Electric Shaver Review

Philips Norelco 7000 Series Shaver (7700, 7100 & 7500) Review

Last Updated on November 21, 2023

The Philips 7000 series shaver, or Philips Norelco 7700 as it’s known in the USA, is coming close to the top-of-the-range electric shavers made by Philips and just below the 9000 series, and then one up is the top shaver I reviewed recently (Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige).

This price range attracts those who want more than a budget shaver offers, don’t mind spending a bit more, but don’t really want to part with $200 plus. It’s a great balance of quality vs. cost that I like to follow as well.

7700 Models: Philips upgrades its shaver models within a series, and in this review, we will cover the 7700 models, including the S7782, S7783, S7786, and S7788. These are all the same shavers, with the only difference being the accessories and attachments they come with.

Norelco 7100 & 7500 Models: I look forward to the day that Philips eventually ditches the name Norelco (used to persuade Americans to buy products). The Norelco 7100 is the S7788, and the Norelco 7500 is a S7783. Europe and the UK tend to have more models because Philips is a European company (Dutch).

In this review, we will take a look at all the important features of this generation of the Philips 7000 Series and then let you know how it performed after testing it out for the last month, and finally, who it is best suited for.

Description & Features

The model I bought and reviewed here includes the shaver, quick clean pod and cartridge, charging stand, travel case, and charging cord. It’s all about the shaver, really, but I wanted to check out the cleaning pod (and the stand is useful).

The standard S7788 can also be purchased without accessories, and the S7788 comes with an attachment beard styler trimmer (bumps up the price, though) and the other mentioned accessories. These options may not be available in every country, and the UK and European countries usually have more options available than the US.

• Blades – The SteelPrecision blades offer up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute which Philips states are self-sharpening.
• Blade Flexibility – The three blade heads that hold the blades tilt forwards and backward while shaving along the various contours of the face.
• SkinIQ – SkinIQ is a feature that Philips states is an intelligent facial-hair sensor that reads hair density up to 125 times per second, and auto-adapts the cutting power required based on beard density. Philips also states the 7000 series has a motion sensor that tracks how we shave to guide a user toward getting a better shaving experience.
• Shaving Heads – These new types of shaving heads for the 7000 series shaver have grooves or channels to guide hair easier while shaving.
• 360° Flexible Head – The head has the ability to move in all directions to enable the shaver head to move along the various contours of the face easily.
• Trimmer – A built-in trimmer flips out and clicks back that’s built into the back of the shaver. This is to trim sideburns and mustache areas.
• Charging and Battery – The battery can be fully charged within an hour, and a 5 minutes fast charge will provide a quick shave if needed. A full battery can provide a user with 60 minutes runtime.
• Charging Stand – A charging stand can be used that’s provided with most models apart from the standard 7000 series.
• Cordless – This shaver can only be used cordless and when the cord is attached the shaver will not work.
• Cleaning Pod – Most 7000 series models from this generation come with a cleaning pod. A cleaning solution cartridge is added into the pod, and the shaver is switched on to allow the shaver to be cleaned automatically. The cleaning pod is not electronic.
• Safety Lock – Press and hold the on/off button for three seconds to lock and unlock the travel safety lock.
• LED Screen – The LED screen shows the amount of charge left in the battery and you only need to touch or move the shaver for the three (1 – 3) lights to show. There is also a lock, cleaning, SkinIQ, and Bluetooth app indicators.
• Wet & Dry (+ 100% waterproof) – The Philips 7000 series can be used for wet or dry shaving and users may use their favorite shave cream or gel. The unit is fully waterproof and can be used in the shower or bath.
• GroomTribe app – This shaver can be connected to the Philips app that helps to personalize a users shaving experience.
• Warranty – Philips offers a 2 year warranty period on shavers. Register your shaver with the Philips website for your country to ensure everything is registered for the warranty.

GroomTribe App

I downloaded and tried out the GroomTribe app, and while it has provided some useful information and a few tips, I cannot see myself wanting to start that up every time I shave.

Guys that are into everything tech might find it useful, and it’s not a bad app to check out after just getting the shaver for tips etc., even if it’s not used regularly.

The app connects easily enough to Bluetooth and the instructions are pretty straightforward. I had no issues with it at all.

How well does the Philips 7700 (7100 & 7500 USA) perform and Shave?

