Review of the new IQOS 3 DUO: upgrades, features, characteristics, cost

This fall, Philips Morris introduced a new model in Ukraine IQOS – IQOS 3 DUO. The gadget has primarily been updated in terms of functionality and hardware, with only slight changes in design.

Two uses in a row

The main feature of the new IQOS is the ability to use 2 sticks in a row without stopping to recharge. If in previous models the holder needs to be recharged after each session (3:30 minutes for IQOS 3 and 4:10 minutes for IQOS 2.4 Plus), then in the new DUO you don’t need to wait – its battery is designed for two uses in a row. The developers took into account that many users sometimes want to take a second stick immediately after the first, and implemented this in the new model.

Appearance

The design and appearance have remained virtually unchanged. As before, the holder is stored and charged in the body of the main device. Only the light indicator has been updated – now there are two lights on the body and holder of the new DUO.

Externally, IQOS 3 DUO is a traditionally stylish gadget with well-designed details. The coating is not easily soiled, and even on the glossy cover fingerprints are not particularly visible. The coating itself has been made even more resistant to abrasions and scratches.

The body of the device is highly rounded and therefore very ergonomic. The power button is located on the corner of the top end. Next to it is a light indicator consisting of three parts. The long bar shows the overall charge level, and the two dots next to it indicate how many sessions the holder is charged for, one or two.

The holder is easily removed from the charger – all you need to do is press the side panel. It itself is attached to two small magnets. By the way, the side panel cover can be easily removed and replaced with a version of a different color.

The same goes for the stick holder. Its upper part only snaps into place in a certain position. So it’s simply not possible to close it incorrectly and damage the structure.

The holder can be placed in the charging case in any position. The main thing is that the contacts are facing down. Moreover, even if you turn the charger over with the lid open, the holder will not fall out thanks to the magnets.

As before, the device still heats, rather than burns, tobacco, bringing the heating temperature to only 350 °C (remember, in a cigarette tobacco and paper burn at a temperature of about 800 °C). The new IQOS still works with Heets sticks.

Moreover, the replaceable holder caps and charger cover are also compatible with the previous generation. Therefore, if you have accessories from IQOS 3, they can be freely combined with the new DUO.

The colors of the IQOS 3 DUO case are the same as those that were available for the 3rd generation – white, black, gold and blue. However, now the palette has been supplemented with a new, copper shade, as in our review.

Charging

As we have already noted, a new feature for IQOS 3 DUO is the use of the device twice in a row. There is no need to charge the holder between the first and second sessions. To charge the DUO holder for one stick after 2 sessions in a row, it will take 1 minute 50 seconds (this is almost 2 times faster than IQOS 3). It will take about 3 more minutes to recharge for two sessions in a row.

Also, the new Duo implements a kind of smart charging mode, which made it possible to reduce the charging time of the holder after 2 sticks to 10-20 seconds. Moreover, if you use the sticks promptly, for example, take 14 puffs in less than 6 minutes, the charge may be enough for the third time. However, it is worth noting here that with fast pulls the taste will not be as rich. After each puff, the stick should be allowed to warm up for a couple of seconds.

Additions and care

Among other functional additions, an NFC chip was built into the device’s body for quick connection with a smartphone. Using this function, it is convenient to register your IQOS to receive an electronic guarantee. The connection may not work with iPhones – Apple technology is distrustful of any NFC if it is not their own. In this case, the Duo box contains a unique QR code with which you can quickly register the gadget.

The new model comes with an expanded set for cleaning the device – special sticks have also been added to the usual tool for cleaning the holder, which are convenient for cleaning the blade.

Cost

Note that before the release of IQOS Multi last year, if you needed to use a couple of sticks in a row, you had to buy a second IQOS. The approach is not the most budget-friendly, which is why the format of virtually continuous use with the Multi model emerged.

It is curious that the new IQOS 3 DUO replaced last year’s IQOS 3 model and also adopted the price from it. That is, being technologically modernized, the device has not become more expensive.

How did the current model range turn out? Now the starter kit for the IQOS 2.4 Plus model costs 1299 UAH. The newest IQOS 3 DUO can be purchased for 2699 UAH, and IQOS Multi for 2399 UAH.

Sticks cost 50 UAH per pack. A total of six flavors are available – Amber, Yellow, Turquoise, Purple, Bronze and Green zing.

Conclusions and technical characteristics

The new generation of IQOS 3 DUO remains true to the previous principles of the devices. Thoughtful ergonomic design and high-quality materials are the first thing you pay attention to when getting to know the device. And the “pumped up” functionality (two uses in a row, a more powerful battery, a faster charging system and an NFC chip) makes the new DUO the most advanced gadget in the entire line IQOS.

Finally, we note that the company, as before, is positioning its device as a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes. Of course, it is intended for adults only. For our part, we urge that if you have not smoked before, then you do not need to start for a trial or interest.

Michel Chernovoj
Editor

     

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