Remington RX5 vs RX7 – Differences Compared
After using and reviewing the Remington RX5 and Remington RX7 head shavers, it made sense to put these both side-by-side and explain their similarities and differences.
The RX5 and RX7 made it into this year’s best electric head shavers roundup. They are both worthy head-shaver considerations.
In the USA, the Remington RX5 (XR1500) is the Remington Balder Pro (XR7000). It seems shaver companies enjoy complicating the model numbers and names of the same products.
The RX7 XR1600 is the Balder Boss in the USA, model number XR7120.
Let’s look at the similarities and differences between these palm-held head-shaving devices and give you some experience about how they performed.
RX5
RX7
Video Comparison
The YouTube video comparison I created for the RX7 and RX5 might provide some additional information, and/or the visuals might help you out.
Features & Design Similarities
Starting with the similarities makes sense, and simple bullet points will suffice.
- 5 Rotary Blades
- Head Shave to 0.2mm
- 100% Waterproof (Wet & Dry Shaving)
- Dual Track Blades (The Inner Blade Cutter Area)
- Flexing Neck
- Easy Clean Hair Pocket (Inner Area of Blades When Detached)
- Cordless Operation (Rechargeable)
- Blade Cover and Travel Pouch Included
Features & Design Differences
The RX7 has had a complete redesign, and while there was nothing wrong with the simplistic, ergonomically friendly design of the RX5, many will find the RX7 slimmer design is better.
I will cover the main changes and improvements of the RX5 that the RX7 has.
Design and Grip
As mentioned, the RX7 has a slimmer body than the RX5, and the RX7 does feel better to hold. Nothing wrong with the RX5, though!
The grip on the RX5 is very good and feels like a type of material rather than rubberized, which is found on many shavers. The RX7 grip is rubberized and looks slicker, but I did like the feel (very grippy) of the RX5 despite it looking uglier.
Overall, the new RX7 design is better!
Additional 30% Blade Flex
The blade flex of head shavers is important for maneuverability around the various contours of the head, and both Remington’s flex very well. However, Remington states the RX7 provides 30% more than the RX5, which was not noticeable.
Turbo Speed Function
The RX7 has what Remington calls a turbo speed function, which means it operates at two speeds when pressing the additional button off and on. Remington suggests using the turbo function for denser hair.
Some users may benefit from using the turbo feature. It might be that those who shave daily use the RX7 at the lower speed. However, I just kept the turbo switched on as I want the maximum power –always.
The turbo function seems a bit gimmicky, and both shavers can head shave fast enough.
Battery & Charging
The battery and charging information is quite odd and conflicting.
They state on the website that the RX5 takes 2 hours to charge and to charge for 4 hours the first time. The manual states 4 hours for each charge (that is more right).
For the RX7, the website states 4 hours of charge time, and the manual states 2 hours. Two hours is correct.
-RX5: Up to 50-Minute Runtime from 4-Hour Charge (first charge 4 hours)
-RX7: Up to 60-Minute Runtime from 2-Hour Charge (first charge 2 hours)
I’m not sure what type of battery the shavers use, as Remington does not state this anywhere.
The RX7 has the obvious advantage of an extra 10 minutes of runtime, and the battery takes two hours less to charge fully.
USB vs Plug
The RX5 (Balder Pro) comes with a plug and cord, and while this is great for those in the US or Europe (as they fit the sockets in their countries), buyers in the UK get the EU shaver plug and pin that requires an adapter if they do not have a shaver socket.
The RX7 only has a USB cord that can be used worldwide with the correct adapter (sold separately). It can also be attached to a laptop or other device to charge.
As you can see, the USB or Plug Cord has advantages and disadvantages.
LED Indicators
LED indicators on a head shaver are not a deal breaker when choosing a shaver. However, they are useful, especially for battery power warnings.
The RX7 has a slightly advanced LED indicator which Remington calls a fuel gauge. It’s better than the RX5 as the light reduces in percentage increments, so a user knows how much power is left. The RX5 is more simplistic and just shows a red light when the battery is low and green when charging.
The RX7 improved fuel gauge indicator is useful!
Pop-Up Detail Trimmer
Remington states the RX7 has an improved pop-up detail trimmer.
However, while they might have improved it somewhat, I still find it close to useless, as is the case with most attached trimmers on electric shavers.
Replacement Blades
Replacement blades have been somewhat of an issue outside of the USA (it’s easy enough to get Balder Pro RP00656 replacement heads – $29.99).
The availability for the RX5 outside the US at stores like Amazon has been okay at times, then out of stock, and the RX7 blades are not available as yet.
I contacted Remington and did some back and forth with emails. They said I would need to order the RX7 blades from them via email and the RX5 if they were unavailable online.
Putting a product on the market without any information about the main replacement part that has to be changed is pretty incompetent. Even information about the longevity of the blades is not provided, and I had to email Remington. They state the blades last 6 months, which is vague, but something to go by.
Remington RX5 vs RX7 Head Shaving Experience
I used both of these shavers for a month separately before I reviewed them, and then I have used them at other times since, but less frequently.
There was no distinct advantage with the RX7 over the RX5. The blade comfort level was the same, but I guess the RX7 did seem slightly quicker.
The slimmer design of the RX7 is an improvement. It just feels better, but that’s not to say the RX5 is poor.
Costs
Cost is an aspect of the comparison that matters. The upgrade of the RX7 won’t be worth a big price increase on the RX5.
–RX5: $69 USA – £59.99 UK – €69.99 EU*
–RX7: N/A USA – £75.00 UK – €81.99 EU*
*Prices vary and change. These are the best prices I found on Amazon, while the Remington RRP price was higher.
The price differences above make the RX7 not too high if the new design suits the buyer. If any higher, the extra costs would be questionable.
Final Thoughts – Which Shaver Is Best?
The RX7 offers additional or improved features of the RX5 and is slightly better performance. However, the choice is yours as to whether you are happy to pay the extra, and I am just about okay with the price increase.
However, if it weren’t for these Remington shavers being better head shavers than a few others I have used, tested, and reviewed (including — Bald Buddy, Freebird FlexSeries, and Groomie BalderPro), I would not recommend them –based on the inadequate blade replacement service outside of the US and lack of information.
I would go with the RX7, but come on Remington –sort the blade situation out!
