Reviews

Review of the VOOPOO Argus P1: Lightning-Fast Charging

Product intro and specs

The Argus P1, VOOPOO’s latest pod system, enters the scene as a straightforward MTL device. VOOPOO is well-known in the vaping community, having gained popularity with their DRAG mod. While they’ve had their ups and downs, they have also produced some impressive products, including the DRAG Baby Trio. With this in mind, I’m excited to see if the Argus P1 can live up to its predecessors.

In terms of design, the Argus P1 takes a square shape reminiscent of devices from the UWELL KOKO line and the original Mi-Pod. It keeps things simple without any fancy features or modes. The device houses an 800 mAh internal battery and comes with 2 mL capacity pods. These pods utilize replaceable built-in coils available in two resistances: 0.7 ohm and 1.2 ohm. It’s worth noting that VOOPOO also offers a version of the pod that accepts replaceable coils, but I didn’t receive it for this review and won’t be testing it.

Price: TBA
Colors: Black, green, red, silver.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 74.6 mm x 46.7 mm x 17.4 mm
  • Material: Zinc alloy/PC
  • Output power: 5-20 watts
  • Output voltage: 3.2-4.2 volts
  • Resistance: 0.5-3.0 ohm
  • Battery capacity: 800 mAh
  • Pod capacity: 2.0 mL
  • Pod material: PCTG
  • Resistance: 0.7/1.2 ohm

Kit contents

  • 1 x Argus pod device
  • 1 x Argus pod cartridge (0.7 ohm)
  • 1 x Argus pod cartridge (1.2 ohm)
  • 1 x User manual
  • 1 x Type-C cable
  • 1 x Lanyard

Build quality and design

The Argus P1 is a compact and square-shaped pod system that easily fits into your pocket. It follows the trend of recent square pods like the Freemax Galex Nano and the latest products in the KOKO line. The device features a metal plate covering the body, which adds a touch of elegance, and a clear casing that allows you to see the chip inside. Additionally, it comes with a metal hoop for attaching a lanyard, which is included in the kit. Despite its small size, the device feels sturdy and well-built, without any cheapness in its construction. It can withstand the everyday use of a pod vape.

Currently, there are five color options available for the Argus P1. I received the gunmetal edition, and to my surprise, the color refers to the entire body of the device, not just the plate. There are no buttons on the device as it relies on inhale-to-fire activation. The clear part of the body reveals four LEDs that indicate the battery charge level. These LEDs stay illuminated for a brief moment after you finish inhaling. Additionally, you can remove and reinsert the pod to check the battery level, which is a cool feature. Overall, the Argus P1 is a straightforward device with a touch of flair, thanks to its clear window and LED lights.

Getting started

The Argus P1 is a straightforward pod system that is ideal for beginners. It features a buttonless design without any on/off switches or complex settings, except for the airflow adjustment. To use the device, simply inhale when you want to vape and pocket it when you’re on the go. Filling the pod is a breeze. The pod is magnetic and can be easily inserted and removed without any tightness, thanks to the secure hold of the magnets. To remove the pod, just pull it out without any tricks or difficulties. When it’s time to refill, locate the black rubber plug on the side of the pod and pull it to reveal the fill hole. The resistance of the pod is conveniently printed on the plug for easy reference. The pod has a light tint, allowing for easy visibility of the juice level. Personally, I appreciate this functional approach and prefer clear pods for practicality. Overall, the usability of the Argus P1 is perfect for first-time vapers who want a simple and compact device that delivers a satisfying vaping experience throughout the day.

Performance

The performance of the coils is crucial in determining the quality of any pod device. In the case of the Argus P1, let’s see how its coils stack up against expectations.

Currently, there are two coil options available: a 1.2-ohm pod and a 0.7-ohm pod. The device comes with one of each, and the airflow setting can be adjusted to achieve anything from a tight MTL to a medium MTL draw. It’s worth noting that there is also a pod listed on the product page that accepts replaceable coils, but I did not receive this pod for review, so I cannot comment on its performance.

During testing, I used 50/50 20-24 mg nic salt juices with both pods. Starting with the 0.7-ohm pod, I was able to get around 12 mL of e-liquid through it before needing to replace the coil. This falls within the average range of 10-15 mL for similar devices. The flavor produced by this pod was excellent for a pod system. Moving on to the 1.2-ohm pod, I was able to achieve approximately 20 mL of e-liquid consumption, which exceeds the average for this category. The flavor from this pod was also at a similarly high level.

Personally, I preferred the 1.2-ohm pod, but both coils performed well. I recommend trying both options to determine which one suits your preferences best.

Battery life and charging

The battery life of the Argus P1 will depend on individual vaping habits, but overall, it appears to be quite sufficient for a device of this nature. It is equipped with an internal battery listed at 800 mAh, and it supports fast charging capabilities with a Type-C port located on the front of the device, allowing it to stand upright during charging.

During testing, I used a standard charger, which is the most common charger option for users. The battery charged at a maximum of 9V 1.46A, in line with the manufacturer’s rating. In terms of charge time, it took less than 30 minutes to reach a full charge, which is impressive. Compared to other pods that typically take 30-60 minutes to charge, the Argus P1’s fast charging feature is excellent.

In terms of battery capacity, I measured a usable 611 mAh. It’s worth noting that most devices are rated about 20% higher than their actual capacity due to factors like soft cell cut-off and the use of batteries rated higher than their actual capacity by manufacturers. In this case, the battery size falls around 24% lower than the listed rating. While the battery size itself is not a concern, I believe a more accurate rating of 700 mAh would have been preferable.

It’s worth mentioning that the device does not support passthrough vaping, which allows you to use the device while it’s charging. This is somewhat unusual in today’s market, and it’s likely due to the implementation of fast charging technology.

The LEDs on the inside act as a battery meter, and they did it perfectly:

  • Four LEDs: 76-100%
  • Three LEDs: 51-75%
  • Two LEDs: 26-50%
  • One LED: 0-25%

Pros / Cons

  • Great build quality
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Small and pocketable
  • Good flavor
  • Solid coil life
  • Super fast charging (under 30 minutes from dead to full)
  • Very beginner friendly
  • Easy to use and fill
  • Good battery life for a pod
  • Metal lanyard ring and lanyard included
  • See-through case is awesome
  • Great battery meter (four steps)
  • Clear pods
  •  easy to see juice level
  • Two pods included (one of each)
  • Can check battery level by popping pod in and out
  • No passthrough vaping
  • Overrated battery capacity (611 mAh)

Verdict

In summary, VOOPOO has created a fantastic device with the Argus P1 that can be seen as a worthy successor to the popular Mi-Pod and a strong competitor to UWELL’s KOKO line. Aside from the absence of passthrough functionality, I have no major complaints about this device. It offers a sleek and appealing design, solid construction, and durability. Although the battery is slightly overrated, the battery life is adequate for a device of this nature. Considering all these factors, the VOOPOO Argus P1 ticks all the right boxes in my opinion.

If you have had the opportunity to try the VOOPOO Argus P1 pod, we would love to hear about your experience with the device. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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