Choosing the right vape may seem like a huge undertaking, particularly when there are too many choices in the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced vaper, it is significant to find the balance between the design, power, and simplicity. That’s where SMOK’s NOVO series comes in. Known for compact, stylish, and user-friendly devices, this series has become a favourite across the vaping world.
In this review, we’ll focus on two standout models — the Novo 2C and the Novo 5. Both are different experiences, with one being simple and affordable and the other being full of features and power.
By the end of it, you will have a better idea of which one of them suits you best. Ready to jump in and get your ideal match.
Overview of the SMOK NOVO Series
SMOK has been producing vapes for years, and its NOVO series has evolved from simple beginnings to more advanced designs. With each new model, the brand has introduced fresh features and improvements.
The NOVO journey started with a basic design that formed the basis. A more powerful battery was introduced by the NOVO 2, and the NOVO 2C perfected the experience. New features came with the NOVO 3, and an adjustable airflow came with the NOVO 4. The NOVO 5 is the continuation of the legacy today with even greater power.
Each upgrade made the vapes work better. They got longer battery life, better designs, smoother airflow, and stronger performance. The brand kept listening to what vapers wanted and made changes.
Today, we are talking about two outstanding models, the Novo 2C and the Novo 5. These two show how far SMOK has come. One is simple and reliable. The other is packed with features. Let’s see how they compare.
SMOK Novo 2C Pod Kit Review
The SNOK Novo 2C is all about simplicity, portability, and ease of use. It’s designed for vapers who want something lightweight yet reliable.
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Design & Build Quality
The Novo 2C looks clean and simple. It is compact to carry in your pocket. The gadget is only 35 grams (you will not even feel it), so you will not be aware of its presence. The reason why SMOK is made of zinc alloy is that it can be used daily without breaking.
The design is smooth with no sharp edges. It feels good in your hand. On the front is the LED indicating the remaining battery. Green is full, orange is half, and red is time to charge.
The device comes in many colours. You can pick black, silver, grey, rose gold, orange, or pale green. There’s something for everyone’s style.
The charging port is on the side. It uses Type-C, which charges faster than older ports. The pod sits on top and clicks in place nicely. It feels secure and won’t fall out easily.
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Performance & Features
The Novo 2C has an 800mAh battery. This gives you about a full day of vaping before you need to charge. The battery puts out 3.6 volts, which gives good flavour and vapour.
The pods hold 2ml of e-liquid. Most people can get away with that. The pods are clear, which means that you can see the remaining liquid. You fill them at the top, and this is easy and clean.
The device is draw-activated. This means you just inhale to vape. There are no buttons to press. This is ideal because it is easy to use and simple.
The Novo 2C works with pods from other NOVO models, too. You can use pods from the original NOVO, NOVO 2, and NOVO 2X. This gives you more coil options to choose from.
Safety features include short circuit protection and an 8-second cutoff. If something goes wrong, the device will protect itself and you.
Pros
- Very light and pocket-friendly
- Simple to use with no buttons
- Good battery life for the size
- Works with other NOVO pods
- Fast Type-C charging
- Strong build quality
- Multiple colour options
Cons
- No adjustable airflow
- No screen display
- The battery could be bigger
- Limited power output
SMOK Novo 5 Pod Kit Review
The Novo 5 takes things up a notch with more power, adjustable features, and a modern screen display. It’s ideal for those who want extra control over their vaping.
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Design & Build Quality
Novo 5 is larger than the 2C, but it remains portable. It has additional features; therefore, it requires additional space. The build quality is excellent with a solid zinc-alloy body.
The most noticeable disparity is the screen. Novo 5 has an easy-to-view 0.69-inch display with battery power, wattage, and voltage. This gives you much more control over your vaping.
Below the screen are a power button and wattage adjustment buttons. The airflow ring around the top lets you adjust how tight or loose the draw feels. The Type-C charging port is on the bottom.
The Novo 5 comes in eye-catching designs. You can get silver red cobra, green blue cobra, rasta green cobra, and other cool patterns. These designs make the device stand out.
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Performance & Features
The Novo 5 packs a 900mAh battery. That’s bigger than the 2C’s 800mAh. This means longer vaping time between charges. The device can put out up to 30 watts of power, which is much more than the 2C.
The pods still hold 2ml of e-liquid. They use 0.7-ohm mesh coils that give great flavour and vapor production. The higher power really makes the flavors pop.
You can adjust the wattage from low to high. This lets you customize your vaping experience. Want more vapor? Turn it up. Want to save battery? Turn it down.
