When it comes to electric shavers, it is hard to beat foil shavers in terms of precision and how close they shave.
The world now knows this fact and foil shavers have gained more popularity and a comparatively consistent increase in sales over other electric shavers in recent years.
While Philips Norelco still leads in rotary shavers, it seems impossible to beat Braun in foil shavers.
With its class-leading features like Sonic technology and floating cutting elements, it is painstakingly difficult to find better foil shavers.
Braun has been releasing its shavers in series and as the series number ascends so do features and performance.
Braun Series 9 is the latest and followed series 7. When we compare these two, series 9 is more aggressive with its 40,000 cuts per minute in comparison to 30,000 cuts per minute of series 7 respectively.
In addition, more aggressive shavers are not the answer for everybody. For example, people with sensitive skin would like a shaver that is good enough to provide a close shaving without overly yanking at their skin.
Table of Contents
A Run-Through Different Braun Series 7 Jargons
So, you set up your journey to buy a Braun Series 7 electric shaver and get on the internet to find which model suits you the best. However, within a few minutes, you are worn out by the different terms, model numbers, marketing gimmickry, and scientific mumbo jumbo.
To make things easier for you, below we explain some of the terms you may come across and what they really mean for a better understanding moving forward.
Model Number – Deciphering the Puzzling Model Numbers
Oh, I forgot to tell you Braun series 7 made its first show in 2010 and then later revamped in 2016. Therefore, basically, this series has two types of models on the market, the new and the old Braun series 7.
The old series has models such as 790cc, 799cc, 720s, etc. The new series includes model numbers like 7865cc, 7850cc, 7893s, etc. Can you detect the pattern?
Basically, the old series has models named with three digits and the new series models have four digits starting with the prefix 78.
Now, I know you would be wondering what the suffixes “cc” and “s” mean. The “cc” means Cleaning Center and comes with models that do come with a charging and cleaning station. The “S”, on the other hand, stands for solo, meaning there is no charging and cleaning station with such models.
Shaving Elements – Simple Concept Fancy Name
In all foil shavers, thin sheets of metal or foils cover the blades. Shaving elements basically mean the shaving blades a foil shaver has. The higher the series, the more the shaving elements or blades a shaver has.
In Braun, Series 5 has three, Series 7 four, and Series 9 has five cutting elements.
Intelligent Sonic Technology – World’s Only
In series 7, Braun incorporated Sonic technology for the first time. They say this by reading different densities of the hair, the shaver increases or decreases its power. This helps it capture more hair even in difficult-to-reach areas.
Personalization Modes – From Sensitive To Turbo With A Touch
Braun in series 7 allows you to adjust the speed at which a shaver works. Different speeds at which you can adjust a shaver to are called personalization modes.
The number of personalization modes is not specific to a certain model and can vary within a series. For example, in series 7, some of its models have three personalization modes while others have five.
Optifoil – A Name for Braun Foils
As said earlier, in foil shavers, foils or thin sheets of metal covers the different blades. These foils have holes in them and allow the hair to enter them and expose them to the blades.
Braun says its hexagonal Optifoil’s are ergonomically designed and this allows them to capture the hair all over the foil enabling to cut hair deeper giving a close shaving.
ActiveLift and HyperLift – Lift and Cut Flat-Lying Hair
In Braun shavers, Activelift and Hyperlift denote the shaving elements or blades which lift the flat hair and cut them.
ActiveLift is specific to series 7 and HyperLift comes with series 9.
Clean & Charge Station – A Dock Which Cleans and Charges …Duh
Braun shavers, depending on the model, may or may not come with a clean and charge station.
As the name indicates, this station works to clean and charge the shaver when it is docked inside the station.
Braun Series 7 Review – An Honest Assessment
As said earlier, Braun leads in foil shavers and that says a lot about its class and Braun series 7 is one of its top-selling series.
Braun Shaver | Use | Cleaning | Modes | Color | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Series 7 7880cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 5 | Black | Check Price |
Series 7 7865cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 5 | Grey | Check Price |
Series 7 790cc | Dry Only | Yes | 3 | Silver | Check Price |
Series 7 740s | Wet & Dry | No | 3 | Black | Check Price |
Series 7 7898cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 5 | Black | Check Price |
Series 7 799cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 3 | Silver | Check Price |
Series 7 7893s | Wet & Dry | No | 5 | Silver | Check Price |
Series 7 760cc | Dry Only | Yes | 3 | Black | Check Price |
Series 7 7899cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 5 | Silver | Check Price |
Series 7 797cc | Wet & Dry | Yes | 5 | Silver | Check Price |
However, despite the claims and the hype, we will put its various models to test and put all of this into perspective. We will review its different models and compare them within the series and outside the series to different Braun models and models from other brands. So, let’s get started.
