Philips 5000X vs 5000 Series Shaver – Comparison – Which Is Best?

Having spent considerable time with both the Philips Series 5000 and the Philips 5000X, I’m ready to share my thoughts and experience on how these two stack up.

While the “5000X” in its name might suggest it’s just another variant of the Series 5000, I’ve discovered through hands-on use and looking at the features that it’s quite a different tool. I’d say the 5000X bridges a gap between the more mid-price range 5000 series and the more entry-level, lower-cost 3000 series, and it shares features and qualities of both.

It would make sense to call the 5000X a 4000 Series, based on what I have found. However, I guess Philips has its marketing reasons for it being named a 5000 with an X, though.

Let’s Compare What’s Most Important 

Let’s compare the design, ergonomics, grip, blade heads, charging among other factors, and shaving performance. I will also give costs a mention.

Design and Features: Differences

The big difference easily noticed straight away is the design. The Philips 5000X has a much slimmer design. It features a basic patterned texture that provides decent grip, but I would like to see that section rubberized.

In contrast, the Philips Series 5000 has a more substantial feel, with a solid rubberized back section that I prefer for its secure and premium feel. It does feel squarer, though, and it is not shaped as well as the 5000X in terms of fitting snugly in the hand.

An interesting benefit of the 5000X’s slim design is its ability to stand upright on a counter, which is a nice touch for storage.

I can see the unusual (for Philips) design of the 5000X could be a welcome difference for some guys, while others might prefer the standard, bulkier type of design. I found the 5000X quite odd at first; then I adjusted to the difference, and it was not noticeable in any way.

Shaver Heads and Blades

When it comes to the shaver heads themselves, there’s a clear distinction. The Series 5000 features an angular head design, while the 5000X sports the more traditional rounded blade heads.

I previously had a preference for rounded heads. However, after extended use of various Philips shavers with the angular design, I’ve honestly not found any significant difference in performance or comfort between the two designs. Other individuals might notice a difference, but for my skin and beard type, it’s a non-factor.

Both shavers feature heads that equally provide 360 movement, and their individual blade head sections also flex. However, a small and effective difference lies in the individual circular blade sections of the Series 5000; they can slightly press in (or flex–see photo below), which I believe provides some additional skin contact benefit and comfort.

The blades on the Series 5000 are the SH71 type, which feature more cutting elements. The SH71 heads are also compatible with the Philips Series 7000. The 5000X cutters/heads are type SH30, which is the same as what we get with the Philips 3000 Series.

• SH71 – 45 self-sharpening blades (15 blades per head)
• SH30 – 27 self-sharpening blades (9 blades per head)

This means the Series 5000 offers more cutting actions per minute, potentially leading to a quicker shave.

A benefit of the SH30 blades is that they are quite a lot cheaper to replace.

I did place a SH71 cutter blade inside the 5000X to see if it was compatible and could give the 5000X a slight upgrade, and while it fitted (see photo below), it did not lock into place. Without locking into place, it could become loose at any point, which isn’t what we want.

The Detail Trimmer

The Series 5000 has a built-in trimmer that conveniently slides out from the back with a simple slide of the thumb. This integrated design means no extra components to worry about. On the other hand, the 5000X does not have a built-in trimmer. Instead, it comes with an attachment that you need to swap onto the shaver body after removing the main shaving head.

The slimline design of the 5000X might be a direct result of not having the built-in trimmer.

I am not concerned about having a built-in or attachment trimmer and focus on other features, and more so on performance than this feature. However, I know for some guys, this can be very important and possibly a deal breaker if a built-in ease-of-use detail trimmer is not featured.

Other Differences

Beyond these core features, the Series 5000 generally offers a few more “upgrade” elements that might appeal to some users (non-deal-breaking stuff).

The LED display on the Series 5000 is typically more advanced, providing more detailed battery information compared to the 5000X.

The Series 5000 also provides a longer run time of 60 minutes versus the 5000X’s 50 minutes on a full charge. Both, however, feature a 1-hour charge time and a convenient 5-minute quick charge for a single shave.

The Series 5000 can be used with Philips’ cleaning station (Philips Quick Clean Pod) for effortless maintenance and hygiene. The 5000X is not compatible with the cleaning pod because it does not have the angular head design that the 5000 Series and other Philips shavers have.

Shaving Experiences

I used both shavers on multiple separate occasions, and I have reviewed them separately. I also did a side-by-side test three times as I was having a couple of questions about things, and on the third occasion, I put a YouTube video out on the comparison and refined my conclusion.

It was clear to me that the Series 5000 provided more comfort while shaving, which is important to me. The S5000 was maybe slightly quicker at shaving, too, but that was minimal.

Both equally left minimal leftover patches on my usual prone areas, and both found it very easy to clear them up after.

They both also have a slight struggle with shaving under the nose area, which I tackle by moving my nose over slightly. The detail trimmer can help with this if needed.

On a couple of occasions, I did find the 5000X quite rough on my more sensitive neck area, especially when I tested it out shaving daily (consecutively for a few days).

Both shavers equally move along the contours of the chin and jaw area very well, and the shaving blade heads kept good contact with the skin throughout the shaves.

The 5000 Series just felt more solid while holding it and felt like it had more umph.

Costs

While I won’t provide exact figures because prices are always fluctuating, it’s generally true that Philips shavers tend to follow a rough 30% price increment as you move up through the series.

Despite its “5000” designation, the 5000X is typically about 30% less expensive than a standard Series 5000 shaver. This same approximate rule applies between the 5000X and the 3000 series, with the latter usually being about 30% cheaper.

When I purchased the 5000X (bought from the US), it only cost $70. I have noticed it has been priced at around $90 since then, and at $90, the gap between the S5000 and 5000X is not quite as wide.

So, the 5000X positions itself potentially as a more affordable, yet still capable, option.

Which One to Choose?

If cost is a primary concern, the Philips 5000X offers good value. It provides a very capable and quick shave with a unique slimline design and an accessible price point.

The 5000X is also a jump up from the 3000 Series, with a very different design—if that larger and bulkier body design of the 3000 is not for you.

However, if you’re looking for a slightly more premium experience from a shaver that provides more comfort while shaving and features like an integrated trimmer, a better LED display, longer battery life, and compatibility with the Quick Clean Pod for effortless cleaning. In that case, the Philips Series 5000 is a good upgrade.

For me, the choice would largely depend on budget and desired convenience. Still, the Series 5000 is pretty much where I would spend my money again if I had to choose, despite paying a little more.

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