The Philips Norelco 2400 is an inexpensive, next-generation rotary shaver, building on the success of its predecessors, the Norelco 2100 and 2300 models. The Norelco 2100 was a groundbreaking shaver that quickly gained immense popularity. With the Philips Norelco 2400, the manufacturer has introduced several upgrades, making it one of the top-selling electric shavers on the market today. What makes this shaver stand out? In this article, I’ll delve into the features of the new generation Norelco shaver, highlighting its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- ComfortCut technology.
- Self-sharpening blades for efficient shaves.
- Cordless + Corded shaver.
- Improved battery.
- Flexible head.
- The cleaning process is pretty easy.
- Useful pop-up trimmer.
- Sure-grip design.
Cons
- Very long recharging time (8 hours).
- No wet/dry shaving facility.
- The replacement head is comparably expensive.
- No travel lock & headlock.
Insights
As the latest iteration in the Philips Norelco series, the Philips Norelco 2400 shares many similarities with its predecessors, the Norelco 2100 and 2300 models. In this section, I will analyze the new model, highlighting similarities and differences compared to the earlier versions.
(i). Self-sharpening Blades: Philips Norelco first introduced self-sharpening blades with the Philips Norelco 2100 model, which quickly became popular in the industry. This innovative technology was subsequently used in the newer Philips Norelco 2300 and 2400 models. The self-sharpening blades are designed with rounded edges and remain consistently sharp until damaged. Most users have expressed high satisfaction with the self-sharpening blades of the Philips 2100 model, and similar feedback is expected for the Philips 2400.
(ii). ComfortCut Technology:
While the predecessor, the Philips Norelco 2100, had three CloseCut shaving heads, the Philips 2400 is equipped with three ComfortCut heads. Although the CloseCut heads provided a closer shave, the ComfortCut heads offer a more comfortable shaving experience with enhanced skin protection. The ComfortCut blades have caps with rounded edges, which help minimize skin irritation by reducing the pressure of the blades and cutting elements.
(iii). Improved Battery: The new Philips Norelco 2400 shaver features a slightly more advanced battery compared to the older Philips 2100. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery in the Philips X3001/90 provides 40 minutes of cordless shaving power, an improvement over the 35 minutes offered by its predecessor. However, both shavers require a full 8 hours to charge, which is quite lengthy. Since an inexpensive shaver, we have to adapt the charging time accordingly.
(iv). Cordless + Corded Shaver: This feature is a significant improvement for the new generation Philips Series 1000 shaver. The Philips Norelco 2400 can be used while charging, unlike the older Philips Norelco 2100, which was only for cordless use. Therefore, the new Philips shaver truly excels in this aspect.
(v). One-touch Open Head Technology:
The Philips X3001/90 shaver comes with a OneTouch open-head technology that lets you easily clean the shaver inside its housing. There is a small button on the head that opens the head with a single press. Moreover, the shaver is washable with direct running water. Therefore, we can directly rinse the shaver head after opening the head housing.
(vi). 4D Pivoting Head Technology: The shaving head of the Philips 2400 is fully flexible and moves in 4 directions accordingly. The flexible head ensures maximum skin contact for the curves and hard areas. This 4-directional pivoting head is not new in this shaver; the predecessor, the Philips 2100, also had a flexible 4D head. However, compared to the similarly priced Braun Series 3, which has a static head that can be cumbersome when shaving problem areas, the Philips Norelco 2400’s advanced flexible head is highly appreciated for its budget-friendly price.
(vii). Popup Trimmer:
The Philips Norelco 2400, along with its predecessors, features a built-in pop-up trimmer. Despite being a budget-friendly shaver, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the pop-up trimmer precisely trims beards, mustaches, and sideburns.
(viii). Dry-only Shaver: The Philips Norelco 2400 is a dry-only shaver designed for use on dry beards only. As a cordless and corded shaver, it is best to use it in dry conditions to avoid malfunctions. Using it on wet beards, especially while charging, could result in electrical shock or other accidents. The older Philips 2100 model was also a dry-only shaver, although a cordless-only shaver.
What’s in the Box?
Upon unboxing the Philips Norelco 2400 shaver, I found the following items:
- The shaver itself: the main device.
- USB type-A charging cable: Can be used with any USB source like your mobile charging adapter or laptop:
- A small cleaning brush: for instant brushing up the hairs from the blades and heads.
