Whether it’s your first time buying an electric shaver or you’re finally upgrading from an older razor, choosing between the confusing array of models can be quite challenging. And if you’re not fully aware of what to look for, you can end up wasting money and feeling disappointed. Worse, you can be left with irritated skin and lots of itchy spots.
Now, to make sure you don’t end up with the wrong shaver, this article narrows down your choices to the two most popular and effective razors from Philips.
Between Philips Norelco 2100 vs 3100, which razor should you get?
Find out the answer below.
Table of Contents
Philips Norelco 2100 vs 3100 – Comparison Table
| Features | Philips Norelco 2100 | Philips Norelco 3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Time | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Running Time | 35 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Quick Charging | No | Yes |
| Blade Type | Rotary | Rotary |
| Shower Proof | No | Yes |
| Contouring | 4-direction | 4-direction |
| Display | LED | LED |
| Pop-up Trimmer | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
Philips Norelco Shaver 2100 Review
Philips Norelco 2100 is straightforward. It features the right features that get the job done without stressing you out or burning holes in your wallet.
This shaving unit comes with three impressive cutting heads which are designed with the brand’s Flex and Float system. They are flexible which allows the unit to glide smoothly on the contours of your face.
Additionally, a single pass captures more hair so you won’t need to spend as much time moving the shaver back and forth. You can expect to get a really close shave each time.
Philips claims that the blades don’t wear off easily since they are self-sharpening. Despite that, however, it’s still recommended that you replace the head of the razor at least once a year.
You can use the unit cordless since it can be fitted with a Li-Ion battery. A single charge can last about 35 minutes while charging the shaver should take around 8 hours. That time is quite long if you compare it with other models and brands.
As a guide, there’s a light at the lower front end of the unit which can tell you if the shaver needs charging.
For your convenience, I suggest you plug it in the whole night, so it’ll be ready in the morning. If you travel frequently, you won’t have to worry about charging it. The unit will work for 110 to 240 voltages.
And if you forgot to charge it, that can be a problem. While other shavers can be used while charging, that’s not possible with this model. It won’t turn on when plugged in as a way to prevent electric shocks.
Now, when it comes to cleaning, there’s no need to rinse it under the tap. You can’t use the shaver for wet shaving or with lotions, foams, and shaving gels, so that won’t be necessary.
If you really have to, you can pop open its head part and clean it under running water. Make sure to pat it dry after and leave the head part open to let it dry completely.
Get Philips Norelco 2100 at Amazon
When it comes to design, the shaving unit features an ergonomic shape. It feels light and compact. And thanks to its rubber insert, it also provides a secure grip. It won’t slide off of your hands easily when in use. Additionally, its design won’t strain your hand as well.
Now, at the back part of the shaver, you’ll find its power button. It has a convenient location since you can easily access it with your thumb. The problem with that button is that it’s easy to accidentally turn on.
One interesting feature of this shaver is the integrated pop-up trimmer it comes with. It’s great for trimming and general grooming. Its positioned well too. It works really great in trimming the mustache area as well as the sideburns.
Philips Norelco Shaver 3100 Review
Philips Norelco Shaver 3100 promises a close shave with less irritation. It has a rounded profile that allows its shaving heads to glide smoothly over the skin. It claims to provide 66% more comfort than other brands.
The shaving unit features 4-direction flex heads. Each shaving head can tilt inwards and be depressed. As a result, the unit is capable of following the natural contour of the face, providing a more efficient shaving and better coverage. Plus, it reduces shaving time over irritated areas as well.
Like the other model, this unit has a built-in pop-up trimmer which is great for sideburns, mustaches, and beards. Another similarity is the time they require for a full charge.
Philips Norelco Shaver 3100 needs to be charged for 8 hours in order for it to have enough power to provide its 40-minute shaving time. For most people, that’s a long waiting time. If you forgot to charge the unit and you have a really big event in the morning, that can be a problem as well.
Fortunately, with this one, you don’t actually need to wait a long time or feel bad about forgetting to charge the unit. It features a 3-minute quick charge which is great for quick single shaving sessions.
The shaving unit is only suitable for dry operation. Despite that, you won’t have issues cleaning it under running tap water.
If there’s any stray hair or product build up inside, all you need to do rinse it, shake it out, wipe it dry, and leave it exposed to the air. For a more thorough cleaning, you can use the cleaning brush it comes with.
There’s also a hair collection tray you can access for easy disposal. I suggest you clean that part weekly to maintain optimum performance.
The unit has a rechargeable charging stand. It’s small and compact which means that it can easily fit in your bathroom. It won’t take a lot of space and it won’t look odd with the rest of your interior.
Get Philips Norelco 3100 at Amazon
In fact, Philips Norelco Shaver 3100 actually looks nice. It has a very solid construction and a really sleek looking finish. It’s well balanced and lightweight so you won’t have problems maneuvering it. The unit even has horizontal striations made with a rubber-like material to ensure that it won’t easily slip from your hands.
And just like Norelco 2100, it also has its power button at the back part of the unit. Despite being prone to accidental pressing, you won’t need to worry as much because the unit comes with an extra safety accessory- the protective cap.
With that, the razor is easy to bring when you’re traveling. Even if it doesn’t come with a case or pouch, it won’t be prone to breaking, particularly the head part.
