The world of vaping has been flooded with thousands of devices that have come and gone over the years, but none have been able to attain the long-term popularity of the SMOK Novo 4. This small pod system has become one of the most reliable and user-friendly devices out there, perfect for new vapers and experienced vapers alike who require a hassle-free, portable device.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look at everything that the SMOK Novo 4 offers. From its comfortable design and wonderful features to how it measures up to previous Novo units and other pod systems, we will look at all the data you need to know before making a purchase.
Knowing the SMOK Novo 4 Pod System
The SMOK Novo 4 is the follow-up to SMOK’s phenomenally popular Novo line of pod vapes. Essentially, it’s a refillable pod system that gets the perfect balance between ease of use and enough flexibility to accommodate most vapers’ needs. What differentiates it from most other pod systems is that it has a perfect balance between performance and portability.
With dimensions of only 88.3mm x 24.3mm x 14.8mm, the Novo 4 is remarkably tiny. It will sit nicely in the palm of your hand or slip into even the tiniest pocket without any size. However, it contains an 800mAh battery that provides enough power for a day’s moderate vaping.
The best thing about the Novo 4 is probably its adjustable airflow feature. As you might find on most pod vapes, fixed airflow, but with the Novo 4, you get to tweak your draw just by sliding the airflow control. It lets you achieve anything between a tight, cigarette-like pull to a super airy inhale based on whatever preference you prefer.
Key Features That Make the SMOK Novo 4 Stand Out
When considering what sets the SMOK Novo 4 apart, there are a couple of features that deserve special mention. The device uses a draw-activated firing system, meaning there are no complex buttons to mess around with – you simply inhale and it fires. This makes it very simple to use, especially for new users.
The pod capacity is 2ml, as is standard with pod systems available today. Impressive is that SMOK has managed to minimize leakage issues that plagued some earlier pod systems. The new pods seal more effectively and fit more securely on the battery, so there will be fewer sticky moments.
The maximum power output is 25W, providing adequate punch for enjoyable vapor production without being wasteful enough to drain the battery. Charging is through a USB-C port, an improvement over the micro-USB port of the older models, making charging more efficient.
A Comparison of the Novo 4 with Earlier SMOK Novo Models
For those used to the Novo series, it’s natural to wonder how much better the SMOK Novo 4 is than the previous ones. The Novo 3 was a fine device itself, but the Novo 4 offers some useful enhancements.
The most significant upgrade is obviously the adjustable airflow. Where the Novo 3 had fixed airflow, the Novo 4’s sliding control gives users so much more leeway for personalization in their vaping experience. The battery life has also gotten a slight increase from the Novo 3’s 800mAh to the Novo 4’s 800mAh (although different areas may see slightly different specs).
Compared to the Novo X, the other highly used model in the series, the Novo 4 has a more compact shape but retains equivalent performance traits. The Novo X was somewhat larger in its form factor and featured a display screen for tweaking settings, something some users deemed unnecessary for what is essentially an uncomplicated device. The Novo 4 streamlines the process without compromising on performance.
Performance and Vaping Experience
Where it really shines is as a use for the SMOK Novo 4. It’s smooth, even draw regardless of whether you prefer a tight mouth-to-lung hit or an open direct-lung inhalation. Both coils included – 0.8Ω mesh and 1.0Ω DC – will accommodate different vaping styles.
The mesh coil is great too, with superb flavor creation equal to most higher-cost, larger devices. The vapor production is more than adequate for a pod mod, producing a great cloud but not excessive. The 1.0Ω DC coil provides a stronger draw that simulates closely the feel of smoking a normal cigarette and is therefore ideal for those who are transitioning from smoking to vaping.
Battery life is decent for a device of this size. Everyone will be able to get by on a day of moderate use, and the USB-C charging means you can top it off in a hurry when needed. The passthrough charging feature means you can vape while charging the device, which is a nice feature.
Who Should Consider Buying the SMOK Novo 4?
The SMOK Novo 4 is a great choice for several different kinds of vapers. Newbies will appreciate its simplicity and ease of use – there are no complicated settings to fiddle with, and the draw-activated firing means there’s essentially no learning curve.
Experienced vapers who want a reliable backup device will find the Novo 4 to be a great travel friend when they do not feel like carrying their larger mods. Its compactness and complete functionality make it the best for a travel setting or a stealth vaping event.
Those who prioritize flavor over big cloud production will particularly enjoy what the Novo 4 has to offer. The mesh coils deliver great clarity of flavor, especially with sweeter e-liquids.
That being said, if you’re someone who prioritizes highly powered vaping or big cloud production, you might find the Novo 4 a little limiting. While it does a great job for a pod mod, it’s not designed to compete with high-wattage box mods.
Maintenance and Long-Term Use
One of the advantages of the SMOK Novo 4 is how simple it is to maintain. The pods are a breeze to replace when the coil gets old – you just pop out the old and insert a new one. There is no fear of having to replace coils separately, since each pod contains its own built-in coil.
It is simple to clean the device. From time to time, just cleaning the contacts with a cotton swab and ensuring that no e-liquid has been left in the battery compartment will have it running perfectly. The pods last about 1-2 weeks depending on usage patterns and the type of e-liquid you use.
It’s also important to note that sweeter e-liquids with greater concentrations of sweetener will burn coils out faster. If you wish to maximize pod life, use clearer e-liquids with less added sweetener.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
As wonderful as the SMOK Novo 4 is in general, there are some potential drawbacks that need to be considered. The 2ml pod capacity might be limiting for heavy vapers who require refills more frequently throughout the day.
A few users have mentioned that the pods tend to leak occasionally, although this appears to be less frequent than with earlier Novo models. Holding the device upright when it is not being used and minimizing temperature fluctuations can reduce the incidence of this.
The lack of an adjustable wattage can be annoying for some vapers who like more control over their vaping. That being said, the fixed output is well-matched with the provided coils, so this isn’t as limiting as it first seems.
Final Verdict: Is the SMOK Novo 4 Worth It?
Following a careful assessment of the SMOK Novo 4, it is no surprise that this vape remains highly sought after. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, portability, and ease of use that few pod systems can attain.
The improvements over previous Novo versions, in particular the airflow control and USB-C charging, make it a well worth upgrade for existing Novo users. For a new vaper, it is one of the top beginner devices available, with good performance without over-complexity.
While it may not be up to the fancy of cloud chasers or users inclined to freak out over customizability, for the majority of vapers looking for a robust, durable, and satisfying vaping experience, the SMOK Novo 4 is an excellent option that delivers where it matters most.
