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What is IQOS ILUMA PRIME?
ILUMA PRIME is a two-part device: a holder that heats the TEREA stick and a pocket charger that recharges the holder. PMI introduced it with ILUMA and ILUMA ONE on 18 August 2021 in Japan. It has no blade and needs no internal cleaning.
The family overview is in the devices section.
Keeping the holder in the pocket charger between sessions is how the design is meant to work, since the holder only stores enough charge for two sessions.
The holder, pocket charger and stick are the only three parts involved in a session.
What makes ILUMA PRIME premium?
The materials and finish. IQOS describes an anodised aluminium body with a textured wrap. The heating system, sticks and battery figures are the same as the standard ILUMA, so the difference is in design rather than performance. The feature set is identical.
Weights for each model are compared in the next answer and in the table below.
IQOS does not list any performance difference between PRIME and the standard model.
For readers comparing models, the premium finish is the main reason to choose PRIME over the standard ILUMA, since the everyday experience is described as the same.
How heavy is ILUMA PRIME?
IQOS UK lists ILUMA PRIME at 171.5 g and the standard ILUMA at 147 g, both including the holder and pocket charger. The one-piece ILUMA ONE is listed at 68.5 g. The extra weight of PRIME comes from its materials.
We quote only official weights.
Both figures include the holder and pocket charger together, as listed by IQOS UK.
Weight matters mainly for carrying; IQOS lists no difference in how the two models heat.
For readers who carry the device in a jacket or bag, the extra 24.5 g of PRIME is the practical difference between the two first-generation holder models.
How many uses does the ILUMA PRIME holder give?
IQOS UK says the holder can be used twice in a row before it needs recharging in the pocket charger, and a fully charged pocket charger provides about 20 uses. This is why the holder normally returns to the charger after each session.
ILUMA i PRIME adds FlexBattery modes; see IQOS ILUMA i explained.
Two consecutive uses is a first-generation limit; the ILUMA i models let users choose between modes.
After two sessions the holder must return to the charger before another stick can be heated.
How long does ILUMA PRIME take to charge?
According to IQOS UK, a full pocket charger charge takes about 135 minutes. Recharging the holder in the pocket charger takes around 3 minutes 25 seconds to go from one use to two, or around 5 minutes 15 seconds from empty to two uses.
Charging problems are covered in IQOS UK's ILUMA troubleshooting page, listed below.
Charging times can vary with the power adapter and battery age.
A full pocket charger charge is needed less often than holder recharges, since one charger charge covers about 20 uses.
The holder recharge times are short enough that the charger can top it up between two sessions.
How is ILUMA PRIME different from ILUMA i PRIME?
ILUMA i PRIME is the 2024 successor. It keeps the premium design idea and the TEREA sticks, and adds the touch screen, Pause Mode, FlexPuff and FlexBattery announced for the ILUMA i range. ILUMA PRIME has none of these features.
Feature details are on IQOS ILUMA i explained.
For anyone comparing the two, the second generation adds features without changing the sticks.
Both premium models use the same TEREA sticks.
Which sticks does ILUMA PRIME use?
TEREA and other SMARTCORE sticks designed for ILUMA. The premium finish does not change which sticks work. As with every ILUMA model, HEETS are not designed for it, and TEREA should not be used in older blade devices. Only the sticks for ILUMA fit.
See HEETS vs TEREA.
ILUMA PRIME takes all TEREA variants, including Pearl sticks.
Pearl sticks and every other TEREA variant fit the PRIME holder in exactly the same way as the standard ILUMA holder.
Is ILUMA PRIME allowed in Thailand?
No. Official travel advice says possessing or using heat-not-burn devices in Thailand is illegal, with no exceptions for tourists or personal use. The premium model is treated like every other IQOS device. Design and materials make no legal difference at all.
These devices and sticks are illegal to possess or use in Thailand, according to official travel advice. See IQOS in Thailand.
Readers in other countries should follow their local rules.
Official advice makes no distinction between premium and standard devices, or between first and second generation models.
| Item | ILUMA PRIME | ILUMA |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 171.5 g | 147 g |
| Body | Anodised aluminium, textured wrap | Standard |
| Holder uses in a row | 2 | 2 |
| Uses per charger | About 20 | About 20 |
| Full charge | About 135 min | About 135 min |
| Sticks | TEREA | TEREA |
Frequently asked questions
Is ILUMA PRIME more powerful than ILUMA?
How long does the holder take to recharge?
Does ILUMA PRIME have a screen?
When was ILUMA PRIME launched?
Does ILUMA PRIME need cleaning?
Is ILUMA PRIME legal in Thailand?
Sources
- IQOS ILUMA launch in Japan (18 Aug 2021) — Philip Morris International
- How to charge IQOS ILUMA devices — IQOS UK
- How do IQOS models differ from each other? — IQOS Philippines
- Troubleshooting IQOS ILUMA — IQOS UK
- IQOS warranty — IQOS UK
- Thailand travel advice: safety and security — GOV.UK
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