1. Braun Series 7 7880 cc – An In-Depth Review
7880 cc is the only model in the new series 7 that has a black matte finish. It is, for the most part, sold in the European market, but can be found on online stores in the US, including Amazon.
Braun Series 7 7880cc Highlights
Below, we will put forward some of the major spotlights that this model brings into play.
Four Shaving Elements: As is with all the models of series 7, 7880 cc also features four shaving elements.
Among these shaving elements, two are Optifoil, one ActiveLift, and one SkinGuard.
All of these shaving elements work individually from each other but are synchronized for a better shaving performance.
SkinGuard should not be counted as an active shaving element because it does not contribute to cutting hair.
Basically, this is the same shaving head that Braun used for previous shavers like series 5.
Five Shaving Modes: One of the few differences in old vs new Braun series 7 was the number of shaving modes.
With these modes, you can adjust the power and aggressiveness of the shaver according to the area you are shaving.
For example, for a sensitive area that is more prone to burns, you can opt for the lowest speed mode.
SyncroSonic™ Technology: In most foil shavers, it is mostly the oscillation of the shaving elements or blades that does the job.
However, in Braun series 7, in addition to shaving elements, its foils produce 10,000 micro-vibrations which helps foils to capture more hair.
8-D Flexible Shaving System: The head of the Braun 7880cc pivots in a single axis.
This gives its shaving elements the ability to adapt to different contours of the face either be depressing or raising. And, as there are four shaving elements, Braun calls it the 8-D flexible system with its floating elements.
AutoSense Technology: This shaver reads the density of the hair and has a motor that adapts its power up to 13 times a second to deliver the right amount of force needed for its action.
Clean & Charge Station: Braun 7880cc features a clean & charge station. It essentially contains an alcohol-based solution that not only cleans it but also lubricates it.
This station also works, as the name indicates, to charge the shaver.
Performance of Braun Series 7 7880cc – Can It Walk the Talk?
You would agree with me that anything can have all the bells and whistles, but in the end, it all comes down to its performance which determines its worth.
When we talk about the performance of a shaver, it comes down to convenience, the closeness of shave, comfort, and overall usefulness. Let’s see how 7880cc fared on each aspect.
Convenience: All of the models in the new Braun Series 7 give the ability to shave either wet or dry.
This means you can use it with a shaving gel or dry. In addition, as it is 100% water-resistant, you can use it in the shower as well.
If you have sensitive skin or relatively coarse hair, it is good to use shaving gel. Otherwise, you can use it dry as well.
What else makes this shaver of great convenience is its pop-up trimmer.
Braun Series 7 7800cc features a pop-up trimmer on its front part just below the head. You can use it to trim and touch up your mustache or sideburns.
Shaving Efficiency: One key feature in the performance of 7880cc is its ability to remain in constant contact with the skin. This is because of its flexible head and floating cutting elements.
This feature makes it a good shaver for different contours of the skin like the chin and neck. This decreases the overall effort you need to put.
Comfort: One feature in which Braun series 7 finds itself in a league of its own is the comfort of the shave. Probably, it is on par with series 9, but no other shaver that I have used comes close to how comfortable shaver it is.
Its Optifoil and ActiveLift align the hair nicely for a cut and you won’t feel yanking of any sort at your skin or hair.
Battery and Charging
Braun Series 7 7880cc features a Lithium-ion battery. These batteries are high in energy density and are believed to have a low self-discharge.
It utilizes 100 V – 240 V input voltage and takes an hour to recharge and has a battery timing of 50 minutes cordless.
Some of the earlier series 7 dry-only models gave the ability to be used while charging, but newer models are only cordless and you can’t use them while charging because of safety concerns.
You can see the battery status on the LCD display available at the bottom of the shaver.
7880cc also features a 5-Minute QuickCharge which gives you enough battery for one shave.
Construction and Design
As said earlier, 7880cc has a black matte finish which has a glossy shine to it compared to other models of series 7 in grey and silver color.
It has a weight of 0.5 kg or 1.1 lbs and with a height of 25 cm and width of 15.7 cm, it has a nice bulky feel to it.
What’s in the Box:
- A Braun Series 7 7880cc shaver
- A Clean & Charge station
- 1 x cleaning cartridge
- A charging cord
- A cleaning brush
- A travel pouch
Replacement Parts:
The foil and cutter block for 7880cc is 70b and is readily available.
