Ask most people in Dubai what an IQOS is and they will describe an ILUMA with a TEREA stick in it. Fewer know that the IQOS family also includes BONDS, a separate device that uses its own sticks called BLENDS. The names sound alike, the boxes sit near each other on our shelves, and that causes a fair bit of confusion. This guide untangles IQOS BONDS and BLENDS: what each one is, how they relate to ILUMA i and TEREA, what you can and cannot mix, and who the BONDS system genuinely suits.
The short version: two separate systems
Think of it as two pairs that do not swap partners:
| Device | Sticks it uses | Heating system (as listed) |
|---|---|---|
| IQOS BONDS | BLENDS | ROUNDHEAT Tobacco System |
| IQOS ILUMA i (One, Standard, Prime) | TEREA | Smartcore Induction |
BLENDS sticks are made for BONDS only, and TEREA sticks are made for ILUMA. A BLENDS stick will not work in an ILUMA i, and TEREA is not designed for BONDS. If you remember nothing else from this article, remember that.
What is IQOS BONDS?
BONDS is a compact heat-not-burn device built around a heating approach that our listings call the ROUNDHEAT Tobacco System. It is a different heating approach from the Smartcore Induction used in ILUMA, and you do not need to understand the engineering to use it. What matters is that the two systems are built around different sticks.
According to our product details, BONDS offers:
- A lightweight, pocket-friendly build.
- A built-in rechargeable battery with a carry case.
- A full day of use on a single charge, as described in the listing.
- Roughly 90 to 120 minutes for a full charge.
- USB-C charging, so the same cable as most modern phones.
We stock three colours, each at AED 120: Cosmic Black, Ocean Blue and Ruby Red. You can see all of them together on the IQOS BONDS device page.
What are BLENDS sticks?
BLENDS are the sticks made for BONDS. Every BLENDS listing in our range is AED 110, and every one is described as light to medium in intensity, so the line as a whole sits on the gentler side. The difference between them is flavour.
Tobacco-led and floral
- A Warm Edition: roasted tobacco, warm and woody. The most traditional of the range.
- A Gold Edition: floral with a mild tobacco character.
- A Rich Edition and A Blossom Edition: both described as floral and lightly sweet over a mild tobacco base.
Cooling and fruity
- A Purple Edition: a berry-menthol top note over the tobacco blend.
- A Summer Edition: Indonesian clove, an exotic fruit aroma and cool menthol, which makes it the most complex of the line.
- Tropical Edition: tropical fruit over a tobacco base.
- A Passion Fruit Mix: listed as a tobacco-free herbal blend with a passion fruit flavour, so it is a little different from the rest.
Because every BLENDS stick shares the same light to medium intensity rating, switching between flavours is mostly about taste rather than strength. That makes it easy to rotate between a tobacco option for mornings and something cooler for the evening without the experience feeling very different.
Browse all eight on the IQOS BLENDS sticks page.
Where BONDS sits next to ILUMA i
Price is the first difference people notice. BONDS is AED 120. The cheapest ILUMA option, the ILUMA i One, starts at AED 150, and the ILUMA i Standard starts at AED 230. So BONDS is the lowest-priced IQOS device we stock.
The second difference is range. ILUMA i comes in three body styles, many colours and several limited editions, and TEREA has a very large flavour line-up across regional editions such as Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan and Italy. BONDS has three colours and BLENDS has eight flavours. That is plenty for a lot of people, but it is a more focused menu.
The third difference is features. ILUMA i Standard and Prime models connect to the IQOS app over Bluetooth and include features such as Pause Mode and FlexPuff. BONDS is a simpler device without those listed extras. Whether that matters depends entirely on whether you would use them.
Who BONDS and BLENDS suit
A good fit if…
- You want an official IQOS device at the lowest entry price.
- You prefer light to medium sticks and do not need a huge flavour list.
- You like the idea of a simple device with a carry case and USB-C, without app settings to manage.
- You are curious about flavours such as A Summer Edition with clove, which has no direct TEREA equivalent on our shelves.
Probably not for you if…
- You already have a stash of TEREA and a favourite flavour you do not want to give up.
- You enjoy exploring regional editions and limited releases.
- You want app features, a touch screen or a premium finish.
Some people run both systems: an ILUMA i at home with their usual TEREA, and a BONDS as a lightweight second device. If you do that, just keep the sticks clearly separated so nobody grabs the wrong pack on the way out.
Getting started with a new BONDS
If you decide BONDS is for you, a few simple habits make the first week smoother:
- Charge it fully before the first session. With the listed charge time of roughly 90 to 120 minutes, it is easiest to plug it in when it arrives and use it later that day.
- Read the leaflet in the box. It explains how to insert a stick, start a session and recognise the indicator signals. A couple of minutes here saves a lot of guesswork.
- Use the carry case. It protects the device in a bag and keeps it from picking up pocket lint.
- Clean it regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions, so residue does not build up and affect the flavour.
- Try two flavours in your first order. Pair a tobacco-led option such as A Warm Edition with something cooling such as A Purple Edition, so you quickly learn which direction you prefer.
Like any rechargeable device, BONDS should not be left charging on a hot car dashboard or in direct sun, which is easy to forget during a UAE summer.
Avoiding the common mix-ups
A few practical tips from the questions we get most often:
- Check the stick name, not the colour. Both BLENDS and TEREA come in colourful packs. Look for the word BLENDS or TEREA on the box.
- Do not force a stick. If a stick does not seem to fit or heat properly, you probably have the wrong type for that device.
- Order sticks with your device. If you are buying a BONDS for the first time, add at least one BLENDS pack so you can start straight away.
- Buying a gift? Ask what the person already uses. Someone with an ILUMA needs TEREA, not BLENDS. Our ILUMA i gift guide covers that side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use BLENDS sticks in an IQOS ILUMA i?
No. BLENDS sticks are made for IQOS BONDS only. ILUMA i devices are designed for TEREA sticks.
Can I use TEREA sticks in IQOS BONDS?
No. BONDS is designed for BLENDS sticks only, and TEREA is made for the ILUMA family.
How much does IQOS BONDS cost in Dubai?
At Vaporhouse Dubai the IQOS BONDS device is AED 120 in Cosmic Black, Ocean Blue or Ruby Red, and BLENDS sticks are AED 110 per listing.
Which BLENDS flavour is closest to classic tobacco?
A Warm Edition, described as roasted, warm and woody tobacco, is the most traditional choice. A Gold Edition is a milder, more floral alternative.
Whether you go for BONDS, ILUMA i or both, you can order everything from our online shop or on WhatsApp. We deliver in about 59 minutes in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman and in 12 to 24 hours across the rest of the UAE, free over AED 299. Pay by cash or card on delivery. Adults 18+ only.