If you’ve been following the rise of the OXVA XLIM series, you know it’s become synonymous with top‐tier pod systems, boasting chart‐topping sales in 2023 and 2024. Within this popular lineup, the XLIM Pro 2 has established itself as a go‐to for vapers seeking extreme flavor, reliable battery life, and a crisp, full‐color display. But then there’s the XLIM Pro 2 DNA—a sibling that shares many of the Pro 2’s strengths while adding Evolv’s acclaimed DNA chip for even more precise temperature control, dry‐hit prevention, and flavor replay. In this comparison review, we’ll break down how these two devices stack up in terms of design, core features, and the extra bells and whistles that might sway you one way or the other.
Design
XLIM Pro 2Right out of the box, the XLIM Pro 2 feels sleek and approachable. OXVA went for natural 3D curves that nest comfortably in your hand, with a gently rounded chassis that never feels too bulky. The standout design element is undoubtedly its exclusive elliptical screen: a vibrant 0.56-inch Ultra-HD color display that’s 200% higher in pixel density and 50% brighter than most competitors. Whether you’re checking battery life, puff count, or e-liquid levels, information is rendered crisply and is easy to read even under direct sunlight.
It’s offered in a wide array of finishes, from Black Warrior and Ocean Blue to the fashion-forward Titanium Grey and Dream Purple. This spectrum of colorways lets you tailor your Pro 2 to match your personal style, whether you prefer something understated (like Platinum Black) or a bolder statement (like Coral Pink or Green Python).
Ergonomically, the Pro 2 features a single, well‐placed fire/operation button that blends into the device’s rounded silhouette—easy to find and click without disrupting the flow of vaping. Subtle 3D curves along the chassis ensure no sharp edges are digging into your fingers, and the unit weighs just enough to feel reassuringly solid without ever being cumbersome.
XLIM Pro 2 DNA
The XLIM Pro 2 DNA takes everything appreciated about the Pro 2’s form factor and kicks it up a notch with premium materials and a luxury-inspired aesthetic. Torqued carbon-fiber panels (forged carbon fiber) adorn the exterior, catching the light differently in day-and-night (“luminous”) states. Four finishes—Frost Titanium Blue, Nebula Gray, Silk White, and Silk Brown—project more of a high-end, sleek vibe compared to the slightly more playful palette of the non-DNA Pro 2.
You still get OXVA’s signature ergonomic curves, but the DNA version’s surface almost feels cooler to the touch, lending a tactile richness you don’t notice until you’ve handled both side by side. The 0.56-inch HD screen remains the same size and crispness as the Pro 2, but the contrast between the vibrant OLED and the darker carbon-fiber frame creates a more “luxury gadget” look. Rather than one button, the DNA model adds a second, discreet “Replay” button beside the primary power/fire button—an instant sign that this device houses Evolv’s DNA chip technology.
Overall, while the XLIM Pro 2 is already elegantly designed, the DNA version elevates the package with higher-grade materials and a more restrained color palette. If you appreciate feeling like you’re holding a premium piece of hardware, the Pro 2 DNA’s carbon‐fiber build and extra tactile details pull ahead here.
Features
1. Battery & Charging
Both models share a beefy 1300 mAh battery paired with 2 A fast charging. On paper, OXVA claims you’ll get up to four days of regular vaping out of that capacity—about 30% more juice than the original XLIM Pro. In practice, that means you can comfortably head out for a weekend trip without bringing cables or backup batteries.
-
Charging: From zero to 80% in roughly 25 minutes (5 V/2 A), which is great if you’re in a hurry.
-
Battery Display: Both devices incorporate a simple numerical battery percentage display on that Ultra-HD screen so you never have to guess when it’s time to charge.
Since the battery specs are identical, neither version has a clear advantage here—unless the DNA model’s slightly more efficient chip (more on that below) manages to eke out a bit more runtime when you’re dialing in custom settings.
2. Pod Compatibility & Coil Options
The XLIM series prides itself on seamless compatibility across pods: from XLIM Top Fill cartridges to XLIM V2 pods. Both the Pro 2 and Pro 2 DNA work with every official XLIM pod type (including pods that support both nic-salt and freebase e-liquids), so you aren’t locked into a new ecosystem when upgrading.
-
Coil Materials: OXVA’s stainless-steel coil construction (within the DNA-branded pods) promises faster ramp-up times and better longevity compared to generic coils.
-
Pod Lifespan & E-Liquid Efficiency: Thanks to the DNA chip’s anti-dry-hit protection, Pro 2 DNA users can get up to 30% more e-liquid efficiency and extend pod lifespan—OXVA estimates around 20+ pods saved per year for daily vapers.
For typical vapers who simply want plug-and-play performance, both devices are equally convenient. Only if you’re specifically concerned about prolonging pod life and squeezing every last drop of flavor might the DNA model’s ecosystem edge out the standard Pro 2.
3. Display & User Interface
-
Screen: Both have a 0.56-inch color display that’s bright, sharp, and intuitive. You’ll see battery percentage, puff count (up to five digits, tracking 0–99,999 puffs), wattage (up to 30 W max output), and even simple on-screen animations.
-
Controls:
-
Pro 2: One button (click five times to power on/off). Auto-draw functionality kicks in as soon as you inhale, but you can also manually fire by pressing the button.