Braun recommends changing the cassettes every 18 months. However, this may vary depending on your usage.
In addition, you may also need to change the cartridge for the clean and charge station every two to three months
Conclusion:
Braun Series 7 7880cc overall is a feature-rich shaver and offers great value for the money. It is well-built with an ergonomic design.
What sets it apart is its efficient shaving elements which deliver an efficient shave. Its Optifoil shaving elements capture and feed more hair. In addition, ActiveLift works to align the flat-lying hair to deliver an effective shave.
Its AutoSense and Intelligent Sonic Technology reads the density of the hair and adjusts itself according to it. In addition, its pivoting head adapts to different contours of the face giving a comfortable and forgiving shave.
- Four shaving elements for an efficient shave
- Wet and dry shaving modes
- Clean and charge station works to clean and charge the shaver
- 100% waterproof up to 5 meters, so you can use it in the shower
- Pop-up trimmer to tidy up mustache and sideburns
- Suitable for people with sensitive skin
- 5-minute QuickCharge to give enough battery for one shave
- Replacement parts are relatively costly
- Takes some practice to get used to
- The pop-up trimmer is not very efficient
2. Braun Series 7 7865cc – Understated Looks But Beast At Performance
7865cc is part of the new Braun Series 7 and comes in a grey finish.
It has a high-quality plastic construction with grained rubber incorporated into its side to make it ergonomic.
It has a simple interface consisting of two buttons for adjusting between five of its personalization. It additionally has a power button and an updated LCD display from the old Braun series 7 models.
This LCD is relatively more bright and indicates different states of the shaver’s battery.
Just like any model in series 7, it has x 2 Optifoil which produces 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute and this enables it to cut more hair and feed to its shaving elements.
Talking about shaving elements, it features Braun touts it as having four shaving elements, of which two are under Optifoil, an ActiveLift, and a SkinGuard.
The SkinGuard itself does not contribute to active shaving and mostly works to protect the skin from the aggressiveness of blades.
One of the key features of the new Braun Series 7 which is one of the few updates from the old series is its personalization modes. The new series features five personalization modes that give the user the ability to adjust the power of the motor according to the area.
For sensitive areas, it is recommended to reduce the power, so t there is no excessive pulling at the hair.
The best thing about 7865cc is its Charge & Clean station which works to charge and clean the shaver at the touch of a button.
When it comes to battery and charging, 7865 cc has a lithium-ion battery which takes an hour to charge and lasts around 50 minutes. Once you have developed a knack for using this shaver, this battery timing can last three to four days for single shaves.
This makes it perfect for a trip of this length if you don’t want to carry the charging cord or the clean and & charge station.
- Ergonomic design
- Simple interface
- Pop-up trimmer for tidying up and touch-ups
- Can be used both wet and dry
- Efficient Clean & Charge station
- Lacks a travel lock which could be handy
- A plastic cap for shaving the head would have been useful when not in use.
3. Braun Old Series 7 790cc – A Performance You can Bet On
Back in 2010, it was 790 cc which made the Braun series 7 up and running.
790cc is one of the only two models in the whole of the Braun Series 7 that are dry only. This means that it can only be used dry and this gives you the ability to use it while it is plugged in.
790cc has a solid build with sleek rubber inserts on both sides that provide a good grip. It has a nice bulky feel to it and fits nicely and snuggly into the hand.
It also features Braun’s latest Pulsonic technology which produces 10,000 micro-vibrations and this enables it to capture more tricky hair.
Contrary to the new Braun Series 7 which features five personalization modes, 790 cc has three from Extra Sensitive to Intensive. However, this variation does not impact the overall performance of the shaver and is brute nonetheless.
When Series 7 rolled out, it featured a clean and charge station that had heat induction mode which would dry out your shaver. However, this feature has been phased out and the newer 790cc does not come with a station that incorporates this feature, which is a disappointment. However, the new charge and clean station still are good at cleaning and charging.
790cc has a flexible head that moves on a single axis. This pivoting head with its shaving elements is easily depressed while it moves and this makes it adaptable to different contours of the face like neck and chin.
This shaver has a battery timing of up to 50 minutes after a charge of one hour. Additionally, there is a QuickCharge option which gives you the ability to charge this shaver enough in 5 minutes for a single shave. However, the battery timing should not be a problem unless you are on the go as this allows you to use it while plugged in.
