asMODus Minikin 3 & 3S Kit

[timwis]

Hi Vaping Underground members, In this review i take a look at both the Minikin 3 & 3S Kit from Asmodus. The Minikin 3 & 3S Kit was supplied for the purpose of this review by Saly from Asmodus.

https://www.asmodus.com/products/asmodus...re-order-1

https://www.asmodus.com/products/asmodus...-pre-order



Introduction

We wait a while for another Minikin then 2 come along at once in the form of the Minikin 3 and Minikin 3S. The 3S just has slight aesthetic differences in the form of a Carbon Fiber Inlay and raised lip around the 510, it also has a fingerprint sensor built into the fire button which can be used for unlocking both the device and touchscreen. Both devices have the usual array of features that recent colour touchscreen devices from Asmodus have carried and also have a GSensor accelerometer which allows the colour of the display to be changed by movement of the device. We also have a password feature so both devices can be set to stop minors from using them. Powered by the advanced GX-200-UTC Chipset the Minikin 3/3S has a host more features and advanced Temperature control settings, let's have a look!

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In The Boxes



Contents:

Minikin 3:

1x asMODus Minikin 3 Box Mod 200W
1x Type C USB cable
1x Card with QR Code to download manual
1x Battery safety card
1x Asmodus Warranty Card

Minikin 3S with Viento Sub-ohm Tank:

1x asMODus Minikin 3S box mod
1x asMODus Viento sub ohm tank
2x asMODus 0.15Ω mesh coil
1x Replacement glass
1x Spare parts bag
1x USB Type C cable
1x Battery Safety card
1x Card with QR Code to download manual
1x Manual for Viento Tank
1x Warranty Card

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Aesthetics and Ergonomics:

The Minikin 3S Kit comes in rather nice pull out tray style packaging with cushioned lining while the Minikin 3 comes in the more usual cardboard packaging with viewing Window. Both devices have the same form factor apart from the 3S has a raised lip around the back of the 510 area up top. The 3S also has a raw Carbon Fiber inlay on the protruding side of the device and while the Minikin 3 has the usual Silver fire button the 3S has a fire button that has an in-built fingerprint sensor. The form factor of the devices are different to any device i have seen previously which i like although having small hands i found it only ergonomic as a thumb firing device, i found it especially ergonomic when using the left hand as we have indents to one side for your fingers to rest in. I won't describe the aesthetic look of the devices or describe the form factor in detail as their will be plenty of pictures included. On the front we have a type C USB port for both charging and firmware upgrades and on the base we have a proprietary charging port to use with the proprietary charging dock which is a separate purchase. I received the Black version of the 3S which unlike the other colours which look to have a metallic finish has a rubberised paint finish (looking at the pictures of the Minikin 3 the Black version looks to have the same finish), the Minikin 3 i received was the Coffee colour. The colour options of the Minikin 3 are Black, White, Red, Blue and Coffee, while the Minikin 3S comes in Black, Red or White, both versions have more colour options on the way. The build quality of both the Minikin 3 and 3S is very good which is no more than i expect from Asmodus.




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Minikin 3 Specs and Features:

Advanced GX-200-UTC Chipset
Powered By 2 Married High Drain 18650 Li-ion Cells
Zinc-Alloy Construction
Ergonomically Shaped Chassis
Power Output Range (VW or Curve Mode): 5.0-200.0W
Power Output Range (Temperature Control): 5.0-120.0W
Operational Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0Ω
Temperature Control Range: 212-572°F / 100-300°C
Crisp High Definition Full-Color Touchscreen
Adjustable TCR and TFR Functionality
Temperature Control Presets For Ni200, Titanium, SS316, SS317, and SS304
User Programmable Wattage Curve Mode
Puff Counter
Haptic Feedback Indicates Error Message
G-Sensor (Accelerometer to cycle colours on the screen)
Upgradeable Firmware Support
USB Type-C Firmware Upgrade and Charging Port
Reverse Polarity, Short-Circuit, Low-Voltage, High-Resistance, Low-Resistance, ESD, Over-Charge, Overheat, and Overtime Protection
510 Connection
Colours: Black, White, Red, Blue, Coffee



