Braun Series 7 vs Series 8 – Which Shaver Should You Buy?
We are back to comparing two popular electric shavers from one the biggest companies making and selling foil-type shavers for gents worldwide, Braun.
The two shavers well worth comparing to identify important differences are the Braun Series 8 and Series 7. The Series 8 follows the Series 7 naturally within the Braun range of shavers and costs more, but is the extra expense worth it or needed?
I have tested, used, and reviewed both shavers previously. Now it’s time to put them both head to head to compare similarities and differences –to find out which is best for certain users and buyers.
Tested, Used, and Reviewed
Both shavers were tested under various shaving conditions; this included three days of growth, two days of growth, shaving daily, and wet shaving.
Reviews
Models – Versions Reviewed
Braun updates, changes, and revises its shavers every so often within each series. The latest models in this comparison article used relate to the Series 8 – 84xx (begin with 84) and the Series 7 – 71xx or 70xx (begin with 71 or 70). The latest S7 models can also be easily identified as the 360˚ Flex range.
The only differences with the shavers within the same series are the color, attachments, and accessories the shaver comes with and the country in which it is sold. Otherwise, they are the same shaver performance-wise.
Series 7 Models
| USA | Europe, UK & Others |
|---|---|
| 7020s | 71-N7200cc |
| 7025s | 71-S4862cs |
| 7027s | 71-S7200cc |
| 7075cc | 71-S7500cc |
| 7071cc | 70-N1200s |
| 7085cc | 70-N7200cc |
| 70-B7850cc | |
| 70-S4200cs |
Series 8 Models
| USA | Europe, UK & Others |
|---|---|
| 8417s | 8410s |
| 8457cc | 8413s |
| 8467cc | 8417s |
| 8453cc | |
| 8457cc | |
| 8463cc | |
| 8467cc |
Just to confuse consumers more or at least us that review shavers for readers – Braun uses different model numbers for that same model in various countries alongside different numbers for the accessories included.
CC & S: CC means cleancare center, the cleaning station that comes with models. S means Solo, which is without the cleancare center.
Let’s Compare What’s Most Important
Let’s compare the build quality, ergonomics, comfort while shaving, maneuverability, and closeness of shave – ‘the end result’. And, we will also look at the cleaning station and costs.
| Feature/Aspect | Series 7 | Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Ergonomics | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Cutting Power | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Maneuverability | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Shaving Comfort | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Closeness of Shave | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Charging | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| LED Indicators | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Cleaning Station | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Trimmer | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Replacement Blades | 18 months | 1 + 2 years* |
| Quietest | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Price Comparison | Approx: $170 USD, £150, €178 | Approx: $220 USD, £200, €270** |
The S8 and S7 look like very different shavers, and they are in many ways. The Series 7 new models released in 2020 brought about a complete body redesign, among other changes from a bulkier size and appearance to a slimmer design. However, Series 8 is more in line with the design of Series 9.
We have two big important similarities; they are both foil shavers and have three shaving elements (x 2 foils and x1 center cutter/trimmer). Actually, Series 8 has (3+1), which I will explain more about further on in this comparison.
The first feature we will take a look at is the motor, or rather the cutting actions.
Motor and Cutting Actions
It is hard to say how powerful a motor is on an electric shaver. It’s not like a car where we can measure engine capacity size and horsepower; however, Braun and other companies provide us with a measurement of Cutting Actions Per Minute (CPM).
Series 7
8/10
Series 8
9/10
The Braun Series 7 provides 24’000 CPM, and the Series 8 –30’000. The Series 5 through to 7 are all 24’000 CPM, so the Series 8 has stepped up an extra 6000, which is quite significant.
This cutting action speed (CPM) affects how fast a shaver will shave. The extra 6000 CPM is a bonus point for the Series 8, and when I shave with the S8 it does feel like it has some extra oomph, but nothing major to make it a deal breaker when considering the price difference.
Blades – Shaving Elements
Bother shavers share the same amount of shaving elements, three. The Series 8 has a +1, which is supposed to be a skinguard bar. However, while testing out and inspecting the S8 –this skinguard is hidden and has no effect as the skinguard does on the Series 9 Pro.
Series 7
7/10
Series 8
8/10
I will ignore the skinguard issue and note that these shavers have three shaving elements.
They both have two outer foils that do all the cutting and a center trimmer element that cuts through flay-lying and tricky hairs when the foils miss or struggle to cut them.
What is noticeably different when taking a closer look at the shaving elements is the Series 8 foils are slimmer, and the lift and cut trimmer is larger. And the S8 foils are held in metal rather than plastic like the S7. As a result, the Series 8 cutting elements look more classy and expensive than the Series 7; however, it is hard to know if these classier-looking S8 blades cut any better than the S7.
Build Quality
Both shavers have good build quality and are made from strong plastics and rubberized sides. Neither of these have a significant advantage over the other.
Series 7
8/10
Series 8
8/10
Ergonomics
The S7 has a slimmer body and just fits into the hand much better than the bulkier Series 8. I have normal medium size hands; however, the size of the Series 8 for men with larger hands might feel better, while those guys with smaller hands are likely to find the S7 a slightly better fit.
