Superb shave and shaver. A user of multiple electrics, including Panasonic's ES-LV9A-S and Braun's 9385cc foils, as well as DE (double-edged) razors, this is one of the best rotaries I've used (Norelco's 9000 Series Prestige is a worthy competitor). Historic issues with all of these, for many shavers, are that they are either too noisy, too irritating (or too dangerous), too slow, too messy, or too ineffective. The 9700 is quiet, fast, efficient, convenient and comfortable, and provides almost as close a shave as my DE razor using my artisan shaving soaps (a wet shaver), as well as a more consistent and even shave - and the new head design just seems to glide over your face and leave nothing behind. It's also orders of magnitude quieter than any foil shaver, and vibration-free.
For the first time in 50 years of shaving with almost every kind of shaving gear, I really can report no negatives with this shaver. The cleaning system is as good as Braun's (and cartridges are less expensive, non-alcohol based and last longer - reportedly 3 months vs. a month), and better than Panasonic's (which requires a separate water tank, can be smelly, and really needs distilled water). The 4 hour drying time is not an issue because I'm not going to be shaving again in 4 hours, but if you really wanted to the actual cleaning only takes ten minutes, so you could rinse and shave again after the cleaning cycle is done before drying was complete. It doesn't sanitize like Braun's alcohol cleaner, but I'm not convinced that having something generating hot alcohol vapor on your bathroom counter is a good idea - I'm not planning on sharing my shaver, and my soap isn't sanitized either. Having a cleaning station at home is very convenient because you just rinse the shaver and drop it in the station when finished shaving, and automatic electronics take care of the rest - completely silent induction drying ensures a dry shave head for the next shave. On the road, you just pop off the top plate with the shaving heads, rinse under hot water, and pop back on - finished cleaning!
The shave itself is the most comfortable I've experienced, the battery lasts forever (in my case close to two weeks of shaves without recharging), and it's the quietest electric I've ever used - orders of magnitude quieter than the Panasonics or Brauns. The beard/moustache/sideburn trimmer is not integral to the shaver, but it's far more robust and effective than the pop-up kind, and switching heads is a snap. Norelco has cleverly made this a system razor, so other snap-on attachments like the beard/hair trimmer or facial brush will work as well, without having to purchase another device or carry a separate device when traveling.
This design also lets you change out individual comb/cutter sets in the event one is damaged or you don't want to change the entire head, something not possible on most earlier Norelcos. A complete set of cutters/combs with the top plate is about the same price as Braun's or Panasonic's cartridge heads, and you get about a year of shaving with any of them with similar use. A lit indicator tells you when to change heads, but it really depends on your beard and how frequently you shave. Display is large and easy to read, and appears accurate for percentage of charge left; an electronic travel lock effectively disables all buttons for travel or storage. Another well thought-out feature is the 3-speed motor, allowing adjustment for skin sensitivity. I really haven't had to use anything over the medium speed yet, resulting in an extremely comfortable shave for my more sensitive face. It works.
Like all wet shavers, you can't use it as a corded razor, but unlike its Norelco wet predecessors, you can connect a cord to recharge it on the road, without carrying around a bulky charging base, and charging is quick (less than an hour for a full charge, or maybe five or ten minutes for one shave). And unlike the earlier Norelcos, the shaver itself (as well as the cleaning station) has an automatic cutoff so you can leave it plugged in after it charges without wrecking the battery. The included carrying case is comparable to Braun's, hard-sided, and superior to Panasonic's; none of them have room for accessories like a cord, although that's probably a good idea considering the jostling it will get in your airline baggage and the potential damage to its plastic exterior - Panasonic's case is the least protective of the lot.
This is a dry and a wet shaver, so it works either way, but I have come to prefer a wet shave as more comfortable (for me); nothing like a shaving scuttle and warm lather, a habit I got from my DE shaving days. A dry shave is a great convenience travelling though, so it's good to have both options. As a dry shaver it should be at least as effective as its SensoTouch predecessors (previously the 1200 series, now 8000), and reportedly as comfortable, but I have not personally tested those dry. The new heads for this Norelco are some of the best Norelco has made in my opinion, and are now metal-reinforced and don't require a tool for changing or cleaning heads.