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The Minikin 3

I am mainly going to concentrate on the 3S version in this review simply because when it comes to operation the two devices are identical apart from the fingerprint feature included with the 3S and as the 3S has the extra feature it makes sense to concentrate on that device. For those that are more interested in the Minikin 3 then after using both devices i can tell you the 3S review will be fully relevant as explained.
The only other differences are that the Minikin 3 is sold on it's own while the 3S is only sold as a kit including the Viento Sub-ohm Tank, the 3S has a raw Carbon Fiber inlay and their is a raised lip around the rear of the 510 area. Finally the fire button on the 3S has a built in fingerprint sensor.



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Minikin 3S Specs and Features:

Advanced GX-200-UTC Chipset
Powered By 2 Married High Drain 18650 Li-ion Cells
Zinc-Alloy Construction
Ergonomically Shaped Chassis
Power Output Range (VW or Curve Mode): 5.0-200.0W
Power Output Range (Temperature Control): 5.0-120.0W
Operational Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0Ω
Temperature Control Range: 212-572°F / 100-300°C
Crisp High Definition Full-Colour Touchscreen
Adjustable TCR and TFR Functionality
G-Sensor (Accelerometer to change color on the screen)
Temperature Control Presets For Ni200, Titanium, SS316, SS317, and SS304
User Programmable Wattage Curve Mode
Puff Counter
Haptic Feedback Indicates Error Message
Integrated Fingerprint Sensor
Integrated Accelerometer
Upgradeable Firmware Support
Textured Carbon Fiber Accent
Integrated Beauty Ring
USB Type-C Firmware Upgrade and Charging Port
Reverse Polarity, Short-Circuit, Low-Voltage, High-Resistance, Low-Resistance, ESD, Over-Charge, Overheat, and Overtime Protection
510 Connection
Colours: Black, Red, White



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Viento Sub-Ohm Tank Specs and Features:

26.9mm diameter
High quality stainless steel and pyrex construction
Removable protective ring
3.5mL juice capacity (WITH Stock Glass)
5mL juice capacity Glass (Sold separately)
2mL juice capacity (EURO TPD COMPLIANT)
Compatible with SMOK Baby Beast coil heads
Sliding hinged top fill mechanism
Snakeskin patterned wide bore 810 Delrin drip tip
510 connection
Colours: Black, Gunmetal

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Viento Overview

The Viento is a very solid, well built sub-ohm tank which has quite some weight to it and is available in both Gunmetal or Black, all colour versions released of the 3S to date i believe come with a Black tank. Up top we have a cobra style 810 which has o-rings so goon style drip tips won't fit and the Viento employs a top-fill method of sliding to one side which also rotates the top-cap to reveal a fill port (their is an arrow to show where to push). The top-cap doesn't lock in place but instead is a very tight fit and isn't going to open of it's own accord. The coil screws into the base and the top of the coil screws on to the air pipe which holds the tank securely together, the 3.5ml glass section (there is a 2ml TPD version which i guess has a capacity reducing bung) is secured top and bottom with o-rings and also there is a metal ring with a design that covers the bottom section of the glass, this ring slots onto the base and adds an aesthetic touch while also giving the glass some protection if the tank is dropped. Not included there is also a 5ml bubble glass available which i assume will not allow for the protective ring to be fitted. The very base of the Viento is 25mm but the airflow control ring tapers out making it about 27mm in diameter, the airflow control ring has tri-cyclops with stoppers and moves with a perfect tolerance. You get 2 identical coils included which are 0.15ohm single mesh with a rating of 40-75W and best at 50-65W, one of the biggest pros of the Viento is that it is compatible with Baby beast coils so loads of coil options are available.



