AMO Heated Tobacco Device Review
In 2018, besides the popularity of pod systems, heated tobacco also gained strong momentum. Many e-cigarette manufacturers launched their own heated tobacco devices, though few dared to introduce tobacco sticks, as that segment remains dominated domestica
In 2018, besides the popularity of pod systems, heated tobacco products also gained traction, with many e-cigarette manufacturers launching their own heated tobacco devices. Of course, they dared not release tobacco sticks, as that market is still dominated by state-owned tobacco companies. The market potential for heated tobacco devices is vast, naturally attracting a large number of practitioners, including many outstanding products. For example, today we will review the AMO e-cigarette. As a side note, I personally have been using the Firearm GS5.0, which is an upgraded version based on IQOS and is quite impressive.
AMO E-Cigarette Packaging and Accessories
The outer packaging of the AMO is quite stylish, featuring a watercolor-style blue and purple butterfly on the top left and bottom right, making it very pleasing to the eye.
The top and bottom are identical, both displaying the AMO logo, which consists of a butterfly with blue and purple wings.
Upon opening the box, you will find the device holder and the heating stick, with convenient grooves for easy removal.
All the accessories are included: a user manual, warranty card, device holder, heating stick, a charging cable, cleaning brush, and cleaning cotton swabs—everything a heated tobacco device should have.
Product Analysis
Next, let's take a look at the design of this product! While flavor is the highest standard for e-cigarettes, it is not the only standard. One could say that aesthetics determine whether one will be interested, while flavor determines whether one will be liked, but the maturity of the design can decide whether the product will be "voted down".
First, the hand feel: the AMO's shell has a layer of UV coating, which is hard and wear-resistant, but it is difficult to color and easily attracts fingerprints, and the material is relatively expensive.
The tactile sensation is quite nice; I scratched it with my fingernail a few times, and it left no marks. After scratching it hard, the faint marks disappeared after a few rubs, indicating that the coating's strength is quite good. Many people, like me, tend to carry their phones and keys together, so the coating's durability is essential for maintaining the device's aesthetic appeal over time.
The entire device holder has a very rounded shape, making it comfortable to hold in any position. Aside from the Type-C port at the bottom, the overall appearance feels seamless, and its aesthetic appeal is undoubtedly high.
Additionally, this is the second e-cigarette device I have seen with a Type-C port, eliminating the hassle of worrying about the orientation when charging. You also don't need to carry multiple types of charging cables when going out. While this may seem trivial, it is very convenient in practice. When you don't have a unified interface, it often doesn't matter, but once you have it, you realize you can't live without it.
Using my thumb to lift the device holder, the magnetic top cover opens with strong suction, revealing an AMO logo on the top.
The back of the device holder features a power indicator light and power button. Each quarter arc represents 25% of the battery life, with a white light flashing indicating that the device holder is charging, and a steady light indicating that charging is complete. This design is beautiful, but it would be more convenient to have the charging indicator on the front for easier viewing.
Long-pressing the round power button for about two seconds turns the device on, and inserting the heating stick into the charging holder begins charging. The moment the lid is closed, the front of the device holder flashes briefly.
It turns out there is a hidden charging indicator light above the AMO logo, solving the issue without affecting the overall aesthetics, and you don't need to flip it over to check the charging status—another small detail that combines beauty and practicality.
After about three minutes, the white light stops flashing, indicating that charging is complete, and the heating stick charges relatively quickly.
Vaping Experience
Next is the vaping session. Carefully insert the tobacco stick into the heating device, making sure not to twist it, as the heating element is always the most fragile part. From IQOS to Sichuan Zhongyan's Kung Fu, if you dare to twist it, it will break—this is a universal truth.
Press and hold the heating button for about three seconds, and the indicator light starts flashing continuously. After preheating for about 20 seconds, the heating stick will vibrate gently to indicate that heating is complete.
The first puff during the trial left a deep impression; although it indicated that heating was complete, the vapor volume was quite small. The vapor volume was not significant for the first three puffs. Just when I was about to feel disappointed, the fourth puff felt like a different device, with the vapor suddenly increasing, and the satisfaction skyrocketed several levels. To ensure it wasn't a fleeting moment, I took a few more puffs, and once the vapor volume stabilized, the satisfaction was incredibly strong.
Moreover, when using the same tobacco stick, compared to several other heated tobacco devices I have tried, the throat hit is stronger, and the sensation is more pronounced. By the end, it felt like smoking a mini cigar, and the pleasure was even greater than smoking a real cigarette. The dual-sided heating element's power is exceptional, and the flavor is much more satisfying than IQOS.
For long-time smokers or those who prefer stronger flavors, this intensity might be a good thing. However, from a review perspective, this flavor somewhat contradicts the current trend, as both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are moving towards lighter flavors.
So how long can this "strong flavor" device last? When puffing relatively quickly, the battery life can reach twenty tobacco sticks, equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day. A single charge can basically satisfy most smokers' needs.
