Uwell Caliburn A3 Review: Slim, Simple, and Satisfying

The Uwell Caliburn A3 is a pod vape designed with one clear goal in mind: simplicity that delivers flavour every time. Unlike the more flashy GK2 with its LED panels and lanyards, the A3 takes a streamlined pen-style approach. It is slim, lightweight, and built to slip unnoticed into a pocket while still offering the same Caliburn flavour reputation that has made the series so popular.

After a week of carrying the A3 as my main device, I can say it does exactly what it sets out to do. The draw is consistent, the coils deliver clean flavour, and the 520 mAh battery with USB-C charging is enough to keep it running comfortably for daily use. There are no gimmicks here, just a focus on straightforward vaping that makes sense for beginners and anyone who wants a no-fuss backup kit.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Opening the Caliburn A3 box, the presentation is stripped back. Inside the packaging you’ll find:

• Caliburn A3 device
• Two Caliburn A3 pods (1.0 ohm mesh, pre-installed and spare)
• USB-C charging cable
• User manual

My first impression was how light and slim it felt. At just over 31 grams, the A3 is featherweight in the hand. It looks closer to a pen than a box, with smooth edges and a matte metallic finish. The fire button sits neatly in the middle, but the device also supports auto-draw, so you don’t actually need to press it if you prefer not to.

It felt like the kind of pod kit you could hand to a complete beginner without overwhelming them.

Design and Build Quality

The A3 is very much a return to the original Caliburn DNA. It keeps the slim stick form factor that made the first Caliburn so popular, but refines it with a more modern finish and a slightly larger window to see e-liquid levels.

The pod clicks into place securely with magnets, and the overall body feels durable despite being incredibly light. I slipped it into jeans and jacket pockets all week and it never felt bulky or at risk of snapping.

The mouthpiece is narrow and comfortable for MTL inhales. I also liked the slightly raised window for checking juice, something missing from earlier Caliburns.

Battery Performance and Charging

The A3 carries a 520 mAh internal battery, which sounds modest on paper, but in real use it held up better than I expected. On a typical day of moderate vaping, I managed to get through until the late evening before it ran low. Heavier chain vaping drained it earlier, but that is to be expected with such a slim device.

The highlight here is the fast USB-C charging. I consistently charged the A3 from empty to full in around 15 minutes. That is impressive and makes up for the smaller capacity. You can top up the battery while making a coffee and have it back at full power.

LED indicators under the fire button show charge levels. Green means high, blue medium, and red low. I found the indicator accurate and easy to track at a glance.

Pods and Filling System

The Caliburn A3 uses A3 pods with built-in 1.0 ohm mesh coils. These are not replaceable coils — once the pod is done, you replace the whole unit. While some may prefer replaceable coils, I found the closed pod system kept things simple and clean.

Filling is classic Caliburn top-fill. You snap off the mouthpiece and squeeze e-liquid into the red-marked port. The fill hole is large enough for 10 ml bottles and I never had issues with leaking. Each pod holds 2 ml of e-liquid, standard for UK TPD regulations.

The magnetic fit was strong and pods clicked in securely every time. No wobble, no looseness.

Flavour and Vapour Performance

The 1.0 ohm mesh pods impressed me. They produced flavour that was clean, bright, and true to the liquid I was using. Fruity liquids popped nicely, desserts carried depth, and menthols came through crisp. Vapour production was modest, perfect for mouth-to-lung use without filling a room with clouds.

I ran around 15 ml through my first pod before noticing any drop in flavour quality. For a built-in coil pod, that felt very reasonable.

The draw is slightly tighter than the G2 or GK2, leaning more towards a cigarette-like pull. This makes it very suitable for new switchers or anyone who prefers a true MTL experience.

Ease of Use

What stood out most to me about the A3 was just how easy it was to live with. Auto-draw activation was instant and never misfired. The fire button gave me the option to click if I wanted, but I mostly stuck with auto-draw.

With only one pod resistance available, there is no need to worry about coil swaps or wattage ranges. You simply fill the pod, wait a few minutes for saturation, and vape. That is it.

The slim body also made it discreet. I used it in public without drawing much attention, and the lack of bright lights or flashy panels gave it a mature, understated appeal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Slim and lightweight stick design
• Very easy to use, perfect for beginners
• Excellent flavour from 1.0 ohm mesh pods
• Quick 15-minute USB-C charging
• Top-fill pod system is simple and mess-free
• Discreet and pocket-friendly

Cons

• 520 mAh battery may not last heavy users all day
• Pods are disposable rather than coil-replaceable
• Only one resistance option limits flexibility
• Juice window could be a little larger

Daily Experience

For the week I carried the A3, it became my grab-and-go device. I used it on commutes, coffee breaks, and evenings out. Its slim profile meant it slipped into a shirt pocket unnoticed, and the fast charging meant I never worried about downtime.

The flavour was consistently satisfying and the draw smooth. The lack of options might put off hobbyist vapers who enjoy adjusting airflow or swapping coils, but for me it was refreshing to have a device that just worked without fuss.

A3 vs Other Caliburn Devices

Compared to the GK2, the A3 is stripped back. The GK2 has adjustable airflow, replaceable coils, and flashy LEDs, but it is bulkier and requires a little more attention. The A3 is simpler, slimmer, and more discreet.

Against the Caliburn G2, the A3 loses some versatility but gains portability and fast charging. The G2 is for those who want customisation, while the A3 is for those who want reliability without complication.

It also feels closer in spirit to the original Caliburn, which built its reputation on being the ultimate beginner pod kit.

Value for Money

Considering its build quality and performance, the A3 feels fairly priced. Replacement pods are affordable and easy to find. While you do need to replace the entire pod rather than just the coil, I found each pod lasted long enough to justify the cost.

For someone looking for a daily carry or a beginner’s first vape, the value is strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an A3 pod last?
I averaged about 15 ml of e-liquid before flavour dropped, which equated to several days of regular use.

Can I adjust the airflow?
No, the A3 has a fixed airflow designed for a true MTL draw.

How fast does it charge?
Full charge from empty took me around 15 minutes with a USB-C cable.

Is it beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. With only one pod option and no settings to adjust, it is very simple to use.

Final Verdict

The Uwell Caliburn A3 strips things back to basics in the best way possible. It is slim, discreet, fast-charging, and produces excellent flavour from its 1.0 ohm mesh pods. The device does not try to do too much. Instead, it focuses on being a reliable everyday pod kit that works consistently and without fuss.

It will not suit everyone. Heavy vapers may find the 520 mAh battery too small, and hobbyists may miss the variety of coils or airflow options. But for anyone looking for a pocket-sized vape that is easy to live with, the A3 is an outstanding choice.

For new switchers, it is as beginner-friendly as they come. For experienced vapers, it is a dependable backup or stealth kit. In my time using it, the Caliburn A3 reminded me why the Caliburn line became iconic in the first place, it just works.

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