Among the best electric shavers are two prominent names of Braun, otherwise known as the Series 9 and the Series 7.
While the pair represent their brand with utmost pride, behind the scenes lies a rivalry that many aren’t completely aware of.
Despite being from two different generations, many believe that the Braun Series 7 is an ideal replacement for the Series 9, that too for a cheaper market value. And whilst they share tons of mutual interests that make them inseparable, the differences are truly eye-opening once you take a closer look.
Without further ado, here’s my personalised guide on the Braun Series 7 against the Series 9, where you’ll find tons of common ground, but also a winner that will always have the edge over its opponent!
A Short Preview: Braun Series 7 vs. Braun Series 9
Before I dig into what’s beneath the surface, here’s a small teaser of the candidates involved in this bout.
Along with all the major pieces shaping up their specifications, you might also find a couple of common grounds that the Series 9 shares with the Series 7, which shouldn’t be surprising since they’re cousins!
| Feature | Braun Series 7 | Braun Series 9 |
| Shaving Elements | 3 | 4 |
| Pivoting Head | 8-D FlexHead | 10-D FlexHead |
| Advanced Technology | AutoSense Technology | SyncroSonic Technology |
| Weight | 6.6 ounces | 7.1 ounces |
| Runtime | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Charging Station | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
Craftsmanship And Ergonomics
The first difference from afar lies in the visuals, with the Braun Series 7 being a bit more sleek than the Braun Series 9.
Despite comprising the same premium quality plastic materials for making up their housing, the Series 9 embraces a bulkier look, carrying an oversized head, along with a sizable handle.
In between the shaving head and the base of the handle is a power button, along with a display that is a staple in any of the best Braun shavers.
Carrying the same room for the LCD display is what the Braun Series 7 and 9 have in common. However, the new Series 7 models, one of which I’ve incorporated into this guide, is lighter, and leaner than its successor.
The backside of both models carry a hard rubberized grip, although the Braun Series 7 finds more space due to having a detachable precision trimmer in contrast to the attached precision trimmer of the Series 9.
Foil System
In my eyes, the biggest difference between the Braun Series 9 and 7 lies strictly in its shaving elements, but that’s only after you set aside the dissimilarities in their ergonomics.
Despite both being at the top of the food chain amongst foil shavers, Braun Series 7 comprises the same shaving elements as its predecessor, offering a threeway combo, reprising the SensoFoils along with a Middle Trimmer.
While both impose and carry foils that are hypoallergenic, The Series 9 takes the cake without requiring a second thought in this regard, carrying an upgraded set of OptFoils, a HyperLift and Cut trimmer, along with a Direct and Cut trimmer. That said, in terms of longevity, both blades require a change after 6 to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use.
For defense, it carries a Protective Skin Guard; an element I will dive in on during the latter stages of this guide.
Shaving Head
The shaving system incorporated into the Braun Series 9 finds more agility and movement with its 10-D Flex Head, while creating the experience with nothing but limited freedom using its head-locking feature.
In contrast, the Series 7’s shaving head is all about versatility, with an 8-D FlexHead making no room for stiffness.
Both are some of the best in the business, being helpful in their own ways, but the Series 9 is tailored with more productive assets, which I will explore in the subsequent part of my performance review.
Advanced Technology
To establish a sense of variety, Braun chose to purposefully label the technology systems of the Braun Series 7 as 9 with two different entities.
However, if you ask me, the SyncroSonic technology and AutoSense technology are two sides of the same coin, adopting the same kind of protocol for safety.
A difference is only found when the cutting actions are assessed; an element that I’ve already penned down in the following area.
Power Output
As stated formerly, the difference in the cutting actions generated by the Braun Series 9 as opposed to the Series 7 creates a pivotal difference.
For context, the Braun Series 9 splits 40,000 cutting actions per minute between 4 shaving elements to defy speed, while guaranteeing safety with the skin protective guard.