The heating stick's specific recharge time is about three to four minutes, which is considered average among heated tobacco devices. The AMO's recharge time and battery life are sufficient, and most importantly, the flavor is strong, providing a high level of satisfaction, making the overall vaping experience quite good.
In addition to the traditional vaping experience, the AMO even has a dedicated app. It can be used to check the device's status, such as the heating stick's status and the battery holder's charge, etc. It also tracks the number of puffs and the reduction of harmful substance intake. While the combination of smart devices and apps has existed for a while, this integration is still relatively rare in vaping devices.
Besides device status and intake calculations, this app also features a check-in sharing function, which adds a social aspect for those looking to quit smoking. The sharing page also explains the name AMO—"All Meet One," which could be interpreted as everyone meeting? Or perhaps a catchy phrase? Regardless, this trendy aspect is evident, and it truly deserves to be called a fashionable device, as it keeps up with the trends in various aspects.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Product cleaning and maintenance are crucial for heated tobacco devices, and the AMO kit is no exception. From the cleaning brush and alcohol swabs included in the kit, one can find similarities with other similar products. In other words, it is user-friendly and easy to use.
The design of the heating stick is similar to IQOS, allowing for the upper part to be pulled out to replace the tobacco stick. The snap design has much greater friction than IQOS, so it requires a bit more force to change it with one hand. However, the seam treatment is seamless, and compared to IQOS, it can almost fit a bank card into the wide gap, so I would prefer to exert a bit more force.
After removing the upper part of the heating stick, separate the "cap brush" and "heater brush" of the cleaning brush, and take out the cleaning hook.
Use the "heater brush" to clean the upper part of the heating stick, being careful to treat it gently to avoid damaging the heating element.
Next, use the "cap brush" to clean the lower part of the cap. Finally, use the cleaning hook to remove any solid residues left after heating the tobacco stick.
In addition to using the included cleaning brush, alcohol swabs can also be used for cleaning, following the same steps as with the cleaning brush. The important thing to remember is that every heating element deserves to be treated gently.
Conclusion
Overall, I am quite satisfied with the AMO heated tobacco device after testing it. A noticeable drawback is the initial puffs, which have a small vapor volume. Could they consider delaying the heating completion vibration prompt by a few seconds? This would ensure a more uniform vapor volume during the initial puffs.
Additionally, while the satisfaction level is strong, the heating temperature seems a bit high. While it may appeal to heavy smokers, it doesn't mean that all smokers will enjoy it.
Moreover, although the manual states to clean after using 20 tobacco sticks, in practice, the flavor starts to decline before reaching that number, indicating that the heating element requires more frequent cleaning at such temperatures.
I hope these issues can be improved in future versions. This way, everyone can use it more confidently and comfortably.
Although the price and after-sales policy after launch are still unknown, I believe everything will be revealed with time. However, based on my current impressions, the AMO has a high aesthetic appeal, good hand feel, is easy to use, has strong flavor, and is portable. If some minor shortcomings are addressed, it could be a great heated tobacco device.
AMO E-Cigarette Packaging and Accessories
The outer packaging of the AMO is quite stylish, featuring a watercolor-style blue and purple butterfly on the top left and bottom right, making it very pleasing to the eye.The top and bottom are identical, both displaying the AMO logo, which consists of a butterfly with blue and purple wings.
Upon opening the box, you will find the device holder and the heating stick, with convenient grooves for easy removal.
All the accessories are included: a user manual, warranty card, device holder, heating stick, a charging cable, cleaning brush, and cleaning cotton swabs—everything a heated tobacco device should have.
Product AnalysisNext, let's take a look at the design of this product! While flavor is the highest standard for e-cigarettes, it is not the only standard. One could say that aesthetics determine whether one will be interested, while flavor determines whether one will be liked, but the maturity of the design can decide whether the product will be "voted down".
First, the hand feel: the AMO's shell has a layer of UV coating, which is hard and wear-resistant, but it is difficult to color and easily attracts fingerprints, and the material is relatively expensive.
The tactile sensation is quite nice; I scratched it with my fingernail a few times, and it left no marks. After scratching it hard, the faint marks disappeared after a few rubs, indicating that the coating's strength is quite good. Many people, like me, tend to carry their phones and keys together, so the coating's durability is essential for maintaining the device's aesthetic appeal over time.
The entire device holder has a very rounded shape, making it comfortable to hold in any position. Aside from the Type-C port at the bottom, the overall appearance feels seamless, and its aesthetic appeal is undoubtedly high.
Additionally, this is the second e-cigarette device I have seen with a Type-C port, eliminating the hassle of worrying about the orientation when charging. You also don't need to carry multiple types of charging cables when going out. While this may seem trivial, it is very convenient in practice. When you don't have a unified interface, it often doesn't matter, but once you have it, you realize you can't live without it.
Using my thumb to lift the device holder, the magnetic top cover opens with strong suction, revealing an AMO logo on the top.
The back of the device holder features a power indicator light and power button. Each quarter arc represents 25% of the battery life, with a white light flashing indicating that the device holder is charging, and a steady light indicating that charging is complete. This design is beautiful, but it would be more convenient to have the charging indicator on the front for easier viewing.Long-pressing the round power button for about two seconds turns the device on, and inserting the heating stick into the charging holder begins charging. The moment the lid is closed, the front of the device holder flashes briefly.
