In the world of heat-not-burn tobacco products, the IQOS ILUMA i is a game-changer. Whether you’re an existing IQOS user or switching from traditional smoking in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, this review has got you covered.
From unboxing and first impressions to actual usage, puff count and a detailed breakdown of new features, this is a real-world look at how the IQOS ILUMA i performs—and if it is worth the upgrade.
Unboxing—What’s in the Box

The IQOS ILUMA i comes in sleek, minimalistic packaging that screams quality. The unboxing experience is simple but premium—everything is neatly placed and feels like a high-end gadget.
Inside the box you’ll find:
- ✅ 1x IQOS ILUMA i Device (Main Unit)
- ✅ 1x Holder with Touchscreen
- ✅ 1x USB-C Charging Cable
- ✅ 1x User Manual
For this review, we used the Sienna TEREA tobacco sticks, a bold and rich flavor perfect for those who like a stronger tobacco taste. As soon as you open the box and hold the device, you’ll know IQOS focused on both form and function.
Charging & Setup – Easy and Quick
Before your first use, you need to fully charge the device.
- A full charge takes about 135 minutes with the USB-C cable.
- The LED light bar on the main device shows the charging progress in 5 stages.
- While charging, the holder can stay inside the device. It charges first and then the main unit.
An additional dual-dot light next to the LED bar gives you real-time info about the holder’s status:
- Two dots: Fully charged for 2 sessions
- One dot: Ready for 1 session
- No dots: Needs to be recharged
This eliminates any guesswork and makes sure you’re never caught off guard without a charged holder.
Design & Feel

The ILUMA i is made of high-quality lightweight alloy; it feels solid, not heavy. Compared to previous IQOS generations, this device is more refined, thinner and more comfortable to hold.
The holder fits nicely in the hand, and the magnetic top cover gives it a nice click, showing attention to detail. Available in Breeze Blue and Midnight Black, Garnet Red, and Aspen green, the ILUMA i looks as premium as it feels.
🚬 How It Works—Simple, Smart, Seamless

The IQOS ILUMA i was designed for easy use:
- Insert a TEREA stick into the holder.
- One vibration occurs when the heating process starts.
- Preheating takes about 21 seconds.
- Second vibration when ready to use.
The TEREA sticks are designed to be inserted one way only, reducing user error. They’re slightly wider at the filter end, which fits perfectly with the device.
What sets the IQOS ILUMA i apart is the induction heating technology 2.0, which heats the tobacco inside the TEREA stick without a blade—no combustion, no ash, and no cleaning required.
Smart Touchscreen – Feedback at Your Fingertips
The IQOS ILUMA i has a touchscreen on the holder. Here’s what it shows:
- Preheating progress
- Session time remaining
- Puff tracking (white ring line decreases)
- Low battery and recharge alerts
When your session is almost over, the device vibrates again—let you know you have a few puffs left before it shuts off. You’re in control of your experience with minimal effort.
Real Puff Count & Session Duration
In our tests, each TEREA stick provided:
- 14 to 18 puffs, depending on how deep and how often you inhale
- A session of about 6 minutes, whichever comes first
This is very close to a traditional cigarette, perfect for adult smokers switching to heated tobacco.
⏸️ Pause Mode – One of the Best New Features