- Three personalization modes
- Four shaving elements for an efficient shave
- Cheaper than some of the new series 7 models
- Can be used when plugged in
- Pop-up trimmer for touch-ups and trimming
- Dry only operation
- Noisy operation
4. Braun Series 7 740s – A Low Budget Option In Series 7
When we look at series 7, we cannot stop ourselves from noticing that it is expensive. Although the price is well worth the quality it has to offer, you always wonder if there was a cheaper alternative.
However, you do not have to go far or out of the series as 740s gives the same performance and exclusivity at a much lower price. However, it comes without the clean and charge station, but it is a shaver that does the shaving, isn’t it?.
Nonetheless, it does come with a charging cord and is IPX7 certified meaning it is waterproof up to a depth of 5 feet, so cleaning and charging are taken care of.
You would love to know that it has a sturdy construction and a glossy black finish which I personally like. On its sides, it has utilized rubber inserts which give it a good drip. It is also noteworthy that it has a simple interface with one power button and two side buttons for adjusting the speed. In addition, it has an LED indicator that tells battery status.
Like other models in the old Series 7, it has three personalization modes. By these, you can adjust the intensity of the shaver. Therefore, you can increase the force on areas that have tougher hair like under the chin and neck. For more sensitive areas that are prone to burns and irritation, you can reduce the strength so that there is no excessive tugging at the hair or skin.
When we talk about its performance, it is just as good as any other model in the series. It has four cutting elements that deliver a close shave and with its pivoting head, it adjusts itself according to the contour of your face.
- Wet and dry operation
- Glossy black finish
- It has received accolades for lasting longer than other models.
- Costs less than other models
- Lacks clean and charge station
- The pop-up trimmer is prone to breakage
5. Braun Series 7 7898cc Electric Foil Shaver – For An All-Around Thorough Shave
7898cc is part of the new Braun Series 7. We know by now that these models have five personalization modes that enable you to adjust the power according to the density of the beard to five different degrees.
This foil shaver has a silver finish to it which is not glossy like some of the models with a black finish.
One major attribute which defines Braun series 7’s performance including 7898cc is that they provide a fast shave. This is because of its four active shaving elements which means that different oscillating blades go over a single spot up to four times in a single stroke.
Unlike the old series 7 which had some dry-only models, all models in the new series 7 including 7898cc are wet and dry. This means you can use it with or without a shaving gel or foam and in the shower at your convenience.
Its convenience does not end here, it gives you a long battery timing. This is with its lithium-ion battery which gives you 50 minutes of working with one hour of charing. However, with its QuickCharge, you can charge it 5 minutes just enough to give you a single shave which is cool.
One of the best things about this shaver is its ability to adapt to different contours of the face. It derives this ability from its pivoting head which moves in single-axis and its easily depressed shaving blades.
- A wet and dry shaver
- Long battery life
- A sturdy build with understated silver finish
- Five personalization modes give you the ability to change intensity according to the density of hair
- Noisy operation
- A bit pricey
6. Braun Series 7 799cc Electric Foil Shaver – A Wet and Dry Shaver for Everyday Use
799cc was one of the prototypes of the original Braun series 7 and followed 790cc. However, as opposed to 790cc which is dry only, this Braun shaver is both wet and dry.
One attribute of this shaver, which I personally like but some people are not particularly fond of, is its design. This design does not taper off at all and has a consistent thickness apart from the head, obviously.
However, despite this, it provides a good comfortable grip. In addition, it has a sturdy build with streamlined rubbers on the sides and back to add to its easy grip. It has a shiny silver finish contrary to 790cc which has a matte finish.
When it comes to performance, series 7 is one of the best in the business. It provides an irritation-free and forgiving shave and is kind on the skin. In addition, with its four shaving elements, it removes hair in lesser strokes.
With its lithium-ion battery, you can completely charge this shaver in one hour. You can charge it with its clean and charge station or with its electric cord.
The clean and charge station clean by utilizing an alcohol-based solution. Among old Braun series 7 models, the clean and charge station also had an induction heating phase which worked to dry out the shaver after cleaning it. However, the newer iterations lack this feature which is a disappointment.
- QuickCharge can charge the shaver enough in five minutes to give a single shave
- 30,000 cuts per minute mean that it captures more hair in a single stroke
- Suitable for both wet and dry shaves
- It has a relatively quieter operation
- Difficult to find nowadays and pricey
7. Braun Series 7 7893s Electric Shaver – Silver Appearance with Golden Performance
As stated earlier, the “s” or solo models come without the clean and charge station. This apparent drawback is a blessing in disguise in many ways. For example, charge and clean station involves operating that may seem simple for newer generations, however, it can be a headache for elderly people who usually are less comfortable with technology.
