Electric Shaver Review

Philips (Norelco) Series 5000 Shaver Review – Comfortable and Affordable

Seated just into the mid-range price range for an electric shaver for men, the Philips (Norelco) Series 5000 proved to be a good option for the right user and his mid-range budget, in my experience.

The model I purchased for this review is the S5880/81. You can use this review and my experience for all the S5000 models that begin with numbers S58**/**. Any numbers that come after the S58 are about what accessories the shaver kit comes with, its color, and the country in which it is sold.

It’s 2025, and I have the latest line of the 2nd generation Series 5000 covered in this review.

Description & Features

I chose to purchase the S5880 model, which I purchased from the USA as the standard. Standard means it did not come with a cleaning pod, travel case, or charging stand.

Unboxed, I got the shaver, blade cap cover, USB power cord (no adapter), and the mini manual.

I just felt like going standard for a change, and at the moment, it is only the standard that’s available in the USA. Outside of the USA and in the UK, I have only found models in kits that are available and no standard models (Philips does some weird marketing between countries, especially between the USA and the Rest of the World).

Build Quality, Design and Ergonomics

When I compare the 5000 Series with a Panasonic Arc 5 and the Braun S5, I find the shape of the 5000 lacking in being a nice snug fit in the hand compared to the Arc 5 and S5, with the Arc 5 being the best snug fit.

The shaver still holds perfectly well in my hand while shaving, but I just feel it is quite square (if that makes sense?). It could be rounded and shaped better, although the body does slim down lower on the shaver, which is useful.

The back area is all rubberized, and the top side sections have an additional embossed design. The rubberized area is all good for a no-slip grip and is adequate while shaving.

It has a nice weighty feel, which I like, and it feels solid enough to last a few years or so.

Power Adapt Sensor

The power adapt sensor feature is something found on most mid-range and most definitely high-range shavers. It just means that the power produced by the shaver adapts to beard density.

It isn’t easy to measure or notice if this is functioning, and I can’t say I can notice this while using the 5000 Series.

It’s somewhat of a technical jargon term that sounds good on paper and looks good in the specs roundup. However, I am open to believing this feature is functioning and helps improve the shave experience.

Philips mentions that this SkinIQ technology feature is for improving skin comfort, and from experience, it is a shaver that provides a very comfortable shave (I guess that is what matters most).

Cutting Actions

Another feature and spec that is difficult to measure is cutting actions, as it is all happening under the hood. According to Philips, the 5000 Series provides 90,000 cutting actions per minute.

These cutting actions are a calculation of all blades moving at the same time.

If I compare it with other Philips Series, it has the same amount as the 7000 Series (90,000CPM), while the 9000 Series and 9000 Prestige provide 150,000 CPM.

Putting CPM numbers aside, the main measurement of CPM is going to be how quickly it shaves, which we will get to shortly (in short, though, it gives a quick enough shave).

Shaving Head and Blades

All three shaving heads flex independently, which is useful when shaving along various contours, especially when shaving over the jaw and chin area.

Each head section that contains a blade also has engraved lines, which look like they should help guide hair while shaving. Philips states that guiding hair is their function.

Each rotary blade does push in independently as well, but only slightly. The older 5000 Series version and some other rotary shavers have more flex in the individual blades, which at first made me feel the newer line of Philips shavers, including this one, had been downgraded and lost a better feature.

However, as the new feature of the three heads moves independently and stays close to my skin and contours, it makes sense now that they don’t need more flex (I see it could be overkill).

Philips states the 45 blades are self-sharpening. Again, this is not something I can visually see, but my experience with Philips blades shows that they last for a year (or more in my case), as recommended, which is what matters most.  

The whole head, which is detachable, moves in multiple directions (360°). This is a great feature to have, which I find helps with contouring.

It’s a pretty good setup and quite clever, in my opinion. In practical terms, it functions extremely well and provides a good contouring experience while maintaining close skin contact.