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Review Continued Below:

 

[timwis]

Fitting The Batteries

The batteries are fitted via the bottom hatch door, the Minikin 3/3S accommodates duall 18650's only which will not please those that much prefer 21700's. As time as gone by bottom hinged battery doors have got better and better and a really good job has been done on the Minikin 3/3S. To open just slide out and lift up and while open any play is minimal, battery orientation on the door is Black on Black which is a pet hate of mine, please can this be White to make it more visible Asmodus? The orientation though is brightly marked inside the battery compartment at the bottom of the tubes. Once the door is shut with the batteries installed the door is very secure and their is no battery rattle whatsoever, cracking job!



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The Display

The Minikin 3S has a colour screen which is sharp, bright and very well laid out and i had no issues at all reading the display outdoors. At the top we have the mode then underneath the mode we have 2 battery status bars (1 for each battery) the status is also given as a percentage above each bar. Below the battery status bars we have the wattage that displays temperature instead when in temp control. Further down to the left we have the volts then under this seconds vaped, to the right we have the resistance then underneath the resistance is your puffs. Finally at the bottom of the display to the left is the preheat or temperature control wire type, then the fingerprint icon followed by the vibrate icon which has a line through when deactivated, finally to the right a padlock which indicates if the touchscreen is locked or unlocked.



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Navigating The Minikin 3/3S

Those that have used Asmodus touchscreen mods in the past will be familiar with how the device operates but if not it does take some getting use to. Some people just won't get on with touchscreen devices while others like me like them and once a bit of time is invested in how everything works i find Asmodus mods are amongst my favourites to use and navigate.
The device is 5 clicks to turn on but to turn off needs to be done in the settings. With the device first switched on the touchscreen is locked (when it's locked you can still vape) and to unlock simply swipe downwards and it stays unlocked until the fire button is pressed which re-locks it. With the screen unlocked swiping up or down changes your pre-heats between Normal, Soft or hard and swiping side-wards where the mode is displayed scrolls through the various modes which are Power, TFR, TCR, Curve and Temp.
When it displays temp long pressing "TEMP" brings up where you change between the various wire types and pressing the displayed temperature changes to wattage and then another press displays temperature again, a long press when the temperature is displayed allows you to adjust the temperature and when you change it to wattage long pressing allows you to set wattage for temp control (you can only set wattage up to 120W for temp control). Going back to Power mode and again long pressing the wattage allows you to adjust the wattage which adjust in 0.1w increments up to 10W and then switches to 1W increments all the way up to 200W.
There are plenty of other features that are accessed by 5 clicks of the fire button which brings up your first icon which is the power icon, long pressing the power icon powers the device down. When the power icon is displayed side swiping scrolls through the various icons which need pressing if you want to select the feature. Amongst the features are changing the display colour, adjusting brightness, changing how the touchscreen locks and unlocks, resetting and limiting puffs, adjusting screen timeout, setting the colour of the icons on the display, turning vibrate on or off (when on the device vibrates when an alert message is displayed), Setting the GSensor on or off and many more including password and on the 3S version setting up the fingerprint unlocking feature (once set this can be turned on or off). Finally 3 clicks of the fire button locks the whole device so it will not fire.



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The GSensor

There is a G-Sensor accelerometer in the device which allows the user to cycle through all the colour options for the display without entering the settings. It does say on the website to simply shake the device three times but i actually found it to be four times. I would normally have a feature like this turned off (which can be done in the menu) as i am not going to stand there shaking the mod but i found any definite quick tilt of the device registered and they could be spaced out over a period of time. So the device when tilted quickly remembers since the last colour change it has already been tilted twice so it counts as 3 movements so the next time there is a definite tilting movement whether it's in 10 seconds or 2 hours time the display changes colour. It means with this feature on at random times the display just changes colour which i really do like, like i mentioned you can turn the feature off and also there is the usual colour icon in the menu to set the display to whatever colour you prefer.