7893s is the only model in the new Braun series 7 which lacks a clean and charge station and this makes it popular. In addition to the above, as it lacks a clean and charge station, it means you do not have to buy its replacement cartridge as well which you need every two to three months.
However, this shaver has a chip fitted in, which enables you to use it with any clean and charge station of series 7. Thus, if you have lost your previous Series 7 shaver or it is not working for any reason, you can go with this shaver and use the previous “cc” station.
Nonetheless, as 7893s is 100% waterproof, it gives you the ability to wash manually for regular cleaning.
This shaver has five personalization modes that give you the ability to change its power according to your needs. These modes range from Ultra-sensitive to Turbo. In addition, you can use it with water, gel, foam, or even dry. These two features make it highly convenient for different users and different needs.
When it comes to performance, with a wide pivoting head, it adapts to different contours of the face and thus gives an in-depth shave. In addition, with its four shaving elements including ActiveLift, it makes sure that it gets more hair in a single stroke including stray and flat-lying hair which are often missed by electric shavers.
- Pivoting head adapts to different contours of the face
- Long battery timing
- Sturdy build
- ActiveLift shaving element ensures that flat-lying hair are cut efficiently
- Provides 30,000 cuts per minute for efficient shaving
- Because of no clean and charge station does not require refill cartridge
- Lacks clean and charge station
- Price is similar to other models which have clean and charge station
8. Braun 760cc Electric Foil Shaver – A Brute Dry-Only Shaver
Braun 760cc electric shaver is part of old series 7 which was released back in 2010. However, despite being an older model this shaver stands amongst the top shavers to date. The incorporation of “Intelligent Sonic Technology” is what makes it stand out even if you compare it with the latest models.
The intelligent Sonic technology works by adapting the shaving elements according to the density of hair. It slows down the motor when it comes in contact with less dense hair, consequently, reduces the chance of nicks and cuts.
However, in case it comes in contact with denser hair the motor would start running faster. Therefore, you get a closer shave without even a tiny cut or nick.
When you take a look at its shaving elements, you notice how well the design was thought out and executed. The shaver features four advanced shaving elements including an active lift trimmer and two OptiFoils. The OptiFoils are capable of cutting as short hair as 0.05mm which imparts closeness in the shave.
The Active Lift Trimmer, on the other hand, lifts the flat-lying hair and cuts them to provide a clean shave. These shaving elements are powered by a motor that delivers 10,000 cuts per minute. Therefore, it saves you from the trouble of having to go over one area again and again.
Neck and Jawlines are the sensitive parts of the face that are prone to cut and nicks. To counter that, the shaver features a flexible head. It adjusts itself according to the contours of the face and prevents nasty cuts.
The “cc” in the name of the model indicates that it comes with a cleaning and charging station. With this station, you would not have to wash your shaver manually, the station would do the job for you.
- Charging and Cleaning Station is included
- Waterproof shaver
- Provides close and gentle shave
- LED display
- A wet shave is not possible
- Location of the pop-up trimmer is not ideal
9. Braun Series 7 7899cc – Convenience Meets Efficiency
7899cc is the part of the new series that was launched back in 2016. As a part of the revamped series, the model exhibits several improvements and innovations.
Shaving elements in the 7899cc are pretty much the same as other models. It has the “Active Skin Guard” which helps in making the shave gentler. It protects the skin from the aggressiveness of the other shaving elements, hence, prevents nicks and cuts.
Moreover, the shaver has been powered by Intelligent Sonic Technology. This technology reads the density of the beard and adjusts the speed accordingly. You would get higher speed and aggression from the shavers at the dense area and lower speed at sensitive areas.
The shaver is also capable of providing a wet shave. The combination of a wet shave with SkinGuard and Intelligent Sonic Technology is not less than a treat for people with sensitive skin. All of these features work synergistically together to make the shave comfortable and gentle.
The comfort of the shave does not come at the expense of closeness. The shaving elements together with a powerful motor deliver 30,000 cuts per minute. Therefore, you get enough cuts in a single stroke that you do not have to go over the same area again and again.
7899cc also features a pop-up trimmer which is beneficial for trimming the beard and shaping the sideburns.
To maximize user convenience, this shaver comes with a cleaning and charging station. The station does the cleaning of the shaver on its own without requiring you to wash it manually. However, if you run out of the cleaning fluid you can always wash it under the tap as it is waterproof.
