Braun Series 3 is still one of the most-favored electric razors among the grooming consumers because of its long-running history of durability, performance and value for money.
On the other hand, Braun Series 5 has been relaunched incorporating newer technology and streamlined into the modern Braun adaptations.
So, when it comes to Braun Series 3 vs 5 comparison, the miniscule gap between their prices isn’t the major factor for consideration.
Rather, we must understand how each performs in different scenarios to identify which of these two Braun electric razors would cater to our precise shaving needs!
Contents
Feature Analysis: Braun Series 3 vs Series 5
| Feature/Quality | Braun Series 3 | Braun Series 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.3 Ounces | 6.1 Ounces |
| Automatic Technology | None | AutoSense |
| Battery Life | 50 Minutes | 50 Minutes |
| Shaver Head | Fixed | Fixed |
| Travel Lock | No | Yes |
| EasyClick Feature | No | Yes |
As you can see from the table of Braun Series 5 vs 3, the differences in numbers and facts are quite stark. Yet, we must break these down in a comparative system to see which one turns out to be the better electric razor!
Weight
You know, newer electric razors are often lighter in weight due to the advancement of technology, and that’s exactly the case for these two devices from Braun.
The Series 3 is much bulkier, thus the weight soars up to 7.3 ounces, still good enough to be a handy electric shaver.
On the other hand, the Series 5 weighs only 6.1 ounces, therefore easy to maneuver around and as a result, caters to elderly group of consumers.
Housing Design
In terms of housing design, you’ll notice that the Braun Series 5 is much sleeker than the Series 3. This is due to the newer design philosophy of the brand, slimming down the handle for easier movement.
The width of the Series 3 matches the extent of the cutting unit, so you can guess how wide the entire handle could be.
Braun Series 5 comprises silver and black tones, whereas the Series 3 is mostly black with a vibrant blue accent.
Grip levels are very similar in these two Braun devices with the matte rubber finish, retaining grip even in wet modes perfectly. So it’s up to your preference, whether you like your razor thin or thick.
Cutting Elements
Both of the Series 3 and Series 5 cutting elements are of their 2+1 design – two foil elements placing the cassette down the middle.
These foils are their older SensoFoil units with hypoallergenic coating, and the cassette feels pretty much the same, except for the distinct colors.
However, when it comes to performance, the Series 5 cassette feels more responsive to pressure due to the higher degree of tilt.
And the efficiency of grabbing flat lying hair seems to give Series 5 the edge over Series 3, but not by a long shot.
Motor Power
Being an older and budget-end variant, Braun Series 3 does generate less torque than the Series 5 in general.
You can easily realize this variance once you turn the razors on. Series 5 produces sound with additional strength while the Series 3 noises feel a little off.
I don’t think either of these devices would be a noise-hazard for you. However, the Series 5 indeed performs with superiority when it comes to thick, black men’s hair.
Cuts Per Minute
Since there’s a gap in model and generation, the cutting actions show a discrepancy when I compare the Braun Series 3 with Series 5.
The former is able to deliver 18,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, as opposed to the 24,000 CPM by the Series 5.
This difference is formed based on the types of foil, the efficiency of the blades underneath and the raw performance of the motor.
LED Panel
Braun Series 5 has upgraded the display panel placed on the handle. Instead of three led lights, the entire display is made with a panel system, showing the power in three LED dots.
In contrast, the Series 3 entertains the older technology of using three lights to showcase where you are in terms of battery life.
Although the newer rendition in Series 5 seems more modern, the light system in Series 3 feels more visible due to the brightness.
Automatic Technology
One of the major differences between the Series 5 and the Series 3 is the inclusion of the AutoSense technology in the newer variant.
This technology allows the Series 5 to automatically read your beard density and readjust the motor power continuously.
Due to it, your razor won’t overpower your skin and spare you from the vigorous cutting actions if not necessary. Series 3 does lack a little in this department, but it’s not a dealbreaker in my opinion.
Braun Series 5 vs 3: Variance in Experience
Now, it’s time for us to see how each of these two electric razors perform head to head in real life grooming conditions!
Closeness of Shaving
Off the back, the Series 5 generates closer shaves in dry conditions, even without the application of any shaving lotion.
But when compared in wet shaving modes, the differences seem to fade away and there’s very little difference to be noticed.
It’s great that the Series 3 is capable of getting that close to the skin in a certain shaving situation while costing much less than the Series 5, that’s a win in my opinion.
