Philips Norelco 3800 Electric Shaver Review: How Efficient This New Generation, An Inexpensive Rotary Shaver, Is!

The manufacturer revamped their Philips Norelco 4500 shaver and released the Philips Norelco 3800 with more advanced mechanisms and features. Undoubtedly the Philips Norelco AT830 (4500) was very popular and one of the best-selling products in Philips Norelco’s rotary shaver line. Recently, there has been a trend in the industry where all brands are updating and upgrading their products to provide better customer service. That is why Philips remastered their mid-range rotary shaver with the new model. What are the updates, and what are the specialties of the new shaver? Read this full article to know everything about the Philips Norelco 3800 shaver, where I provided all my analyzing reports, including pros, cons, and guides.

Overview

• The rotary-type electric razor Philips Norelco 3800 comes with 3 self-sharpening blades covered with 3 rounded comfort-cut shields for comfortable gliding over the skin and shaving smoothly.
• It features a more advanced 5-D pivoting head that automatically flexes to adapt to the facial contours and cut hairs smoothly, even from the hard-to-reach areas.
• Philips Norelco enlarged the battery in the model that provides 60 minutes of continuous cordless shaves with a 1-hour charge.
• It’s a 100% waterproof and wet/dry shaver offering versatile shaving and easy cleaning.
• There is a built-in popup final touch trimmer in the shaver that helps to make precision trimming.
• The manufacturer used a more advanced LED display with 3 segments for showing battery life and charging indication.
• A five-minute quick charging option for making urgent shaves while the rechargeable battery is empty.

What’s in the Box?

The Philips Norelco 3800 has more items than the older Philips Norelco 4500. I found Philips provides some very useful items in the package. I found the following items in my package:

• The Philips Norelco 3800 shaver itself
• A charging stand
• A travel pouch
• Cleaning brush
• Charging cord
• User manual

*The charging stand and the travel pouch are new in the package.

Features and Specifications Analysis

Self-sharpening Blades:

Philips Norelco used durable self-sharpening blades in the shaver not used in the predecessor model Philips Norelco 4500.

The self-sharpening blades remain sharper for a long time, and you’ll not need to replace the blades until the shaver gets damaged if you take proper care.

Honestly, there are very few electric shavers on the market that come with self-sharpening blades that I like most.

On the other hand, the manufacturer used Comfort-cut technology in the blades to smoothly glide over the skin and ensure comfortable shaving performance.

There are 27 super-sharp blades in the Comfort-curt rings that can cut hairs very efficiently, and do flawless smooth shaves.

5-D Pivoting Head:

Philips used a more flexible shaving head in the new Philips Norelco 3800 shaver than the older Philips Norelco 4500 shaver.

The head automatically adjusts to every curve of the face and neck and cuts the hair flawlessly from different angles.

The flexible head ensures comfortable gliding and irritation-free shaving result with minimizing wrist effort.

Waterproof:

You never have to worry about damaging the interior battery and motor while cleaning. Because the entire unit is 100% waterproof.   So, you can safely wash it in the sink and even use it in the shower.

After use, hold the shaver under running water to clean it.  The shaver also comes with a brush to clean it thoroughly.

Wet & Dry Shaver:

Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 lets you shave anyhow you want.

This shaver has been engineered with wet/dry technology that allows you to shave with/without shaving cream, foam, gel, and so on.

Therefore the shaving process becomes enjoyable with this versatile shaver.

Power Source:

The Philips Norelco S3311/85 (3800) comes with a bigger battery than that of the Philips Norelco 4500.

This new shaver provides 60 minutes of continuous cordless shaves with a full charge.

The older model Philips Norelco AT830 (4500) provided 50 minutes of cordless power.

Both shavers take 1 hour for a full charge, and there is a 5-minute quick charging option.

Consequently, you can have an urgent shave with a 5-minute charge while your battery is drained fully and you are on the go.

Since a wet/dry shaver, you can not use it while charging/corded.

Charging Stand:

Philips Norelco provides a charging stand with the package that helps to recharge the shaver safely on the countertop.

It’s a new attachment that was not given in the predecessor models.

Although you can charge directly with the charger, the charging stand is a plus in the Philips S3311 package.

The shaver has been designed for universal use, which is why Philips applied a worldwide voltage support in the shaver.

Pop-up Trimmer:

The Philips Norelco 3800 (s3311/85) features a sturdily built, and it also includes a well-designed pop-up trimmer that can easily take care of your sideburns.

To complete the facial hair grooming routine, the pop-up trimmer helps much. The trimmer is mainly for mustaches, goatees, sideburns, and more.

LED Indicator:

The manufacturer used a more user-friendly LED display in the new shaver.

There is a 3 stage LED display on the shaver that shows one-third of battery power by every segment.