- Active SkinGuard
- Closer and gentler shave
- Comes with a pop-up trimmer
- Adapts according to the contours
- Does not work well on curly hair
10. Braun Series 7 797cc Foil Shaver –
797cc of the brain series 7 capitalizes on micro and macro technology to precisely cut every hair strand of your beard. The shaver relies on its motor that is capable of delivering 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute.
On the shaving head, you would see the ActiveLift system which pulls up the lying strands and make the cut. This system makes shaving around the neck and jawlines convenient and gentle.
This is mainly because of the material which has been utilized in making the body of the shaver. It has a silver-coated body featuring rubber inserts to provide a firm grip during the shave.
In addition, the body of the shaver is strong enough to withstand accidental falls. Therefore, once you get this shaver you are looking at years of service from it.
797cc features Intelligent Sonic Technology and also relies on the personalization modes to deliver an area-specific shave.
However, although this model is from the old series 7 which has three personalized modes, it features five modes like the new series 7. This way, you can speed up the motor when you want and slow it down when you are in a sensitive area.
What makes the extra price worth it is the ability of this shaver to work well on both wet and dry skin. You can use foam or shaving gel to make the shave gentler if you have sensitive skin.
Moreover, the head of the shaver is also flexible which adapts itself according to the face’s contours. Therefore, the chances of nicks and cuts are pretty much negligible if you have this shaver in your kit.
- Five personalized modes
- Gives close shave
- Wet and dry shave
- Ergonomic grips
- Durable
- Costly than the other models
Braun Series 7 Comparison: Within the Series
We had a detailed look at different models of the Braun Series 7. In this section, we will see how they fare against each other.
Braun Series 7 7865cc vs 7880cc
One thing that you need to be mindful of when going for any model of Series 7 is the price disparity between different models, different retailers and during different times of the year.
I make this point because there is not much difference within the new series except for color. In this comparison, 7880cc comes in a black matte finish. 7865cc, on the other hand, comes in a grey finish.
Thus, unless you are particularly fond of any of these two colors, go for any model that you can get a lesser price.
Braun Series 7 790cc vs 799cc
799cc followed 790cc when Series 7 rolled out. One major difference between these models is that 790cc is dry only and 799cc is both wet and dry.
In addition to that, as 790cc is dry only, you can use it while plugged in. However, for safety reasons, 799cc does not allow to be used while plugged in.
However, it is worth noting that 790cc currently available is actually 790cc-4. The old 790cc had one shaving mode as opposed to three of the 790cc-4 and as it had only one shaving mode it lacked two buttons for switching between different modes.
In addition, 790cc featured a white clean and charge station as opposed to the black of the newer iteration. Nonetheless, the old 790cc has actually been phased out and 790cc-4 is the flagbearer now.
Braun Series 7 799cc vs 797cc
In old series 7, 797cc stands out as it has five shaving modes as opposed to three in other models of the old series. These two extra modes are Extra Sensitive and Turbo which is said to perform better than the two extremes of old models in specific areas.
However, if you would ask me, there is not a noticeable difference in the performance of these two models.
Apart from that, both are wet and dry shavers with a silver finish and the same battery timing.
Thus, it all comes down to price. Earlier, 797cc was priced higher than 799cc, however, nowadays it is almost the same and fluctuates a lot, therefore it gets your hands on the most price-effective model you can find.
Braun Series 7 7865cc vs 7850cc
These are two identical twins in the new Braun Series 7. They both have five personalization modes, the same battery timing, and even have the same color.
However, Braun initially rolled out 7850cc in Europe and 7865cc was its American counterpart. Though, with the emergence of online stores, you can find both models in America now.
The advice remains the same, get the one you can find at a lesser price.
Braun Series 7 Comparison: Outside the Series
In our bid to present an honest assessment of Braun series 7, in this section, we will compare it to some of the other competitive series available in the market.
Braun Series 7 vs 9 - A Sibling Rivalry
Braun Series 9 is the newer Braun series and features some advanced features. However, it is not an outright winner. Series 7 competes valiantly on different fronts and even takes the lead in some aspects. Let’s see how the top models from both these series stand up against each other.
Braun Series 7 7865cc vs Braun Series 9 9290cc
If we compare the performance of these two models; 9290cc features five shaving elements compared to four of the 7865cc. In addition, it performs 40,000 cuts per minute as opposed to 30,000 cuts per minute of the 7865cc. Thus, 9290cc is more aggressive and performs better than 7865cc on given beard growth.
However, although 9290cc is equipped with Intelligent SyncroSonic technology, it lacks the five personalization modes 7865cc has. This enables you to adjust its power according to the density of the hair.
Therefore, you can reduce its intensity on sensitive areas prone to irritation and this makes 7865cc a better shaver for people with sensitive skin than 9290cc.
