RELX Alpha becomes the latest must-have for trendsetters

RELX, the brand that has become familiar to electronic cigarette users, is often seen on social media with celebrities and influencers like Pu Shu and Na Wu Ke Re using it. This domestic electronic cigarette brand has gained a large following and positive reviews not only in China but also in North America and Malaysia.

Having used electronic cigarettes for nearly two years, I previously tried the classic RELX model and found it quite satisfactory. I often carry it on business trips, but I felt there was significant room for improvement. I heard that the new RELX Alpha was released on Tmall and in offline stores for 399 yuan, which includes two complimentary pods: "Glacier Mint" and "Green Bean Ice." I ordered it without hesitation. I just unboxed it yesterday morning and quickly wrote this review for everyone. Let's take a look together to see if the RELX Alpha is worth getting:

The white packaging is simple and elegant. Upon opening the outer packaging, you find a black panel with the words "ARCHITECTURE INSPIRED DESIGN," indicating that it is inspired by architectural design. The back also has clear warnings against use, especially the "Guardian Program: Strictly prohibited for minors."

Inside the black panel are the device, two pods, a charging cable, and a manual. The manual is designed with one sentence per page, making it engaging and playful. Flipping through it quickly provides practical information on how to change pods, when to charge, carrying guidelines for special occasions like flights, and warnings for specific groups who should not use it. Safety checks also reassure users about the device's stability, which is quite interesting. The manual ends with a customer service phone number "4000 117 100," where "117 100" symbolizes the hope of reducing the health burden on smokers.

However, we can't judge the product solely based on packaging design; these are just embellishments. The essence lies in the product itself, and for me, it comes down to how well the device and pods are made.

Let's get back to the RELX Alpha device. I purchased the luxurious gold version, officially called "Coffee Gold," which is more business-like, while there is also a more understated color called "Suikong Black." My first impression of this product is that it is very lightweight, and the slim body feels closer to smoking a traditional cigarette, with smooth, rounded curves that are comfortable to hold.

The core design philosophy of this device is based on the Chinese aesthetic of "Heavenly Round and Earthly Square," reminiscent of the Forbidden City from the Ming and Qing dynasties, which pursued the beauty of square and round spaces. Honestly, it is not difficult to capture this aesthetic concept in the integrated aluminum alloy body.

The connection between the pod and the device uses the previous magnetic suction technology, allowing you to see the magnets on both the pod and the device. When you bring the pod close to the device, it automatically snaps into place, and you can clearly hear a "click" sound, which is reassuring and eliminates worries about whether it is secured properly. Moreover, this design makes it very convenient to change pods when they are empty or when you want to switch flavors, taking only seconds.

The RELX pods are peeled from their packaging like capsules, with a transparent bottom that allows you to see the e-liquid level, making it easy to estimate whether you need to bring a replacement pod when out at work or on a business trip. The Alpha's circular airflow design, developed by RELX, also allows you to see the trapped condensate in the transparent pod. This is indeed RELX's black technology!

The air switch design makes the entire device very sleek, with only 48 small, dense circular breathing lights and no unnecessary devices. When I took my first puff, the breathing light lit up, creating a magical effect, as if it was activated by my inhale. If the battery level drops below 30%, the breathing light turns red, reminding you to charge it.

Speaking of charging, the USB Type-C charging port is located at the bottom of the device, and it feels quite good in quality, earning praise for its details. Having used many other brands of electronic cigarettes, I find this charging cable user-friendly, easy to carry, and allows for charging anytime, anywhere, such as in a taxi or on a high-speed train. A full charge lasts all day.

I first tried the "Glacier Mint" pod. After inserting it, I took a deep puff, and the vapor flowed out slowly through the RELX Alpha's circular airflow, providing a strong resistance. The mint flavor is not overpowering; it is not that industrial mint flavor but rather quite natural, giving a refreshing sensation—no wonder it's called Glacier Mint. The throat hit is strong, reaching the chest, making each breath feel cool. The vapor volume is substantial compared to the electronic cigarettes I used before; it's quite satisfying, which is hard to find in smaller devices.

After about 10 minutes, I took around 15 puffs, and the device vibrated to remind me that I had consumed about the equivalent of a traditional cigarette. This design is very user-friendly. Having used electronic cigarettes for nearly two years, I often struggle with moderation and knowing when to stop. This design completely solves my problem, letting me know, "OK, that's enough; I've had a cigarette."

In conclusion, if I had to describe the RELX Alpha in one word, it would be "gentle." Whether it's the soft product design, the smooth body, or the gentle vapor, it has left me with a pleasant experience. Personally, I really like this new product. The breathing light air switch, nicotine intake reminder, and "Heavenly Round and Earthly Square" body design all reflect the dedication of the RELX development and design teams. I really like it and am very willing to continue using it. As for durability, it depends on whether the pods will bore me.

Update: After using it for a week, I want to add that a common experience for traditional smokers is waking up with a sore throat and phlegm. After using the RELX Alpha, I found that I no longer have this feeling. I have also started using the RELX "Green Bean Ice" and "Mango Pomelo" pods. Today, I ordered another RELX Alpha to give to a friend, hoping to reduce his smoking frequency and lessen his health burden. Just like that saying, we want to "117, 110 ah."