Series 7
10/10
Series 8
9/10
The S7 does not have a trimmer attached to the back of the shaver, which means it does provide a better hold because of its curved shape at the back. However, the S7 trimmer must be attached and detached, making this design aspect good for one user and not good for another –depending on whether the attached trimmer is important.
Both have very good ergonomics and cannot be faulted. They just differ!
Head Movement and Maneuverability
Head movement is definitely a shaver feature not to be ignored. The flexibility of a shaver head to move along the various contours of the face makes the shave experience easier.
Series 7
9/10
Series 8
9/10
This generation of S7 shavers is called 360˚ Flex because of the shaver heads’ ability to move in various directions and not just back and forth like the S8. However, while the S7 offers more movement, it cannot be locked and always moves, whereas the S8 can be locked into various positions.
The back-and-forth motion of the Series 8 is enough movement, and being able to lock the movement makes me lean toward preferring this style. However, I do like this extra movement that the S7 offers, and it probably deserves to win a point on maneuverability.
Braun Series 7 vs 8 Shaving Performance
Performance matters most–how the shavers compare when dealing with facial hair when switched on.
I was not expecting much difference. However, the S8 is the next level up in the Braun range and costs more, so it should offer a better shave experience than the S7.
Shaving Comfort and Speed
I used and reviewed these shavers previously and then did a side-by-side shave to see if I could find which one performed best. One aspect I considered was how comfortable the shaving experience was.
Series 7
8/10
Series 8
9/10
The Series 8 had that bit extra shaving comfort factor compared to the S7, which I did not expect to be noticeable.
The Series 8 also shaved quicker, especially when I had thicker growth. The S8 starts to remove hair faster.
Closeness of Shave
Both shavers provide the same end result in terms of closeness. However, the advantage the Series 8 has is it gets there quicker and provides a more comfortable experience.
Series 7
9/10
Series 8
9/10
The Series 8 and 7 provide a very close shave for electric shavers.
Other Aspects of the Shavers to Compare
That’s the most important aspects covered, which can be deal breakers when choosing a shaver for many buyers. Now, we can look at other aspects that may not affect the choice of shaver as much.
Charging
Both shavers take about an hour to charge the battery fully, and in the specs, the Braun Series 8 is said to provide 60 minutes of runtime, while the S7 provides 50 minutes.
Series 7
8/10
Series 8
9/10
I haven’t noticed any difference worth mentioning, even though the S8 is supposed to give us an extra 10 minutes. Both shavers charge up easily and provide plenty of runtime.
Cleaning and Charging Dock
CleanCare Centres come with some Series 8 and 7 models, which take care of cleaning, lubricating, and charging a shaver after use.
Series 7
8/10
Series 8
9/10
The Series 7 cleans, lubricates, charges, and charges, but unlike the Series 8 Cleancare Center, it does not dry the shaver after cleaning.
The Series 8 also has LEDs to show what part of the cleaning and charge cycle it is at.
Having the drier is an advantage, as the Series 7 takes more time to dry out manually.
Trimmer and Attachments
The trimmer is a big difference between these shavers and could be a deal breaker for some buyers.
Series 7
1/10
Series 8
1/10
The Series 7 has no trimmer attached to the body like the Series 8. With the S7 we have to detach the foil cassette and swap it over for the trimmer. Men like me who don’t get much use out of the trimmer will prefer the Series 7 design, but if you use the trimmer frequently –being attached to the shaver’s body is very convenient.
Because the Series 7 has a detachable design for the trimmer, other attachments can also be purchased with certain models. These attachments include beard trimmers, stubbler, and body groomer; however, I found they did not perform well and would not recommend spending extra cash on them.
Which Shaver Is The Quietest?
The Braun Series 8 wins on this front. The S8 makes a more subtle vibrating noise, while the S7 is slightly more rattly.
Series 7
7/10
Series 8
9/10
The Series 7 also vibrates in the hand much more than the S8. The Series 8 just feels much smoother.
Price Comparison
Not many of us can overlook how much damage to our bank accounts one of these shavers can cause. Above the Series 5, Braun shavers do become pricey!
The obvious selling point for the Series 7 is its lower price tag than the S8.
The current prices below are for the models that come with the Cleancare Center. Cheaper models without the cleaning station are also available.
— Series 7 Flex shavers costs around $170+ USD (£150+ GBP – 178,00 € + EU)
— Braun Series 84xx is priced at around $220+ USD, £200 UK, and €270 EU
Prices are going to vary based on what attachments the shaver comes with.
Final Thoughts – Which Shaver Is Best?
That concludes the Braun Series 8 vs Series 7 comparison and provides enough detail to decide, based on their performance, features, and cost, which is best.
Overall the Braun Series 8 – 84xx is a better shaver and provides a more comfortable and quicker shave, and it does step up another level in quality. However, the Series 7 provides everything needed for a close electric shaver, and if a buyer wishes to save some cash, the S7 would be a sensible purchase.
It is worth mentioning before we close that the Series 7 has been one of the most popular and best Braun shavers based on the balance between performance and cost.
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