OXVA Artio 2 Review: A Real Cigarette Alternative?

Product intro and specs

Since the inception of nicotine vaping, the elusive goal has been to create a device that perfectly mimics cigarette smoking. Many companies have tried and failed in this pursuit, leaving HnB products as the combustion-free kings of authentic tobacco flavor. But the scales may be balancing with the release of the OXVA Artio 2, a prefilled pod vape dubbed as the “real cigarette alternative.”

While it may be reasonable to assume this is a standard vape with generic tobacco flavors, it’s anything but. Some curious innovations are happening here. In addition to realistic liquid tobacco blends, it uses a unique coil design and an intelligent control engine with e-liquid control. OXVA clearly invested considerable thought, design, and testing in this technology.

There’s a lot of potential here, but the proof is in the pudding. Is the Artio 2 a viable alternative to cigarettes, or did it miss the mark like so many others? The answer is complicated; keep reading to understand why.

Price: $17.99 (at VapeSourcing)

Flavors: Golden tobacco, blend tobacco, original tobacco, mint tobacco, double apple shisha 

Colors: Pearly white, beige leather, gray leather, black leather, rose pink, night blue, desert brown, dark forest 

Size, look, and feel

OXVA’s manufacturing continues to make significant strides each year, and the Artio 2 is one of its most impressive outputs to date. The build quality is flawless! I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a pod vape before, but there is simply nothing to nitpick here.

The design is stunning. A smooth zinc-alloy chassis with a satin finish runs along the perimeter, accented by a recessed diamond pattern. The front and back panels are either faux leather or IML, both with subtle branding. Overall, the aesthetic is mature and stylish with understated confidence. The Artio 2 is the antagonist of “flashy,” and I love it for that.

And in case I haven’t gushed enough already, the size and hand feel are also phenomenal. The body is oval-shaped and narrower than most pod vapes, so it feels natural in the hand. It’s compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly. Of course, the battery and power capabilities are modest, so there is a trade-off here.

In short, OXVA hit a home run with the design. If this thing were compatible with XLIM pods, it might be my favorite device in the series.

Getting started

By design, the OXVA Artio 2 has zero learning curve. It’s a true plug-and-play vape kit, even simpler than most disposables. Insert a pod and inhale to vape; that’s really all there is to it.

The only feature is a three-stage battery indicator on the front of the device. As the battery drops, it shifts from green to blue to red.

How does it hit?

This is where things become equally intriguing and complicated. First, let me explain how the technology works.

All four of these components work together to recreate every aspect of the smoking experience. And in my opinion, it works well. Maybe too well.

The hit is markedly different from that of any traditional pod vape, feeling more like a blend of smoking and HnB. It has a comparable draw, distinct notes of ash and tobacco leaves, and a muffled crackle. My first reaction was, “This is wild! I hate it so much, but it’s also super impressive.” Please note that I’m not in the targeted market for this kit. I haven’t had a cigarette in over 11 years, and I don’t enjoy heated tobacco. OXVA may have successfully created an authentic tobacco experience, and some users will love it for that, but it’s not for me.

Subjectivity aside, I think the pods require some revisions. First, I get frequent dry hits. Admittedly, my technique may be part of the problem. I use it like a pod vape, taking multiple puffs in succession, whereas most smokers likely puff once every 30 seconds. Regardless, the e-liquid’s viscosity may be the cause. It appears to be a higher-VG blend, which would impact wicking.

My other issue is that the vape is very cool, and the throat hit is extremely mild. This is one of the few aspects that differ drastically from cigarettes. Ideally, the throat hit should lean toward harshness rather than smoothness.

OXVA Artio 2 best flavors

I vape tobacco flavors daily, but these are a much different breed. Most tobacco e-liquids highlight the nuanced aroma of the cured leaves; in other words, they taste the way fresh tobacco smells. In contrast, the Artio 2 pods taste like real tobacco that’s been burning (or toasting). It’s undeniably fascinating, but also off-putting for someone like me.

With that in mind, determining the “best flavors” was challenging, but I tried to remain objective.

Golden Tobacco: This was the most palatable tobacco flavor to me, probably because I used to smoke a golden tobacco RYO blend. It’s described as “smooth and rich with notes of caramel and popcorn,” and that seems accurate. It has slightly sweet undertones, and the tobacco and ash are milder than the other options. 

Double Apple Shisha: Although I wasn’t particularly fond of this flavor, it was a welcome departure from the tobacco varieties. It’s unlike any apple flavor I’ve ever vaped. The apple is very mild (zero tartness; minimal sweetness), and it’s paired with damp, woody notes. For some reason, it conjures images of applesauce grilled on a wood plank. Believe me, I know how weird that sounds! 

Original tobacco: Overall, this might be one of the most appealing options for smokers. To me, it seems to mimic the flavor of a combusted cigarette more than any of the others. It’s rich and bold with dark flavor notes, and it’s very heavy on the ash component. 

How long does it last?

The battery in the OXVA Artio 2 is only 900 mAh, so it’s certainly not breaking any records in this department. I don’t consider that a con, though, as it’s perfectly suited for this style of kit. The battery lasts through almost exactly one pod (roughly 1.9 mL), eliminating the need to check the e-liquid level. If the battery is low, the e-liquid is low (assuming it wasn’t partially charged at some point).

In real-world use, I expect a full pod (and battery) to last most users for two days, or maybe a day for heavy smokers. OXVA states that each pod is approximately equivalent to 35 cigarettes. I have no way to confirm that, but it might help some estimate their usage.

A full charge takes about 38 minutes at an average rate of 1.1 amps. That’s not lightning-fast, but it’s acceptable given the price point. Plus, it supports pass-through vaping, so there’s never any real downtime.

Pros / Cons

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Verdict

This was the most challenging review I’ve ever written. I was required to set aside my personal preferences and evaluate the Artio 2 objectively and empathetically. From a smoker’s perspective, I see considerable value in this kit. The degree to which it replicates cigarette-smoking is uncanny. The flavors, the draw, the simplicity—it all coalesces into a familiar experience that should be endearing to some.

Additionally, it’s an expertly crafted device that feels substantial and mature. And that’s exactly what this market needs: products that demand to be taken seriously. Well done, OXVA. Whoever designed this device deserves a raise.

My only reason for deducting points is that the pods need fine-tuning. The throat hit is lacking, and dry hits are frequent. These are significant disadvantages that could ruin the entire experience for many users. I’d also like to see a better variety of flavors. Not everyone will enjoy vaping cigarette-flavored liquid, and others might want to distance themselves from tobacco entirely. Everyone’s journey is different, so it’s best to offer consumers a range of options to explore.

Still, I’m convinced that the OXVA Artio 2 has the potential to be an excellent alternative for many smokers. All the pieces are in place; there are just a few wrinkles to iron out.

Tentative recommendation for smokers and HnB users; not recommended for most vapers.

OXVA Artio 2

4

Buy now

The OXVA Artio 2 is a prefilled pod vape engineered for smokers. The pods contain exclusive liquid tobacco blends, paired with an innovative “nest mesh” coil, and a liquid control system for a convincingly cigarette-like experience. It features a 900 mAh battery and 2 mL pods with 8 mg or 18 mg of nicotine.

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