Of course, proper packing and storage matters in that aspect. Coming with a protective cap doesn’t mean that you can just randomly toss the unit inside your bag.
As for performance, the shaver can actually deliver its claims. It works smoothly and gently. It doesn’t painfully or awkwardly pull on the hairs and it won’t even pinch your skin.
Philips Norelco 3100 vs 2100: The Similarities
Philips Norelco 3100 and 2100 are two models that offer great value for money. In this section, I’m going to show you exactly why:
- Charging Time
Philips Norelco 3100 and 2100 both require an 8-hour charging time. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like the long waiting time, you can just charge your unit at night.
Now, if you are really impatient, Philips Norelco 3100 has a quick charging feature which can only take minutes. It should provide enough power for a single shaving session.
- Blade type
Both models are rotary shavers. They feature 3 circular heads and an internal spinning cutter that cuts hair strands and stubbles. They are great in following the contours of the face so they are less likely to cause razor burns and irritated skin.
In addition to being gentle and flexible, the said blade type also makes the units really easy to maneuver, particularly around the chin and neck area.
- Pop-Up Trimmer
These two shaving units come with a built-in pop-up trimmer which is really great in keeping the mustache and sideburns in top shape. This extra feature is situated in a convenient spot in the unit, allowing the user to go over the area with ease.
- Shaving Type
The units are intended for dry shaving only. They don’t remove any layer of the skin when passing, resulting in less irritation.
- Easy Cleaning
Philips Norelco 2100 and 3100 have head parts that can be safely rinsed under running tap water. It’s a handy feature in making sure that there are no shaving lotions and creams that can build up and reduce the efficiency of the units.
- Battery Status Light
If you look at the front end of the units, you’ll find a batter status light. It tells you two things- when it’s time to recharge the unit and how far along the charging is.
- Ergonomic Design
Philips Norelco 3100 is all black in color. It has a matte plastic on its back part and a glossy fascia in front.
Philips Norelco 2100, on the other hand, has a black color scheme with a dash of blue. It has a rubber insert in front for additional grip.
Despite not looking exactly the same, the units have an ergonomic design. They are easy to hold onto and they have a really great build quality. In fact, they are decent for their prices.
- Power Button
In both units, you’ll find the power button on the back area. Although the button is conveniently positioned and easy to access, it’s susceptible to getting pressed accidentally. This, however, will only happen if you hold the device too tight.
Philips Norelco 3100 vs 2100: The Differences
The two models have very few differences which can make it hard for you to come up with a final decision. To help you get a clearer idea of which model you should go for, here’s a list of their key differences.
- Battery Life
While both units require the same charging time, Philips Norelco 2100 can only work for as long as 35 minutes. Philips Norelco 3100, meanwhile, gives you 40 minutes to work with it. While 5 minutes don’t sound like a huge difference, the extra time is actually huge when it comes to getting a smoother and closer shave.
You see, when done hurriedly, shaving can cause red, irritated skin which can be quite uncomfortable. It can put you at an increased risk of infection as well.
- Quick Charging
As mentioned, Philips Norelco 3100 comes with a quick charging mode. It’s a handy feature for when you’re in a hurry for work or you just don’t like spending a long time waiting for your razor to get fully charged.
Unfortunately, you won’t have access to the same mode with Philips Norelco 2100.
- Charging Stand
Philips Norelco 3100 comes with a compact charging stand which you won’t have problems keeping in your bathroom or your travel bag. It keeps the unit in an upright position when charging, reducing clutter. Philips Norelco 2100, you’ll have to plug the charging cord directly to the unit.
- Cleaning Brush
The two units are easy to clean by rinsing their head part under water. However, Norelco 2100 lacks the cleaning brush you can get from Norelco 3100. This brush is great for cleaning and removing any stray hair and dead skin cells that can get lodged in between the blades.
- Blade Technology
Philips Norelco 2100 has the Flex & Float System which allows the unit to follow the contours of your face. It’s also great in catching more hairs which reduces the number of times you need to pass the shaver at the exact same spot.
Philips Norelco 3100, meanwhile, has the 4-direction Flex Heads which enables the unit to shave hair strands and stubbles in every curve of your neck and face.
- Operation
Norelco 2100 can only be used cordless. It’s fitted with a Li-ION battery to make it work even without being plugged to a power source.
Norelco 3100, meanwhile, can be used with or without the cord. It’s convenient for when you forgot to charge the unit and you really need to use it for grooming in the morning.
- Travel Lock
Norelco 3100 has a travel lock and you won’t get the same thing with Norelco 2100.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Choosing between Philips Norelco 2100 vs 3100 is really tough, considering that the two units almost have the same features and quality of build. They are also of the same shaver type and they are within the same price range.
However, if you look really close at what they have to offer, with the presence of a quick charge option and its ability to provide a comfortable and efficient way of removing hair without irritation, I’d say Philips Norelco 3100 is the better choice.
Additionally, its replacement shaving heads are widely available. You won’t have issues buying them as they are affordable as well.
Now, if your budget is limited but you still want to get one of the most decent and reliable shavers around, go with Norelco 2100. This model might take longer to charge but it’s able to conform with the contours of your face. As a result, it can give you a close shave without the stress and hassle you’d experience with other brands.