Precision Trimmer

The pop-out trimmer on the back of the shaver is quite wide compared to others. It pops out easily enough when sliding the button downwards.

It isn’t quiet and makes a mini-drilling sound when it is running. As the shaver is quiet when the foils are running, this trimmer sound stands out.

While I am not a fan of the mini clanging noise, it does a sufficient job when trimming my sideburns and when I tried it under the nose area (not great, but sufficient).

One issue I found was that the trimmer must be kept at an angle; otherwise, it will begin to fold back inward when going upwards with the shaver. It really needs to be designed so it is locked into place more solid.

Charging and Battery

We get up to an hour of cordless runtime from the 5000 Series, and I would say that’s about right. I recharged it after its initial charge, and my estimate is around an hour (about 2.5 weeks of shaving). It took a little less than an hour to recharge, and I charged it when the battery light indicator flashed orange (as advised by Philips).

The cord has the standard two-prong end that we usually get with a Philips, but the other end is now a USB. We dont get an adapter with the cord and have to use our own (most of us have plenty of adapters these days).

We can also get a quick 5-minute charge for a quick shave if needed, which is useful if the battery runs low without being aware of it.

Cleaning And Maintenance

Cleaning the 5000 Series manually is as easy as it can get, and the useful flip-open head makes it even easier than most.

I blow and brush out the main debris before washing the shaver head, but blowing and brushing are not thorough enough (or as good as) compared to rinsing with water afterward.

As I usually do, I put a few blobs of hand antibacterial soap within the blades section and then a dash of water from under the tap. I then give the shaver a 10-second run (switched on) and then rinse it under a tap with warm water.

The great thing about the flip-open head is that after cleaning, I can leave the shaver to dry as a whole unit rather than having a separate head or foil cassette and a shaver.

Philips also mentions taking each blade from the shaver and taking it apart to give the shaver blades a deep clean. I have done this for testing purposes, and it is easy enough to remove and replace each blade. It is worth noting that Philips suggests removing and replacing one blade at a time so we don’t place them in the wrong socket (it will affect how they function but they will reset).

As the blades are self-sharpening, I believe we do not need to oil them. I am in the habit of oiling blades, but as they’re self-sharpening, I have now decided to leave out the oiling.

We can also clean the trimmer blade with warm water under the tap and add a blob of oil now and again to keep them in tip-top condition. Philips states to oil the trimmer blades once every 6 months, but I would do it monthly.

Philips advises replacing the rotary blades every 12 months, and the part number is SH71. Mileage will vary based on beard coarseness and frequency of use, but I would use 12 months as a guide.

LED Indicators & Travel Lock

I like to have some kind of charge left indication and a travel lock. I find they are useful features. The LEDs only have to be simple, though.

The 5000 Series has a travel lock, which is activated when we hold the power button for a few seconds and then is released when we hold the power button again. The LED screen shows a padlock when the travel lock is activated.

Three LED segments light when the shaver is fully charged, and when it goes down to one segment and then begins flashing orange, it is time to get charged back up.

We also get a cleaning reminder when we switch the shaver off and a flashing plug symbol if we connect it to the mains and switch the shaver on (the shaver won’t operate when plugged in).

For a shaver within its price range, I am happy with the indicators and having the three-segment warning. Some higher-end shavers come with percentage indicators, which are nice to have, but they come at an extra cost.

Accessories

All 5000 Series come with a standard protective cap for the head, which is useful, especially if we don’t buy the charging stand or travel case to store and keep the blade head safe.

Certain models come with the quick clean pod, travel case, and charging stand.

All three accessories are useful and have a practical purpose. However, as the 5000 Series is super easy to clean and has the flip-open head, I can easily do without the cleaning pod. This non-electric cleaning pod also requires the cleaning cartridges to be replaced, which is an extra cost.

As I already own a cleaning pod that came with the 7000 Series and a S9000 Prestige, I did not need to purchase one with this shaver. As I previously mentioned, I also wanted to keep the cost down on this shaver to keep it well within or slightly below the mid-range price for shavers (and review it with that in mind).