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The Password Feature

Both the Minikin 3 and 3S has the option to set a password which reason is given as a way to stop any minors getting hold of your device and using it but also gives the middle finger to someone with sticky fingers! It does say in the manual that the devices come already set-up with a password set as "AAAAAA" but i found with both devices i received that they were unlocked with no password set.
To use the password feature press on the password icon in the menu and it asks you to first set a password and then re-enter it to confirm. Once set when you turn the device on it will ask you to enter the password to be able to use the device. If you want to enter a new password again go to the password icon and press, it asks you to enter the old password (current) and then asks you to enter a new one before again asking you to re-enter it to confirm.
Once you are using a password you can turn it off which is done by again pressing the password icon and entering the old (current) password but when it asks for a new password simply hold down the fire button which takes you back to the main screen now without a password stored.



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Fingerprint Sensor

I did get an email from Asmodus saying don't compare the fingerprint sensor to one on an iPhone as the mod with tank is about £100 while a new iPhone is about £800 so i was expecting it to be gimmicky and not really fit for purpose. For me it works great which has me scratching my head why the email? but i will explain later!
Again like the password feature it's another way of stopping minors using the device while also rendering the device useless if stolen. To set your fingerprint/prints press the fingerprint icon in the menu and it will ask you to either enter your password (if you have a password already set) or enter a new password. It then gives you a screen which allows you to read up to 3 fingerprints but i kept it simple just reading 1. For accuracy it actually reads your print 6 times and then says success, your fingerprint is now stored. It then takes you to a screen where you can turn the fingerprint unlocking on or off.
If you have fingerprint unlocking enabled you can turn it off if you decide you don't want to use it and you can also delete your read fingerprint (you can redo it at anytime).
Personally i am using it and will keep it enabled as it works great for me, not only do i find it the quickest way to unlock the device when it is first turned on (it has registered my fingerprint first time every time) but also you can just put your finger on the fire button to unlock the touchscreen which i find quicker than swiping or tapping the screen 3 times (the other 2 options to unlock the touchscreen).
Going back to the email because i found the fingerprint technology to work flawlessly it played on my mind what the email was all about so i hit Youtube and watched some other reviews. It seems those with chunky fingers are not having the success i have been having with some struggling to get the sensor to even read their print never mind getting it then to register when trying to unlock the device, taking several attempts. Luckily though i'm not the only one who has found it to work perfectly well and DJLsb Vapes shows it working as flawlessly as i am finding it and like me left the fingerprint locking enabled as he's finding it works so well even when unlocking the touchscreen.



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Review Continued Below:

 

[timwis]

Review Continued:

A Possible Concern With Fingerprint Sensor Isn't an Issue!

When you are using the fingerprint senor to unlock the device even if the device has firmware updated it doesn't effect either your stored fingerprint/prints and keeps your fingerprint as the way the device is unlocked which does give the satisfaction that if someone steals the device it will be useless to them. My only concern with this is if the sensor stops working would this also mean the device is useless to the owner but luckily this isn't the case.
Although you can have the device completely unlocked without a password or the fingerprint option turned on or just use the password as a way of unlocking the device you have to set a password in the fingerprint settings before reading your print so you can't have your fingerprint only as the only method of unlocking the device.
So when you have the fingerprint method of unlocking the device active when you turn the device on it gives you the option which one you want to use which means if i was to choose fingerprint only to find it wasn't working i could simply open and shut the battery door and then choose password instead.



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Charging Dock

Both the Minikin 3 and 3S as well as supporting 1.5A charging using the type C USB port also have a charging port on the base of the devices that can be used with the proprietary charging dock which is available separately, the dock supports 1A charging.
Personally i am just against charging batteries in the device but those that do charge either sometimes or always in the device might quite like this dock as it can just sit on your desk and you simply stand your device in it. While charging you can constantly remove the device to take a vape and then just put it back on the dock so could be useful for those that don't have a spare set of batteries handy.
As mentioned it's not something i would use but as it was sent with the devices i did try it out and it works just as it should!