It turns out there is a hidden charging indicator light above the AMO logo, solving the issue without affecting the overall aesthetics, and you don't need to flip it over to check the charging status—another small detail that combines beauty and practicality.
After about three minutes, the white light stops flashing, indicating that charging is complete, and the heating stick charges relatively quickly.
Vaping Experience
Next is the vaping session. Carefully insert the tobacco stick into the heating device, making sure not to twist it, as the heating element is always the most fragile part. From IQOS to Sichuan Zhongyan's Kung Fu, if you dare to twist it, it will break—this is a universal truth.
Press and hold the heating button for about three seconds, and the indicator light starts flashing continuously. After preheating for about 20 seconds, the heating stick will vibrate gently to indicate that heating is complete.
The first puff during the trial left a deep impression; although it indicated that heating was complete, the vapor volume was quite small. The vapor volume was not significant for the first three puffs. Just when I was about to feel disappointed, the fourth puff felt like a different device, with the vapor suddenly increasing, and the satisfaction skyrocketed several levels. To ensure it wasn't a fleeting moment, I took a few more puffs, and once the vapor volume stabilized, the satisfaction was incredibly strong.
Moreover, when using the same tobacco stick, compared to several other heated tobacco devices I have tried, the throat hit is stronger, and the sensation is more pronounced. By the end, it felt like smoking a mini cigar, and the pleasure was even greater than smoking a real cigarette. The dual-sided heating element's power is exceptional, and the flavor is much more satisfying than IQOS.
For long-time smokers or those who prefer stronger flavors, this intensity might be a good thing. However, from a review perspective, this flavor somewhat contradicts the current trend, as both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are moving towards lighter flavors.
So how long can this "strong flavor" device last? When puffing relatively quickly, the battery life can reach twenty tobacco sticks, equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day. A single charge can basically satisfy most smokers' needs.
The heating stick's specific recharge time is about three to four minutes, which is considered average among heated tobacco devices. The AMO's recharge time and battery life are sufficient, and most importantly, the flavor is strong, providing a high level of satisfaction, making the overall vaping experience quite good.
In addition to the traditional vaping experience, the AMO even has a dedicated app. It can be used to check the device's status, such as the heating stick's status and the battery holder's charge, etc. It also tracks the number of puffs and the reduction of harmful substance intake. While the combination of smart devices and apps has existed for a while, this integration is still relatively rare in vaping devices.
Besides device status and intake calculations, this app also features a check-in sharing function, which adds a social aspect for those looking to quit smoking. The sharing page also explains the name AMO—"All Meet One," which could be interpreted as everyone meeting? Or perhaps a catchy phrase? Regardless, this trendy aspect is evident, and it truly deserves to be called a fashionable device, as it keeps up with the trends in various aspects.Cleaning and Maintenance
Product cleaning and maintenance are crucial for heated tobacco devices, and the AMO kit is no exception. From the cleaning brush and alcohol swabs included in the kit, one can find similarities with other similar products. In other words, it is user-friendly and easy to use.
The design of the heating stick is similar to IQOS, allowing for the upper part to be pulled out to replace the tobacco stick. The snap design has much greater friction than IQOS, so it requires a bit more force to change it with one hand. However, the seam treatment is seamless, and compared to IQOS, it can almost fit a bank card into the wide gap, so I would prefer to exert a bit more force.
After removing the upper part of the heating stick, separate the "cap brush" and "heater brush" of the cleaning brush, and take out the cleaning hook.
Use the "heater brush" to clean the upper part of the heating stick, being careful to treat it gently to avoid damaging the heating element.
Next, use the "cap brush" to clean the lower part of the cap. Finally, use the cleaning hook to remove any solid residues left after heating the tobacco stick.
In addition to using the included cleaning brush, alcohol swabs can also be used for cleaning, following the same steps as with the cleaning brush. The important thing to remember is that every heating element deserves to be treated gently.
Conclusion
Overall, I am quite satisfied with the AMO heated tobacco device after testing it. A noticeable drawback is the initial puffs, which have a small vapor volume. Could they consider delaying the heating completion vibration prompt by a few seconds? This would ensure a more uniform vapor volume during the initial puffs.
Additionally, while the satisfaction level is strong, the heating temperature seems a bit high. While it may appeal to heavy smokers, it doesn't mean that all smokers will enjoy it.
Moreover, although the manual states to clean after using 20 tobacco sticks, in practice, the flavor starts to decline before reaching that number, indicating that the heating element requires more frequent cleaning at such temperatures.
I hope these issues can be improved in future versions. This way, everyone can use it more confidently and comfortably.
Although the price and after-sales policy after launch are still unknown, I believe everything will be revealed with time. However, based on my current impressions, the AMO has a high aesthetic appeal, good hand feel, is easy to use, has strong flavor, and is portable. If some minor shortcomings are addressed, it could be a great heated tobacco device.
