PMI's ILUMA lineup now spans two generations — the original ILUMA series and the newer ILUMA i series. At a glance, they can look similar, and both work with the same TEREA sticks, but there are real design and release differences worth understanding before you buy. Here's a full breakdown.
Design and Build
The ILUMA i series features a refreshed design language with updated color options and refined ergonomics compared to the original ILUMA. Both use the same core SmartCore induction heating system, so the fundamental smoking experience — how the device heats tobacco and delivers flavor — is consistent across generations. The differences are more about finish, aesthetics, and which colorways are currently being produced.
Available Variants
Original ILUMA is available in Prime, Standard, and One configurations. The ILUMA i series mirrors this structure with ILUMA i Prime, ILUMA i Standard, and ILUMA i One. This means whichever configuration tier suits your usage habits, you have a choice between the established original design and the newer i-series design.
Color and Limited Editions
The ILUMA i series tends to receive the newest limited-edition colorways first — such as Electric Purple and Garnet Red — making it the go-to choice if having the latest colors and finishes matters to you. If you're the type of buyer who likes to have the newest release, the i-series is generally where that shows up first.
Compatibility
Both ILUMA and ILUMA i devices use the same TEREA sticks, so your flavor choice isn't affected by which generation you pick — the decision comes down almost entirely to design preference and which colors are currently available, rather than any functional trade-off in performance or flavor delivery.
Price Considerations
Pricing between the original ILUMA and ILUMA i series tends to be broadly comparable within the same configuration tier (Prime, Standard, or One), with limited-edition i-series colorways occasionally carrying a modest premium over standard finishes due to their more limited production runs.
Longevity and Support
Since ILUMA i represents PMI's more current design direction, it's reasonable to expect ongoing color and accessory support to lean toward the i-series over time, even though the original ILUMA remains fully functional and supported. If you're planning to keep a device for several years, this is worth factoring into your decision.
Which Should You Buy?
If you want the newest design and latest limited-edition colors, ILUMA i is the stronger choice. If you want a proven, slightly more established design at a comparable price and don't mind missing out on the very newest colorways, the original ILUMA remains a completely solid option. Either way, functionality and TEREA compatibility remain identical, so this is primarily an aesthetic and personal-preference decision rather than a performance one.
Compare all ILUMA and ILUMA i devices available in Abu Dhabi.
Shop the Products in This Post
- IQOS ILUMA i Prime Electric Purple
- IQOS ILUMA i Prime Garnet Red (Limited Edition)
- IQOS ILUMA i Standard Black
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ILUMA and ILUMA i use different TEREA sticks?
No — both use the exact same TEREA sticks, so switching between generations doesn't affect your flavor options.
Is ILUMA i more expensive than the original ILUMA?
Pricing is broadly similar within the same configuration tier, though certain limited-edition ILUMA i colorways can carry a modest premium.
Which series has more color options?
ILUMA i generally receives new limited-edition colors first, giving it a wider and more current color range.
Is the original ILUMA being discontinued?
It remains fully available and supported; ILUMA i is simply the newer design direction rather than a replacement.
Which should a first-time buyer choose?
Either works well — base the decision on which design and color you prefer, since functionality is identical.
Note: IQOS devices are intended for adult smokers (21+) only.