What Exactly Has Changed in the Design of the Fourth-Generation IQOS 3.0?

First, the side-opening design has been changed, and the device now features a magnetic charging function, which reduces the charging time. Secondly, the charging head has been modified to look simple yet exquisite. Regarding the outer packaging, it is simple but not tacky, though few people will keep the box, so I won't elaborate on that.

Next, upon opening the box, you will see the main device "Iqosiqos3.0." This time I received the gold version, which looks very cool and has a stable color.

I cannot comment on other colors yet, as I have not received the physical products, but I believe they look just as cool as the colors in the pictures. Now let's talk about the accessories; the packaging has a double-layer bottom, with the "cleaning brush" and "cleaning stick" underneath the main device. The next layer contains the "USB-C charging cable" and "charger." Although the content of the accessories has not changed so far, the cleaning brush is a new model, and the charging cable has been changed to USB-C. A USB-C adapter is also included to convert micro USB to USB-C.

Now let's take a look at the main device. First, the outer texture, although part of it is plastic, it feels smooth, and the entire body is coated with smooth rubber. This rubber is different from that of the 2.4plus; it is smoother, providing a great hand feel and a high-end feel. Secondly, the switching structure is simple, with a switch that is straightforward and convenient, without any excess. The round and small LED indicators are used to detect the charging status of the device, flashing when charging and turning off when fully charged. Additionally, four square LED lights check the device's battery level; just press the switch next to it to display the level clearly. This switch not only shows the battery level but can also be long-pressed to reset the device, making it a simple two-in-one function.

The charging cable can also be changed to USB-C. The charging port is on the side and uses USB-C for charging. Unlike micro USB, there is no top or bottom, making it easier to connect the cable. Recently, more devices are using USB-C, even the Apple iPad Pro, so you might think this change is quite upscale. The device's cover can be replaced at any time, using a magnetic design for the cover, allowing you to change it like changing a phone case, which is super cool and fashionable.

The side storage for the device helps avoid malfunctions. When you push it down, it pops open, making it easy to take out and use. In the old version, the most common malfunction was that the cover would not close properly. This change not only increases the stylishness but also prevents malfunctions, achieving two goals at once.

The device has also been upgraded; the size of the rod is slightly shorter than the 2.4plus. In addition to the length change, the design has also changed; the cover is diagonally cut, and the shape of the switch has also changed. This should be the designer's effort to make the rod design more seamless. Moreover, the rod is coated with smooth rubber, similar to the main device's charging compartment, which is of a different quality than the plastic of the 2.4plus. It is easier to grip. Because of the change in the rod's size, the iqosiqos3.0's main device is not compatible with the old version's rod. Besides the appearance, I believe the heating element inside the rod has also been upgraded; compared to the 2.4's heating element, I feel that the iqos3.0's heating element is somewhat thinner, and I hope it doesn't break easily.

The bottom charging part of the rod is magnetic, so when placed in the main device for charging, the magnet securely holds it in place, reducing contact issues at the bottom of the rod. When removing the rod, it won't fall out even if you shake it upside down. The rod is almost seamless, allowing it to be stored in any direction. Even if you don't close the cover, as long as the rod is in the main device, it will start charging.

It seems that you need to avoid turning the rod upside down for it to charge properly.

The heating reminder has become more powerful this time. This version will vibrate three times in total. After inserting the pod and turning on the power, a long vibration serves as the first reminder that heating has started. The second vibration indicates that the rod is heated enough to start smoking. The third vibration signals that heating is about to finish, and smoking time is about to end. The charging time for the rod has been significantly reduced. Since iqos iqos3.0 cannot be smoked continuously, after finishing one stick, the rod must be placed back in the main device for charging. The official claim is that iqos3.0 charges in 3 minutes and 30 seconds, which is 40 seconds faster than the 2.4 version.

Finally, let's compare the appearance sizes of iqosiqos3.0 and 2.4plus; iqos3.0 is narrower than 2.4 but thicker than 2.4.

In fact, the total weight of the 2.4plus is 118 grams, while iqos3.0 is 128 grams, making it 10 grams heavier than the 2.4plus.

This concludes my comparison of the fourth-generation IQOS 3.0 version with the old version.