One of the most loved features of the ILUMA i is Pause Mode.
Let’s say you need to take a break mid-session—now you can:
- Swipe down to pause.
- You have up to 8 minutes to resume.
- Swipe up to continue where you left off.
Ideal for users who want flexibility during a smoking break or who get interrupted while using the device.
🔋 Battery Life – More Uses Per Charge
With IQOS ILUMA i’s new FlexBattery system, you get: 3 full uses per single charge
- Faster charging between sessions
- Smart charging indicator to avoid overcharging or guessing
The older IQOS ILUMA could only do 2 uses per charge. That extra use can add up for frequent users.
⚖️ ILUMA i vs ILUMA – What’s new?
Feature | IQOS ILUMA i | IQOS ILUMA |
---|---|---|
Smart Touchscreen | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Pause Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
FlexPuff (18 puffs) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
FlexBattery (3 uses/charge) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Only 2 |
Induction Heating 2.0 | ✅ Improved | ✅ Basic |
Device Cleaning Required | ❌ No | ❌ No |
These new features make the ILUMA i a must upgrade, especially if you want smarter controls, flexibility and longer use time.
🛒 Where to Buy IQOS ILUMA i in UAE
IQOS ILUMA i is available for fast delivery across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Al Ain. You can choose from:
Each starter kit includes:
- 1x IQOS ILUMA i Device
- 1x Holder
- 1x USB-C Charger
- 40x TEREA sticks (choose from 16 variants)
👉 Order from Vape hype for 100% genuine devices, a wide range of TEREA flavors and 1-hour express delivery in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
✅ Pros of IQOS ILUMA i
- Button-free operation
- Long puff sessions with high satisfaction
- Premium build
- Smart touchscreen interface
- Pause Mode
- No cleaning required
- Suitable for new and experienced users
🛠️Common IQOS ILUMA PRIME Issues & How to Fix Them
Like any modern electronic device, the IQOS ILUMA PRIME—despite its premium design and smart technology—can sometimes have technical issues. Most of these are minor and can be fixed with a few steps. Whether you’re using your device, this section will help you identify and fix common problems without visiting a store.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and their solutions based on IQOS support:
📶 1. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
🔌 Problem: Can’t pair with the IQOS App
Cause: Bluetooth might not be enabled on your phone or the device.
✅ Solution:
- Make sure Bluetooth is on for both your phone and the IQOS ILUMA Prime.
- Restart the app and your mobile device.
- Try to connect again through the IQOS app.
- Be close to the device when pairing.
🔁 Problem: Syncing with the IQOS App Fails
Cause: App version or distance between devices may be the issue.
✅ Solution:
- Update the IQOS app to the latest version via the App Store or Google Play.
- Restart your phone.
- Keep your IQOS ILUMA Prime close to your phone (within Bluetooth range).
🔄 Problem: Persistent Bluetooth Connection Issues
✅ Solution:
- Reset Bluetooth on the IQOS ILUMA Prime:
- Turn off the device.
- Press the power button for 10 seconds.
- When the lights flash, the device resets Bluetooth.
ℹ️ If the issue persists, contact IQOS UAE support or visit Vape Hype Support troubleshooting.
🧩 2. Firmware Update Problems
⚠️ Problem: Outdated Firmware Causing Device Malfunction
Cause: Skipping or delaying firmware updates may affect performance.
✅ Solution:
- Open the IQOS app and go to Device Settings.
- Check for firmware updates.
- If there’s an update, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Keep your device connected and charged during the update.
⚠️ Important: Interrupting a firmware update may cause errors or instability. Make sure the Bluetooth connection and battery level are stable.
🔧 3. General Troubleshooting
If your IQOS ILUMA Prime is having issues that aren’t related to Bluetooth or firmware, try these general fixes:
🌀 Problem: Device Won’t Turn On or Is Acting Funny
✅ Solution:
- Do a soft reset by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.
- Make sure the device is charged (plug it in and check the LED lights).
- Remove and reinsert the holder properly.
🔍 Problem: Touchscreen Not Working
✅ Solution:
- Gently clean the screen with a microfibre cloth.
- Restart the holder.
- Make sure your fingers are dry and free of oils or debris.
🛑 Problem: Still Not Working
✅ Solution:
- Visit the official IQOS UAE website and go to Support.
- Contact IQOS Customer Care through live chat or phone.
- Schedule a service request or visit a nearby IQOS Service Point in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.
📣 Pro Tip: Keep Your Device Updated & Synced
To avoid most issues:
- Keep firmware up to date.
- Sync regularly with the app.
- Don’t drop or expose to moisture.
- Use only original TEREA sticks and accessories.
FAQs
🔋 How long to charge?
About 90 minutes for the device. Holder charges in just a few minutes.
💨 How many puffs per TEREA stick?
You can enjoy 14 to 18 puffs or 6 minutes of use—similar to a traditional cigarette.
🧼 Do I need to clean the device?
No, thanks to the blade-free design and sealed tobacco chamber inside TEREA sticks.
📍 Can I buy this in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Vape Hype offers UAE-wide delivery, including express options.
Final Verdict—Is It Worth Upgrading?
If you’re already using IQOS or planning to switch from smoking, the IQOS ILUMA i is the best device in every way. With more puffs, a pause feature, longer battery life and an intuitive design, it’s a premium alternative to cigarettes with no ash, no mess, and no fuss. Home or on the go, IQOS ILUMA i is reliable, portable and works.
✅ Available in Dubai and all UAE cities.
✅ For adult users looking for a clean, smart nicotine solution.
✅ IQOS innovation and UAE based customer support.
👉 Order Now