It's expensive (though comparable or cheaper than the top-of-the-line Braun or newest Panasonic), but you only buy quality once - highly recommended!
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From the manufacturer
At a Glance
- V-Track Precision Blades Pro capture each hair regardless of length
- With Contour Detect Technology, heads independently contour in 8 directions
- With Personal Comfort Settings, you can choose between three speed settings
- Digital user interface plus motion sensor displays battery status
- SmartClean Plus cleans, lubricates, dries and charges the shaver
What’s in the box
Shaver 9700, SmartClean PLUS, cleaning cartridge, SmartClick precision trimmer, SmartClick cleansing brush, power cord, and travel case.
Philips Norelco Shaver 9700 with Cleansing Brush
Superior closeness in a single pass. Even on 3-day beards*
Philips Norelco Shaver 9700 is the ultimate shaving experience. Its unique contour-detect technology, combined with specially upgraded V-track precision blades PRO, creates an unbeatably close and comfortable shave, especially on a 1-3 day beard.
The Ultimate Clean Shave with the SmartClick Facial Cleansing Brush.
Use the Philips Norelco facial cleansing brush attachment by simply clicking it onto the Shaver 9700 handle. In the morning, use the facial cleaning brush attachment for a more comfortable, smoother shave, or in the evening to wipe away the dirt which has collected on your face during the day.
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Contour Detect TechnologyFollow every contour of your face and neck with 8-directional ContourDetect technology. You'll catch 20% more hairs in a single pass. Resulting in an extremely close, smooth shave. |
V-Track Precision BladesUpgraded V-Track Precision Blades PRO gently captures each hair regardless of its length from 1 day up to 3 day stubble. Cuts 30% closer* in less strokes leaving your skin smooth and comfortable. The blades also self-sharpen to ensure a premium shave day after day. |
Personal Comfort SettingsCustomize your shave by choosing the speed setting that best fits you: Sensitive – for a gentle, yet thorough shave. Normal – for a thorough, everyday shave. Fast – for a quick shave that saves you time. |
SmartClean PLUS SystemAt the touch of a button, SmartClean PLUS cleans, lubricates, dries and charges your shaver, keeping it performing at its best every day. With an alcohol-free, skin-friendly formula, the SmartClean system cleans hair, foam and gel through a unique dual-filtration system. The system also lubricates the shaver’s blades to reduce friction and keep your blades in top condition. After each cycle, the SmartClean system also thoroughly dries and charges the shaver so it’s always ready to go. |
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Digital User InterfaceShaver 9700's state-of-the-art features include a digital user interface with a built-in motion sensor. This premium interface puts you in control of your shaver's performance by displaying battery level percentage, cleaning indicator, battery low indicator, replacement head indicator, and a travel lock indicator. |
AquaTec TechnologyWith AquaTec technology, Shaver 9700 also allows you to enjoy a comfortable dry shave, or a refreshing wet shave (in our out of the shower) with shaving gel or foam. |
Lithium-ion PowerIts powerful Lithium-ion battery delivers 60 minutes of shaving after a 1 hour charge, and a 5 minute quick charge supplies enough power for one full shave. |
SmartClick oil-control cleansing brushClick the SmartClick facial cleasing brush on your shaver and use it with your preferred face wash. Longer oil control than manual cleansing. 1 minute deep cleasing with the brush helps cleanse oil deeply. You can use the brush in combination with your own cleansing product. |
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| Philips Norelco Shaver 9700 | Philips Norelco Shaver 5100 | Philips Norelco Shaver 5100 | Philips Norelco Shaver 5700 | Philips Norelco Shaver 7300 | Philips Norelco Shaver 8900 | |
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| Price | — | $89.98 | $89.98 | $209.99 | $239.98 | — |
| Special feature | Perfection in every pass with personal comfort settings with digital user interface | A Fast, Close Shave | A Fast, Close Shave | Turbo-powered shave: 10% more power | Philips' No.1 on sensitive skin | Perfection in every pass |
| Shaving System | V-Track Precision Blade System PRO | MultiPrecision Blade System | MultiPrecision Blade System | MultiPrecision Blade System | GentlePrecisionPRO Blade System | V-Track Precision Blade System |
| Contouring System | 8 directions | 5 directions | 5 directions | 5 directions | 5 directions | 8 directions |
