Compact Panasonic Series 700s Razor Review: Satisfying Trim, Yet Lacking in Attachment Variety
The Panasonic Series 700s electric shaver, a travel-friendly model designed for everyday convenience, provides a pleasant, dependable shave whether you're at home or on the move.
Proudly showcasing a minimalist design, waterproof construction, and USB-C charging, it's evident the 700s is built for modern routines. But does this lightweight foil shaver live up to its promises of portability and performance when compared to rivals like the BaByliss Pro Titanium Foil shaver?
Let's delve into the build quality, battery life, and real-world shaving results of the Series 700s, revealing how it holds up in a competitive marketplace.
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Series 700s shaver boasts an RRP of £1,185.99, but it's commonly available for £99.99 at Panasonic and Amazon. The shaver comes complete with a USB Type-C charger and an AC USB adaptor.
Build Quality
The Series 700s sports a contemporary, unassuming design that isn't overly flashy. Its matte black finish and rounded edges give it a low-key appearance, while the compact size makes it effortless to store in a washbag or pocket.
With a weight of just 123g, it feels robust and well-balanced, yet light enough for travel without seeming cheap. Stainless steel blades and foil lend it a sense of durability, withstanding daily use without any perceptible decrease in quality.
Despite the slide-to-power feature adding a unique touch, its functionality could be debated. Instead of a traditional on/off button, the shaver uses a slide gesture to turn on. While it harmonizes with the minimalist external aesthetic, it doesn't always register during the first attempt, especially with wet hands. It's not a major drawback but doesn't offer the reliability of a more conventional on/off switch.
A definite strength is waterproofing, with an IPX7 rating. Suitable for both wet and dry use, the 700s can be rinsed under water without issue. Keeping it clean is quick, and the head copes well with gel or foam. Sadly, no carry pouch or case is included with the shaver, which, given its travel focus, would have been a useful addition.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a considerable strength of the Series 700s. A full charge takes roughly an hour and grants around 45 minutes of cordless usage. In practice, this offers several days' worth of shaves depending on your routine.
Using it for an average of ten minutes per shave and still having charge left after five days, battery life compares favorably to other electric shavers I've used.
USB-C charging adds convenience to the mix, especially during travel, as you can utilize the same cable as your phone or laptop. Panasonic provides both a cable and adaptor in the packaging. Charging from empty to full only needed approximately the advertised hour, which feels swift for a compact device.
The battery indicator is somewhat limited, however. A small red light serves as a low battery warning, but doesn't show remaining charge in a more accessible manner. This isn't a significant issue at home, but during travel without immediate access to a charger, it may cause some frustration. Also, there's no quick charge option, so a dead battery calls for a full charge cycle. Although, given the solid battery life, this issue seldom arises.
Performance
For its size, the Series 700s delivers a surprisingly effective shave. Its three-blade system, backed by a rapid linear motor, maintains steady performance even on denser stubble. I found it provided a smooth, even finish across the face and neck with minimal need for repeated passes.
On flat areas like cheeks, the 700s shined. It generally handled contours well, too. Whether used dry or with gel, the shaver held up admirably. Dry shaving was swift and comfortable, while wet shaving in the shower produced a somewhat closer finish. Both methods were suitable for daily use.
A subtle but appreciated feature is the beard sensor, which modifies power based on hair density. The 700s' motor runs smoothly and quietly, producing controlled, humming sounds during operation, which I appreciated.
The absence of a trimmer or attachments is undeniably a drawback, particularly when aiming to shape sideburns or tidy up edges. Still, it's an understandable omission given the shaver's small stature. If accessories had been included, it would have been a pleasant bonus.
Maintaining the 700s is simple - just rinse the head under warm water. Its waterproof design simplifies upkeep, making it a breeze to clean.
Final Verdict
The Panasonic Series 700s epitomizes "more with less." It strips back unnecessary bells and whistles, focuses on the essentials, and offers reliable results.
While it doesn't seek to revolutionize the category or compete with high-end grooming systems replete with accessories, it excels in delivering a straightforward, compact, and capable shaving experience.
What stands out is its consistency from day to day shave. Its lightweight design never fell short of power, and its shaving head resisted clogging, even with denser facial hair.
Portability is at the core of its design, and the Series 700s fulfills that role admirably. If want something simple, compact, and quietly competent, it's worth considering.
Although priced comparably to the BaByliss Pro Titanium Foil shaver, it's a slightly different ballgame. With features tailored more for everyday use, the Series 700s shines as an excellent travel companion, delivering consistent reliability and low-fuss maintenance.
The Panasonic Series 700s electric shaver, with its travel-friendly design and USB-C charging, makes it clear that it's built for modern routines that incorporate technology. Compared to gadgets like the BaByliss Pro Titanium Foil shaver, the Series 700s showcases its strength in delivering a portable and performance-oriented shaving experience, merging both technology and practicality.