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My Experience Using The Minikin 3/3S Kit

First i need to state i do not vape using temp control and have no access to data but simply review devices as i personally experience them. Also i tested both devices but will write this section as if it's one device as performance wise their was no difference between the device's and any differences as been covered during the review.
The Viento Sub-Ohm tank i used previously with the Almighty and is a looker with really nice airflow and very well made, however despite getting the same 0.15 single mesh coils i found the ones previously i could only use up to 60W before they didn't wick too great which gave a cool vape even for me although the flavour was good (just above average), the ones supplied this time look exactly the same coils yet they are wicking fine and i found them best at 70W. Another massive pro for the Viento is being Baby beast coil compatible so their are plenty of coil options readily available. The 5ml bubble glass not being included is a con as i found it needed filling too often for my liking with the 3.5ml straight glass, but the kit does include a spare straight glass.
The new Minikin performed great in power mode and i also like the curves feature on the device. The fire buttons are concave and the 3S fire button is particularly easy to find and comfortable having the flat central indented centre for the sensor. I didn't just use the Viento tank but also used other atty's at various wattage's and the device seems very accurate, it fires instantly with quick ramp up and was during testing very reliable with no misfires. The device i found to be comfortable to use but only as a thumb firer as the ergonomics don't really suit finger firing, but maybe those with larger hands might find differently.
Aesthetically i do like the lip on the 3S but thought it may be a con when it came to what size atty's you can use but up to 28mm atty's can be fitted without the lip being an issue yet over 26mm overhang the device, also adjusting airflow is no problem as the lip is just to the rear.
The response of the touchscreen is really good and although their is a learning curve i do like how the Asmodus touchscreen devices are navigated although touchscreens are not everyone's cup of tea. The new Minikin is packed with features and allows for a lot of customisation. the GSensor i like but allowing the colour of the display to change organically as and when rather than shaking the device. I particularly like the fingerprint locking feature as for me it worked flawlessly although those with chunky fingers will struggle using it. The available charging dock isn't for me but will be to some peoples liking and it's good to have the option, in fact all the features on the new Minikin that might not be to some peoples liking can simply be turned off so isn't an issue. Finally the device supports 1.5A balanced charging, is firmware upgradeable and has a type C USB port.



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Likes

Very good build quality
Nice rubberised coating on Black versions
Colour options
Unique form factor
Lip around back of 510 (3S) looks an aesthetically pleasing feature (subjective)
Ergonomic thumb firer
Nice fire buttons (especially the 3S)
Sharp, bright colour display
Customisation (colour of display, how the touchscreen locks, puff limit, locking the device, vibrate, brightness etc)
GSensor accelerometer
Alert vibrate
Fingerprint sensor (3S only)
Password feature
Swipe and press operated touchscreen
Touchscreen very responsive
Battery door very secure
Battery indication shown both as bars and a percentage
Curves
Temp Control (+TCR & TFR) Not tested
Preheats
Fired Instantly with quick ramp up
Performed well in power mode
Efficient (very good battery life)
Supports 1.5A balanced charging
Can be charged using available charging dock
Type C USB
Viento Tank very good build quality
Viento looks very nice (in my opinion)
Above average flavour
Compatible with Baby beast coils
2 coils, spare glass and spare parts included


Cons

510 to corner of device so over 26mm tanks will overhang
Can only adjust wattage up to 120W in temp control (not sure how much of a con this is for temp control users)
If not familiar with Asmodus touchscreen devices they do have a learning curve
Not ergonomically friendly for finger firing
Could struggle with fingerprint sensor if you have chubby fingers
Black on Black battery orientation (but orientation brightly marked at bottom of tubes)
Doesn't accommodate 2X700 batteries
Goon style drip tips won't fit Viento
5ml bubble glass not included

I would once again like to thank Saly from Asmodus for supplying the Minikin 3 and 3S Kit for the purpose of this review.

https://www.asmodus.com/products/asmodus...re-order-1

https://www.asmodus.com/products/asmodus...-pre-order

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