In this shaver review, I will cover the Philips Norelco S3212 and Philips S3233 (Philips 3000 series) shavers which are both fundamentally the same shavers.
Before getting into this electric shaver review I have to make sure I am clear and help you readers to be clear with some of this model number stuff that Philips has going on. This can help buyers get the best model suited for them.
I thought the rubik’s cube was hard to figure out until I had to learn how to decipher the shavers within a series with the various model numbers, and that also varies between the USA and Europe. To add to the confusion Philips likes to call themselves Philips Norelco in the US and just Philips within Europe……..rant over!
Philips S3233/52 vs Philips Norelco S3212/82 – The only difference between the S3233 and S3212 is the S3233 is the European model number and the S3212 is the USA model number. The European model is also full black in color while the US model has a storm gray (more blueish) front section.
This shaver is within the lower price range and series within all of the Philips facial shaver range. There are 6 series in total with the first being series 1000 and the next series ‘this shaver’ 3000 (there’s no 2000 series). The S9000 Prestige is at the top of their range.
Other 3000 Series Shavers There are usually more than one shaver within a Philips series and new models appearing, although many changes made are insignificant. The 3000 Series has seen a fair few models! -USA models: 3700 - S3570, *3800- S3311/85, 3500, S3560/81, 3100 - S3310/81. -European models: *S3333/54, S3233/52, *S3231/52, S3133/51, S3561/12, S3134/51, S3560/11. Within this series each shaver and its corresponding number mostly only have cosmetic changes and use the same blades and motor to power the shavers. Others will have a different number based on its accessories that it comes with (i.e., charging stand, travel bag etc.) The model reviewed here S3233/52 or S3212/82 has the 5D (five directional) feature which is an upgrade from previous models. And, the charging indicator shows 3 lights that will reduce to indicate the battery charge left. There are no real deal breakers between these models, although some of the changes are slight improvements, but nothing major. *The USA 3800- S3311/85 is the exact same shaver that comes with a stand. *The European S3333/54 is the exact same shaver that comes with a stand. *The European S3231/52 is the exact same shaver, only storm gray in color, the same as the USA S3212/82 we are reviewing here.
Phillips S3233/52 and S3212/82 Ratings
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Let’s take a look at the all-important features of this Phillips 3000 Series shaver 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
Unboxed a buyer gets the shaver, charger, travel bag, protective cap, and small user manual. Buyers may buy the supporting stand or buy a model at a slightly higher cost that includes the stand.
- Blades – Philips name these blades PowerCut Blades. Philips also states the shaver has 27 self-sharpening blades which equate to nine in each shaver head. These last for up to 2 years before replacing.
- 5D Pivot & Flex Heads – The previous 3000 series models were only four directional while this model is five directional to improve how the shaver moves along the contours of a user’s face.
- Wet & Dry (+ 100% waterproof) – Users may shave wet or dry with this shaver and use their favorite shaving cream, soap, foam or gel. It can be used in the shower or bath and is fully washable.
- Attached Trimmer – At the back of the shaver, there is a flip-out trimmer for trimming sideburns and mustaches.
- Charge Indicator – The front section has an LED indicator showing the amount of charge left. There are 3 levels of charge shown and once one is left the shaver needs recharging.
- Charging and Battery – The battery must be fully charged for an hour to provide 60 minutes of runtime. It may be charged up for 5 mins to get a quick 5-minute shave if needed.
- Cordless – This shaver can only be used without the charging lead attached. If it’s attached the shaver will shut off.
- Warranty – Phillips 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.
How well does the S3233/52 & S3212/82 perform and Shave?
The last electric shaver I tested, used, and reviewed was the Philips (Norelco) S9000 Prestige (QI Pad) which is a very different shaver to the one reviewed here, although it is made by Philips and it’s rotary in style.
I needed to lower expectations as a $60 shaver isn’t going to do what a $400+ shaver will do. I kept the price range in mind while using and reviewing.
As usual, I spend about a month testing out an electric shaver on various beard growths (i.e., 1,2, and 3 days), and also test out shaving wet and dry which can be done with the all waterproof Philips 3000 Series shavers.
3 days growth – Three days is the maximum I would push this shaver. On 3 days of growth, I had to spend a bit of time going over the same spots but it was quite efficient. There were a couple of missed areas that I had to go back over that I noticed after finishing the shave.
2 days growth – Always my sweet spot with any electric shavers and no different with this Philips. Shaving every two days on 3 consecutive occasions gave me a pretty good shave for a budget kind of shaver.