-
Pro 2 DNA: Two buttons—one for power/fire, another for “Replay.” The auto-draw feature is still there, but the extra button unlocks Evolv DNA’s signature “Flavor Replay” mode. Essentially, you can sample a puff you liked and instantly replicate that exact coil curve and power profile with a single tap. It’s a bit like having a replay function in your music player but for vaping.
-
Beyond the physical buttons, both devices include built-in on-screen guidance (step-by-step prompts) so first-time users can navigate settings without digging through manuals. If you’re a creature of habit who loves presets, the Pro 2 DNA’s PC-programmable interface (via the downloadable Evolv software) takes the lead: custom flavor curves, temperature control adjustments, even bespoke power profiles are at your fingertips. For the Pro 2, you’re limited to the preset wattage levels and two simple animation options for on-screen flair.
4. Chip Technology & Vaping Performance
-
XLIM Pro 2: Features a generic yet reliable chipset that produces up to 30 W max output, supporting consistent vapor production and a good flavor envelope. Tested on a 0.8 Ω coil, OXVA’s lab data suggests a 40% longer flavor duration compared to Pro 1—and under most circumstances, you’ll get smooth, robust hits from first to last draw. There’s no specialized dry-hit prevention, so you do need to stay mindful of e-liquid levels.
-
XLIM Pro 2 DNA: Powered by the Evolv DNA chip which checks your wick saturation roughly 30,000 times per second—300× faster than typical pod-chip combos. That translates to:
-
No More Dry Hits: The moment the chip senses low e-liquid, it throttles output or halts firing to prevent burnt taste.
-
Flavor Consistency: From a full pod down to the very last drop, your flavor remains consistent—no more fading or harsh coils.
-
Flavor Replay: Once you find that “perfect puff,” tap the Replay button, and the DNA chip records coil temperature and power curve to reproduce that exact experience over and over.
-
If you’re the kind of vaper who’s ever cursed a dry-hit or lamented a sudden flavor drop as a pod nears empty, you’ll immediately appreciate how the DNA version takes these worries off the table. Even under a low battery condition, the DNA chip delivers regulated wattage, so there’s no flavor fade as juice dwindles.
5. Extra Perks & Customization
Both devices share a few user-friendly touches that are worth noting:
-
Animations & RGB Light Combos: Pro 2 gives you two on-screen animations and a choice of simple RGB color accents. It’s mostly just for flair, but it livens things up if you appreciate a bit of visual feedback with each puff.
-
Puff Recording: Both can log up to 99,999 puffs, so you can see how often you’re vaping (handy if you’re trying to taper off or track usage).
-
Guided Operation: Even if you’re new to pod systems, on-screen prompts walk you through pod insertion, filling, firing, and firmware updates.
Where they diverge is the Pro 2 DNA’s PC-programmable capabilities. By plugging into Evolv’s online platform, you can tweak:
-
Power Curves: Dial in exactly how aggressively the device ramps up to your set wattage.
-
Temperature Cutoff: Fine-tune the maximum coil temperature to extend coil life.
-
Custom Vaping Profiles: Save multiple profiles so you can switch between, say, a cooler mouth to lung draw in the morning and a warmer, denser draw in the evening.
No such customization exists on the standard Pro 2—you’re limited to the pre-loaded wattage and the simple auto-draw or button firing modes. If you’re a “set it and forget it” sort of vaper, that’s probably all you need. But enthusiasts who want to tinker, chase perfect coil curves, or just geek out on Evolv’s DNA ecosystem will find the Pro 2 DNA infinitely more rewarding.
Conclusion
In many respects, the XLIM Pro 2 and the XLIM Pro 2 DNA share a common foundation: a robust 1300 mAh battery, a bright Ultra-HD 0.56-inch color screen, broad pod compatibility, and a sleek, ergonomic frame. If you’re upgrading from an older pod device or stepping up from entry-level kits, the standard XLIM Pro 2 delivers punchy flavor, dependable performance, and four days of battery life in a flexible array of finishes. It’s a complete package that will satisfy over 90% of vapers who simply want a device that looks good, vapes well, and charges quickly.
The XLIM Pro 2 DNA, however, is for a more discerning crowd—those who see dry hits, flavor fade, or inconsistent wattage as quick ways to spoil a vaping session. By incorporating the legendary Evolv DNA chip, OXVA has eliminated those pain points: you get precise temperature control, 30,000 checks per second to prevent dry hits, and a flavor-replay feature that’s practically unheard of in pod systems. Layer on the premium carbon-fiber body, the extra button for replay mode, and PC-programmable customization, and you have a pod device that borders on a high-end mod in terms of both tactile feel and vaping intelligence.
So, which should you choose?
-
Choose the XLIM Pro 2 if you want a reliable, stylish pod system out of the box: simple operation, wide color choices, robust battery life, and great flavor without worrying about advanced custom settings.
-
Choose the XLIM Pro 2 DNA if you’re an enthusiast who demands precise temperature control, despises dry hits, loves the idea of cloning your favorite puff, and wouldn’t mind investing in PC-based custom profiles. The DNA’s premium build and Evolv’s cutting-edge chip make it worth the extra few bucks if those features resonate with you.
At the end of the day, OXVA has done right by vapers with both models. The XLIM Pro 2 is a polished, no-nonsense option for anyone who wants pro-level performance on a plug-and-play platform, while the XLIM Pro 2 DNA broadens the horizon for those who want to push their pod vaping experience to its fullest potential. Whichever path you choose, you’re in for a satisfying ride.
Read Also: OXVA XLIM PRO 2 DNA Review: FIRST POD WITH DNA CHIP