What I do miss having with this model is the travel case. It’s just odd for me to lay a shaver down without being on a stand or in a case. A solution for this is just putting the shaver in any fabric pouch that fits (or buy the Philips fabric case separately if it is available in your country).

Shaving Experiences

Before reviewing the 5000 Series, I used it on the fourth day of growth, three days, two days, and I used it consecutively for three days, shaving daily.

I have to say I was impressed and expected less.

It tackled heavier four days of growth very well and shaved with ease. Four days is the limit, and I could have used a beard trimmer to reduce the four days.

Contouring

As I have mentioned in the features section above, the blades flex individually, and the 360° head movement enables the shaver to move along contours very well.

It moves along the jaw and chin with ease (very pleased).

Comfort

If you need comfort from a shaver and are prone to irritation, then rotary-style shavers are usually better than foil shavers, and the Series 5000 rotary style is no different. It gives a very comfortable shave!

The test for comfort, or rather irritation, for me is testing out shaving daily. I only got very mild irritation on the third day, which was pretty good for me.

I just recently used and reviewed the latest Braun S5 turbo model, and the 5000 series outdoes the S5 by a long shot in comfort.

Tricky Hairs and Leftovers

After spending the last few months focused on foil shavers, I got accustomed to having patches left on my sideburns and at the far corner of my jaw (quite the norm for me). However, returning to a rotary shaver (this S5000) was quite remarkable as I barely had these patches left (I had not noted this before with rotary shavers).

The patches I had left over were minimal, and they were very easy to remove when going over the same spot a couple of times.

I can’t say I had any flat-lying or longer hairs that the shaver did not pick up.

Pretty impressive!

Speed

All shave tests were completed in a few minutes and over in no time at all.

Recent foil shavers I have used and reviewed shaved faster on the first main pass, but I then had to spend more time going over patches.

Without putting a timer on, all I can say is I get quick shaves.

Closeness

On the cheeks area, I get just as close a shave as any electric shaver, even the top-end models.

What I have noticed, and as usual, (well after the shave is done), are some minor stubble patches on the neck. These minor stubble patches are quite normal for me and what I class as a tradeoff for a no-mess, non-manual razor shave.

The bottom line is that I am happy with the closeness it gives for a mid-range priced shaver.

Wet Shaving

I tried out wet shaving as I usually do for testing purposes and to give you guys feedback.

The shave felt comfortable when using traditional shaving cream lather and the shaver.

There was no additional comfort and no added discomfort, so if you use electric shavers for wet shaving, then it should work fine with most shaving lubricants. Just dont expect any major changes, based on my experience.

Value for Money

When it came to looking at costs, things got tricky.

It is a no-brainer for me in the USA, based on buying the standard model (no accessories) at $70. Well worth it!

Philips might introduce models that come with accessories in teh near future.

Outside of the USA, in the UK and Europe, the 5000 Series costs around £100 or €100, which is for models that come with accessories and are not a standard model (I could not see availability).  

The bottom line is if I could pick one up for under $100, £100, or €100, I would consider it value for money based on the shaver’s performance.

Keep in mind that the SH71 replacement blades, which are to be replaced every 12 months, cost around $35, £40, or €42.

Final Thoughts – Verdict (Worth Buying?)

If you are seeking an electric shaver for just under $100, £100, or €100, and comfort is near or at the top of your requirements, then the Series 5000 Shaver is one to consider.

If you have coarse growth and relatively hardy skin that handles more aggressive shavers very well, then I would look at the Braun Series 5, 6, and 7.

If you are already a foil shaver user or you’re thinking about trying an electric shaver while now using a manual razor (i.e., multi-blade or safety razor), the S5000 could be a good choice as it is not a big spend and performs very well.

I do wish they could shape it better, though, and give it snugger-fitting ergonomics.

Surprisingly good shaver!

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