Smok Nord 4 Review

£21.99
8.6

Value for money

8.0/10

Build Quality

9.0/10

Vapour production

8.7/10

Battery Life

9.0/10

Looks and Feel

8.5/10

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Both DTL and MTL vaping
  • Open system
  • Excellent vapour
  • Air intake adjustment

Cons

  • Pretty heavy

Smok Nord 4 Review:

For new and experienced vapers, the Smok Nord 4 has standard and sub ohm options but is it the ideal vape?

The Smok Nord 4 at a Glance

The latest device from Smok is the classic compact pod shape we’ve come to expect from this popular brand. Like the original Smok Nord and newer versions like the Nord X, the Nord 4 works with a choice of 2 pods and 2 separate Nord-4 coils giving you the option to personalise your vape experience and switch between MTL and DTL inhalation. But is it better than our current vape pod best in category, the iQ One?

The Nord 4 builds on the features found on the previous Smok device (the Nord X) offering an even better vaping experience. New to this version is a powerful 2000mAh battery for longer lasting vaping, as well increased adjustable wattage up to 80W for impressive clouds of vapour. The latest model also features an air inlet on either side which can be rotated for adjustable airflow. The OLED screen indicates the battery level, current wattage and records your puff count.

What’s in the Nord 4 Kit?

  • Smok Nord 4 80W device
  • Nord 4 RPM 2 Pod Mesh 0.16 Ohm coil (pre-installed) 2ml
  • Nord 4 RPM Pod Mesh 0.4 Ohm Coil (pre-installed) 2ml
  • USB-C charging cable
  • User manual

The inclusion of 2 styles of pods and the coils to support them allows MTL or DTL vaping straight out the box.

Smok Nord 4 kit content

Official Smok Nord 4 retailer

A Closer Look at the Smok Nord 4Smok Nord Version 4 dimensions

  • Battery capacity: 2000mAh
  • Battery type: integrated
  • Dimensions: 33.7 x 24.4 x 104.9 mm
  • Weight: 115g
  • OLED screen
  • Output wattage: 5 – 80W
  • Output voltage: 0.5 – 4V
  • Charging current: 1.4A
  • Pods: 2 X 2.0ml, refillable. Compatible with RPM and RPM 2 coils 

The Smok Nord 4 is a stylish and neatly sized pod mod, perfect to slot into a pocket or bag and use discreetly. It’s smaller than most other sub-ohm tank kits making it comfortable to hold all day. The Nord 4 comes in a range of colours for those that prefer classic black or something more colourful. The crisp OLED screen makes it easy to change the wattage and see when you need to recharge.

With an impressive 80 Watts of power the Nord 4 allows you to create huge dense clouds or turn down the power for a more restricted cigarette-like vape. The charging current has slightly increased since the Nord X allowing incredibly fast charging via the USB-C connection.

Smok nord-4 V's nord-1 - power output curve compared

Nord 4 Safety features:

  • Pod and coil detection
  • Short circuit protection
  • Low voltage protection
  • 8 second cut off

How to Use the Smok Nord 4

Power On: Press the Power Button 5 times in 2 seconds to turn it on. Screen displays ‘SMOK’.

Vaping: While the device is on, press the Power Button to vape.

While vaping, vaping time interface is displayed and the white LED light is on. After finishing vaping for 0.5 seconds, it will automatically return to the main interface.

Locking: Press the Power Button 3 times to lock or unlock the vaping function.

Wattage Settings: Press UP/DOWN button to adjust power level between 5-80W. This is shown on the OLED screen.

Power Off: Press Power Button 5 times in 2 seconds to turn it off. The screen displays ‘GOODBYE’.

The Nord 4 Vaping Experience

The performance of the Smok Nord 4 did not disappoint. It can be used with the RPM Smok Nord 4 coil for MTL vaping or the Nord 4 RPM 2 coil if sub-ohm is your thing. The coils come pre-installed in the appropriate pod which just need filling with e-liquid and inserting (see later for which e-liquid to select for each coil).

Something completely new to the Nord 4 are the air inlet holes on both sides of the device, which can be adjusted independently to allow more or less airflow for the perfect individualised draw. When fully open they give an airy vape suitable for a higher wattage; closed they provide a tighter vape for lower wattage. I found having both holes half open gave a good balance, but this is purely personal preference and a great addition for such a compact pod mod. The dials to alter airflow were a little tricky to turn to start with but after a few days of use became easier.

The adjustable wattage and variable airflow make the newest device from Smok a good option for intermediate or more experienced users: those new to vaping might find the sheer amount of adjustability a bit much.

The Power button acts as a firing switch for inhalation and gives a satisfying click when pressed. It’s responsive and straightforward to use but may be a disadvantage for those that prefer the intuitive feel of draw-activated devices. Pressing the Power button three times locks the device which is a useful touch. While the mouthpiece is quite large it’s comfortable and seems durable.