If we compare the speed of the models, 9290cc with its five shaving elements performs more efficiently than 7865cc. Thus, it delivers a close shave in fewer strokes than 7865cc.
7865cc takes lead in being more nimble with its smaller head and this enables it to perform better on hard-to-reach areas.
When it comes to building, both of these models have a plastic build apart from the shaving elements which are metal. Like most of the series 7, 7865cc has an understated matte finish and this increased its ability to conceal smudges and scratches.
However, in general, series 9 has a more glossy silver finish and this makes it more prone to smudges and fingerprints. However, 9290cc has a matte treatment on it which makes it less prone to these.
Ergonomically, 7865cc has a uniform thickness and utilizes rubber inserts on the sides and back giving it a good grip. 9290cc is bulkier and has rubber inserts on the back as well. In addition, it has a bit of tapering and this also provides a good grip.
Therefore, both of these shavers have a good ergonomic profile. However, if you are switching from one to the other, it may take some practice to get used to.
Verdict:
Overall, 9290cc is better when it comes to performing a close efficient shave. With its HyperLift and ActiveLift shaving elements, it is a godsend for people with coarse and wiry hair. It also is more efficient for thicker and longer beard growth.
However, 7865cc is not far behind. It performs effectively with its four shaving elements and ActiveLift trimmer. Thus, if you are shaving on two-to-three-day beard growth, the difference is minor and may not actually be noticeable. However, 9290cc performs better on thicker and longer hair.
Table: Comparing Braun Series 7 and 9: 7865cc vs 9290cc
Attribute | 7865cc | 9290cc |
---|---|---|
Battery Timing | 50 minutes | 50 minutes |
Shaving Elements | 4 | 5 |
Shaving efficiency | 30,000 cuts per minute | 40,000 cuts per minute |
Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
Best for | Short & thinner beard growth | Long & coarse beard growth |
Cost | <$200 | >$250 |
Braun series 7 vs 5 - Is it Worth the Upgrade?
We know by now that Braun releases its shavers in series and within a series itself, there are updates and iterations.
Braun series 7 followed series 5 and has been their best-selling series even after the newer series 9. However, series 5 has been releasing its iterations and updates and here we will see how it fares against the high standards of series 7.
Braun Series 7 7865cc vs Braun Series 5 5190cc
Starting with the shaving head, both of these models have a similar head. In the shaving head, there are two foil blades and one middle trimmer which acts to lift flat-lying hair.
Because of essentially a similar shaving head, both of these models provide a similar shave.
However, when it comes to comfort, 7865cc incorporates SkinGuard which makes it more forgiving. In addition to that, 7865cc features Sonic Technology which gives it 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute. These micro-vibrations enable the shaver to capture more hair per stroke and also produce a slight massage which makes the shaving more enjoyable.
When it comes to building, 7865cc is lighter than 519cc and has a body that does not taper. However, 5190cc has a similar taper to it like the series 9 models. Both of these models have rubber on the back and sides which help to provide a good grip.
7865cc has an understated grey matte finish. However, 5190cc has a glossy black finish. This means that 5190cc has a more premium look than 7865cc.
Nonetheless, when we talk about similarities, both of the shavers deliver 30,000 cuts per minute, have the same battery life of 50 minutes, and a pop-up trimmer among others.
Verdict:
We can safely say that 7865cc of Braun Series 7 gives a better shaving experience and takes fewer strokes to give a close shave than 5190cc. It also takes lead in having a better clean and charge station. However, on the other side, 5190cc has a better grip, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
Attribute | 7865cc | 5190cc |
---|---|---|
Best for | Sensitive skin | Coarse hair |
Battery Timing | 50 minutes | 50 minutes |
Shaving Elements | 3 | 4 |
Shaving efficiency | 30,000 cuts per minute | 30,000 cuts per minute |
Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
SkinGuard | Yes | No |
Cost | ≈ $130 | ≈ $170 |
Braun series 7 vs Panasonic Arc 5 - A Battle of Titans
We have been comparing different Braun series, 7 models, among themselves or models of different Braun series. However, can it compete outside Braun and how it fares against one of the best in the business; Panasonic Arc 5.
If we talk about Panasonic Arc 5, it is a feature-rich series of foil shavers and followed Panasonic Arc 4. The “Arc” denotes the slightly curved profile of its shaving head and 5 denotes the number of shaving elements. It was first released in 2009 and since then, like Braun Series 7, has undergone various updates and currently has its third generation in the market.
