How Is the Fourth-Generation IQOS 3 Vaping Device to Use? Is It Good Value?

I saw some people asking about the experience of using the fourth-generation IQOS 3, and since I bought one last month and have been using it for a while, I’ll share my thoughts here.

1. Appearance.

The appearance of the IQOS 3 is quite innovative among vaping devices, especially in terms of its design. Its charging case uses a side-opening structure, with a separate opening on the side of the main body, so the side cover pops open during use, giving it a strong sense of tech style. Thanks to this side-opening design, the side cover of the IQOS 3 holder can also be replaced, so users are no longer limited to just one plain color. You can mix and match trendier colors according to your own preferences. I think this is a very well-executed design choice and very much in line with current fashion trends.

In addition, both the holder and the charging case of the IQOS 3 use a matte finish, so they feel very soft in the hand, without the cold, rigid feel typical of electronic devices. It feels especially thoughtful in this kind of weather.

2. Performance.

As a new release this year from the IQOS heated tobacco brand, the fourth-generation IQOS 3 naturally comes with many performance upgrades. The improvement I noticed most is its battery life. The charging case now offers twice the endurance of the previous generation. In other words, with a full charge, I can use twice as many tobacco sticks as with the last model. That is a very meaningful upgrade.

Besides the battery life improvement, the heating time has also been enhanced. It is said that the IQOS 3 heats up 40 seconds faster than the previous generation. I did not make a precise comparison myself, but based on actual use, it does feel about right.

There is one more performance point worth mentioning: the issue of flashing red error lights. On this IQOS 3, the frequency of red-light faults has dropped a lot. Under normal use, you basically won’t run into situations where reheating is needed, and the overall smoking experience is much better.

3. Flavor.

I care a lot about flavor in a vaping device. If the flavor is not good enough, then no amount of other advantages really matters. This fourth-generation IQOS 3 also performs well in that regard. It retains the characteristics IQOS has always had: a light smoky-cured note on the inhale, with warm aerosol and a satisfying strength, making the overall experience excellent. Another point worth mentioning is that the flavor is relatively clean. Unlike cigarettes, it does not have such a heavy tar taste, and it stays very close to the natural taste of tobacco, which makes it very comfortable to use.

Looking at these three aspects—appearance, performance, and flavor—I think the fourth-generation IQOS 3 meets my basic expectations for a vaping device. It looks good and works well, and most importantly, the flavor is very satisfying, so I think it offers pretty good value and would recommend it.