Nord 4 components schematic

Smok Nord 4 Components

The Nord 4 comes with 2 tanks & 2 coils

RPM mesh 0.4Ω coil: suitable for use up to 25W, this coil is designed for MTL vaping, giving a gentle yet satisfying throat hit and tighter draw. While both coils vaped well I was seriously impressed with the performance of the RPM, providing the trusted pod experience with good flavour and amount of vapour.

RPM 2 mesh 0.16Ω coil: 40W is recommended with this coil for optimal performance but it can be used between 25 and 50W. This gives a more restricted DTL hit, thick vapour and lots of flavour. Other replacement Nord 4 coils are available in 0.6 ohm and 1.4 ohm variants.

Coil Care

Handily, the two available coils are slightly different sizes so can only be inserted into their corresponding pod making it impossible to get wrong. The coils do need a little care to maximise their life and this is another reason I’d recommend the Nord 4 for someone with a little experience of vaping already. To optimise their longevity, Smok suggest:

  • Priming the coil before first use
  • Using an e-liquid with the correct VG:PG ratio
  • Staying within the recommended wattage for each coil
  • Topping up the tank before the e-liquid level is too low, to prevent the coil drying out

It’s worthwhile mentioning that a higher resistant coil used at a lower wattage will last longer compared to the lower resistant coil.

Smok Nord 4 OLED Display

The crisp and clear display provides all the info needed to perfect your vaping experience, displaying wattage, resistance, voltage, battery gauge and puff count (up to 999). Particularly useful is the percentage indicator for the battery level, and the estimated charging time shown when the device is plugged in is a nice touch.

OLED Indicators
  • Puff count/Timer
  • Battery level percent charged
  • Coil Resistance
  • Voltage
  • Power, Watts

Smok Nord 4 Pods

The coil and pod system of the Nord 4 are similar to that found in the Nord X. The two refillable 2ml pods are extremely easy to attach to the device, slotting in perfectly and held in place with strong magnets. To fill with your favourite e-liquid, simply remove the pod and open the sealable silicone stopper. E-liquid bottles then fit into the hole to fill up, making it fast and clean. There is a minimum liquid level on the coil to prevent it drying out, but frustratingly this isn’t very visible once inside the pod.

For an optimal vaping experience, Smok recommend using high PG e-liquids with the RPM coil and choosing one with a VG content over 70% for the RPM 2 coil for an enhanced sub-ohm vape hit.

With previous versions of the Smok Nord I know others have had issues with leaking pods; this hasn’t been my experience of them but may be linked to the odd dud coil. This seems to have been resolved with the Nord 4 so don’t let any leak concerns put you off.

Nord 4 PROS

  • Ultimate versatility – adjustable wattage, air flow and a choice of coils means this compact pod mod caters for every taste and offers both MTL and DTL
  • Power – 80 Watts of vape power combined with a massive 2000mAh battery for huge clouds all day
  • Superior features – pretty much all the functions you could want and more. I especially liked the super-crisp OLED display, fast charging and lock function

Nord 4 CONS

  • Not waterproof – it’s not often I take my pod mod swimming but unlike the previous versions from Smok, the Nord 4 isn’t waterproof or dustproof due to those air inlet holes
  • No option to choose draw-activated (automatic) inhalation for those that prefer it 

Nord-4; excellent air inlet adjustments

Smok Nord 4: The Verdict

The latest offering from Smok has all the functions you could want from a pod mod in a sleek and stylish design. The 2000mAh battery is pretty much unbeatable, as is the impressive 80W of power. The adjustability can’t be beaten either, for a fully customisable vaping experience whether you prefer MTL or DTL. While there are a couple of minor inconveniences, such as the lack of waterproofing and slightly awkward buttons to adjust power, these don’t detract from the overall performance of the device.

When compared to the iQ One the older Nord could not compete, mainly due to the fact you had no air flow adjustment. Now it is harder to choose between them. Both vape pods are excellent but the Nord 4 will suit sub ohm vapers with its duel functionality. The iQ One suits the ex-smoker who just wants to transition to vaping.

The Nord 4 is not the cheapest option out there but its superior performance makes it a worthwhile investment. It’s the ultimate choice for those with some experience of vaping looking for a pod system with excellent performance and practical features.

Smok Nord 4 here

New Smok Nord 4, colour options and accessories

Smok Nord 4 Vs Nord 2 Vs Nord X

There have been 3 additional variants of the Nord since the original launch, the Smok Nord 2, Nord X and now the Nord 4. Whilst the original Nord was a great device there have been meaningful upgrades in the later versions with most occurring with the Nord 2 and later versions….

Read more about the Smok Nord 2 vs Nord 4 vs Nord X >>

Last updated: 2021-05-03

Greg Williams

Greg Williams is an electrical engineer who enjoys tinkering with vapes to discover their inner workings. Greg's informational articles clarify the complex aspects of vaping to help everyone have a better experience.