Braun Series 7 7865cc vs Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV95-S
ES-LV95-S is the second-third generation Panasonic Arc 5 model and is one of their best-selling models.
When comparing these two models in terms of closeness of shave, it is a good contest. ES-LV95-S seems to take lead in that it has a slightly arched head and as it comes at an angle to the skin it has better contact.
In addition to that, its five shaving blades also are bent at 30 degrees which further compounds its effectiveness. To seal the matter in its favor, it has a motor that has 14,000 CPM performing 70,000 crosscutting actions per minute as opposed to 30,000 of the 7865cc.
While ES-LV95-S is a beast at providing a close shave, it lags behind on comfort. Series 7 with its micro-vibrations give a slight massage and its blades never seem to get hot. In addition, it has SkinGuard which protects against over-yanking of the blades.
ES-LS95-S with its five shaving elements has a bigger head in comparison to 7865cc which has a more nimble head. This makes 7865cc apter at different-to-reach spots like under the nose or below the lower lip.
When it comes to construction, although Panasonic Arc 5 has moved to a metal body in its third-generation shavers, ES-LV95-S still has a plastic body. 7865cc also has a plastic body. However, ES-LV95-S has a sturdier and bulkier feel to it.
In terms of grip, it can be up to your personal liking, 7865cc has a uniform thickness throughout compared to a tapering of the ES-LV95-S. However, both feature streamlined rubber on the sides and back which provide a good grip. A good grip is a must-have for these two shavers. As they are both wet and dry shavers and if you are handling shaving gel or foam, a slippery grip can be a headache.
If we talk about cleaning, both of these models come with a clean and charging station. While 7865cc has an alcohol-based cartridge that does the function, ES-LS95-S utilizes concentrated detergents and needs diluting with water. If we talk about efficiency, the 7865cc cleaning station with its alcohol-based solution does a good job at sanitizing the shaver which ES-LS95-S can’t do. In addition, Series 7 clean and charge stations are more compact, fast, and efficient.
However, if you do manual cleaning, Braun Series 7 has a compact head with its shaving elements built as one that is difficult to clean compared to ES-LS95-S. In addition, cleaning cartridges for 7865cc cost more than replacement gel sachets of Arc 5.
Verdict:
ES-LS95-S is a clear winner when we talk about the closeness of the shave. However, 7865cc beats it hands down with its comfort and the overall shaving experience.
Attribute | 7865cc | ES-LV95-S |
---|---|---|
Best At | Comfort | Closeness |
Battery Timing | 50 minutes | 40 minutes |
Shaving Elements | 4 | 5 |
Shaving Efficiency | 30,000 cuts per minute | 70,000 |
Wet and Dry | Yes | Yes |
Cost | ≈ $170 | ≈ $170 |
How To Clean Braun Series 7 - Manual And Automatic
As we know, Braun series 7 has models that come with or without a clean and charge station. In this section, we will describe how you clean your Braun Series 7 shaver both manually and by clean and charge station.
Manual Cleaning of Braun Series 7
This involves the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the shaving head from the shaver and gently tap it on a hard surface. This removes most of the hair and will also dislodge most of the trapped hair.
Step 2: Put the shaving head back on the shaver and wet it with some water.
Step 3: Apply a bit of liquid soap and turn the shaver on and wait for it to make a good lather.
Step 4: Make sure the lather is thoroughly dispersed over the shaving head and then put it under running warm tap water. In this step, you will need the shaver to be still running. Do this for 10-15 seconds and then turn the shaver upside down and shake it a bit.
Step 5: Remove the shaving head and vigorously shake it for 10 seconds. After that, let the shaving head and shaver dry out before putting it back on.
Automatic Cleaning with Clean and Charge Station
You can do this by doing the following steps:
Step 1: Plug the station and press the button at the bottom to lift it and place the cleaning cartridge at the bottom.
Step 2: After pressing it down until it locks into position, place the shaver in the dock at the specified contacts.
Step 3: Push the “Start Cleaning” button.
Step 4: This can take 30-40 minutes and remove the charge when the blue light of “Clean” flashes.
Final Thoughts:
There you go, above was our detailed review of Braun Series 7. We went through its models and how they fare against each and other top shavers from outside the series.
By now we can safely say that the Braun Series 7 is feature-rich well-thought-out high-end foil shaver series.
While it competes bravely with top shavers like Braun series 9 or Panasonic Arc 5 on close shave, it is in a class of its own at providing a comfortable shave.
With its class-leading Intelligent Sonic Technology and micro and macro-vibrations, it has what it takes to put up a show that can leave its users awed in appreciation.