Philips Norelco 3800 rotary shaver is the last of its kind, paying homage to the traditional build path of their new-gen devices that introduced wet shaving and new battery units.
There are still many consumers out there who prefer to use a Norelco 3800 over its successors, not only because of the habit, but also due to its certain factors.
From my experience, Norelco 3800 offers a much better value out of your money despite it costing very little compared to the recent Norelco tools.
Let’s take a deep dive into the perks and limitations in this Philips Norelco 3800 review to check if this device is the one you’ve always been waiting for!
“Norelco 3800 is one of the most popular Philips rotary shavers because of the balance between modern wet shaving and classic housing design, coming at an affordable price and a longer-lasting battery life for comfortable shaving results!”
Contents
- 1 Unboxing Philips Norelco Shaver 3800
- 1.1 Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 : Standout Features
- 1.2 Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 : Additional Features
- 1.3 My Experience with Philips Norelco Shaver 3800
- 1.4 How I Tested the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800?
- 1.5 Who is Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 For?
- 1.6 Philips Norelco 3800 vs 5400: Tradition Competed with Modern
- 1.7 FAQ
- 1.8 Final Thoughts
Unboxing Philips Norelco Shaver 3800
Philips Norelco 3800 package design looks the same as its older and newer variants, a transparent portion allowing you to see the actual product inside.
While the box looks neat, the out of shape proportions do make it a little difficult to store or even dent the corners if it’s transported underneath heavier stuff.
Also, the hinges aren’t that firm to keep it locked at all times, so that’s something Philips must address in their boxes in the future.
Inside the box, a robust tray hoists the Norelco 3800 with a fastener, clicking its tails on the other side releases the device.
With the shaver, you’d be getting a charging adapter, a foil guard, a charging dock and of course, a storage pouch made of cloth that makes Norelco 3800 convenient to carry while traveling!
What’s Inside the Box: Norelco 3800 Shaver, One Foil Guard, One Charging Adapter, One Charging Dock, One Storage Pouch.
Specifications: Philips Norelco Shaver 3800
This section briefly goes over the technical details for the Philips Norelco 3800 razer and informs you about the technology that goes behind this handy device!
- Dimensions: 14.0 x 6.2 x 4.8 cm
- Weight:
- Color: Space Gray
- Accessories: 4
- Foil Type: Rotary Single Ring
- Motor Power: 55,000 CPM
- Waterproof: Yes
- Battery Indicator: 3-Bar LED
- Battery Runtime: 60 Minutes
Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 : Standout Features
In the feature discussion section, let me briefly talk you through what stands out in this simple yet enigmatic rotary shaver from Norelco!
Design Elements
I’ll start with the noticeable things in the housing of Philips Norelco 3800 along with the things I believe could have been better from the brand.
Old-School Aesthetics
Well, there’s little variation in design between the Norelco 3800 and its predecessor the Norelco 2300, mostly due to the similar handle arc and size.
Only one color option is available on the market and that’s the one I’m reviewing here, the space gray variant covering the entire handle from top to bottom.
Fringes of the three rotary foils put an exquisite matter gray tone on display which takes a shiny route around the bevel down the middle.
The power button and LED indicator is confined in a compact section, giving it a symmetrical look that satisfies most aesthetic-nerds!
Rubber Grip
A large portion of the Norelco 3800 is covered with textured rubber and the material doesn’t tear off very easily, kudos to Philips.
These rubber pads are strategically placed at the chest and another area around the back. It’s a great way of retaining grip at all times since the device will be used for wet shaving.
The remainder of the handle is made with durable plastic and the balance between these two materials definitely calls for a slipless shaving experience at any given angle.
A+ Durability
While the size of the handle might be too thick for a few consumers, the durability put into the handle compensates for it.
Norelco 3800 has passed my drop and submersion test, rendering it as one of the first in the 3000 series to withstand water at such prowess.
Also, the bulky foils on top of the head are robust and don’t get bent easily, unless of course you hit the foils with a hammer.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the lasting nature of this Norelco 3800 and this factor definitely earns my consideration to buy something like this to use in the long run.
What I Like
- Minimal yet modern space-gray aesthetics
- Rubber pads allow full grip while wet shaving
- Parts are made with durable material
What Could be Better
- Handle might be too bulky for some consumers
Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 : Additional Features
Let’s now get further with our Norelco Shaver 3800 review article by bringing forth some of its trademark features to better acquaint ourselves with the device!