Daily shaving – I know many guys are able to use their shaver daily and from experience, the S3233/52 & S3212/82 can do this well enough for the right skin types. However, for me as usual I get some neck irritation and I did with this shaver.
How was wet shaving with this Philips 3000 Series?
I tried out wet shaving with shaving cream and it did offer a bit more comfort if I had to shave for less than 2 days then shaving with cream would help reduce irritation.
I did not test this model out in the shower or bath though, however, a user may shave in the shower or bath as the shaver is fully waterproof.
Did it shave your head very well?
While I am aware the Philips S3233/52 – S3212/82 is a facial shaver I tested it out for head shaving as well. Short head hair is softer than facial hair so it could never harm a shaver, although it could reduce the lifespan of blades from more use, possibly.
Head shaving results were pretty good. Easy to use and the ergonomics work well, and the shave was close enough, although slight stubble left.
Overall Shaving Experience
If I base my experience on the price range of this shaver then it preformed very good. It does not give as close a shave as other higher priced shavers or cartridge and safety razors, as expected, but if a user persists and does some skin stretching etc., then it shaves close enough.
Very impressed after using this shaver for head shaving.
The trimmer as usual was not great. Maybe it works better for guys with longer sideburns, but if I need to get my sideburns cut in well then I have to use a razor.
Related: See our choice of the best electric head shavers .
Build quality and ergonomics – 8/10
While the build quality and plastics don’t look like they would last a lifetime the Philips S3233/52 (Norelco S3212/82) looks and feels like a good product. It also feels quite light to hold!
The ergonomics are very good and allow the shaver to fit comfortably in the hand. And the sides and underside are rubberized which provides plenty of grip.
Cutting power – 7.5/10
Of course, this shaver isn’t a power horse of 150,000 cutting actions per minute like the Philips Prestige but it is enough to get the job done. It’s pretty quiet when in use!
Charging and battery life – 8/10
The battery lasts for many shaves and up to about an hour of use. It only takes about an hour to charge up.
The only negative here is not being able to use the shaver plugged in and if the battery breaks………..where does that leave a user? Half a beard I guess (oops)!
The charging indicator is useful and simple.
Cleaning and maintenance – 9/10
A lot of shavers (more expensive models) come nowadays with a cleaning and charging station. While they are very useful they’re not necessary.
This Philips 3000 series cleans up easily enough with running warm water under a tap. And as a little tip you might want to try, add a couple of drops of antibacterial hand soap inside the blades then switch it on under the tap and watch it sparkle and smell good.
The blades are easy enough to remove for cleaning or to replace. Just turn the dial inside the head after flipping open the top and then remove each blade head (x3).
Replacement Blades: Blades for the Philips 3000 series only need replacing after up to 2 years of use. They are very affordable and cost less than $20 which equates to less than $1 per month.
Value for money – 9/10
When it comes to getting a good bang for your buck then this series 3000 is a good buy. It is on the budget and lower-end scale within the price range for an electric shaver and while it’s not the best on the market, it’s as good as it gets within this price range.
Costs approximately – $60 USD, £50 GBP, and 80 €. Prices do vary from country to country.
Likes & Dislikes
- Comfortable shave with no hair tugging
- Ergonomics are very good
- Newer 5D has improved shaving along the contours of the face
- Affordable price tag for most buyers
- Very easy to clean and the blades can be cleaned thoroughly when removed
- Useful indicator for viewing the charge left
- Shaving head blades last for up to 2 years
- Gives a great head shave
- Not as close a shave as more expensive models or cartridge or safety razors
- Not able to use the shaver corded
- Trimmer is not great
Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, or Positive Reports?
Many consumers report that while this is a budget shaver it’s well worth the money and performs well. A lot of guys agree with liking its quietness.
There are a number of reports about this shaver and others from the Philips 3000 Series stating that they had faults or the shaver stopped working completely within 12 months of purchase. Buyers do get a 2 year guarantee though!
Final Thoughts – Who is the Philips S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82 best suited for?
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with this shaver especially after using so many top of the range shavers. I’ve just kept in mind budget spenders and see this as a good buy.
It’s possible those new to shaving with an electric shaver could get along well with this 3000 series because they do not have to invest too much to see if using electric shavers are for them.
This would not be my first shaver recommendation for those with very sensitive skin or for those that like to shave after more than two days. I could be fine, but it wouldn’t be my first choice.
Keep in mind that if you get hold of one of these shavers give yourself and the shaver a few shaving sessions to adjust to using it, especially if you have been wet shaving with razors previously.
You might want to check out all other electric shaver reviews and buyer guides here.
