The new Argus Pods with the iCOSM-code 2.0 design are fantastic, with the larger coil built from golden cotton delivering a far richer flavour profile than before.

One downside is that the large coil takes up too much room in the pod, causing separate juice ‘chambers’ to occur. But a bit of a jiggle when refilling prevents this from happening, so it’s not a huge problem.

Performance

Score: 5 out of 5

The Argus G3 performs exceptionally well. I recently reviewed the Argus Z2 and had a handful of issues with the kit. The G3 addresses all those, providing a superior device that functions brilliantly.

The device has an ample 30W max output. This won’t be high enough for some sub-ohmers, but this isn’t a kit for them anyway, so no foul there! Changing the power output is easy enough, requiring three taps of the side button to enter the wattage adjustment scale.

It’s worth noting that the device also takes advantage of Smart functionality, which I expected in an advanced kit like this. So while you can wiggle the power, the kit will prevent you from taking it into coil-burn territories.

The device is draw-activated, and the button cannot be used to fire it. This is becoming a commonplace design idea, and the helpful button guide you find when opening the kit is easy to memorise. It’s great that you can’t accidentally burn your coil through button taps, and I’m thrilled we’re leaving that problem in the past.

The kit also has three screen themes to choose from. Look… if you’ve read my reviews before, you know I’m not a big fan of these. I find them a bit pointless. The ONE exception was the clock-unlocking aspect of the Voopoo VINCI E120 because they successfully gamified it. I’m unlikely ever to bother switching the themes around, but if you’re into that kind of customisation, go nuts!

Ease of Use

Score: 4.7 out of 5

Voopoo’s Argus G3 is exceptionally simple to use. Considering the advancements made to battery size and power output, I was happy to find this out. As a result, the Argus G3 is that rarest of things: a vape that serves both absolute beginners and long-term vaping veterans equally well.

New vapers will enjoy the fuss-free device, whereas seasoned puffers will comfort themselves with the sophisticated build and excellent battery. A serious vaper is unlikely to make this their No.1 go-to daily-carry vape, but it will likely be in their immediate rotation for quite some time.

Easy to use and effortless to master. There is a slight shave off of points because the button system MAY confuse some vapers coming in from disposables, but that’s inevitable, and perfection is illusory!

Battery Life

Score: 4.8 out of 5

Fantastic. I was harsh on the Argus Z2’s battery, as I didn’t feel it delivered the stated 1500mAh. I took those same suspicions into using the G3, but it’s done nothing but impress me in terms of battery life.

While I do still think the ‘5 days of use’ Voopoo wants to showcase is a little generous, based on someone who barely vapes, I’d say that three solid days is very doable, and four’s certainly achievable if you aren’t keeping the wattage on a high setting.

While there isn’t an eco mode, a primarily MTL device doesn’t particularly need one. The 2a-rated charge speed will have the depleted kit up and running quickly. So, nearly full marks for battery life!

Flavour Output

Score: 5 out of 5

Exceptional. While this review discusses the kit, the flavour output section is really about the pods, and Voopoo has not disappointed with their new Argus Pods.

Built using a new ‘icosm code 2.0’ design, they feature a larger coil made from advanced cotton that can withstand greater amounts of e-liquid before the flavour diminishes.

The bold claim that the coils can withstand 100mls of e-liquid before needing a change is a bit strong, but I don’t see that as a reason to drop the score when the pods last as long as most other MTL pods.

The orange e-liquid I first inserted into the 0.4ohm pod gained a new flavour I’d never noticed before. The new coil structures do seem to heighten the taste output in a remarkable way. I was disappointed when the Argus Z2 I reviewed didn’t come with the new Argus Pods, but now I can see they were worth the wait!

Argus G2 vs. Argus G3: Should You Upgrade?

So, how does the G3 compare to its most recent ancestor, the Argus G2? The Argus G3 improves on several factors, and whereas some stay the same, the overall increase in functionality justifies a whole new kit.

The battery has increased from a respectable 1000mAh to an impressive 1500mAh, which, thanks to 2a charging, can be fully charged in around 45 minutes. The diamond-edged finish to the casing is catching and stylish compared to the understated appearance of the G2. The inclusion of coloured themes makes the G3 a more customisable device.

Overall, the G3 is a worthy successor to the G2 based on the 50% battery increase alone. The extra menu functions and stylish new build are a cherry on top.

Read our Voopoo Argus G2 review

The MIST Favourite Feature: 

• 1500mAh: A 50% increase in battery capacity is a fantastic improvement, resulting in excellent longevity. It also allows you to get to grips with the 30w maximum, something the G2 also offered but didn’t have the charge to back up long-term.