| Accessories for trimming / styling / grooming | SmartClick Precision Trimmer, SmartClick Cleansing Brush | SmartClick Precision Trimmer | SmartClick Precision Trimmer | SmartClick Precision Trimmer | SmartClick Precision Trimmer | SmartClick Beard Styler |
| Fully Washable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wet and Dry (Shower Proof) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lithium-Ion Battery: Shaving Time / Charge Time | 60 min. / 1 hr. | 40 min. / 1 hr. | 40 min. / 1 hr. | 45 min. / 1 hr. | 50 min. / 1 hr. | 50 min. / 1 hr. |
| SmartClean Cleaning System | Cleans, charges, lubricates and dries | Cleans, charges and lubricates | Cleans, charges and lubricates | Cleans, charges and lubricates (depending on model) | ||
| Accessories included: | Shaver 9700, SmartClean PLUS, cleaning cartridge, SmartClick precision trimmer, SmartClick cleansing brush, power cord, and travel case | Electric shaver, SmartClick precision trimmer, power cord and protective cap | Electric shaver, SmartClick precision trimmer, power cord and protective cap | Electric shaver, SmartClick precision trimmer, power cord and protective cap | Electric shaver, SmartClean, cleaning cartridge, SmartClick precision trimmer, power cord, and travel case | Electric shaver, SmartClean, cleaning cartridge, SmartClick beard styler, power cord, and travel case |
| Replacement Blade Reference | SH90/62 | SH50/52 | SH50/52 | SH50/52 | SH70/52 | SH90/62 |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Philips Norelco Shaver 9700 with SmartClean, Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric Shaver with Cleansing Brush Attachment, S9721/89 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $129.95 | $139.99 | -17% $174.99 List: $209.99 | $259.96 | $429.99 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $129.95 / Count | $139.99 / Count | $174.99 / Count | $259.96 / Count | $429.99 / Count |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Easy to hold | ||||||
| Sold By | — | SUPPLIES USA | Amazon.com | 6ave | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| head type | Rotary | 'Rotary,Foil' | Rotary | Foil | Rotary | Foil |
| special feature | Wet & Dry, Includes Docking Station: Charges, Clean, Dries, Digital display, Rotation moves in 8 directions, Includes cleansing brush | Dry, No Docking Station, Durable, self-sharpening blades for a close shave. | SenseIQ with Auto-adapt & Motion-sensing Technology, Nano SkinGlide Coating, 360 Contour Pivoting Heads, Cleaning System, Led Display, Rechargeable, 60 Minute Run Time | Waterproof, Dry Shave, Wet, Pivoting Head, Pop-Up Trimmer, Shave Sensor, Self-cleaning, Washable | Cordless, Rechargeable, Dry Shave, Wet, Pop-Up Trimmer, Self-Sharpening | Rechargeable |
| power source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Li-Ion Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| number of blades | 1 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| blade material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel |
| weight | 3.21 pounds | 0.85 pounds | 2.05 pounds | 0.4 pounds | — | — |
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Detailed review
I've had this product for a couple days now. I have a Panasonic Arc 5 too.The reason I bought this one was because with Arc 5, I couldn't really get a great shave for my neck. I have course hair and in all directions! Using Arc 5 caused a lot of redness on my neck and at the end I had to use the pop up trimmer on my neck to get all the hairs that were missed and there was a lot. This caused a lot of irritation of the skin.Of course Arc 5 is a great shaver and gives you a very smooth skin if you don't have my issues.Let me tell you that this product looks beautiful. It feels nice to hold in hand and I was surprised of how quiet this device is.I believe you need to learn how to use each device. Using this one is very different from Arc 5.After shaving, I still can feel a bit of hair here or there and I have to re shave those areas more carefully.Always pull your skin for best shave and go in different direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise.Although it gets warm after a while, I haven't had any kind of burns eventhough sometimes I don't shave in a circular motion out of habit.This shaver gives a very smooth feel after shaving especially if you don't have my problem of very coarse hair and in all directions.The cleaning system looks simpler that I hoped! It is nice that the on/off botton is touch sensitive and it shows all the things that the cleaner is doing.Let me make something clear. Many have complained of gettin a different kind of cleaner from what is shown in the pictures here. Although this is the seller's fault for not updating, but after some time, Philips has decided, for whatever reason, to send all its shavers with the same cleaner device. So if