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OXVA Xlim Pro 2 vs Pro 3: Full Comparison

By shane margereson  •   6 minute read

Both the OXVA Xlim Pro 2 and Pro 3 sit in the middle of the Xlim range. They're built on different chipsets with different priorities. I've carried both daily and the differences are more than just a spec bump.

This guide breaks down every upgrade between the two kits: battery, screen, chipset, pod compatibility, airflow, and day to day performance. If you're deciding between them or thinking about upgrading from a Pro 2, this covers everything you need to know.

Side by Side Specs

Spec

Xlim Pro 2

Xlim Pro 3

Battery

1300mAh

1500mAh

Max Output

30W

30W

Screen

0.56 inch ultra-HD

1.05 inch HD

Chipset

X-TREME

Photon

Charging

USB-C, 2A fast charge

USB-C, 5V/2A (80% in 30 mins)

Activation

Button and auto-draw

Button and auto-draw

Pods Included

V3 0.6 ohm and 0.8 ohm

V3 0.6 ohm and 0.8 ohm

Pod Compatibility

V2, V3, EZ

V2, V3, EZ

Airflow

Adjustable MTL to RDL

Adjustable MTL to RDL, slide switch

E-liquid Capacity

2ml (TPD)

2ml (TPD)

Colours

12 options

Multiple options

Both kits run 5 to 30W variable wattage. Both take the same V3 top-fill pods in the box. The real differences are underneath: the chipset, battery capacity, and screen size.

Battery: 1300mAh vs 1500mAh

OXVA's Pro 2 runs a 1300mAh battery. For moderate vaping on a 0.8 ohm pod at 14W, that gets most people through a full day. Heavy use on the 0.6 ohm pod at 22W drains it faster, and you'll likely need a top-up by late afternoon.

An extra 200mAh in the Pro 3 doesn't sound like much on paper. In practice, it adds a couple of hours of vaping time. On the 0.8 ohm pod I'm getting a full day and then some without reaching for the cable.

Both kits charge via USB-C at 2A. OXVA rates the Pro 3 at 80% in 30 minutes. The Pro 2 is slightly slower but still quick enough that a lunch break top-up sorts you out for the rest of the day.

Chipset: X-TREME vs Photon

This is the biggest difference between the two kits and the one you'll actually feel when vaping.

Under the hood, the Pro 2 runs OXVA's X-TREME chipset. It reads the pod resistance and sets the wattage range automatically. Flavour is good throughout the pod's life, and the chip keeps things stable at your chosen wattage.

OXVA's Pro 3 runs the newer Photon chipset. It does everything X-TREME does, plus a few things that change how the kit vapes day to day.

What Photon Adds

  • Pulse power output: Instead of constant voltage, the Photon chip sends high-frequency pulses to the coil. You get more stable output regardless of battery level.
  • Automatic variable wattage: Reads the pod and adjusts the wattage range on its own. You can still set it manually if you prefer.
  • Consistency at low battery: On the Pro 2, flavour drops off noticeably below 20% battery. The Pro 3 holds closer to peak flavour right down to low charge.

I noticed the consistency difference within the first week. With the Pro 2, I'd start getting weaker hits around the 15% mark and know it was time to charge. The Pro 3 doesn't fade the same way. You still get a good vape at 10% battery.

Screen: 0.56 Inch vs 1.05 Inch

On the Pro 2 you get a 0.56 inch ultra-HD colour screen. It shows wattage, resistance, battery percentage, and a puff counter. Animated themes and a light bar along the bottom change colour as the battery drains. Outside in direct sunlight, it's readable but you need to angle it right.

At 1.05 inches, the Pro 3 screen is nearly double the display area. OXVA's One Scan mode shows wattage, resistance, and battery all at once without pressing anything. The larger screen means bigger fonts and easier reading in any light.

If you've used the Pro 2 and been happy with the screen, the Pro 3 is a noticeable step up. Not essential, but once you've used the bigger display it's hard to go back.

Pod Compatibility

Both kits come with V3 top-fill OXVA Xlim pods in 0.6 ohm and 0.8 ohm. Top-fill means you don't need to pull the pod out to refill. Pop the silicone plug, fill, and carry on.

Your Pro 2 also takes V2 side-fill pods and EZ pods from older Xlim kits. OXVA built the Pro 3 around V3 pods with UniTech 2.0 coil technology. UniTech 2.0 is an upgrade in the pod itself, not the kit. It affects wicking speed and coil life on V3 pods across the range. Read more about this on our OXVA pod systems blog post.

Pod Type

Pro 2

Pro 3

V3 Top Fill (0.6, 0.8 ohm)

Yes

Yes

V2 Side Fill

Yes

Check

EZ Pods

Yes

Check

If you've got a drawer full of V2 or EZ pods from an older kit, the Pro 2 will use them all. If you're buying fresh, both kits use the same V3 pods.

