SMOK X-Priv 225W Mod with TFV12 Prince Full Kit Review (2026)
Updated 2026-07-23 — Originally published 2018-02-09
Key Takeaways
- The SMOK X-Priv kit pairs a 225W dual-18650 mod with the TFV12 Prince tank. It’s still one of the more reliable sub-ohm combos on shelves years after release.
- Two coils come in the box (0.4-ohm Q4 and 0.15-ohm T10). Testing flavor against cloud output is easy right from the start.
- Wattage, Temp Control, and Memory modes cover most vaping styles, from casual mouth-to-lung to serious cloud chasing.
- No batteries included. Budget for a decent pair of 18650 cells before you fire this thing up.
- At current prices, it’s a budget-friendly way to try a big-screen mod without paying flagship money.
Smok’s X-Priv kit made a splash back in 2018 with its oversized screen and glossy panel design. Honestly? It’s aged better than most mods from that era. We went back through this review to check the specs against what’s actually available now. The short version: the smok x-priv kit still holds up as a solid mid-range option, even if it’s no longer cutting-edge.
This isn’t a new device. SMOK hasn’t refreshed the X-Priv line in years. Even so, it’s still floating around at low prices on sites like Amazon and in clearance bins at vape shops. That makes it worth revisiting for anyone hunting a cheap dual-battery mod with a sub-ohm tank thrown in.
Design
The look is still the standout feature here. SMOK went with a glossy front panel and a massive 2-inch screen that takes up nearly the whole side of the mod — a real departure from the usual textured, boxy aesthetic they’re known for. Nothing else in their current lineup looks quite like it. That’s part of the charm.
This kit ships with the TFV12 Prince tank, the same one bundled with the Smok Mag Kit and the Smok Stick Prince vape pen. It’s a good pairing. The tank’s bulbous shape matches the mod’s rounded body, so it doesn’t look bolted on as an afterthought.
Color options have thinned out some since launch. Expect to find it mostly in black, or occasionally a stainless/prism finish if you shop around. Don’t expect the full rainbow of choices SMOK offered back when this thing was new.
Features
You still get decent value for the money:
| Item | Included? |
|---|---|
| X-Priv 225W Mod | Yes |
| TFV12 Prince Tank | Yes |
| 0.4-ohm Q4 Coil | Yes |
| 0.15-ohm T10 Coil | Yes |
| Replacement Glass | Yes |
| USB Cable & Manual | Yes |
| 18650 Batteries | No — sold separately |
Dual 18650 batteries power the mod. You’ll need to grab your own — check our guide to best 18650 batteries for vaping if you’re not sure which to pick. Three main modes are on offer:
- Temp Control Mode — 200 to 600°F range, with adjustable TCR and preheat.
- Wattage Mode — 1 to 225W of power.
- Memory Mode — save your preferred wattage-per-second curve.
Back in 2018, the chipset was billed as easier to use than rival devices, and honestly, it still is. Two menu buttons sit below the screen, with a long fire button running down one side. It’s simple. No hunting through five menus just to change your wattage.
✓ Pros
- Big, clear screen that’s easy to read at a glance
- TFV12 Prince tank produces strong flavor and thick clouds
- Simple two-button interface, no steep learning curve
- Usually available at a low price point now
✗ Cons
- Batteries not included — factor that into your budget
- Design hasn’t changed since 2018, so it’s not “new” tech
- Coil options are more limited today than in-house rivals
Performance
The TFV12 Prince tank does a lot of heavy lifting here. It was one of SMOK’s best sub-ohm tanks when it launched, and it still delivers solid flavor and vapor production today. That hasn’t really changed. Named as the successor to the original TFV12, it performs well regardless of what mod you slap it onto.
That said, the X-Priv mod itself is no slouch. Enough power gets pushed through to get the most from the Prince tank’s coils, and firing is quick, with minimal ramp-up delay. Coming from an older or cheaper device? You’ll notice the difference immediately.
Battery life depends heavily on which 18650 cells you choose and how hard you’re running the wattage. At higher settings (150W+), expect to recharge daily with moderate use. Stick to 60-80W, though, and you’ll stretch that out considerably.
One thing worth mentioning: results would be nearly identical if you stuck this same tank on an old Alien mod or another dual-battery device. The magic here isn’t really the mod. It’s the tank. But the pairing works, and the price makes it an easy recommendation for anyone on a budget.
How It Stacks Up in 2026
Compared to newer SMOK releases like the Morph 2 or the G-Priv 4, the X-Priv feels dated in a few obvious ways. No adjustable screen brightness presets. No app connectivity. And coil availability isn’t as wide as it once was. Most people buying a $30-40 mod kit, though — and this is the honest take — don’t need any of that.
Want something with more modern chip features and better coil support? Look at the SMOK X-Priv Plus Kit instead. It builds on the same bones but improves battery capacity and screen response. For a first dual-battery mod or a backup device, though, the original X-Priv still gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict
The SMOK X-Priv kit with the TFV12 Prince tank isn’t the newest thing on the market anymore, but it’s aged into a genuinely solid budget pick. A readable screen, a proven tank, and straightforward controls add up to one of the easier 225W mods to pick up and use without a manual.
Would we call it a must-buy for 2026? Not really. More current options exist with better battery life and app support. But if you find this smok x-priv kit on sale — and you probably will — it’s hard to argue against the value. Keep an eye on our best vape mods page to see how it stacks up against newer releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SMOK X-Priv Plus kit?
The SMOK X-Priv Plus kit typically runs between $50 and $70 depending on the retailer and any bundled accessories. It costs more than the original X-Priv because it includes a bigger built-in battery and an improved screen, so factor that price gap in if you’re deciding between the two.
Is the SMOK X-Priv Solo 80W kit a good kit?
The X-Priv Solo 80W is a decent single-battery alternative if you want something smaller and lighter than the dual-18650 X-Priv. It won’t hit the same wattage ceiling, but for mouth-to-lung or restricted-lung vaping it’s more than capable, and the lower power draw means better battery efficiency per charge.
What are the best settings for the SMOK X-Priv?
For the 0.4-ohm Q4 coil, start around 60-80W and adjust up or down based on flavor and heat. The 0.15-ohm T10 coil handles higher wattage, typically 90-120W, for bigger clouds and warmer vapor. Always start low on a fresh coil and work your way up over the first few tanks to avoid a burnt hit.
What are common problems with SMOK vapes?
The most common issues are leaking from the top airflow ring, coils burning out faster than expected, and occasional screen glitches after firmware updates. Most leaking problems trace back to overfilling the tank or a worn O-ring, and both are easy fixes. Coil life varies a lot depending on the e-liquid’s VG content — higher VG juices tend to gunk up coils faster.
Do I need special batteries for the X-Priv mod?
Yes, you’ll want two matched high-drain 18650 batteries rated for at least 25A continuous discharge, especially if you’re running higher wattage settings. Mismatched or low-quality batteries can cause inconsistent performance and, in worse cases, safety issues. Check our 18650 battery guide before buying.
Can I use other tanks on the X-Priv mod?
Yes, the X-Priv uses a standard 510 connection, so most sub-ohm tanks will fit. That said, the TFV12 Prince that comes bundled is well-matched to the mod’s power output, so there’s little reason to swap it out unless you already have a favorite tank you want to keep using.
