Uwell Caliburn AK2 vs. Caliburn A3: Which Is Best & Why…

When I got my hands on both the Uwell Caliburn AK2 and Caliburn A3, I was curious to see how they stacked up against each other.

On paper, they seem like two solid pod vapes aimed at the same type of user. But as soon as I unboxed them, some key differences started to stand out.

The Caliburn AK2 is tiny, square-shaped, and ridiculously lightweight—it feels like it could disappear in your pocket.

The lanyard attachment also makes it clear that Uwell designed this one for on-the-go, no-fuss vaping.

In contrast, the Caliburn A3 has a sleeker, pen-style build that feels more refined in the hand, with a sturdy aluminum body and a clicky fire button that gives you more control over your vape.

When I actually used them, the differences became even clearer.

The AK2 hits a little harder (15W vs. A3’s 16W max) and has that signature Uwell Caliburn auto-draw feel, while the A3 is smoother, more refined, and charges insanely fast—literally 15 minutes to full.

The AK2 is a pure auto-draw device, while the A3 gives you the option of pressing a button or just inhaling—which is nice if you like that extra bit of control.

So, which one is actually better? That depends on what kind of vaper you are.

If you want tiny, lightweight, and simple, the AK2 is still a fantastic option.

But if you need fast charging, better pod design, and more versatility, the A3 edges it out as the winner.

Let’s break it down in more detail.

Quick Comparison:

Caliburn AK2: The Pocket-Friendly Powerhouse

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When I first picked up the Uwell Caliburn AK2, my immediate thought was, “Wow, this thing is tiny.”

It’s ultra-lightweight, barely bigger than a Zippo lighter, and with the included lanyard attachment, it’s clear this pod vape was built for convenience and portability.

It practically disappears in your pocket, and if you’re the kind of vaper who likes to carry a device around all day without even noticing it’s there, the AK2 is perfect.

Once I filled it up with some 50/50 nic salt juice, I took my first hit—and that’s when I remembered why Uwell’s Caliburn series is so well-loved.

The flavor is crisp, clean, and consistent, and despite its size, the 15W output gives a surprisingly punchy hit.

There’s no button to press—just inhale, and you’re vaping.

No settings, no adjustments—real, simple stuff.

The top-fill design is a welcome touch, making refills super easy, and the juice window ensures you never run dry unexpectedly.

Battery-wise, it charges to 90% in just 35 minutes, which is solid but not as fast as the A3’s 15-minute full charge.

That’s probably the AK2’s biggest drawback—the charging speed is good, but not great.

But for what it is—a compact, no-fuss, high-flavor pod vape—the Caliburn AK2 absolutely delivers.

If you’re after something ultra-portable, simple, and reliable, this might just be your new favorite daily driver.

I still much prefer the Vaporesso XROS 4 Nano; it’s coils and flavor are better, lasting around 3x longer. But this is a very solid outing for UWELL nonetheless.

Pros:

• ✅ Super Compact & Lightweight – One of the most portable pod systems available.
• ✅ 15W Output for Stronger Hits – Slightly more power than the A3’s base level.
• ✅ Simple, Auto-Draw Activation – No buttons, no fuss—just inhale and vape.
• ✅ Great for Nic Salts & 50/50 E-Liquids – Ideal for a smooth, flavorful MTL (mouth-to-lung) experience.
• ✅ Top-Fill Design with Visible Juice Window – You’ll always know when you’re running low.
• ✅ Charges to 90% in ~35 minutes – Faster than previously thought.
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Cons:

• ❌ Not as Fast-Charging as A3 – While 35 minutes to 90% is solid, the A3 fully charges in just 15 minutes.
• ❌ No Button Activation – If you like pressing a button to fire, this isn’t the device for you.
• ❌ Limited Pod Compatibility – Officially compatible only with Caliburn A2 pods (not A3).

Who Should Buy the Caliburn AK2?

