Norelco quality is a cut above the competition.
I have written many product reviews of shaving products over the years. I can honestly say that most of the products that I have reviewed were of good quality. I have owned four beard trimmers. The first one was a Norelco that lasted sixteen years (I had to remove the original battery and replace it with an equivalent NiCad after the third year). While I had that one, I also simultaneously owned a second Norelco. The second one did not last long and the first actually outlasted it. Last year, I bought a Remington. I used the Remington for about 11 months before I decided to purchase another Norelco. The Remington was more suited as hair clippers, for your head. The comb attachments were large and while adjustable, was just a bit cumbersome to move around your chin to trim the goatee. The Remington functioned better as hair clippers than as a beard trimmer.
I like the Norelco's adjustable comb. This particular unit was designed for trimming the beard rather than head hair. The unit feels good in your hand. Sturdy, but balanced. The balance is not as important on a beard trimmer as it is on a razor, but good balance is still desirable. The rotating trimmer adjustment works great. The adjustment ring has contact points in front and in back, for easier adjustment.
One peculiarity with Norelco trimmers is that they do not need lubrication. Most other brands will come with a small bottle of oil that you use to lubricate the blades. The Norelco's blades do not need this lubrication; however, it doesn't hurt to use a product like Shaver Saver. My first Norelco, the one that lasted 16 years, never went dull. The blades remained sharp and the replacement NiCad battery lasted over 12 years. I only replaced the unit when the battery charge started to get shorter. I could have ordered another NiCad battery and soldered it in place of the deteriorated unit. However, I am getting lazy in my old age and it was quicker to just buy a new trimmer. This new trimmer uses a lithium ion battery. Yes, the blades move faster and the recharge is much faster. However, do not expect lithium ions to last 12 years. On a subjective level, the performance is the same as my previous trimmers. However, the faster blades do have a slight comfort advantage. Faster blades will decrease the chances of hair pulling. This is the same reason why the Panasonic electric razors are very comfortable. The faster blades decrease the amount of pulling on the hairs resulting in increased comfort. The hair is cut before the trimmer has moved even a micro millimeter. That is one of the advantages of having a lithium ion battery. The amount of power available to the motor allows it to operate faster.
Unlike my previous Norelco trimmers, this new Norelco can be cleaned under tap water. You can put the blades under running water, though you do not want to submerge the whole unit. It comes with a small cleaning brush. The product is of very good quality and it should last a long time.
So, why did I buy this one instead of the next model up? The one with the built in vacuum. The price of this one is in the sweet spot for beard trimmers. The less the trimmer is doing, the more reliable it is likely to be. You know what, I just want my trimmer to cut my beard.
Highly recommended.
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From the manufacturer
Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500 at-a-glance
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
- Battery light
- Run time: Up to 120 minutes
- Charging: 1 hour full charge
- Self-sharpening titanium blades
- Skin-friendly blades
- Washable heads
Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500
Precision trim for every length
This Philips Norelco Beard trimmer 3500 has 20 built in length settings with one single comb to deliver a hassle-free trim to style your beard and stubble. The zoom wheel technology provides length settings from 1/32 inch (0.5 millimeter) to 13/32 inch (10 millimeter). The trimmer comes with self-sharpening titanium blades to effectively cut each hair preventing skin irritation. Blades stay extra sharp, so your product is always ready to use.
- What’s in the box: Beard trimmer with beard comb, cleaning brush.
Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500 Features
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Self-sharpening titanium steel bladesThe blades are designed to effectively cut each hair perfectly, preventing skin irritation. |
Built-in 20 precision length settingsThe zoom wheel technology provides length settings from 0.5 to 20 millimeter. The adjustable wheel 'locks-in' your chosen length setting, with no separate attachments needed for a hassle-free trim. |
Skin-friendly bladesGet a perfect, yet protective trim time after time. This trimmer has rounded blade tips to prevent skin irritation. |
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Cordless useAdvanced lithium-ion battery delivers maximum power for high performance cutting. Charge your beard trimmer for 1 hour to get 120 minutes of cordless use. |
Easy to cleanDetach the head of the trimmer and rinse it under the tap for easy cleaning. Dry it before you put it back on the appliance. |
Ergonomic designEasy to hold and use, it’s designed to help you trim those hard-to-reach areas. |
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| Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 1200 | Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500 | Philips Norelco Beard & Head trimmer 5100 | Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 7200 | |
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| Customer Reviews |
230
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2,278
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2,147
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3,925
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| Unique feature | Dynamic beard guide system for even trimming results | Vacuum system that captures up to 90% trimmed hair for less mess | ||
| Cutting performance | *** | **** | ***** | ***** |
| Trimming precision: for an exact stubble & beard length | 1.5mm incremental steps | 0.5mm incremental steps | up to 0.2mm incremental steps | 0.5mm incremental steps |
| Cutting length | 9 length settings from 1.5mm - 7mm | 20 length settings from 0.5mm - 10mm | 17 length settings from 0.4mm - 7mm | 20 length settings from 0.5mm - 10mm |
| Detail trimming: Create fine lines and details even in hard to reach areas | *** | *** | *** | ***** |
| Length settings adjustment | 3 fixed beard combs & 1 adjustable comb | Zoom wheel | Zoom wheel | Zoom wheel |
| Ease of use | Washable attachments | Washable attachments | 100% waterproof | Washable attachments |
| Usage / charging time | Cordless only 45 min / 8 hrs | Corded & cordless use 120 min / 1 hr | Corded & cordless use 70 min / 1 hr | Corded & cordless use 80 min / 1 hr |
| Battery type | NiMh | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Also includes | 4 beard combs (1 adjustable, 3 fixed), cleaning brush | 1 Beard comb (built-in/adjustable), cleaning brush | 1 Beard comb (built-in/adjustable), 2 hair clipping combs (0.4-13mm), cleaning brush | Detail trimmer, 1 Beard comb (built-in/adjustable), 2 precision combs (3-5 mm), cleaning brush |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 3500, QT4018/49, Cordless Mustache and Beard Groomer for Men - NO BLADE OIL NEEDED |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $99.99 | $59.99 | $99.96 | $64.96 | $19.96 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $99.99 / Count | $59.99 / Count | $99.96 / Count | $64.96 / Count | $19.96 / Count |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 26 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 26 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 26 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 26 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 26 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Ergonomic | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Easy to hold | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Manscaped | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| power source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| blade material | Titanium | Stainless Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| battery average life | 90 minutes | — | 90 minutes | 120 minutes | — | — |
| special feature | Beard & stache, 20 length settings, Blades with rounded tips for smooth skin contact | 20 length settings | — | BeardSense Technology with Power Adapt Sensor, 30 Quick Adjustable Length Settings, 2 Hour Battery Life, 100% Waterproof, Premium Travel Case | Smart BeardSense Technology, 19 Length Settings, 5 hour battery life, Shower Proof | 60 minute battery life |
| target audience | Men | Men | Men | Men | Men, Unisex-Adults | Men |
| material | Titanium | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Metal, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Plastic |
Reviews with images
This is the one you’re probably looking for...
When my trusty old Norelco was recently commandeered for “sanitary trim” of our cat, I set about looking for an exact replacement. For 20+ years I had my QT4021 and it’s predecessor, which was identical but for the guide color. It was a simple, sturdy, highly-usable design, at a fair price point. I would have thought little more than a lithium battery upgrade was warranted. No such luck. So into the maze of products and reviews I wandered, thinking back to the simplicity of buying my last two off the shelf at Walgreens, sans any starred feedback. I considered ones with vacuums and others meant for beard, body and more and just couldn’t get a clear picture in my head of how they would improve on what i had. So I went simple, and it seems to have turned out well. With the exception of the slightly changed blade angle and the ridiculous half-steps on the dial, I guess this is as close as they make to a direct replacement of my old one. I’m including some comparison photos, on the off-chance you are looking for the same thing I was.
Top reviews from other countries
John Mcvicker
Shipped without Australian plug
Reviewed in Australia on June 29, 2020