This was going to be an interesting experience after spending a month shaving with the Philips 3000 Series (budget) and then the previous month with the Philips 9000 Prestige (top end).

The last two Philips shavers are at the opposite end of the scale in terms of costs and functions, and this shaver stands just in the middle of these. My expectation was that it should offer quite a lot more than the 3000 and not quite as much as the 9000 and 9000 Prestige.

As usual, I spent about a month testing out an electric shaver on various beard growths (i.e., 1,2, 3, and so on days) and also tested shaving wet and dry, which can be done with the all-waterproof Philips 7000 Series.

3 days of growth—This is the longest I have found best for shaving with an electric shaver; any longer, and it’d just be harder work. Overall, this shaver shaved pretty well with three days of growth, although there were a few areas I had to run over a fair few times, and a few hairs were very stubborn.

2 days growth –-This is when this shaver performed very well for me. This is the case with most electric shavers personally.

Daily shaving – While I am not a daily shaving fan, I did test it out, and it was fine, although I did get some neck irritation on the second day of daily shaving, then decided against shaving the next day. My neck area can be quite sensitive, so I was not surprised.

Many guys are able to shave daily, and I cannot see them having any issues with this Series 7000 if they are not sensitive skin types.

How was wet shaving with this Philips S7788 Shaver?

I tested wet shaving with shaving cream with this shaver, and it offered more comfort than dry shaving.

Plenty of soap, cream, or gel needs to stay on the face while shaving to prevent the shaver head from juddering on the skin. However, for some reason, between rinses, this shaver had no juddering at all.

An issue I do have, which applies to all wet shaves with an electric shaver, is that I cannot tell if there are any patches of hair not removed, although I could rinse off, check for patches, and then make another pass after lathering up the face. This kind of all messes up the main point of using an electric shaver, though (i.e., wanting a quick, easy, and no-messhave).

There is not much difference in terms of closeness between wet and dry shaving; the main differences are a bit more comfort and a possible reduction in irritation.

Did you try this shaver out for head shaving?

Any electric shaver I use and review gets tested for head shaving. Of course, they are facial shavers and are not specifically for head shaving; however, head hair is much softer than facial hair and cannot harm the blades.

While other shavers I have used are better ergonomically for head shaving, the Series 7000 did a great job. I made sure the hair was trimmed to the minimum before shaving to prevent having stubborn patches that would need going over many times.

Something that does not impress me, though, is the blade heads and their hexagon shape. These heads only move back and forward, and the hexagon shape just makes them feel bulky to me.

Bottom Line – The Philips 7700 (7100 & 7500) gives a comfortable shave that’s nearly as close a shave as the top-end electric shavers without the high costs, and definitely better than budget types. Just not a fan of the head, though!

Is the attachment trimmer any good?

I’ve come to believe these attached trimmers serve those with thicker sideburns or guys with a mustache that requires trimming while shaving. As usual, the trimmer does not get rid of all hair below the level of sideburns I require, but this is not something I only experience with this shaver; it’s across the board with all electrics.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

I mentioned above that I am not a fan of the hexagon-shaped heads, finding them bulky. I also found the body of the shaver a bit too slim and lacking something compared to other shavers in the ergonomics department.

While I don’t feel it has the best ergonomics, it holds well in the hand and has rubberized sides that provide grip.

Cutting Power

The 90,000 cutting actions per minute are certainly active when using the 7000 Series shaver. Much like the 9000 Series, it’s remarkably quiet, which can fool a user into thinking it isn’t powerful. Listening to this shaver switched on initially makes me think that it isn’t going to cut very well, but then it just goes and chops away at all the growth.

Charging and Battery Life

The battery takes about an hour to fully charge and gives me more shaves than I can count. Philips states that a full charge offers up to an hour of runtime, which seems about right.

Most models from this generation of Philips 7000 Series shavers come with a charging stand, which is very convenient. If a buyer chooses to buy the standard (non-charging stand or cleaning pod) model, then the cord is plugged in at the bottom of the shaver.

The shaver can only be used when not plugged in, which can be a problem if the battery decides to die or begins to lose its ability to hold its charge.

Cleaning and Maintenance

This shaver can be cleaned manually or with the non-electrical cleaning pod. If you don’t buy the model with the cleaning pod, that’s fine; it cleans perfectly without it.

The cleaning pod requires cartridge replacement; however, a user may add their own cleaning solution, which can be bought online or in a store. Because the cleaning pod is non-electrical, unlike other cleaning stations, the shaver has to be switched on to clean it.

