If there was an ultimate test, I guess it would be comparing two or more shavers side by side. That is exactly what I did today. I shaved one side of my face with Braun Series 5 and the other side with Philips Arcitec RQ 1095.
I haven't used my Philips since I got the Braun so I forgot how good it was! Here are my main conclusions:
- Shaving: both shavers gave a close shave. It is difficult to say which is better. However the ActiveLift technology that Braun has is brilliant. If really goes a good job with shaving hair that is lying flat. Philips didn't do a very good job here. Based on Braun's ActiveLift technology I would choose to buy Braun instead of Philips. The difference is huge
- Comfort on skin: Philips is a bit more comfortable on the skin compared with Braun. If you look at the design, Philips is flat and smooth, and you can use it either in straight or circular motion. It glides a lot more easily over the skin. As such it is likely to provide less irritation if you have sensitive skin. Philips is more comfortable.
- Comfort on holding: Philips is more comfortable to hold, its narrow and fits around the hand a lot easier. It also smoother as opposed to Braun which vibrates a little bit. I am not saying Braun is uncomfortable and difficult to hold, however when comparing the two shavers, Philips is more comfortable.
- Manual Cleaning: for manual cleaning, with warm water or brush, Philips is quicker and easier.
- Cleaning Unit: Compared with Philips cleaning unit, Braun is a lot faster. Cleaning is done within a few minutes and then it takes time to dry. Philips takes more than an hour I think. If you were bored and wanted to watch your machines clean your shaver Philips is more entertaining to watch. It is high tech, the shaver keeps moving up and down, going on and off. It is more fun to watch but I guess we don't buy shavers to entertain ourselves. So for the cleaning unit I prefer Braun. Even though Philips is more interesting and high tech Braun is quicker.
