The Sonder Q 2 is a more powerful version of the original Sonder Q, offering a longer lasting battery and a heavier duty construction while continuing to provide the same basic, easy-to-use platform that was popularized by the original Sonder Q. I tested the Sonder Q 2 to determine whether it would be a good every-day vape for the price, which typically runs between $12.99.
Product Intro and Specs
The Sonder Q 2 is GeekVape's new entry-level pod system which is also an eco-friendly replacement to disposable pod systems. The Sonder Q 2 is a stick-style vape system with an automatic draw mechanism.
In comparison to the original Sonder Q, the Sonder Q 2 has several key improvements:
- Maximum Wattage: 25W maximum output increased to 30W.
- Battery: Increased battery capacity by 35% from 1000mAh to 1350mAh.
- Build Material: Moved from plastic to aluminum alloy materials for increased durability and improved look-and-feel.
- Pod Compatibility: Includes the 0.4Ω pod option with the rest of the Q Pod family.
The Sonder Q 2 is 23.7mm wide and 112mm tall and will fit comfortably in a pocket. Some other features of the Sonder Q 2 include: USB Type C 5V/1A charging port, adjustable air-flow, and the Sonder Q 2's iconic multi-color LED ring.
Build Quality and Design
At first glance, the Sonder Q 2 feels superior to what you'd expect from a product priced like this. Moving the Sonder Q 2 to an aluminum alloy housing gives it a solid and cool-to-the-touch feel with little added weight. The matte finish on many of the colors including the Olive Green model I reviewed does not get smudged with fingerprints very well.
As for the design itself, it is minimalistic and ergonomic. It fits comfortably in the hand and fits in a pocket nicely. Although some people might view the design as too plain, the color options available for the Sonder Q 2 such as Fizzy Grape, Sakura Pink and Mocha Gold add lots of character.
The one standout design feature is the "O" in the Sonder logo on the front of the Sonder Q 2 which houses the multi-colored LED ring. The LED ring is both a battery status indicator and a styling feature.
The Pod: Flexibility is Key
The Sonder Q 2 utilizes GeekVape's universal Q Pod family, which is a huge benefit for customers with GeekVape products already or for customers who want to test the waters.
The Sonder Q 2 comes with only one pod: a 0.8Ω coil in a 3ml (or 2ml in TPD zones) side fill cartridge. However, you have a lot of options for replacing pods:
- Side Fill Pods (3ml / 2ml): Side fill cartridges with a rubber stopper. They come in 0.4Ω, 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω resistance options.
- Top-Fill Pods (2ml): Pop off tops. They come in 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω resistance options.
This flexibility allows you to customize your vaping experience anywhere from a restrictive direct lung (RDL) hit with the 0.4Ω pod to a tight cigarette-like draw with the 1.2Ω pod. Both types of refills can be filled without having to remove the pod from the device, a nice touch. One minor drawback is the pod's slight tint that can make it difficult to gauge the e-liquid level in low-light conditions.
Basic Operation and Functions
For beginners, the Sonder Q 2 is where it really shines. With the Sonder Q 2 there are no buttons, no screen, and no complicated menu options.
- On/Off: The Sonder Q 2 is turned on/off by being automatically activated when you inhale on the mouthpiece (auto-draw).
- Vaping: Just inhale and the device will read the resistance of the pod and deliver the correct wattage within its 5-30W operating range.
- Adjusting Airflow: There is a small, tactile air flow adjustment slider located on the side of the device to adjust the draw resistance from a tight MTL to a loose airy RDL.
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LED Indicators: The multi-colored LED ring is the Sonder Q 2's information center.
- During a Puff: Rotating rainbow light display.
- Battery Status (after a puff): Displays a single solid green light indicating a high charge (>60%), a blue light indicating a medium charge (30-60%) and a red light indicating a low charge (<30%).
Performance: Flavor and Reliability
The performance of the Sonder Q 2 is great for its class. Using the provided 0.8Ω pod (designed for 12-18W), the taste production is clean and well defined. The VPU mesh coil technology makes it possible to bring out the nuances of flavors in both fruit-flavored and dessert-flavored e-liquids.
From my experience, the coil life of the Sonder Q 2 is long-lived. I was able to vape a 30ml bottle of 50/50 nic salt before I noticed a decline in the taste. The adjustable airflow operates perfectly, and the user can dial-in the optimal amount of resistance for the desired vaping experience.
One performance note: this device is best used with nicotine salts or thinner 50/50 and 60/40 VG/PG e-liquids. This device may not handle thicker high-VG juices or shortfills designed for sub-ohm tanks.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the Sonder Q 2 is the device's standout feature. Depending on the frequency and duration of your vaping, the Sonder Q 2's 1350mAh battery should last a full day or possibly even two days as a moderate user of the 0.8Ω pod. Lighter users should be able to achieve a full two days of battery life. From my testing, the usable battery capacity of the Sonder Q 2 matches up very close to its rated specifications, which is a welcome change of pace from some devices that under-deliver in this regard.
The Sonder Q 2 is charged via the USB Type C charging port located on the side of the device. Charging the Sonder Q 2 from completely dead to fully charged takes approximately 70 minutes. Since it does support pass-through vaping, you can continue to vape the device while it is charging.
Conclusion
The GeekVape Sonder Q 2 is a highly successful execution of its objective. It is a refined, uncompromising upgrade that represents incredible value.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life for a product of this size
- Flavor production and coil longevity are both exceptional
- Auto-draw functionality is extremely easy-to-use and is not going to confuse anyone
- Premium feel and durability with aluminum alloy construction
- Extensive pod selection for personalization options
Cons:
- There is only one pod included in the kit
- Charging time is acceptable but not quick
- Pod tint obscures e-liquid visibility
The Sonder Q 2 is a top recommendation for both new and seasoned vapers alike for its reliability and ultra-portability. The Sonder Q 2 shows that with quality improvements in a simplistic package, that simplicity can be quite impactful.