SMOK Nord 5 vs Nord 4: What’s the Real Difference?
Choosing between two popular pod systems can be tricky, especially when both come from SMOK’s legendary Nord lineup. The SMOK Nord 4 became a fan favorite when it launched, offering power, portability, and flexibility for vapers who wanted a reliable all-day device. But with the release of the SMOK Nord 5, many are asking one big question: what’s the real difference between these two pod mods?
The Legacy of the SMOK Nord Series
The Nord line has built a strong reputation as one of the most versatile pod systems in vaping. Each generation has brought improvements without losing the compact size and easy usability that made it so popular. The Nord 4 was a game changer, offering 80W of power, dual airflow adjustment, and compatibility with a wide coil range. It was designed for both MTL (mouth-to-lung) and DTL (direct-to-lung) users.
The Nord 5, however, builds on that legacy by refining the design, enhancing coil technology, and offering a more straightforward user experience. But the changes are not as simple as one being “better” than the other—they serve different types of vapers.
Design and Build Quality
SMOK Nord 4
The Nord 4 sticks to a familiar pod-mod design with rounded edges, compact size, and portability. It feels solid in hand, weighing just enough to inspire confidence without being bulky. One standout feature is its dual airflow wheels on each side, allowing you to fine-tune your draw from tight to airy.
The device uses a magnetic pod system and has a side-filling port for convenience. Its 2000mAh battery is impressive for the size, and the screen is bright enough to clearly display wattage and battery life.
SMOK Nord 5
The Nord 5 takes the sleek Nord look and modernizes it. It’s slightly larger and has a more angular aesthetic. Instead of dual airflow dials, the Nord 5 has a single wide airflow slider that’s smoother to adjust. This makes it more beginner-friendly while still giving control to advanced vapers.
The pod is redesigned as well, featuring a more secure locking mechanism and side-fill system to prevent leaks. Its build quality feels sturdier, with a slightly heavier body that adds a premium feel.
Coil Compatibility and Performance
Nord 4
One of the main selling points of the Nord 4 is its compatibility with multiple coil families. It works with RPM and RPM 2 coils, offering everything from tight MTL draws to sub-ohm DTL vaping. This flexibility makes it a great choice if you like experimenting with different vape styles.
However, this versatility comes at a cost: choosing the right coil and airflow settings can be confusing for beginners.
Nord 5
The Nord 5 simplifies coil compatibility by focusing exclusively on SMOK’s RPM 3 coil series. These coils are designed for sub-ohm vaping, producing dense clouds and excellent flavor. The mesh design ensures fast heating and smooth performance.
While this limits coil options compared to the Nord 4, it makes the Nord 5 more straightforward for vapers who primarily enjoy DTL vaping.
Airflow Adjustment
The Nord 4’s dual airflow dials are unique, letting you customize each side independently. This provides flexibility but can feel fiddly if you’re new to vaping. The Nord 5 instead offers a single airflow slider that’s easier to manage. This design is smoother, more consistent, and better suited for beginners who want simplicity.
Battery and Charging
The SMOK Nord 4 comes with a built-in 2000mAh battery, while the Nord 5 also features a 2000mAh capacity. Both are capable of lasting most of the day depending on wattage and coil resistance.
Where the Nord 5 pulls ahead is in charging efficiency. It uses USB-C fast charging, which significantly reduces downtime. The Nord 4, while still using USB-C, charges slightly slower in practice. For heavy vapers, this difference matters.
Wattage and Power Output
The Nord 4 can reach up to 80W, giving it the flexibility to support a wide range of coils. Its wattage adjustment system is responsive, and it caters to both low and high-wattage vapers.
The Nord 5 is also rated at up to 80W, but it’s optimized for use with RPM 3 coils. This means the Nord 5 is less about flexibility and more about delivering peak performance in the sub-ohm range. It’s the difference between versatility and specialization.
Flavor and Vapor Production
Flavor performance is where the smok nord 4 vs nord 5 comparison becomes clear. The Nord 4 provides good flavor across multiple coil types but doesn’t specialize. If you want a balance of MTL and DTL, it performs admirably but isn’t the best at either one specifically.
The Nord 5, with its focus on RPM 3 coils, produces outstanding vapor and flavor. The mesh coils are designed for rich taste and cloud density, making the Nord 5 ideal for direct-lung vapers who prioritize bold performance.
Ease of Use
The Nord 4 can be a little intimidating for new vapers because of the dual airflow wheels and coil options. While experienced users enjoy this flexibility, it adds complexity.
The Nord 5 simplifies everything with a cleaner interface, easier pod system, and coil focus. For beginners, the Nord 5 is less overwhelming while still delivering powerful performance.
Price and Value
When comparing smok nord 4 vs nord 5, pricing can influence your decision. The Nord 4 is often slightly cheaper now since it’s been on the market longer. The Nord 5, being newer, is usually priced a little higher.
The real question is value. If you’re a vaper who loves options and experimenting with different coil types, the Nord 4 still holds great value. If you’re a cloud chaser or flavor enthusiast who wants simplicity, the Nord 5 gives better long-term satisfaction.
Which Device is Right for You?
If you prefer flexibility, the Nord 4 is your best choice. It lets you experiment with coil families and airflow, perfect for users who like variety. If you want a refined, powerful pod mod that focuses on performance and ease of use, the Nord 5 is the upgrade you’re looking for. Both are strong contenders in the pod mod category, but your decision ultimately comes down to vaping style.
The battle of smok nord 4 vs nord 5 comes down to versatility versus specialization. The Nord 4 remains a flexible option for both MTL and DTL vapers, while the Nord 5 shines with its dedicated focus on performance and ease of use.
If you’re new to vaping or want a simplified experience with rich flavor and big clouds, go for the Nord 5. If you prefer experimenting with different coils and setups, the Nord 4 still delivers excellent value.
Looking to explore these devices further? Visit TryVapex for the best deals and a closer look at the smok nord 4 vs nord 5 comparison today and find the perfect pod mod for your vaping journey.
FAQs
Is the SMOK Nord 5 better than the Nord 4?
The Nord 5 offers smoother airflow, better coils for sub-ohm vaping, and a more user-friendly design. The Nord 4 is more versatile with coil compatibility.
Does the Nord 5 use the same coils as the Nord 4?
No, the Nord 4 uses RPM and RPM 2 coils, while the Nord 5 is designed for RPM 3 coils only.
Which has better battery life, Nord 4 or Nord 5?
Both have 2000mAh batteries, but the Nord 5 charges faster and more efficiently with USB-C.
Can you use the Nord 5 for MTL vaping?
The Nord 5 is optimized for DTL vaping with sub-ohm coils, so it’s not the best choice for MTL users.
Is it worth upgrading from Nord 4 to Nord 5?
If you mainly enjoy direct-lung vaping and want easier airflow and coil handling, the upgrade is worth it. Otherwise, the Nord 4 still holds up well.