Light Weight
Almost all of the Norelco shavers I’ve used so far are lighter in weight and that seems to be the overarching characteristic from the brand to ease out longer usage.
I was quite surprised to experience such a lightweight electric shaver that has a bulky exterior, it’s quite unforeseen to be honest.
Also, the fact that the device banks a lithium-ion battery inside that runs for quite some time, reaching this weight class is definitely a designer’s success.
There’s no chance of fatigued fingers or arm despite the frequent circulating motion you’d be demanded to draw upon your face, so definitely thumbs up for the weight!
Single-Ring Foils
The newer double-ring foil designs weren’t still in the market, the way Norelco 7200 proudly features that cutting element, therefore Norelco 3800 is stuck with a single-ring design.
This ring has an extrusion to grab your flat lying hair but there’s a limitation to it – nothing over a 3-day growth can be picked up or otherwise it might tug.
All three of the rounded caps are pressure sensitive, allowing your shaver head to adjust around your facial contours to a certain extent.
Adding the 5-D flex head that moves around, paired with the pressure adjustment of the foil segments make it better at shaving your neck or jawline than previous Norelco generations.
Older Motor
I was expecting an upgrade into the motor department but it remains pretty much the same as Norelco 2300, clocking at 55,000 cuts per minute or CPM.
Although this still does a pretty good job at removing coarse hair, credit is due to the waterproof nature of this rotary device.
Generally I don’t recommend rotary razors to beginners, but this one is so simple yet gentle on skin, I’d definitely suggest the young buyers to give this one a go!
However, men with coarse hair, particularly black men’s curly beards would require extra glides for a complete removal, more on that later.
27 ComfortCut Blades
The cutting elements are similar to the ones you’d find in Norelco 2300 – 27 stainless steel ComfortCut blades to be precise.
This is another reason behind the limited adaptability across hair textures and an upgrade would definitely have made things better.
But you should also note that these blades are very kind in general and the foil rings keep them separated from direct skin contact, so comfort is definitely ensured in a limited manner.
60 Minute Battery Life
One of the best upgrades from the previous generation so far on the Norelco 3800 has been its new lithium-ion battery that runs for around 60 minutes with a full charge.
Also, throughout the entire duration I didn’t sense the motor lowering in torque – this battery has been capable enough to provide relentless power.
Let me put a cherry on top of that – the charging time is very useful – one hour to recharge from zero down.
With the help of the charging stand you’d be receiving inside the package, you could simply stash it on the dock and be on your way only to find the device fully charged the next morning!
LED Battery Indicator
In the affordable price range, it’s always a welcome to find an LED indicator installed on the housing of an electric shaver, Norelco 3800 has done just that in the entire 3000 series.
This indicator shows the battery levels in three increments and the readings have been quite accurate in my opinion.
So, whether your device is fully charged or the battery has depleted enough to plug it back to power, you’ll know that before walking around with a half-shaved face and a dead electric razor being recharged.
What I Like
- Lighter weight makes maneuvering and carrying very easy
- Pressure-sensitive single ring foils are safe for skin
- Upgraded battery & LED indicator enhances convenience
What Could be Better
- Blade and foil rings could have seen improvement from previous gen
My Experience with Philips Norelco Shaver 3800
You’ve guessed it right – we’ve arrived at the practical aspect analysis of our article so shed some light on my experience of using the Norelco 3800 rotary razor!
Shaving Closeness
I hope you already know that rotary shavers can’t shave as close as foil shavers because of the technological difference in cutting methods.
Still, I’d say Norelco 3800 shaves closer than it’s priced and you’ll be able to spend about half a day without feeling any growth on your face.
There are finer rotary razors that leave behind a better result than this one, but the mentioned devices usually cost at least twice as much, so there’s your consolation.
Comfort on Skin
The comfort levels are great considering the cost of the Norelco 3800 razor, one of the reasons might be its ability to shave in wet conditions.
Although the comfort isn’t far off in dry mode, I wouldn’t suggest elderly men to utilize this tool without going through a pre-shave routine.
In general, if you pull off the animations properly and precisely, without pressing too hard against your skin, you might get away with a redness-free shaving experience!
How Fast are the Shaves?
In terms of shaving duration, Norelco 3800 is quite average on pace. This has to do with the limited cutting elements and older-generation motor power, as I mentioned before.
But that doesn’t mean it’ll take you a very long time to fully shave off your beard. On average, my dry shaving sessions usually take around 7-8 minutes on a one-day stubble.
Wet shaves are much faster but more time is consumed in preparing the beard, so that’s one concern you have to keep in mind.
