For the longest time now, the Braun Series 5 has been considered a great alternative to the Series 7; its successor by two generations.
Sharing the same name, it is normal to find tons of mutual attributes on both the models. However, considering the huge gap in their release dates, it’s also certain that they both don’t qualify as siamese counterparts of one another, but rather like cousins.
When push comes to shove, the question remains; is Braun Series 7 the same as the Series 5? More importantly, if you already have the latter, should you upgrade to the Braun Series 7?
To find the answer, stick around till the end of this guide!
Tale Of The Tape: Braun Series 5 vs. Series 7
Before diving into the hardware and software attributes of both the Braun Series 5 and 7, you should at least be aware of the fundamentals of each model, just so you can consume the information in a better manner.
But if you don’t have enough time to look into the pair on your own, I hope you find the following table useful!
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Housing And Design
From a design perspective, the Braun Series 5 and 7 are sleek, comfortable, and aesthetically top-notch.
Both foil shavers are fused with slender handles and lightweight properties, with the Series 5 making tons of space for a rubberized grip at the back.
The Series 7, on the other hand, offers the same kind of rubberized no-slip grip, but offers a little less in terms of volume by replacing a minor portion with matte-based plastic flooring.
Despite looking extremely identical, I find the Series 5 to be a better fit for those that prioritize functionality. From an aesthetic standpoint, however, the Braun Series 7 sweeps me away with its one-of-a-kind silver color scheme!
Foil System
Braun Series 7 offers a pair of SensoFoils along with a Middle trimmer to run the show. On the contrary, the Series 5 appears to be an even match from a distance, offering the same elements.
From a visual standpoint, both carry premium-quality, hypoallergenic foil systems, possessing the same amount of openings. The middle trimmer moves in the same lane, being impossible to tell apart.
I do believe that the difference in their qualities are most prominent once you look underneath the shaving elements and inspect the pivoting heads instead!
Shaving Head
Braun Series 5, much like its predecessors, contains a firm pivoting head with no room for flexibility. I don’t think that’s a negative quality still, since the fixed design offers more efficiency when making contact with the skin.
Next to the Series 5’s shaving head, the 360 Flex Head of the Braun Series 7 looks like a different breed, indeed. It comprises the ability to move in 8 different directions, aiding those with specific skin conditions to avoid razor burns in a better way.
The newfound flexibility also prioritizes areas that typically go unnoticed, which might require a better form to be picked up by the Braun Series 5.
Advanced Technology
To cater to various kinds of beard density, the Braun Series 7 uses not only the flexibility of its Flex Head, but also the power of AutoSense technology, allowing this electric shaver to adjust the speed setting in accordance with even the coarsest set of beards.
The Series 5 does the same, possessing AutoSense technology to provide navigational assistance along with chameleon-like properties.
Motor Power
It really surprises me that the Braun Series 5 and Series 7 are two installments apart, since amongst them are plenty of common ground.
One of them is their motor power, capable enough of generating 24,000 cutting actions per minute on a full battery.
This element doesn’t exactly hamper my perception of the Braun Series 7, but it does make me grow even fonder of the Series 5.
Display Panel
Led by minimalist qualities, the LED panels of the Braun Series 7 and 5 serve the same purpose.
I find the 3 point battery bar of the Braun Series 5 since the percentage of the battery is easier to understand.
If I were to pick sides, however, I would choose the Braun Series 7, not only due to its added travel lock icon, but also due to the resemblance its battery status bar has with a lightsaber!
A Head To Head Showdown: Braun Series 5 vs. Braun Series 7!
From a visual standpoint as well as a feature standpoint, the Braun Series 5 and 7 feel like two sides of the same coin.
Albeit the Series 7 does have some minor changes, the Series 5 doesn’t feel too far behind when carrying out a surface-level breakdown on their foil system, ergonomics, and tech-advanced attributes.
However, you shouldn’t believe everything you see. Likewise, to lean towards the former mantra, I’ve taken the matter into my own hands and made it a mission to form my judgement based on my experience.
On that note, I present to you my test results between the Braun Series 5 versus the Braun Series 7.
Shaving Efficiency
When push comes to shove, both Braun Series 7 and 5 are equally capable in the shaving department, housed with the same technological perks, as well as foil systems.
The same theory presents itself once again when it comes to efficiency, with both shavers generating the same amount of cutting actions per minute.
On another note, if you prioritize comfort above all, going through the next part is a must!
Comfort Of Shave
While both Braun Series 7 and 5 generate the same results in terms of closeness, I find the stiff foil system and shaving head of the Series 5 more comfortable on my susceptible skin.
Don’t get me wrong. The Series 7 is definitely one that prioritizes safety. However, the shaving head tends to move around a lot, requiring more effort for control, which can be detrimental when neck shaving.