Airflow and Vape Style

Both kits have adjustable airflow that slides between MTL (mouth to lung) and RDL (restricted direct to lung). The 0.8 ohm pod at 12 to 16W gives a tight cigarette-style draw. The 0.6 ohm pod at 20 to 25W opens up for more vapour and a looser inhale.

A dedicated slide switch on the Pro 3 controls the airflow adjustment. It stays in position better than the Pro 2's slider. If you've ever had a kit shift airflow in your pocket, the Pro 3 holds firm.

Both kits handle nic salt and freebase e-liquid at 50/50 VG/PG. The 0.6 ohm pod also handles 60/40 without wicking issues. If you want guidance on which e-liquid suits which pod, the OXVA e-liquid guide on our blog covers it in detail.

Activation: Button and Auto-Draw

Back on the original Xlim Pro, you had a button and auto-draw. OXVA dropped the button on the Pro 2, going auto-draw only. OXVA brought the button back on the Pro 3 alongside auto-draw.

If you prefer to fire with a button, the Pro 3 gives you that option. If you've been using the Pro 2 and like auto-draw, the Pro 3 still does both. You pick whichever suits you.

Build Quality and Design

With 12 colour options including carbon fibre, artificial leather, and brushstroke panels, the Pro 2 has plenty of choice. Zinc alloy body at 67g. The glossy finish looks sharp but picks up fingerprints.

OXVA kept the compact pod kit form factor on the Pro 3. Weight sits in the same range as the Pro 2. The 1.05 inch screen takes up more of the front face, giving the kit a more modern look.

Both kits feel solid in hand. Neither is heavy enough to notice in a trouser pocket. If you're coming from disposables, both are similar in size to a larger disposable vape but built to last years rather than days.

Who Should Get Which

Stick with the Pro 2 if: You're happy with your current Pro 2 and the battery lasts your day. The X-TREME chipset still holds up and the screen does everything you need. No reason to upgrade unless the Photon chip or bigger screen appeals to you.

Go for the Pro 3 if: You want the Photon chipset's consistency at low battery. You want a larger screen. You want the button back for manual firing. Or you're buying your first Xlim kit and want the latest version.

Coming from disposables: Either kit works, but the Pro 3's bigger screen and button activation make it slightly easier to get started. The OXVA Xlim collection has both kits plus the Go 2 and 3 Ultra if you want to compare the full range.

Other Xlim Kits Worth Knowing About

Both the Pro 2 and Pro 3 sit in the middle of a bigger lineup. Depending on what matters to you, one of these might be a better fit:

Xlim Go 2 is the stripped-back option. Auto-draw only, no screen, 1500mAh battery. If you don't want settings to change, this is the simplest OXVA vape to use.

Xlim 3 Ultra launched alongside the Pro 3. Same 1500mAh battery and 30W output, but with a 2.2 inch touchscreen and Super Pulse chipset. More flavour intensity, more screen, more money.

Xlim Pro 2 DNA has an Evolv DNA chipset with temperature control, Flavour Replay, and EScribe programming. Steeper learning curve but nothing else in pod vaping touches it for fine-tuning. All these kits share the same Xlim replacement pods by OXVA.

About the author: Shane Margereson

Shane's been in the vaping industry for over a decade and there aren't many kits he hasn't tried first-hand. He started as a hobbyist but these days you'll find him with a pod kit and dessert nic salts – though he'll still pick up the odd limited edition setup if it's a beauty.

As owner of Ecigone, he's tested hundreds of devices and knows the market inside out. He's also a big fan of OXVA Vapes, which you'll notice when you read his reviews. If Shane doesn't know about it, it's probably not worth talking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do OXVA Xlim Pro 2 and Pro 3 use the same pods?

Yes, both come with V3 top-fill pods in 0.6 ohm and 0.8 ohm. The Pro 3's V3 pods use UniTech 2.0 coil technology for longer pod life and better wicking.

Can I use my Pro 2 pods in a Pro 3?

V3 pods fit both kits. If you've been using V3 top-fill pods with your Pro 2, they'll work in the Pro 3 as well.

Is the OXVA Xlim Pro 3 worth upgrading to from a Pro 2?

It depends on what bothers you about the Pro 2. If you want more battery life, a bigger screen, and more consistent flavour at low battery, the Pro 3 is a solid upgrade. If your Pro 2 does everything you need, there's no rush.

What's the difference between the Photon and X-TREME chipset?

Photon is OXVA's newer chipset with pulse power output. It keeps the flavour more consistent as the battery drains compared to X-TREME. Both read pod resistance automatically and set the wattage range.

Can I use nic salt and freebase e-liquid in both kits?

Yes. Both kits handle nic salt and freebase at 50/50 VG/PG. Use 20mg or 10mg nic salt in the 0.8 ohm pod for MTL, or freebase at the same strengths if you prefer more throat hit.

Does the OXVA Xlim Pro 3 have a button?

Yes. The Pro 3 has both button and auto-draw activation. The Pro 2 is auto-draw only. OXVA brought the manual fire button back on the Pro 3.