Versatility
Norelco 3800 rotary razor isn’t the most versatile device and the hair or skin types are quite limited for the most efficient outcome.
Still, one good thing about this device is that the single-ring foil along with the lower torque motor do help out consumers with sensitive skin.
Another aspect is the inclusion of the pop-up trimmer which allows you to refine your shaves, outline your hair and complete the procedure without bringing in a secondary outlining tool!
Wet Shaving
Having a water resistant razor is definitely a blessing, not only because of the more comfortable shaving experience, but also to help out in thoroughly cleaning the device.
Mind you, Norelco 3800 is not IPX rater, rather it’s one of many ‘Wet/Dry’ electric razors from the brand, capable of withstanding running water.
I’ve found the best results with a light application of shaving lotion followed by an exfoliation. Things like shaving foam will weigh down your blades and can even slow the motor down.
Cleaning & Maintenance
For dry shave modes, you can simply press the arrow icon up top to release the lock and brush off every bit of dirt stored inside.
Otherwise, there’s flexibility to fully wash the foils and motor heads, this is something I’d recommend doing once a week no matter which shaving mode you’re utilizing.
The foil head comes off and can be separately washed or lubricated. This practice can prolong the shaving life of the blades and keep the Norelco 3800 running more effectively!
How I Tested the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800?
Since I work with a wide variety of electric shavers on a regular basis, some of which are deemed as the killer products in the grooming industry, there’s an established method that I follow for testing each of these products.
This way, I am able to assess where Norelco 3800 stands compared to the other shaving tools and this comparative take would give you a realistic idea about this device alone.
From tests like damage or water resistance, battery life, charge time to skin or hair type, shaving efficiency etc., all of these have been personally conducted in my lab.
Combining the information with response from professional groomers and other first-hand Norelco 3800 users, I was able to complete this article with an in-depth analysis.
What I Like
- Shaves are comfortable in general
- Wet shaves cater to sensitive skin
- Can be easily cleaned or washed
What Could be Better
- Shaving efficiency is a little limited across hair texture
Who is Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 For?
Now, why should you be picking the Norelco 3800 razor over any other available devices on the market at this price?
For one, no other product of the same price as Norelco 3800 can assure you the quality of shaves and the overall experience, there’s bound to be some limitations from non-renowned brands.
If you’re particularly looking for an affordable rotary razor and your priority is comfortable shaving, Norelco 3800 would perfectly fit that description.
Also, beginners who are preferring rotary over foil devices to learn their way up the arc, they too will find this razor to be the ideal choice.
Mostly, the Philips Norelco 3800 razor is meant for home use and professionals should spend a little extra to grab something from the newer generation.
Philips Norelco 3800 vs 5400: Tradition Competed with Modern
| Feature/Quality | Norelco 3800 | Norelco 5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | S3311/85 | S5880/81 |
| Blade Type | ComfortCut | Double Foil Stainless Steel |
| AI Feature | None | SenseIQ |
| No. of Blades | 27 | 45 |
| Contour Technology | 5-D Pivot | 360° |
| Water Resistant | Yes | IPX7 |
| CPM | 55,000 | 90,000 |
| Charging Stand | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 60 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Price | See On Amazon | See On Amazon |
The Norelco 3800 rotary razor is so good that it’s often compared with its newer successor, the Norelco 5400.
Although there are many differences between these two Philips devices, some may argue that these discrepancies may not change the purchase preferences for a lot of consumers.
Therefore, we should take a closer look into these two shaving units side by side in the form of a Norelco 5400 vs 3800 comparison review!
Cutting Elements
While Norelco 3800 has endorsed the older ComfortCut blades with 27 cutting units covered underneath a single-foil design, Norelco 5400 has introduced a new double-foil system.
There are 45 stainless steel blades that are put into action and thus I’ve observed a significant increase in efficiency for the newer device.
Also, the foil bases have been redesigned to offer a higher degree of skin comfort, which was apparently missing in Norelco 3800.
So in the cutting elements and shaving efficiency department, Norelco 5400 has a clear edge over the 3800.
Motor Power
Another new innovation of technology is incorporated into the Norelco 5400 and the device is capable of 90,000 CPM, almost twice as much as the Norelco 3800.
Not only that, Norelco 5400 brings in an AI, namely SenseIQ, to read your beard density 240 times per second while regulating the motor power 14 times per second accordingly.
This has proven to offer a greater degree of comfort on the skin, especially around the sensitive parts where the harshness of the motor is minimized due to the tech.