you can't see any bars on your cleaner, this doesn't mean anything other than a company decision!It does take around 4 hours for the cleaning process to end and most of that time goes for drying. No sound wich is good but I guess it could have been shorter. On the other hand you probably won't need your shaver for 4 hours right away after you've just finished shaving and want to clean it!The cleaning solution is not expensive at all! A pack of 2 lasts 4 months for $12! How can some people say it's expensive is unbelievable!People have complained about the system not cleaning thoroughly or the solution needing changing too fast.I believe there is a very simple but effective solution: people should stop whining and simply open the shaver's head after the shave is done, just tap the head and the shaver in the sink to get all the extra hair out and then put it in the cleaning system!This whole process takes less that 10 seconds! I understand that having a cleaning system means you shouldn't do anything but if you want a clean shaver every time and you don't want to change the cleaning solution every month or sooner, just spend 10 seconds more!The company says if you use this system once a week, the solution lasts for 3 months. On the other hand it also says " for optimal results clean your shaver in smartclean system after every use". This is somehow confusing. It also says each cartridge lasts up to 2 months.I think it's best to get the hairs removed from the shaver before putting it in the stand for cleaning. If you really care about your shaver or want to spend less money on the cleaning cartridge, wash the shaver under runing water. Detach and reattach it, shake it to get the excess water out and then use the cleaning stand. Tgisnis the best and most optimal way.It's good to mention I have to shave every day because of my job and this shaver delivers. I am yet to try shaving after 2 or 3 days of being lazy to see if this is as good as it is with a 1 day stubble but it seems that circular shavers to a great job on that part.Sure this product could be even better in built quality and in action. But this is all marketing so if you want a better built, you go buy the "prestige" one! And againg they want to make an even better one than this later on to sell it for more money so they won't make this one perfect even if they can.I haven't figured out how it turns in 8 directions as claimed because I can't see it moving in 8 directions as much as I tried too but I can be wrong.One thing that's a bit annoying and complicated is charging and cleaning the shaver and here is why: when you put the shaver in the cleaning stand and push down the charging connector, it automatically starts the cleaning process even though you might not want to clean the shaver.When this happens, I press the on/off botton to stop the cleaning process but remember that the shaver might be wet already.Also note that if you put the shaver in the stand but don't push the charging connector head (?- I have no idea what it's called but you push it down to connect the charger to electricity and start charging), you can clean the shaver without charging it. In other words you don't have to push the connector every time and charge the shaver for cleaning.Is this the best shaver out there? I don't know because I don't have all the shavers but I can say this is one of the really really good ones. I tried an older model of Philips shavers once and I returned it immediately. It didn't even come close to this one.It is made in Netherlands which is good news. Is it worth $300? It's all personal. I always like to have top of the line things and if I can I pay for it, well I do!I will update if anything new happens but for now, this is a good shaver. I've had the foil type and now I have a circular one and I can say this one works really well in dry mode and I believe it's even better with a gel or foam.Let's see if this is a long term investment. I certainly hope so.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018
Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Jack Edwards
Excellent eletric shaver
Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2021Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
Teofilo
Muy recomendable producto!! Estoy feliz...
Reviewed in Mexico on August 19, 2018Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
Raúl Ramírez Cruz
Llego incompleto lo cambiaron y llego excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on June 3, 2019Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
Sergio de la Torre
Afeitada suave, buen producto
Reviewed in Mexico on July 16, 2019Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
Alexenkov
Afeitado suave.
Reviewed in Mexico on August 15, 2018Style: S9700 Series with SmartCleanVerified Purchase
