This mug is definitely a splurge item, but I love it! The heat settings suit me perfectly, no app needed (one button push to use a different heat setting for coffee than tea), great temperature control for the whole mug (full to almost empty), and the battery still has one light left after two leisurely mugs of tea (at least 90 minutes on the “hot” setting, not sitting on the charging pad while in use). The bottom of the mug seems to be the hottest, but the sides (inside) are also warming. The outside of the mug is vaguely warm, but not enough to warm your hands. I don’t use the lid. This little coffee mug has been good to me 🙂