Such an advantage over Norelco 3800 is commendable, but you must also acknowledge the price gap between these two.
Ergonomics
Those of you who admire sleek designs, Norelco 5400 will definitely float your boat. The handle in this model has been significantly slimmed down as opposed to the wider Norelco 3800.
Gone are the rubber textured pads on the chest, rather a premium plastic encompasses the entirety of the frontal portion.
The back part is also blessed with a more durable element to withstand frequent washes and minimize vulnerability of being torn off.
It’s much lighter and easier to maneuver around, so you can witness the stark contrast of improvement Philips has provided their consumers in the latter devices!
Contour Adaptation
With the new Norelco 5400, contour adaptation is much better due to the smaller shaver head and the 360 degree movement.
Each of the foil bases can independently sway in different directions with the neck tilting around for better adjustment on your skin.
There are some straight vents on these bases to guide your hair more efficiently and to feed these through foils.
As a result of all these, Norelco 5400 delivers a faster, more efficient and comfortable shaving experience than the Norelco 3800.
Water Resistance
Norelco 3800 does prevent water leakage really well but there’s no certification accredited to this rotary razor.
But in the case of Norelco 5400, it’s been rated with IPX7 marking, implying that water resistance in this device is of the finest quality one could ever hope for.
Be that washing or going for wet shaves, Norelco 5400 is likely to come out as the more durable razor of the two, although Norelco 3800 hasn’t caused any water-related issues for me so far.
Charging & LED Display
Charging time and battery life are almost identical between Norelco 3800 and 5400. The former even gifts you with a charging dock for convenience, which is absent in Norelco 5400.
That said, Norelco 5400 hoists an improved LED display that doesn’t only show battery levels, but also highlights the AI icon among other essential information.
You can even engage a travel lock in the Norelco 5400 which is absent in the 3800. Ironically, Norelco 3800 is the one that comes with a travel pouch instead of 5400.
Verdict: Both the Norelco 3800 and 5400 are meant for home groomers, Norelco 5400 being the more efficient and comfortable overall.
But considering the price point, Norelco 3800 does give you a great value for money. So, those who are looking for a budget option, settle for the Norelco 3800.
Unless you have sensitive skin and most electric razors tend to burn your skin, in that case Norelco 5400 upgrade would be worth it.
FAQ
In this part of the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 review, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions to offer further insight into this amazing electric grooming device.
Q: Can I use the Philips Norelco 3800 while it’s charging?
Ans: No, you cannot use Norelco 3800 while it’s charging and you definitely shouldn’t try it. Remember, this is the very first generation of Norelco rotary shavers to offer wet and dry shaving modes. Therefore, connecting it to a power cord while shaving can cause severe accidents and that’s why Philips has disabled the ‘charging while using’ system.
Q: How often do I need to replace the shaving heads in Norelco 3800?
Ans: It depends on how frequently you shave your beard, the density and coarseness of the facial hair. As a rule of thumb for generic beard texture and coarseness, you might have to replace the blades once a year if you shave between 2-3 times per week.
Q: Can the pop-up trimmer in Norelco 3800 handle long hair or beards?
Ans: No, the pop-up trimmer in Norelco 3800 is solely meant for detailing and trimming the edges of your hair or beard. Since the blade teeth aren’t much wide or deep, anything more than outlining wouldn’t produce satisfactory results.
Final Thoughts
We’ve learned about the Philips Norelco 3800 rotary electric razor to great extent in this review article and even compared it against the new and improved Norelco 5400.
Let me suggest you, if you already own a Norelco 3800 and it’s functioning perfectly, then there’s actually no need for you to upgrade it – unless of course your facial skin goes through irritation or razor burns.
The performance you’d get out of this affordable device is enough to satisfy your daily grooming needs in my opinion as it has done for me in my personal life.
But if the dilemma is to pick one or the other to purchase, and you have the extra cash to spend, then it’s always better to reach out for newer and improved models for added convenience!
| Score | |
| Shaving Efficiency | 4.5 |
| Closeness | 4.6 |
| Comfort | 4.6 |
| Water Resistance | 4.7 |
| Battery Life | 4.7 |
| Durability | 4.8 |
| Overall | 4.65 |
| Verdict
Philips Norelco 3800 is an affordable rotary electric shaver capable of handling both wet and dry shaves within a limited time, doesn’t arouse irritation, great for new groomers and home use, offers a long battery life and overall successfully sustains the perils of time and usage. |
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