It just edges the Crafty as an on-the-go portable because you can buy a bunch of batteries, charge them outside the device, and swap them out as needed. This is a major benefit for a vape you take out of the house. Then it has a much better smartphone app, but everything can be controlled onboard without the app. The smart paths make it even more convenient, as you never have to manually change temp.
To be fair, the Crafty has slightly better vapor quality, and much less draw resistance. But the IQ surpasses the Crafty in vapor quantity - it produces thicker clouds, and the sessions last longer.
The Pax2 has fallen out of my rotation. The IQ is better in every way. Even before, I would only use my Pax2 when I needed something with maximum stealth factor. The IQ is equally compact, smells less, and has two viable mouthpieces (everyone hates the Pax2 raised mouthpiece). Then when you consider the flavor chamber, the ceramic vapor pathway, the ease of loading and cleaning...it's no contest.
Great analysis, thanks for the clarification, this was really helpful. I already pre ordered NOV 1st (Gunmetal, still in "awaiting shipment purgatory) and I owned a Pax 1 a while back which I lost and I currently own a Crafty and firefly2, i like them both for different reasons but wanted another to fill the vacancy of having an on the go vape that was stealthy and not cause me to have to deal with "sipping" (firefly 2... not all the time im in the mood for stressing my lungs). Was considering a Pax 2 or Pax 3 but went with this instead. After watching the reviews I always got the sense that while good, pax2/pax3 was more geared towards if you wanna be a tad flashy/fancy in terms of its edge over other vaporizers than say pound for pound better from stictly lets say the qualities that truly matter when picking a vape. Not that it isnt good or that other vapes dont have sex appeal but i think especially the pax 3 they def take the "conversation starter" award