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Philips Norelco 3500 Dry Electric Shaver

We already wrote a Philips Norelco review about the 2100 model dry electric shaver. Because we were impressed with the performance of the economical mens electric razor, we decided to do another Philips Norelco review, this time of the Philips Norelco 3500 Dry Electric Shaver. This model is a step up from the 2100 shaver and has some impressive features that you dont expect to find from a rotary shaver that is so affordably priced.

The Basics/In the Box


The Philips Norelco 3500 has a sturdy build that you can feel the moment that you take it out of the box. The electric shaver has a slightly more ergonomic design than the Norelco 2100 with a slimmer taper to its handle that allows it to fit very comfortably into your hand. Like the other model, the Phillips Norelco 3500 does not have any thumb grips included in its design; however, the shaver is only used dry, so there isnt as much worry about it slipping out of your hand as there is with other shavers. The suggested retail price of the 3500 dry electric shaver is $59.99, and we found it being sold for less than $50 on Amazon. Along with the mens shaver, you receive a protective cap to keep the head clean between uses, a cleaning brush and the power cord.

Operation and Ease of Use

One of the biggest advantages that the Philips Norelco 3500 has over the 2100 is the design of its head and blades. The model features Dual Precision shaving technology with a Super Lift and Cut action, meaning that it lifts longer hairs away from the skin to cut close to the root while also slicing away shorter stubble. The shaver also has flexing, pivoting heads that stay close to the contours of your face, making it more efficient and quicker to use than the 2100 and many other shavers on the market. We did not have any difficulty using the shaver on difficult spots like under the nose and were impressed with how simple it was to maneuver.

Results After Shaving

The improvements in blade technology with the Philips Norelco 3500 give it an overall more impressive level of performance than the Philips Norelco 2100. Although we found the 2100 to be satisfactory in our Philips Norelco review, we did feel that it was not really up for shaving a very thick beard. The dual cutting action of the Phillips Norelco 3500 dry electric shaver makes it capable of tackling more-difficult-to-groom facial hair. We also noticed that the blades cut hairs all the way into the skin, so regrowth is slower with this model. This makes the shaver a great choice for gents who dont want to shave every day.

Sensitive Skin?

The Philips Norelco 3500 is unlikely to irritate sensitive complexions because of its flexible head design. One thing that men do need to be aware of is that the close cut of the shaver could potentially increase your risk of ingrown hairs. If you use this shaver, it will be important to maintain good skin hygiene by using a facial scrub daily and a post-shave treatment after every use. Really those steps should be taken no matter what shaver you use, so we don't see this as a disadvantage for the Norelco 3500.


Battery Life

Battery life is another area in which the Philips Norelco 3500 excels. The shaver can provide up to 45 minutes of continuous shave time after an 8-hour charge, while the 2100 discussed in our previous Philips Norelco review had only a 35-minute battery life. Another nice feature that is unique to the 3500 is 3-minute quick charge technology. If you forget to recharge the shaver, youll have enough battery power for one shave if you plug it in for just 3 minutes. Another minor difference between the two models is that the Norelco 3500 has a larger charge indicator light that is easier to spot, making it less likely that youll forget to power up.

Cleaning and Care

Although the Norelco 2100 wasnt hard to care for, we did find the Philips Norelco 3500 to be easier to clean. This is because the men electric shaver is waterproof and can be rinsed after use, while the 2100 can only be cleaned with a brush. The rinse-ability is a nice added feature that really speeds up clean-up. Maintenance of the shaver is easy. The head simply needs to be replaced once every year.

Special Features

Like the Norelco 2100, the Norelco 3500 has a pop-up trimmer for grooming facial hair and sideburns. The shaver also features dual voltage technology for convenient use when you're traveling abroad.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we felt that the Philips Norelco 3500 Dry Electric Shaver was an excellent buy. Although its slightly more expensive than the Philips Norelco 2100 we discussed in our previous Philips Norelco review, the added convenience of rinse-ability, the longer battery life and the improved performance of the 3500 warrant the difference in price. This electric shaver can truly suit any gent who prefers a dry shave and wants an affordable, yet efficient grooming tool.
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