Video: Braun Series 7 and 9 Motor
The Series 7 appears to be far behind its successor in the sprint, securing 24,000 cutting actions a minute, shared by 3 shaving assistants.
LED Panel
While the wider structure enables the Series 9 to expand its assets accordingly, both Series 7 and the former carry an excellent, user-friendly LED panel for additional assistance.
The only major difference is that the Series 9 displays the battery status using digits, while the Series 7 carries a minimal vertical bar to do the same.
While the pair keeps themselves safe on an airplane using their travel-lock feature, I like how the Series 7 goes the extra mile for reassurance with its travel-lock icon.
The Ultimate Bout: Analysing The Performance Of Braun Series 7 vs. Braun Series 9!
Never judge a shaver based on its visuals. Likewise, to make it a fair bout, as well as one full of useful takes, I took a more proactive approach and put both the Braun Series 7 and Series 9 to the test.
From assessing their foil system to looking into their weight class, here’s everything I carried out to find the better companion between Braun Series 7 and Series 9!
Shaving Efficiency
Starting with the shaving efficiency, the Braun Series 9 takes an obvious lead over the Series 7, posing as the better close shaver.
It not only carries newer and better foil systems along with two additional trimmers, but is also wired with 40,000 cutting actions per minute.
SyncroSonic technology adjusts its speed settings in accordance with the density of the hair, fastening the ground covered when dealing with coarse hair. To prevent injuries, the SkinGuard protection comes in clutch, making sure none of the shaving elements make intense contact with my sensitive skin.
The Series 7 is just as amazing, however, with a more flexible shaving head, reducing the amount of tugging and pulling on wrinkly skin.
Despite carrying the same foil system as its predecessors, the 24,000 cutting actions per minute feel relatively productive, finding tons of help in AutoSense technology to secure more diversity.
Nonetheless, I’d still pick the Braun Series 9 over the Series 7, as the upgraded foil system is faster and more reliable by all means, despite being a close-second to Panasonic Arc 5.
Comfort Of Shave
In terms of comfort, I’d say both Braun models are extremely generous and skin-safe.
Since they belong to the same brand after all, the way in which the foil system of the Braun Series 9 absorbs my facial hair is almost identical to the way in which the Series 7 collects the strands. The difference only lies in the estimated time, with the Series 9 being faster.
However, this is also when the SkinGuard protection of the Series 9 provides an added layer of comfort, maintaining a healthier distance from the sensitive parts of my skin to provide hairless results without any burning sensation caused by razor burns or tugging.
Weight Class
As stated earlier, the newer models of the Series 7 are miles above the older versions. They’re not just faster and better in terms of productivity, but also lighter.
In fact, when placed next to the Series 9, the Series 7 is the lighter out of the two, weighing in at only 6.6 ounces. In contrast, the Series 9 is slightly bulkier, amounting to 7.2 ounces on the scale.
The difference in their weight is rather minimal, truth be told. However, that minor difference definitely aids old men with navigational comfort, making the Series 7 more generous in this regard.
Adaptability
In terms of adaptability, both are pretty capable, considering their flexible pivoting heads.
The Braun Series 7 proves to be better at capturing more hair in hard-to-reach areas with less swipes, thanks to its 360-adaptable 8-directional system. It constantly moves upwards and downwards to cover as much area as possible to produce a polished look.
Helping the Series 9 to mirror the same results is its 10-directional FlexHead, which is also better at providing security with its clicky movements.
The lock system incorporated into the hardware of Braun Series 9 stands out in this category, however, as it not only enables the shaving elements to generate sharper results, but also keeps the device stable when shaving complex areas of my neck.
Versatility
Though the device might require more passes to mirror the same aesthetic, the Series 7 is just as versatile as the Braun Series 9.
In fact, I kind of prefer the Series 7 over Series 9 when it comes to multipurpose nature only because of its precision trimmer, which earns more brownie points due to its detachable properties.
However, if you’re more into the attached trimmer at the backside of the Braun Series 9 models, siding with the successor is okay too! They perform the same anyway.
