The Philips Norelco Shaver 3800, model S3311/85 in Space Gray, stands out as a versatile and efficient grooming tool designed for both wet and dry shaving.
As a rechargeable electric shaver, it integrates advanced technology and user-friendly features to deliver a comfortable and close shave, earning it a strong reputation with a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 47,000 global ratings.
This particular model has even achieved the status of the #1 Best Seller in Men’s Rotary Shavers, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness within its category.
Philips Norelco is also recognized as the most trusted and fastest-growing electric male grooming brand, based on a 2020 survey of 502 men and 2022 dollar share gain.

Product Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 6.25 x 2.25 x 2.75 inches.
- Weight: 1.12 Pounds.
- Item Model Number: S3311/85.
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included).
- Date First Available: December 6, 2019.
- Manufacturer: Philips Norelco.
- ASIN: B083JCXPY1.
- Cutting Actions Per Minute: 55,000.
- Number of Self-Sharpening Blades: 27.
- Head Type: Rotary.
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel.
- Recommended Uses: Beard, Sideburns, Mustache, Face.
Cutting-Edge Shaving Technology for Unmatched Comfort

At the heart of the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800’s performance is its sophisticated shaving system, engineered to provide a smooth and comfortable experience while minimizing skin irritation.
5D Pivot & Flex Heads:
The shaver is equipped with heads that utilize 5-directional pivot, flex, and floating movements. This advanced contour technology ensures that the shaver head reaches your face at the ideal angle and seamlessly adjusts to the unique curves of your face and neck.
The result is smooth contact with your skin, allowing for an incredibly close shave that adapts to your individual contours. Customers praise its ability to deliver a close and smooth shave.
ComfortCut Blades with SkinGlide Coating:
The shaver features ComfortCut blades designed to be gentle on your skin. These blades are protected by rounded caps that shield 27 self-sharpening blades, allowing them to gently cut hair just above skin level.
This design enables the shaver to glide smoothly over your skin, significantly helping to minimize skin irritation. The “Special Feature” listed for this product is “Minimize Skin Irritation with SkinGlide Coating”.
Wet & Dry Shave Capability:
One of the most highly appreciated features is its rechargeable wet and dry functionality. This allows users the flexibility to choose between a convenient dry shave for quick touch-ups or a refreshing wet shave with their preferred gel or foam, even while in the shower.
This versatility contributes significantly to user comfort and convenience, with customers noting its reliability and ability to work effectively in water.
Some users even prefer it over traditional razors for sensitive skin, achieving smooth skin without shaving cream, although using cream can lead to an even closer shave.
Integrated Trimmer and Powerful Battery Performance

Beyond its primary shaving capabilities, the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 is thoughtfully designed with features that enhance its utility and convenience.
Built-in Pop-up Trimmer:
To complete your grooming routine, the shaver includes a built-in pop-up trimmer. This integrated tool is ideal for maintaining your mustache and precisely trimming your sideburns, allowing for a polished finish to your look.
Long-lasting Li-ion Battery:
Powering the shaver is a powerful Li-ion battery that offers impressive cordless shaving time. A full 1-hour charge provides up to 60 minutes of cordless shaving, which is approximately equivalent to 20 shaves.
For those times when you’re in a rush, a 5-minute quick charge provides enough power for a single shave. The shaver operates exclusively in cordless mode, emphasizing its portability and freedom of movement.
Customers frequently praise the shaver’s battery life, noting that it lasts a long time and holds up well. The device includes one Lithium Ion battery.
Design for Ease of Use and Maintenance

The Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 incorporates several design elements that contribute to a comfortable and hassle-free grooming experience.
Ergonomic Rubber Grip:
The shaver is designed with an ergonomic handle featuring anti-slip rubber. This ensures a comfortable and secure grip during use, even when the shaver is wet, enhancing control and safety.
One-Touch Open for Easy Cleaning:
Cleaning the shaver is remarkably simple thanks to its one-touch open feature. At the touch of a button, the shaver head flips open, allowing you to easily rinse it with water.
This full washability helps ensure a smooth, skin-friendly result. Many customers highlight the shaver’s ease of cleaning, noting it can be rinsed off after every use and appreciate the handy snap-loose cleaning feature.
3-Level Battery Indicator:
An intuitive 3-level battery indicator keeps you informed of the remaining charge. This feature makes it easy to monitor battery status, clearly showing when the battery is low, charging, or undergoing a quick charge.
Included Accessories:
The Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 package comes with essential accessories to support its use and care. These include the electric shaver itself, a travel pouch for convenient storage at home or on-the-go, a charging stand to keep it stored, charged, and ready for use, a power cord, and a protective cap.
However, some customers have noted that the charging cord does not include a wall plug, which may need to be purchased separately, and contrast this with older models that included more accessories like cleaning brushes and hard-body travel cases.
Safety and Usage Directions
For optimal performance and safety, follow these guidelines:
- Safety Information: To avoid cuts and skin irritation, use the shaver as directed. It is crucial to clean the shaver thoroughly after each use to prevent bacterial growth. Do not use the shaver near water or while charging.
- Directions:
- Charge the shaver for about 1 hour.
- Wet your beard or use it for a dry shave.
- Turn on the shaver and shave following the contour of your face.
- Use the pop-up trimmer for mustache and sideburns.
- Clean the shaver after use.
Customer Insights: Real-World Performance and Mixed Feedback
With 47,419 ratings resulting in an overall customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 garners significant customer feedback. Customer reviews are analyzed to provide insights into key aspects of the shaver’s performance and value.
Shave Quality:
Many customers praise the shaver’s performance, noting that it delivers a close and smooth shave. Comments include “Great shaver” and “Great razor,” with one user emphasizing getting a “close shave that is extremely comfortable”.
Some reviewers state that the rotary shaver is “hands down superior to the blade type foil shaver” for a fast and smooth cut.
Works Well:
The shaver generally works great with no reported issues. One customer specifically mentions its good performance in the shower, reinforcing its wet use capability. Users have described it as reliable and effective for daily use.
Battery Life:
Customers are largely satisfied with the shaver’s battery life, stating it lasts a long time and holds up well. Positive comments highlight its “long battery life” and consistent performance without needing frequent recharges.
However, some negative feedback exists, with a few users reporting “no power” or the battery sounding “almost dead” despite charging.
Ease of Cleaning:
The shaver is found to be easy to clean by customers, who appreciate that it can be rinsed off after every use. The “handy snap loose cleaning feature” is also mentioned. Users confirm its ease of maintenance and ability to provide a clean shave.
Value for Money:
Opinions on the shaver’s value for money are mixed. While some find it to be a “good price” and a “great product, great purchase”, others consider it a “waste of money” if it doesn’t shave properly dry or wet. One reviewer noted it as a “great affordable razor” that lasts well.
Quality:
Customer opinions on the shaver’s build quality are also mixed. Some describe it as a “solid razor” and “well made”, while others report it feeling “cheaply made” or even “falling apart”.
Speed:
The shaver’s speed elicits mixed responses. Some users describe it as “quick and efficient”, while others find it “very slow” or lacking power, saying it “takes forever to shave”.
Overall, the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 is praised for its comfortable and close shave, excellent wet/dry performance, and ease of cleaning.
While its battery life is generally well-received, and it offers good value for many, there are varying experiences regarding its speed and perceived build quality among users.
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