The airflow ring has multiple settings. You can make the draw tight like a cigarette or loose like a hookah. This gives you even more control.
The device works both ways. You can use the power button or just draw to activate it. This gives you options based on how you like to vape.
Pros
- A bigger battery lasts longer
- Much more power (30W)
- Clear screen shows everything
- Adjustable wattage and airflow
- Great flavor and vapor
- Works with a button or a drawer
- Cool design options
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than 2C
- More complex for beginners
- Uses more battery at high power
- Costs more than 2C
Side-by-Side Comparison: Novo 2C vs Novo 5
Now that we’ve seen each device individually, let’s put them side by side. This will help you decide which one matches your vaping needs best.
Let’s compare these two devices directly:
| Feature | SMOK Novo 2C Pod Kit | SMOK Novo 5 30W Pod Kit |
| Product Link | SMOK Novo 2C Pod Kit – EightVape | SMOK Novo 5 30W Pod Kit – EightVape |
| Size & Weight | Smaller, lightweight (35g). Very pocket-friendly. | Bigger and slightly heavier, but still portable. |
| Battery Capacity | 800mAh | 900mAh |
| Real-World Battery Life | Efficient power use, so life feels close to Novo 5. | Longer capacity, but drains faster with higher wattage. |
| Power Output | Lower wattage, designed for smooth MTL or light RDL vaping. | Up to 30W – ideal for stronger flavor and bigger clouds. |
| Ease of Use | Simple draw-activated system, no buttons/settings. | Button-operated, adjustable wattage, and airflow control. |
| Features | Basic and beginner-friendly. | OLED screen, wattage control, airflow adjustment, and more customization. |
| Pod Compatibility | Works with Novo, Novo 2, Novo 2X, and Novo 2C pods. (Broader compatibility) | Uses Novo 5-specific pods only. |
| Price (EightVape) | Around $11.88 | Around $20.88 |
| Best For | Beginners, casual users, and those who want a simple, portable, affordable vape. | Experienced vapers who prefer customisation, stronger performance, and bigger vapour production. |
Which SMOK NOVO Pod Kit Should You Buy?
In the end, the choice comes down to your preferences. Do you value simplicity and cost-efficiency, or do you prefer advanced features and greater power?
Let’s break it down.
Choose the Novo 2C if you.
- Want something simple and easy.
- Are new to vaping
- Want to spend less money
- Like smaller, lighter devices
- Don’t need lots of features
- Want all-day battery life
Choose the Novo 5 if you
- Want more power and vapour
- Like adjusting settings
- Want the latest features
- Don’t mind spending more
- Want the best flavour possible
- Like having a screen display
Both devices are well-made and reliable. Your choice depends on what matters most to you. Simple and cheap, or feature-packed and powerful.
FAQs
SMOK NOVO series Review: which is best to buy?
It depends on what you need. The Novo 2C is great for beginners who want something simple. The Novo 5 is better for people who want more features and power. Both are good choices in their own way.
Which SMOK NOVO Pod Kit stands out?
The Novo 5 stands out for its features. It has a screen, adjustable power, and great performance. But the Novo 2C stands out for being simple and reliable. Each stands out in different ways.
Do Novo 2C and Novo 5 use the same pods?
No, they use different pods. The Novo 2C works with older NOVO pods from different models. The Novo 5 prefers its own special pods with 0.7-ohm coils.
Which pod kit is better for beginners?
The Novo 2C is better for beginners. It has no buttons or settings to worry about. You just fill it up and start vaping. Novo 5 has additional features that can be confusing to new vapers.
How long does the battery last?
The regular use of the Novo 2C battery lasts approximately one day. The Novo 5 battery has a little more duration due to being larger. However, when you have high power settings on the Novo 5, then it may not stay as long as the 2C.
Conclusion
Both the SMOK Novo 2C and Novo 5 are solid choices from the same trusted brand. The Novo 2C delivers reliable, hassle-free vaping at an affordable price, while the Novo 5 offers advanced features and higher performance for those willing to invest a bit more.
Consider what is most important to you. Both devices portray the skills of SMOK and the consistent development of the NOVO series over the years. You can either opt to purchase a simple Novo 2C or the more advanced Novo 5, but in either case, you are getting a smaller gadget supported by years of technology and experience.
The choice is yours. Both devices will provide you with a tremendous vaping experience. All you need to do is choose the one that suits you best in style and budget.
Ready to upgrade your vape game? Whether you choose the affordable Novo 2C or the feature-packed Novo 5, you can’t go wrong.
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