iCita SE, a pod that was sent to me by Eleaf, the first box mod brand I purchased way back in 2016 with their Pico Mega (still working).
I did not receive any money and I have no work affiliations with Eleaf.
An apparently minimalist device, with a design adopted by other manufacturers but with the peculiarity of a touch screen. To further differentiate itself, Eleaf has decided to integrate a 1400 mAh battery, larger than the average compared to its competitors.
Dimensions of 27 x 16 x 118mm, body made of aluminum and weighing 62 grams with the pod installed. 1400 mAh battery, fast charging and power output up to 40 watts.Minimal packaging, with the iCita SE arriving cellophane-wrapped in disposable style, the very market it aims to enter. In addition to it, a user manual and warranty, and already installed, an iCita Pod with 0.3 ohm depending on the version purchased, either 2 or 3 ml.
The iCita Pods, despite the name, are cartridges; once the coil is exhausted, the whole thing is thrown away. Made of smoked PCTG with a clear finish, so it's quite easy to see the liquid when it's running low. You should be able to tell from the shape of the duckbill drip tip that the size of the hole leans towards a fairly open MTL. Refill via a hole protected by a green stopper.
iCita Pods are available in 2 and 3 ml capacity versions, and for both, 3 versions are available with a mesh wire section:0.3Ω 40W - 30W (included in the package)0.6Ω 25W - 15W0.8Ω 20W - 13WValues also reported on the bottom, so you can easily recognize them if, for example, you use two pods together, interchanging them. If such a wide range seems strange, everything will become clearer later when I explain how the power delivery works in the iCita SE.
The housing for the iCita Pods is quite deep; to see the liquid level, you need to tilt the pod, and the area where the stopper is located goes completely inside the body. Contact via mobile gold pins and retention entrusted to magnets. The automatic draw sensor is present, the only one available.
On the side, a chrome slider allows you to partially adjust the 3 air holes of different sizes and shapes as you like. The airflow allows from a not too tight MTL draw (the pods need at least one open hole, or the draw becomes too restricted) to having (almost) an RDL, or a very open MTL when both are left wide open.
A rather pleasant novelty given that few manufacturers offer it. The USB Type-C port allows charging, if you obviously use a USB cable that supports 2A. Things then become interesting since the 1400 mAh battery, which is already quite a lot for a pod of similar size and weight, takes an hour and a few minutes to recharge.
Given the reduced diameter of the iCita SE, the bottom does not offer much stability. It is therefore mandatory to either lay it down or use a lanyard with a silicone ring to hold the pod. The classic CE marking and disposal symbol are engraved. I also specify that my Carbon Fiber finish is only printed and not embossed.
I don't know whether to call it a selling point or something else, but on the iCita SE there is an option that is new to me. A touch screen/sensor that allows both input and choosing the power intensity. It's a pleasant middle ground between pods with a similar form factor that usually have a screen or those that are purely mechanical. Eleaf has managed to strike a balance without taking up too much space intended for the battery and offering something more than pods with automatic delivery.
Although limited, the circuit installed on the iCita SE still allows for an improved vaping experience. Above is the explanation of how the battery detector works. The only input mode is pressing the touch screen, with two possibilities:
5 clicks within 2 seconds to enter the power intensity selection mode
8 clicks within 3 seconds to turn the iCita SE on or off
The power delivery mode consists of 3 different lights (in the photo above it would be the central, green one) where the official manual provided by Eleaf in the package specifies the corresponding wattage:
0.3Ω High/Red: 40W, Medium/Blue: 35W, Low/Green: 30W
0.6Ω High/Red: 25W, Medium/Blue: 22W, Low/Green: 15W
0.8Ω High/Red: 20W, Medium/Blue: 18W, Low/Green: 13W
Eleaf's recommended wattage for all iCita Pods is the Medium/Blue setting, but as always for me, the Low/Green setting works just fine. Protections:
Over Time: Cutoff power delivery after 8 seconds (5 green flashes)
Short Circuit: Warning (5 red flashes) and shutdown
Pod not detected: Warning (5 blue flashes) and shutdown
Low Battery: Warning (5 red flashes) and shutdown (below 3.3V or 3.0V during use)
The form factor is not new, but the touch screen novelty is commendable. Regarding the iCita Pod equipment, I might have included the middle option, but I imagine abroad the product is aimed at those coming from "large" RDL disposables. 1400 mAh in less than 70 grams of weight and recharging in an hour are undoubtedly remarkable for those looking for similar devices when compared to size and weight at cost; I've seen it quite popular in shops.For more info and to better see the other colors of the iCita SE, you can consult the dedicated page on the Eleaf website:
iCita SE - Eleaf electronic cigarette
I thank the e-cigarette forum community and staff for the space.
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