Shaving Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor for an electric razor, and in this regard, I’d keep the Series 5 slightly ahead of the Series 3 in direct comparison.
The reason behind is probably the power of the motor, the anti-allergenic alloy on the foils and the overall cutting elements.
So, those with sensitive skin should prioritize the Series 5 over the Series 3, because the latter may cause a certain degree of irritation on your skin.
Contour Adaptation
Both of these shavers have very limited neck movement since the design only allows the cutting elements to be pressure sensitive, unlike the newer Braun Series 9.
Therefore, you might have to struggle a little with both to grab the hair from tight regions like your neck or mustache.
I cannot tell much difference in the Series 3 or 5 for this category, both felt almost even at adapting to the facial contours.
Also, the efficiency is much less than the premium devices, so you may have to scrub through your beard quite a few times to get everything cleaned.
Battery Life
In direct comparison, the battery life in the Series 3 seems better than the Series 5 – the former lasting for around 50-60 minutes with a full charge, compared to the 40 minutes battery life for the latter.
But this battery life comes at a cost. Braun Series 3 hosts a NiMH battery and the power delivery in this isn’t as optimum as the Series 5.
It takes the device between 8-12 hours to recharge completely and the final 10-15 minutes of the shaving will slow the motor down, which causes drags or pulls.
The Series 5 doesn’t have such issues and recharges between 60-90 minutes even when you completely deplete the battery.
Cleaning Efficiency
Braun Series 5 tried to innovate the cleaning by implementing a new technology called EasyClean.
There’s a vent at the side of the razor’s neck which lets you flood water through the channels, leading to the blades and its chamber underneath.
It works for the most cases if you’re shaving without any gel or foam. But once you apply an additional pre-shave product, EasyClean won’t work as efficiently.
Series 3 cleans up in the traditional method by removing the shaver head and rinsing it under water. Since both are fully waterproof, washing or wet shaving is never an issue.
Versatility
Electric shavers aren’t usually versatile and I can state this in the case of Braun Series 3. But when it comes to the Series 5, this definition doesn’t stand.
Because the Series 5 has a new feature called EasyClick, which allows the consumer to swap out the shaver head with a trimmer or a body grooming kit.
Although the Series 3 has a slide-out trimmer, it does nothing more than lining out the sideburns with its limited capacity.
In the case of the Series 5, one device with its unique accessories are sufficient for your every grooming need without having to purchase separate tools for those causes.
These EasyClick heads also fit the Braun Series 7 razor, therefore you’ll be able to carry on the accessories should you plan on upgrading in the future.
FAQ
Before we jump to the verdict, I should answer some of the commonly asked queries by the netizens about these two Braun razors.
Q: Which model lasts longer: Braun Series 3 or Series 5?
Ans: Build quality for Braun Series 3 and Series 5 are very similar and no one can guarantee which of these will last longer. However, from my personal experience, I have a hunch that the Series 3 is built in a little more robust manner due to the traditional technology. Since the Series 5 has sensors and modern techs, it’s more likely to show disruptions sooner than the Series 3.
Q: Are Braun Series 3 and 5 models good for travel?
Ans: Yes! Both of the Series 3 and 5 models are great for travel due to their weight, compact size and the battery life. I reckon the Series 5 has the extra edge because of its thinner handle and easy to clean design, along with the shorter recharge duration.
Q: Which of these models has a cleaning station?
Ans: Between Braun Series 5 and 3, the former has a few variants that include a cleaning station, but those cost extra than the base variant. Series 3 doesn’t have ANY variant that consists of a cleaning station.
Q: Can I use the Series 3 charger with a Series 5 shaver?
Ans: Yes! Both the Braun Series 3 and Series 5 electric razors have the same charging port and voltage requirement. Therefore, it’s possible for you to swap out chargers or use one charger to recharge the other!
Is the Braun Series 5 Worth the Extra Cost?
So, it’s time for me to announce a winner for the Braun Series 5 vs 3 battle. Is the Series 5 really worth the extra cost over Series 3? Or should you stick to your older, more convenient shaving tool?
My verdict is – if you don’t own either of these two – then you should opt for the Braun Series 5 shaver.
This electric razor offers every grooming benefit the Series 3 does and more, which in turns cancel out the price gap between the two.
But, if you already own a Series 3, then I don’t think the upgrade to Series 5 will be worthwhile for you.
And the Series 3 is definitely a grand electric shaver with its relentless performance and traditional taste of shaving – something beginners always seem to appreciate!