- Blade protective cap: a small piece of plastic cap that protects the blade from outer hits and dust.
- Manual: an instruction book about the shaver and its best practices.
Since an inexpensive shaver, there is no extra item in the package.
Personal Experience
The new generation Philips Norelco 2400 shaver boasts improved ergonomics, making it more attractive and user-friendly. It features a sleek gray and black color combination, replacing the older’s fully black and blue edge design. The new device is slightly longer and slimmer than the Philips 2100 model.
I found the new shape fits comfortably in my hand, making it easier to hold. Philips has incorporated advanced ComfortCut head technology in the 2400 model for irritation-free shaves, along with 27 self-sharpening blades for efficient performance. The self-sharpening blade technology is particularly useful for maintaining consistent shaving performance until the blades wear out.
Research indicates that the self-sharpening blades were a key factor in the popularity of the older Philips 2100 model. The 2400 model also features a one-touch open button on the front for easy cleaning, a significant improvement over the older model, which required more force to release the head. The front side of the shaver has sure-grip soft rubber extending to the end of the power button. However, the easy-touch power button in the middle of the shaver can be accidentally activated, unlike the older model’s button, which was protected by rubber and placed in the neck curve to prevent accidental touches.
The back of the shaver is fully covered with sure-grip rubber, providing a secure and comfortable grip during use. The pop-up trimmer, located on the back, slides up for use and down to retract. The new model retains the same motor as its predecessors but includes a slightly more powerful rechargeable battery, offering an additional 5 minutes of cordless use.
Despite being entry-level shavers, the predecessors gained widespread acclaim for their performance and features, and this upgraded version offers additional features and improvements.
I tested the shaver extensively to evaluate its performance. The ComfortCut self-sharpening blades and flexible head provided an irritation-free and comfortable shave, a rarity for inexpensive shavers. However, the shaver’s performance is limited for coarse beards. On a three-day beard, the results were less satisfactory, requiring multiple passes for a close shave. It performed better on a two-day beard but still required 2-3 passes for the best results. On a one-day beard, the shaver worked well without needing multiple passes. While it doesn’t match the closeness of premium shavers, it offers good performance for its price range.
As a dry-only shaver, it may not appeal to those who prefer wet shaves with cream, gel, or water. However, the shaver includes a premium pop-up trimmer that works well for precise trimming. I’m fully satisfied with the built-in trimmer’s performance. Overall, the Philips X3001/90 is great for men who shave regularly and seek comfortable, dry shaves.
Comparison with Alternatives
Braun Series 3 3040s: The Philips Norelco 2400 uses rotary blades, which are generally better for contouring to the face and providing a comfortable shave. The Braun Series 3 3040s uses foil blades, which tend to offer a closer shave but might be less comfortable on sensitive skin. The Braun Series 3 3040s has a shorter charging time (1 hour) compared to the Philips Norelco 2400 (8 hours) and offers slightly longer cordless use (45 minutes vs. 40 minutes). Moreover, the Braun Series 3 3040s can be used for both wet and dry shaving, making it more versatile, especially if you prefer using shaving gel or foam. But the Philips Norelco 2400 is a dry-only shaver. Both shavers have built-in trimmers and are fully waterproof, allowing for easy cleaning and use in the shower. Therefore, if you prefer a rotary shaver that offers a comfortable shave with self-sharpening blades and don’t mind the longer charging time, you can choose the Philips X3001/90 shaver. But if you want a closer shave, need the flexibility of wet and dry use, and prefer a shorter charging time, the Braun 3040s is a better option for you. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
See Braun 3040s Price on Amazon
Verdict
I found the Philips Norelco 2400 to be a very comfortable and reliable shaver for regular use. While it doesn’t provide as close a shave as premium models, I think it’s efficient enough according to its budget. Given its price, the dry-only shaving capacity is understandable and not a drawback. The shaver offers several compelling features, including self-sharpening blades and the cordless/corded option, which are sufficient for a light and careful user.
Should You Buy Philips Norelco 2400 Shaver?
Yes, if you want a feature-rich rotary shaver on a small budget.
Yes, if you are a light user and shave very short stubble.
No, if you like to have wet shaves with shaving lubricants.
No, if you shave occasionally or shave long stubble.