Hand cleaning requires a user to flip open the head cap and blow out any debris. If necessary, use the small brush and run the tap over the head while the shaver is switched on. You may use this tip if you wish: add a couple of drops of antibacterial hand soap inside the head section and watch it come up bright and sparkly.

Is it worth having the model with the cleaning pod? I would say it is worth it as a buyer also gets the charging stand, but it is in no way necessary to keep the shaver in tip-top condition.

This is a basic cleaning accessory. Other shaver cleaning stations are electrical and usually charge as well as clean unlike this simplistic type.

It’s much easier to have a charging and cleaning station in one, although I guess that probably pushes up the end cost.

Replacement Blades—Blades should be replaced at least every 2 years and cost approximately $49.99. While it’s a costly one-off purchase, it is only once every 2 years.

The blades are easily removed for cleaning and replacement. You just have to make sure they are put back correctly; they can be a bit fiddly for big-fingered people.

Value for Money

This generation of the 7000 Series is priced at around $150 USD, £150 GBP, or €155. Prices vary and change from country to country, and they also depend on the model and its corresponding number.

Its not a bad buy and as the shaver performs better than those I have tested that cost under a $100, the price tag is about right.

This shaver is kind of like the Braun Series 7 within the Braun range in terms of a good ratio of performance and cost among their series of shavers.

Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints or Positive Reports?

Many consumers report this shaver providing a comfortable shave, and a few new guys who tried shaving with an electric shaver found it gives a surprisingly close shave and is better than expected.

A few guys have also experienced what I mentioned about the low noise level seeming like it won’t have the motor to shave very well, and they were surprised at how well and quickly it does shave.

Quite a few guys have reported not getting a close enough shave they would like.

Final Thoughts – and who is the Philips 7000 Series Shaver (7700, 7100 & 7500) best suited for?

If it weren’t for the hexagon-shaped heads, I would be completely sold on this generation of the Philips Series 7000, especially what a buyer gets within the shaver price range. For me, it’s a deal breaker, though!

I guess if someone was upgrading from a budget-style rotary type shaver but did not want to spend what it costs for a top-of-the-range, then this shaver is a good option. Guys switching over from a foil-type shaver that also doesn’t want to fork out hundreds in cash and doesn’t want a budget shaver could also take an interest in this Philips.

It is a good shaver that gives a comfortable shave and wicked head shave, but the ergonomics, slim body, and hexagon-shaped heads made it a non-keeper.

Alternative Shavers

There’s no doubt the Philips 7000 Series Shaver (7700, 7100 & 7500) has a lot going for it and a lot of guys find it’s a great shaver. However, it may be worth comparing this shaver with others to see which fits your needs best.

Philips S9000 Prestige

If you have a bit deeper pockets and you know you prefer a good quality rotary style razor then the S9000 Prestige could be an option to take a look at. It has a charging pad (QI charging pad) rather than a standard method of charging, stand or cleaning and charging dock.

There could be a couple of deal-breakers on this machine for some guys, like the lack of a cleaning station or the ability to charge only via the charging pad. However, the closeness and comfort provided by shaving and other aspects make it a top-notch shaver. It’s a lot of cash to part with, though!

See Review: Philips S9000 Prestige

Braun 7 Series

Now, I know this is a foil shaver, which is quite different from a rotary like the Philips 7000 Series. However, I hold this one in comparison because of its similar price range within both of the companies’ shaver ranges (Philips and Braun).

The Braun Series 7 is a powerful machine with three flexible shaving elements, including the two main foils, and it comes with a cleaning station.

Compared to the Braun Series 9, it does not have as many enhanced features. However, the reduction in costs and the fact that it still shaves very well make it a great mid-price range and slightly above-mid option.

See Review: Braun Series 7

Philips 3000 Series – (S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82)

While the Philips 3000 Series does not come with the features and technology of the 7000 Series or perform and shave as well, it costs half as much. It’s a budget rotary shaver that does a decent job.

This generation of the the Philips 3000 Series has an improved 5 directional head that offers more head movement to allow a better shaving experience along the contours of a users face. This is also a wet and dry shaver.

I know this shaver does not match the mid and most definitely not a top end shavers performance but it’s a decent budget $60 option for those not looking for the perfect stubble free electric shave.

See Review: Philips S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82 (Series 3000)

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