VOOPOO ARGUS G3 Review: A New Era for ARGUS Pods

Almost exactly one year after our G2 review was published, we are looking at the new and improved VOOPOO ARGUS G3! So, what’s different in this version? The most noticeable changes are the design (less flashy, more refined), increased battery capacity, upgraded menu, and the removal of button firing (draw-activated only).

I get it; maybe none of these upgrades sound that appealing. We’ve seen similar designs and features in pod vapes before, so what makes this one special?

The real innovation is happening below the surface. The ARGUS G3 introduces the new iCOSM Code 2.0 pod series (previous ARGUS pods are compatible). VOOPOO claims this technology provides enhanced flavor, more efficient wicking, reduced leakage, and extended coil life.

Do these pods live up to these lofty claims? Keep reading.

• Price: $23.99 (from Vape Sourcing)
• Colors: Midnight Black, Space Gray, Aurora Blue, Aurora Purple, Snow Blue, Pearl White, Moss Green, Diamond Pink, Diamond White

The VOOPOO ARGUS G3 may lack the premium feel of a Caliburn G3 Pro or the durability of a Geekvape Aegis Hero Q, but it’s a solid device made with quality components. VOOPOO’s build quality is usually reliable with few complaints. However, the buttons are an exception. They are loose and prone to rattling. But this is a minor inconvenience.

The panels on my two devices look great, but the Midnight Black version is particularly striking. The front isn’t just plain black; it has a subtle ‘smoky’ wave reminiscent of the sheen on silk sheets. It feels sophisticated and restrained—I really like it. Nevertheless, I don’t like the glossy accents; they may look pretty in photos, but they attract fingerprints easily.

The 0.96-inch color screen was one of the biggest highlights of the G2, and it remains on the new G3. It’s a beautiful display that can compete with some of the best pod vapes on the market. The size hasn’t changed, but it’s enhanced with new themes and animations, allowing for some customization. One unique design choice is the flashy bezel, reminiscent of a luxury wristwatch. This style may be controversial for some users, but I’m neutral.

As if stealing a page from OXVA’s playbook, VOOPOO includes a quick start guide on the very front of the G3 package. Not ‘stealing’ in a negative sense—I WANT this to become the standard. It makes learning how to operate the device quick and easy, benefiting users of all experience levels.

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Click once to wake the screen
• Click twice to change themes (long press to confirm selection)
• Click three times to enter wattage adjustment mode
• Click five times for the menu (power on/off, clear puff counter, lock/unlock)
• Long press to enter stealth mode

The new iCOSM 2.0 pods work exactly the same as the previous ‘top-fill’ versions (actually filled from the side). You don’t need to remove the pod from the device; just lift the rubber tab and fill. Unfortunately, the large coil housing creates two chambers inside the pod, making rapid filling impossible. Squeeze, let the air bubble escape, repeat—that’s the process, and it requires patience.

One useful feature is that after inserting a pod, a temporary display shows the resistance and recommended wattage range. Also, the chip prevents exceeding the pod’s power limit:

• 0.4-ohm pod range: 5-18 watts (recommended: 14-18 watts)
• 0.7-ohm pod range: 5-30 watts (recommended: 18-30 watts)

Finally, you can adjust the desired restriction using the airflow control slider on the side of the device. This makes it more suitable for MTL users than many pods, a nice change of pace. Even half-open provides a decent MTL draw; however, fully opening the slider also allows for RDL.

As mentioned earlier, the included pods utilize VOOPOO’s new iCOSM Code 2.0 technology. I don’t plan to invest much time in the details, but essentially, it consists of a large mesh coil, a dual-layer wick (‘Golden Cotton’ and ‘Mega Core’), and a copper e-liquid shield. As I understand it, the idea is to enhance flavor, regulate wicking speed, and extend the life of the coil and cotton.

I find the Golden Cotton (aerospace-grade) the most interesting. Compared to traditional cotton, VOOPOO claims it is 3x denser, has 300% longer lifespan, and offers 73% higher heat resistance. Of course, such bold claims are common in the pod game, but proof is in the pudding. So, how do these pods perform?

Another significant upgrade is the 1500 mAh battery. It’s 1.5 times larger than the original, but the dimensions are virtually the same. Even more impressive is that the ARGUS G3 takes only 38 minutes to fully charge, matching some of the best devices I’ve tested. Interestingly, VOOPOO claims it takes 45 minutes, so this is a rare case of a manufacturer underestimating their product’s capability.

In contrast, I get the impression that the battery capacity is somewhat overestimated. I’m getting about 6.5-7 mL per charge, which is slightly less than I’m used to from 1500 mAh. However, some coils consume e-liquid faster than others, so it’s not fair to make an estimate.