If you want a small, ultra-portable vape that’s easy to use and hits slightly harder, the AK2 is a great choice.

Perfect for light-to-moderate vapers who don’t need rapid charging.

Caliburn A3: The Next-Gen Upgrade

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The Uwell Caliburn A3 immediately feels like a step up from the AK2 the moment you pick it up.

It’s sleek, slightly larger, and more refined, with a stick-style aluminum body that feels great in the hand.

Unlike the AK2’s square, ultra-lightweight build, the A3 has a bit more weight to it, making it feel more premium and sturdy.

The biggest improvement? Faster charging and dual activation.

The A3 fully charges in just 15 minutes, which is insanely fast compared to the AK2’s 35-minute charge to 90%.

If you’re someone who hates waiting for their vape to charge, this is a game-changer.

Plus, with both button-activated and auto-draw firing, you get the best of both worlds. Want a more controlled hit? Press the button.

Prefer a hands-free experience? Just inhale.

The 16W max output delivers a smooth, flavorful draw, and Uwell’s Pro-FOCS technology ensures you get consistent taste from start to finish.

The new pod design is also an improvement, reducing leaks and offering two resistance options (0.8Ω & 1.0Ω), so you can customize your draw a bit more.

While it’s missing the AK2’s lanyard feature, the A3 feels like the more modern, refined version of the Caliburn lineup.

If you want a fast-charging, leak-resistant, and versatile pod vape with dual activation, the Caliburn A3 is hands-down the better choice.

Pros:

• ✅ Fast Charging (15 Minutes!) – Way faster than the AK2 and perfect for heavy users.
• ✅ Dual Activation (Button + Auto-Draw) – Choose between pressing a button or just inhaling.
• ✅ Button Lock Feature – Prevent accidental pocket firing by locking the fire button.
• ✅ More Leak-Resistant Design – Improved pod structure to reduce leaks.
• ✅ More Coil Options (0.8Ω & 1.0Ω) – Gives more flexibility in draw resistance and vapor production.
• ✅ Smooth, More Consistent Draw – The improved coil design ensures better performance.
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Cons:

• ❌ Slightly Different Draw Feel – The 0.8Ω and 1.0Ω coils provide a smoother, more refined experience but may not feel as punchy as the AK2’s 15W output.
• ❌ No Lanyard Option – Unlike the AK2, there’s no lanyard included for easy carrying.
• ❌ Not Compatible with AK2 Pods – Uses Caliburn A3-specific pods (no official confirmation of cross-compatibility with A2).

Who Should Buy the Caliburn A3?

If you want faster charging, dual activation, and a more modern vaping experience, the A3 is the better choice.

It’s ideal for frequent vapers who hate waiting for a recharge.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Go with the Caliburn AK2 if…

• ✅ You want a tiny, lightweight vape that fits in any pocket.
• ✅ You don’t care about button activation and just want auto-draw simplicity.
• ✅ You like the lanyard feature for easy carrying.
• ✅ You prefer a slightly stronger hit from the 15W output.

Go with the Caliburn A3 if…

• ✅ You hate waiting for your vape to charge – 15-minute full charge is a game-changer.
• ✅ You like the option to use a button or just inhale.
• ✅ You want a smoother, more refined draw with leak-resistant pods.
• ✅ You need more flexibility with 0.8Ω and 1.0Ω coil options.

Our Recommendation:

For most vapers, the Caliburn A3 is the better option because of its fast charging, improved pod design, and dual activation.

But if you love ultra-compact vapes and prefer a slightly stronger hit, the Caliburn AK2 remains a solid pick.

Need more options? Here’s my current pick of the best pod vapes you can buy right now.

Wrapping Up…

Both the Caliburn AK2 and A3 are excellent pod vapes, but they serve slightly different needs.

• If you want simplicity and portability, go with the AK2.
• If you want speed and versatility, the A3 is your best bet.