If you see the older Philips Norelco 4500 shaver, there is a battery icon only for battery display.

Easy to Use:

It is very easy to use and great on the hand. At any time and anywhere, the user can make use of it.

The body of the shaver is well designed to carry with the shaving head tilted slightly inward and is easy to use.

Easy to Clean:

The shaver Norelco 3800 (s3311/85) is easy to clean. To be waterproof, you can directly rinse the head under running water and clean the shaver after every use.

And also, you can have a dry cleaning with the provided cleaning brush with the shaver easily. So you do not need to worry about the hygiene of your shaver.

Built Quality

Philips Norelco made a great update in the built quality of the new revamp.

The Philips Norelco 3800 filled the maximum gaps that the predecessor Philips Norelco 4500 had.

Philips used a more flexible shaving head in the new shaver that can adapt facial contours better than the older one.

The shaver comes with self-sharpening blades that minimize the extended cost of replacing the blades very frequently.

On the other hand, the shaver comes with Comfort-cut caps around the blades for comfortable operations although these are not as comfortable as the premium comfort rings that of Philips Series 6000, 8900, and s9000.

Philips used a slim girth in the new shaver with a more comfortable grip with a rubberized frame that feels much more user-friendly.

Philips made the shaver 100% waterproof with the support of a wet/dry shaving feature, making it a handy device although affordable.

Honestly, I’m a fan of the Philips Norelco shavers for their powerful batteries, where this affordable shaver provides 60 minutes of cordless performance with a full charge.

On the other hand, most of the premium shavers can not provide such a long-time cordless backup as Panasonic Arc 5, and Braun Series 9’s older versions (Braun 9290cc, Braun 9293s, Braun 9296cc).  

Philips used a popup trimmer in the shaver that is handy to make final touches for accomplishing your shaving process that I felt good enough.

The most important update in the shaver you will find at the first look is the 3-stage LED display.

I found most users blamed the predecessors for the lack of the display.

On the other hand, Philips’s addition of the charging stand in the package is a plus for the Norelco 3800 shaver.

However, since a budget-friendly product, I did not consider the most advanced/premium features to blame the shaver.

Performance

The rotary shavers are thought to be the better type to complete their duty perfectly.

However, I tried the Philips Norelco 3800 shaver from all angles, including both wet/dry.

Regarding shaving closeness, it felt like the successor of the older models.

In the wet shaving time, it did not make any significant difference to make close shaves that of dry shaves.

Since a rotary shaver, I have to admit that it can not clear the foam very apparently, but the actual beard-cutting was flawless.

However, the closeness is enough according to the price range, but as close as the premium shavers or safety razors.

While considering the quietness in the performance, the Philips Norelco 3800 was quiet enough, even quieter than the general foil shavers.

In the built quality section, I said the performance is comfortable enough to complete the shaving without irritation or nick & cut.

But it is not an alternative to the most comfortable premium comfort ring technology in the highest-end shavers.

While talking about shaving longer hairs with the shaver, it’s good enough to cut a 1-2 days beard that is a maximum for foil-type razors and a good result for rotary shavers too.

But it will take many passes to shave 3 days of beard, and not good for more than 3 days longer hair.

While considering the efficiency of the built-in trimmer, it’s adequate for shaping sideburns, mustaches, or edging.

But not good for trimming beards for making stubble, where you have to take help from a separate beard trimmer if you have a longer beard.

However, I think the shaving quality is good enough for a regular shaving basis.

Replacement Parts

This is where the Philips Norelco 3800 excels in most electric shavers.

Since the shaver comes with self-sharpening blades and stainless steel caps, you generally have to replace the battery until the shaver gets damaged.

However, if your blades get damaged accidentally, or for any reason, you can replace them with Philips S30 replacement blades.

There is some third-party supplier, too, who sell replacement blades at a cheap rate.

Pros

Most of the customer’s feedback has been very positive regarding the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 that we have just discussed.

• Easy to clean.
• Wet/Dry shaver.
• Useful Pop-up trimmer.
• Flexible shaving head.
• Self-sharpening blades.
• It stays quiet while being used.
• The battery and Charging System are very reliable.
• Durable built quality.
• Close and comfortable shaving performance.

Cons

• Utilization during charging is prohibited.
• Should be sturdier.

Verdict

Honestly, I’m not a fan of rotary-type shavers, but many people don’t like foil shavers and are very fond of rotary shavers.

However, the Philips Norelco 3800 is a smart solution for men who want a premium-grade electric razor on an inexpensive budget.

It is well fitted for regular shaves, even it can handle 1-2 days of beard which is really a compelling aspect.

The charging stand and travel pouch filled the gap of maximum complaints in the predecessors, which is also a plus.

I think it’s okay for the budget, and you have to choose a more premium shaver if you want more facilities or a sturdier built quality.

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