Even in the shower, these waterproof shavers perform almost identically. The separation once again is created by the speed of the shaving elements, which once again favors the Braun Series 9.
Stamina And Battery Life
If you’ve gone through the previous takes, know that this too is a close call.
In short, the Braun Series 9 provides a slightly higher runtime of 60 minutes in comparison to the aggregate runtime of 50 minutes provided by the Series 7.
To provide a helping hand during emergencies, both shavers offer a quick charging feature, which provides me with a healthy runtime of 5 whole minutes to solve immediate-grooming issues!
Upkeep Demands
I’m so glad that both Braun Series models competing in this guide carry a cleaning station, as the SmartCare Centers really make the maintenance process easier than expected.
Though maintaining the cleaning stations require commitment and daily unclogging, Braun Series 9 feels more superior, getting the job done at a faster rate.
Similar to their design, however, the Series 7’s cleaning station carries a leaner structure, making it easier to travel with on an airplane. It is not only generous from the outside, but also the inside, since the Series 7’s cleaning station also accommodates the Series 5 and 6 models.
Overall, I’d say the verdict of this category is strictly open to interpretation. Despite all odds, I’d still side with the Series 9, even if it leaves a hole in my pockets during refills.
Convenience during travel
If you’d like a companion for travel, I’d say both are equally compelling, sharing the same kind of setbacks when push comes to shove.
The Braun Series 9 might be a bit bulkier than the Series 7 due to the latter carrying a leaner build. However, in the grand scheme of things, both take up very little space when required to adjust to a compact luggage.
However, the issue lies in both their cleaning stations, otherwise known as their SmartCare Centers, which are as sizable as any other of their kind, such as that offered by Philips Norelco 7200.
Why Trust My Verdict?
It’s never easy to just trust a random person in real life, let alone buying the words of someone on the internet, where manipulating the readers is as easy as breathing air.
However, if you’ve reached this portion of my guide, know that this review is as transparent as crystal!
Not only did I ensure to shape each opinion of mine without any biased takes, but each opinion is pieced with a slice of realism.
Additionally, since I have both Series 7 and 9 in my closet, all I had to do was unbox them and use them everyday for 4 weeks to bring this material to life!
Frequently Asked Question
Now that you’re almost close to the finish line, here’s a questionnaire that will enhance your understanding and perception of both Braun Series 7 and Series 9!
Q: Which Braun shaver between the Series 7 and 9 is better for sensitive skin?
Ans: Both Series 7 and Series 9 can be ideal electric shavers for vulnerable skin, with each rendering themselves eligible using different components.
The Series 9 carries a SkinGuard protection to avoid skin-to-blade contact, while the Series 7 incorporates a more flexible shaving head along with a much slower motor to serve the same purpose!
Q: Do Braun Series 7 and 9 have the same charging stations?
Ans: Despite serving the same purpose, the charging station of the Series 7 is very different from that carried by the Series 9.
The SmartCare Center of the successor is faster, while the one representing Series 7 is leaner and compatible with the Series 5 and 6!
Q: Is Braun Series 9 good at dry shaving?
Ans: Between the two, Braun Series 9 is hands down much better at dry shaving, and miles above the rest when it comes to wet shaving.
The difference makers are the added components in its shaving system, as well as the lock-system that restricts the movement of the pivoting head for closer shaves.
Bottom Line: Series 9 Is A Masterclass, While Series 7 Is a Close-Second
When push comes to shove, it is true that the Series 7, particularly the newer models, can be worthwhile investments to make if you’re seeking a close-second to the Braun Series 9, and a must-have if you’d like to save more and spend a little less.
However, even after having a bulkier build, the Series 9 runs laps on the Series 7 with its highly-effective shaving system, as well as its dual-system pivoting head.
The SkinGuard is perhaps the best part about the new and improved shaving system of the Braun Series 9 for sensitive skin, while having an extra trimmer in the middle makes the successor a bit better than the predecessor at grabbing hair from hard-to-reach regions.