Weight Class
The predecessor has the upper hand during the weigh-in, despite both competing in the lightweight division.
Being lighter does make the Braun Series 5 a bit more reliable for beginners and elders with fragile wrists, however, making it the winner in this round.
Adaptability
Despite it being an inconvenience in certain scenarios, the 360 Flex head of the Braun Series 7 offers more room for creativity in 8 different ways as opposed to the stationary shaving head of the Braun Series 5, which requires more of a proactive approach and better form to mimic the same results!
Versatility
Truth be told, even when it comes to versatility, the Braun Series 5 and 7 are an even match, primarily due to offering eerily similar looking foil systems, along with the same technological and motor attributes.
Both also come with the same kind of precision trimmer to assist as enhancers, although the flexibility of the shaving head possessed by the Braun Series 7 feels more dependable when tackling hard-to-reach areas.
Endurance
When it comes to endurance, the Series 5 feels like the long lost twin of the Series 7, with both offering a runtime of 50 minutes overall.
The charging station does help the Series 7 in this scenario with its quick-charging abilities, giving the successor a slight, yet relatively insignificant edge over its predecessor. However, both feel underwhelming when compared to the Andis Profoil, another foil shaver with corded abilities.
Wet/Dry Shaving Capability
Overall, both these Braun models, much like the Series 3 and 9, are fused with waterproof housing, so don’t hesitate to use them in the shower, or with shaving cream.
That being said, the Braun Series 7 finds tons of help in its flexible shaving system along with the rest of the properties on both wet and dry shaving occasions.
In comparison, the Braun Series 5 definitely feels like the better close shaver, capturing more hair when dry shaving on freshly washed skin, especially with the fixed shaving head.
Maintenance
In terms of aftercare, both Braun models are equally convenient, and can be maintained with just a rinse, followed by a proper routine.
The EasyClean feature of the Series 5 might suit you a bit more if you prefer taking matters into your own hands, however, especially with the spacious vents it incorporates into the hardware.
On the other hand, if you’re borderline lazy, spending the extra dough on the malleable SmartCare Center will definitely make maintenance easier, as all you have to do is attach the device to the charging station.
Travel Ease
Due to the similarities in their build, I’d say both the Series 5 and 7 can easily fit even inside a packed duffle bag.
However, the newer series does have the edge over its predecessor, since the Series 7 carries a travel lock feature, as well as a thick pouch to avoid unintentional powerups, and damage on the surface of its hardware, making it the better companion for travel.
Why Trust My Verdict?
As stated earlier, I believe in being proactive when it comes to carrying out each review.
That being said, carrying out the comparison between the Braun Series 5 and 7 was a cakewalk for me, since I already had the pair in my arsenal.
While you can check my own collection of Braun shavers in another guide, skim through the formerly mentioned showdown for a recap on the battle between the Series 5 and 7!
Frequently Asked Question
Now that I’ve covered the main areas of my comparison guide on the Braun Series 5 and 7, here are some questionnaires that will assist you even further if you have some pending feelings of doubt!
Q: Can I use my Braun Series 5 on Braun Series 7’s cleaning station?
Ans: Believe it or not, but as long as you purchase one of the newer models from the Series 5 collection, you can clean the device using Braun Series 7’s SmartCare Center!
As the shaving elements are the same as well, consider using the extra foil system of your Series 7 to replace the worn out shaving head of your Series 5.
Q: Which shaver between Braun Series 5 and 7 should I pick for sensitive skin?
Ans: When push comes to shove, both offer the same technological attributes, using AutoSense technology for optimal results.
On another note, if your skin is quite prone to damage, I’d suggest you use the better, more flexible 3-in-1 shaving elements of the Braun Series 7.
Q: Is Braun Series 7 better for coarse hair?
Ans: While you should opt for the Series 9 if your hair is extremely coarse, the Series 7 tends to be a good alternative for the former, and the better pick over the Series 5 when chopping down thick hair.
Its flexibility as well as sleek handle allows the Braun Series 7 to swerve past coarse hair, as well as provide multiple swipes without any tugging or pulling.
Final Verdict: Braun Series 5 is an ideal replacement, but not the same as The Series 7
In hindsight, I believe that, despite being two generations apart, the Braun Series 5 can be a great alternative to look forward to, landing a spot on my list of best Braun shavers.
When compared to the Series 7, the Series 5 provides the same shaving elements and technology, despite offering a firmer shaving head. The former difference, while a setback for many seeking flexibility, can also be a pivotal perk for those seeking closer shaves at a shorter timespan.
The price tag also makes the Braun Series 5 affordable, and thus, a better pick than the Series 7 in that regard.
However, keep in mind that you’ll be missing out on the premiumness of the handle on Series 7 as well as its multipurpose cleaning station if you sign up for the predecessor, which can make the successor easier to lean on!
