The Uwell Caliburn G4 quickly became one of the most popular refillable pod vape kits in the UK thanks to its excellent flavour performance, compact design, and reliable everyday usability. However, the newer Uwell Caliburn G5 introduces several meaningful upgrades focused on pod longevity, flavour consistency, battery life, and overall user experience.
For existing Caliburn G4 users, the big question is simple — is the Uwell Caliburn G5 actually worth upgrading to, or is the G4 still the better value option?
In this guide, we compare the Uwell Caliburn G5 vs Caliburn G4 to break down the real-world differences in performance, flavour quality, battery life, pod technology, airflow, and long-term vaping experience.
Quick Comparison – Caliburn G5 vs Caliburn G4
| Feature | Uwell Caliburn G4 | Uwell Caliburn G5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1300mAh | 1600mAh |
| Max Output | 35W | 35W |
| Pod Compatibility | GPP Pods & GPP Alpha Pods | GPP Pods & GPP Alpha Pods |
| Display | Smart Display | Touchscreen-Style Interface |
| Vaping Styles | MTL & RDL | MTL & RDL |
| Airflow | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Charging | USB-C Fast Charging | USB-C Fast Charging |
| Pod Lifespan | Very Good | Improved Long-Term Performance |
| Flavour Stability | Excellent | Enhanced Consistency |
| Leak Resistance | Strong | Improved Airtightness |
| Best For | Everyday Pod Vaping | Premium Long-Term Performance |
Design & Form Factor
Both the Uwell Caliburn G4 and Caliburn G5 feature lightweight aluminium alloy construction with slim, pocket-friendly designs built for everyday vaping.
The Caliburn G4 already feels premium in hand, offering:
- Compact portability
- Lightweight construction
- Simple controls
- Comfortable grip
- Easy everyday usability
For many users, it remains one of the best refillable pod vape kits currently available.
The newer Caliburn G5 refines the overall design further with:
- A more immersive touchscreen-style interface
- Updated premium finishes
- Improved display responsiveness
- More refined controls
- Better long-term usability
While both devices remain compact and easy to carry, the G5 feels slightly more modern and premium overall.
Performance & Flavour – The Biggest Difference
This is where the biggest real-world improvements begin to show.
The Caliburn G4 already delivers excellent flavour performance using the CALIBURN GPP Pods. Combined with PRO-FOCS flavour technology and mesh coil pod design, the G4 performs exceptionally well with:
- Nicotine salts
- 50VG/50PG e-liquids
- Tight MTL vaping
- Loose MTL vaping
- Restricted Direct Lung vaping
Both the Uwell Caliburn G4 and Caliburn G5 are compatible with standard CALIBURN GPP Pods and the newer CALIBURN GPP Alpha Pods. However, the G5 is more heavily positioned around the upgraded Alpha pod platform and its long-term performance improvements.
The GPP Alpha Pods introduce:
- AlphaCore longevity technology
- Improved flavour stability
- Longer pod lifespan
- Better airtightness
- Reduced flavour fade
- Smoother vapour production
- Improved long-term consistency
Uwell states that the upgraded GPP Alpha Pods can support approximately 50ml of e-liquid usage or around 17+ refills under normal conditions before replacement may be required.
Compared to the original GPP Pods, the upgraded Alpha platform focuses more heavily on:
- Pod longevity
- Long-term flavour consistency
- Reduced dull vapour
- Better nic salt performance
- Fewer pod replacements
- Lower long-term running costs
For users who vape heavily throughout the day, combining the GPP Alpha Pod platform with the larger 1600mAh battery and refined interface of the Caliburn G5 creates a noticeably more premium long-term vaping experience.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the most noticeable upgrades introduced with the Caliburn G5 is battery capacity.
Uwell Caliburn G4
- 1300mAh built-in battery
Uwell Caliburn G5
- 1600mAh built-in battery
That additional battery capacity makes a noticeable difference during real-world use, particularly for:
- Heavy nicotine salt users
- Frequent all-day vaping
- Higher wattage RDL vaping
- Users switching from disposable vapes
The G5 is designed to last longer between charges while maintaining a more stable output throughout the day.
Both devices still support USB-C fast charging, helping reduce downtime between sessions.
Airflow & Vaping Experience
Both the Caliburn G4 and G5 support:
- Tight MTL vaping
- Loose MTL vaping
- Restricted Direct Lung vaping
The adjustable airflow systems on both devices allow users to fine-tune the inhale depending on personal preference.
Whether you prefer:
- A tighter cigarette-style draw
- Smooth nicotine salt vaping
- Slightly airier vapour production
- Warmer RDL performance
Both devices perform extremely well.
However, the G5 airflow feels slightly smoother and more refined overall due to improvements in pod structure, airflow optimisation, and the upgraded GPP Alpha Pod platform.
Which Device Is Better for Nicotine Salts?
Both devices are excellent pod vape kits for nicotine salts and 50VG/50PG e-liquids.
However, the G5 offers several advantages for regular nic salt users:
- Longer battery life
- Improved flavour consistency
- Better pod longevity
- Reduced flavour fade
- Fewer pod replacements
- Cleaner airflow
- More stable long-term performance
That said, the G4 still remains one of the strongest refillable pod vape kits available for users who want:
- Simplicity
- Excellent flavour
- Compact size
- Reliable daily performance
- Outstanding value for money
Which Device Is Better for Disposable Vape Users?
For users moving away from disposable vapes, both the Caliburn G4 and Caliburn G5 are excellent upgrade choices.
The Caliburn G4 is ideal for:
- Simplicity
- Easy setup
- Compact everyday use
- Affordable long-term vaping
The Caliburn G5 is better suited for users who want:
- Longer battery life
- More premium features
- Better pod longevity
- Improved flavour consistency
- Enhanced touchscreen-style controls
- Fewer pod replacements
- A more advanced refillable pod vape experience
If you are moving away from disposable vapes and want the most future-proof option, the G5 is the stronger long-term choice.
So, Is the Caliburn G5 Worth the Upgrade?
For many users, yes.
The Uwell Caliburn G4 remains an excellent refillable pod vape kit and still competes very strongly against most pod systems currently available.
However, the Caliburn G5 introduces several meaningful upgrades rather than simply cosmetic changes.
The biggest improvements include:
- Larger 1600mAh battery
- Improved pod longevity
- Better flavour stability
- Reduced flavour fade
- Enhanced airflow smoothness
- More refined touchscreen-style interface
- Better long-term performance overall
If you already own the G4 and are happy with its performance, there is no urgent need to upgrade immediately.
But if you prioritise:
- Longer battery life
- Better flavour retention
- Fewer pod replacements
- More consistent vaping performance
- A more premium user experience
Then the Caliburn G5 is clearly the more advanced device.
Final Verdict
The Uwell Caliburn G4 is still one of the best refillable pod vape kits available in the UK, offering excellent flavour, strong airflow performance, and outstanding value for money.
However, the newer Uwell Caliburn G5 improves several important areas that directly impact long-term vaping performance.
Choose the Caliburn G4 if you want:
- A more affordable refillable pod kit
- Simple everyday vaping
- Strong flavour performance
- Compact portability
- Excellent value for money
Choose the Caliburn G5 if you want:
- Longer battery life
- Better pod longevity
- Improved flavour consistency
- Reduced flavour fade
- More premium touchscreen-style controls
- The most advanced CALIBURN pod vape experience currently available
Both devices are excellent choices, but for users seeking the strongest long-term performance and the latest pod technology, the Uwell Caliburn G5 is the clear upgrade.