Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by David Eisenman
Philips Norelco 9700 vs 9300: There are electric shavers on the market, then there’s the Philips Norelco line. The brand touts this shaver line as the “World’s most comfortable electric shave.” These devices can do a good job of matching the contours of the face to rid the skin of unwanted hair. Out of the different electric shavers in the line, the 9700 and 9300 models stand out. The former unit is the upgrade to the latter.
If you already have the Philips Norelco 9300, is it worth upgrading to the 9700? Let’s take a deeper look at these two products in this post.
Philips Norelco 9700 vs 9300: Which is Better?
Wet and Dry Shaving
Both the Philips Norelco 9700 and 9300 have AquaTec Technology. It promotes enjoyable and comfortable shaving experiences in or out of showers or baths. This technology also allows users to have comfy shaves even without the use of shaving foams or gels. The blades will smoothly glide on the skin even without the help of proper lubrication.
Movement of the Shave Head
The Norelco 9300 and 9700 have the Contour Detect Technology found on their shave heads. Each of the three shave heads on the electric shavers moves independently in 8 directions. These distinct movements follow the face’s contours to help cut unwanted hairs by up to 20% as compared to shaving with a traditional razor.
Cleaning Tech
Owners of the 9300 and 9700 can take advantage of the SmartClean system. Philips graciously provided the cleaning and charging dock right out of the boxes of these electric shavers. These cleaning stations come with an alcohol-free formula perfect for use by people with sensitive skin. With a push of a button, the dock cleans the shaver by removing all hair, foam, and gel found on the device through the use of a dual filtration system.
The cleaning dock also lubricates the shaver’s blades to help reduce friction when making passes on the skin. Furthermore, the lubricant helps keep the blades in top condition to provide excellent longevity. This system also charges the shaver so users won’t have to wait for a few minutes every time they want to use these devices. Both of these Philips electric shavers are great for people who are always on the go.
Additional Parts and Accessories
Aside from the SmartClean System, both the Philips 9300 and 9700 come with additional accessories right out of the box. For the Norelco 9300, users can take advantage of the V-Track Precision blades. These sharp edges collect hair with optimal cutting precision which can bring about a 30% more comfortable experience as compared to other similar devices on the market. Philips also made it possible for these blades to self-sharpen to ensure premium trims every day.
Blade
As for the Norelco 9700, it comes with the V-Track Precision Blades PRO. Unlike the standard V-Track Precision blades found on the 9300, the upgraded PRO version can capture each hair regardless of length without too much difficulty (if there are any). Like the standard V-Track Precision Blades, the PRO blades also self-sharpen to ensure comfortable and clean shaving experiences every day.
Battery
Let’s move to the battery packs of these electric shavers. Even though both Philips models have Lithium-ion Power batteries, the pack on the 9700 is slightly “beefier” than the 9300. The Norelco 9300, it can deliver 50 minutes of continuous use on a full charge whereas the 9700 offers 60 minutes.
Display
Then there are the displays on these two Norelco electric shaving devices. The Norelco 9300, comes with an advanced LED display to notify users of low battery levels, travel lock, and when the shaved head needs replacement. The Norelco 9700, comes with a Digital User Interface with a built-in motion sensor. This premium screen puts users in control of the shaver’s performance by displaying information like battery level percentage, battery low indicator, travel lock indicator, cleaning indicator, and replacement head indicator.
Others
Finally, the Philips Norelco 9700 comes with the SmartClick oil-control cleansing brush. This accessory helps cleanse the face after shaving. It also promotes longer oil control as compared to manual cleansing. Hence, users can even say 9700 is an electric shaver and facial cleanser in one. The 9300 doesn’t have this element but it does have a deluxe carrying case included in the package.
Which One to Choose
After looking at these two Philips Norelco electric shavers, it can be a tough decision for first-time buyers to choose which model to buy.
Norelco 9300
The Norelco 9300, already comes with all the basic features found in an electric shaver plus extras. It even comes with a deluxe carrying case for users who like to travel.
Norelco 9700
In the other corner of the room, there’s the Norelco 9700 which presents itself with premium features and accessories. This device even comes with an additional cleansing head. Use this accessory to cleanse the face after shaving. It even has a stronger battery life than its predecessor. Still, some users may not look too much to the long battery life since shaving can complete in just a few minutes. Also, the charging dock assures users that there’s always enough battery power to go around for each shaving session.
Other than additional accessories and features, both Philips electric shavers are almost identical to each other. Both electric shavers even come with cleaning and charging docks along with a waterproof shell. However, extra features can also mean a bump in price. It’s best to consult your budget before making a final decision as to which electric shaver to purchase. We have also written a comparison of Philips Norelco 9700 vs 9850.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the end of this page, it’s time to answer the question, “Is the Philips Norelco 9700 worth the upgrade?” Even though there are extra features found on the 9700, current owners of the 9300 may find little reason to upgrade to the newer model. On the other hand, first-time buyers looking for a premium electric shaver that promotes utmost comfort accompanied by top-notch accessories may opt for the 9700. Check out our complete review of the Philips Norelco 9850 shaver.
