Choosing between the RELX Infinity and the RELX Essential means deciding between two different philosophies: one leans toward higher-tech refinement and a premium finish, the other toward portability and simplicity. Below I break down the two devices across design, build quality, battery and charging, pod system and performance, flavor and throat hit, convenience features, durability and maintenance, price/value, and finally who each device is best for. This will help you pick the right device based on what matters most to you.
RELX Infinity vs RELX Essential
| Feature | RELX Infinity | RELX Essential |
|---|
| Design / Build | Premium finish, metallic accents, soft-touch coating, heavier | Lightweight, minimalist design, plastic/polycarbonate, very pocketable |
| Battery Capacity | Larger battery, designed for longer use | Smaller battery, more compact but less endurance |
| Charging Port | Usually USB-C, supports faster charging | Varies by version (micro-USB or USB-C), slower charging in some models |
| Pod System | More advanced pods, better mesh coils, improved airflow | Basic pods, efficient coil design, simpler structure |
| Pod Compatibility | Specific Infinity pods — not interchangeable with all RELX devices | Uses Essential-type pods — must check compatibility |
| Flavor Quality | Richer, more nuanced, stronger flavor reproduction | Good flavor, but slightly more basic compared to Infinity |
| Vapor Production | Denser, thicker vapor | More discreet vapor, leaner output |
| Throat Hit | Smooth but can feel slightly stronger due to performance | Smooth, modest throat hit suited to nicotine salt users |
| Convenience / Usability | Magnetic pods, possibly LED indicator, more features | Very simple — insert pod and vape, minimal learning curve |
| Durability | More robust — premium materials withstand wear | Simpler materials, less resistant to rough handling |
| Maintenance | Requires cleaning of pod contacts, regular care | Very low maintenance, straightforward usage |
| Safety Features | Likely includes overcharge / short-circuit protection, better pod sealing | Standard protections, though fewer advanced features |
| Price / Value | Higher upfront cost, but premium feel and longevity | More affordable, good value for beginners or casual users |
| Best For | Frequent users, flavor lovers, people who want style + performance | New vapers, travelers, those wanting a cheap but reliable pod device |
Design & build
RELX Infinity: The Infinity is marketed as a premium, stylish pod device. Expect a more refined finish, often with metallic accents, soft-touch coatings, and a weight that feels substantial in the hand. Its shape is ergonomic with slightly rounded edges and a visible magnetic pod fit. The Infinity typically aims to look and feel like a high-end personal electronic rather than a disposable gadget.
RELX Essential: The Essential is built for portability and simplicity. It usually has a lighter plastic or polycarbonate shell, a compact rectangular form, and a more minimalist aesthetic. It’s thin, pocketable, and designed to be unobtrusive. Where the Infinity feels premium, the Essential feels practical.
Battery & charging
RELX Infinity: Tends to offer a larger internal battery capacity and faster charging (in some versions), which translates to longer use between charges. The Infinity often includes a USB-C port and supports quicker top-ups. If you’re a moderate to heavy vaper, the Infinity’s battery performance is a notable advantage.
RELX Essential: Prioritizes lightness and a small footprint, so the battery is smaller. It still provides a full day for light users and reliable performance for casual use, but heavy users may need to recharge more frequently. Charging ports on Essentials vary across models; some use micro-USB, some use USB-C depending on the iteration.
Pod system & compatibility
Both devices use RELX proprietary pods that click into place magnetically. Key differences:
Infinity pods: Often designed with more advanced coil/mesh technology and airflow tuning. Pods for the Infinity sometimes incorporate leak-resistant designs and improved wicking, which helps with consistency in flavor and reduces dry hits.
Essential pods: Simpler and highly portable. They can offer excellent flavor but may have a more basic coil structure. Pods for the Essential are typically slightly smaller and aimed at efficiency rather than maximum vapor production.
Important: pods are not universally interchangeable between the two—check compatibility before buying replacements.
Performance: vapor, flavor, throat hit
Flavor quality: The Infinity usually pulls ahead. Thanks to upgraded pod internals and possibly higher output, flavor reproduction is often richer, cleaner, and more nuanced. If you prioritize subtle flavor notes, the Infinity tends to satisfy more.
Vapor production: Infinity can produce thicker, denser vapor for the same pod flavor compared to the Essential. The Essential is tuned for discreet vapor and efficient nicotine delivery rather than cloud chasing.
Throat hit: Both devices are tuned for the nicotine-salt pods RELX sells; throat hit is generally smooth across both. That said, Infinity’s slightly higher performance can deliver a stronger, but still smooth, throat sensation when using the same strength pods.
Convenience & usability
Infinity: Designed with user convenience in mind — stronger magnets, better pod visibility, and sometimes features like LED battery indicators or haptic feedback in certain versions. Its faster charging and longer battery make it more convenient for frequent users.
Essential: Extremely easy to use: insert pod, inhale. Fewer bells and whistles mean fewer points of failure and a device that’s forgiving if you want something maintenance-light. It’s also typically cheaper and more beginner-friendly.
Durability & maintenance
Infinity: The premium finish can resist scratches and wear better than basic plastics. Because it’s designed to be reused longer-term, the build tends to tolerate daily use better.
Essential: Lighter materials can show wear sooner, but because the device is simpler, there’s less that can go wrong. Both devices require the same basic maintenance: keep pod contacts clean, don’t let pods sit empty, store upright to minimize leaks.
Safety & reliability
Both devices from the same manufacturer typically include standard protections (short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, etc.). The Infinity’s newer iterations may include improved safety circuits and better pod-sealing mechanisms, reducing the risk of leaks or mis-firing.
Price & value
Infinity: Positioned at a higher price point due to materials, battery, and performance. The higher upfront cost is balanced by a more premium experience and sometimes longer lifespan.
Essential: More budget-friendly both for the device and, in some regions, for replacement pods. This makes it a better entry-level option or a secondary “travel” device.
Pros & cons (quick)
RELX Infinity — Pros: Premium build, better flavor/vapor, larger battery, faster charging, more convenient for heavy users.
RELX Infinity — Cons: Higher cost, slightly bulkier.
RELX Essential — Pros: Compact, lightweight, simple, cheaper, excellent for beginners and casual users.
RELX Essential — Cons: Smaller battery, less robust flavor/vapor, fewer advanced features.
Who should pick which?
- Pick the RELX Infinity if: you vape frequently, value premium build and superior flavor, want longer battery life and faster charging, and are willing to pay more for an elevated experience.
- Pick the RELX Essential if: you want a compact, affordable device for on-the-go use, are new to pod systems, or prefer a no-fuss gadget that gets the job done without extra frills.
Final verdict
Both devices do what they set out to do: reliably deliver nicotine-salt pod vaping with minimal fuss. The choice comes down to priorities. If you want a premium, refined experience with better flavor and battery life, the RELX Infinity is the better option. If you want something compact, affordable, and utterly straightforward, the RELX Essential is a smart, sensible pick. Either way, you’ll get one of the more polished pod experiences on the market — it’s just a question of whether you want “premium” or “portable.”
