Braun Series 5 Razor Review

The Braun Electric Razor for Men, Waterproof Foil Shaver, Series 5 5050cs, represents a comprehensive grooming solution, highly rated and readily available on Amazon.

Manufactured by Procter & Gamble and engineered in Germany, it carries a reputation for durability and performance.

As an “Amazon’s Choice” product and ranked as the #3 Men’s Foil Shaver, it has garnered significant customer attention. The current price for this model is $89.94.

Core Shaving Technology for a Close and Comfortable Experience

The Braun Series 5 5050cs integrates several key technologies to deliver an efficient and comfortable shave:

• AutoSense Technology: This feature is designed to intelligently read and adapt the shaver’s power to your beard density, which allows it to capture and cut more hair with each stroke.
• Flexible Blades: The shaver is equipped with three flexible blades that are specifically designed to adapt to the contours of your face, aiming for both closeness and skin comfort.
• EasyClean System: A standout feature, the EasyClean system allows for quick and simple cleaning without needing to remove the shaver head. Water flows directly through the cutting elements, effectively rinsing away stubble. Customer feedback frequently highlights this as a significant convenience, with users praising how easy it is to clean by simply rinsing the head under a faucet. One customer noted, “I also like the easy cleaning without removing the shaver head”.

Versatility with EasyClick Attachments

Beyond its primary function as a shaver, the Series 5 5050cs is designed for versatility in grooming. It utilizes the EasyClick system, enabling users to quickly and easily upgrade their shaver with various accessories for different grooming needs.

• The package includes four trimmer and body grooming attachments, enhancing its utility. Specifically, a Precision Trimmer attachment and a Body Groomer attachment are provided in the box, alongside the Series 5 electric razor, a charging stand, a cleaning brush, a charging cord, and a user manual.
• Customers have reported positive experiences with this versatility. One reviewer was “really pleased” with the razor, noting that “it works amazingly well as a body groomer, with multiple hair length options, including one for sensitive areas“. Another praised that the beard and body trimmer attachments perform “better than expected”.

Power, Durability, and Waterproof Design

The device is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, offering both cordless operation and rapid charging capabilities.

• A full charge takes only 1 hour, providing up to 50 minutes of shaving time.
• For urgent grooming needs, a 5-minute quick charge is sufficient for a single shave.
• On a full charge, the shaver can offer up to 3 weeks of shaving, depending on usage. While many customers laud its “long battery life”, some have reported mixed experiences, including instances where the shaver “stopped charging” after approximately nine months.
• The Braun Series 5 5050cs is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for both wet and dry use, whether with foam, gel, or directly in the shower. This feature contributes significantly to its ease of cleaning.
• Braun states that the shaver is engineered in Germany and designed to last up to 7 years. The shaver head itself has an expected lifespan of up to 18 months. General customer sentiment aligns with this, often describing the product as of “good quality,” solid, and reliable. One customer, a long-time Braun user, highlighted that this model is “the least expensive Braun that’s manufactured in Germany” and stressed the importance of using genuine Braun foils to maintain shave quality.

Commitment to Sustainability

The Braun Series 5 5050cs also boasts sustainability features, verified by trusted certifications. It has received the GreenCircle Certified: Certified Energy Savings designation.

• This certification indicates that the product consumes less energy compared to similar products in the market or a previous version.
• To qualify, a product must achieve at least a 10% reduction in energy consumption relative to a standard product.

Comprehensive Customer Feedback Analysis

With an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 11,120 global ratings, the Braun Series 5 5050cs generally receives positive reviews. An AI-generated summary of customer reviews notes key areas of sentiment. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Functionality (376 mentions: 282 positive, 94 negative):

Many users find that the shaver “works great” and is effective. Customers state it performs as effectively as traditional razors and appreciate the added features, with beard and body trimmer attachments performing better than expected. However, some experiences indicate that it “does not work well” in all areas, requiring multiple passes.

Ease of Cleaning (169 mentions: 145 positive, 24 negative):

This is a significant strength, with customers highly appreciating its easy water cleanup feature. Reviewers note that rinsing the head works great and that the EasyClean system makes it easy to clean by “popping off foil and rinsing it under faucet” or without removing the shaver head.

Quality (102 mentions: 90 positive, 12 negative):

Reviewers frequently describe the shaver as being of “good quality,” solid, and reliable. One user remarked, “I have been using over a year and still good shape”.

Charging Speed (82 mentions: 71 positive, 11 negative):

The quick charge function is well-received, noted for its efficiency and suitability for quick grooming touch-ups. It is described as “fast” and “charges quickly“.

Value for Money (209 mentions: 122 positive, 87 negative):

Opinions are mixed. Some consider it “worth every penny” and a “great value“, while others deem it a “waste of money” if it doesn’t meet their shaving expectations.

Battery Life (190 mentions: 113 positive, 77 negative):

While some praise its “long battery life“, others have encountered issues, including one instance where it “stopped charging” after approximately nine months.

Ease of Use (124 mentions: 80 positive, 44 negative):

Generally considered “easy to use“. However, a notable criticism from several customers pertains to the instruction manual, which is largely composed of “unintelligible pictograms” rather than clear written instructions, leading to frustration for some users.

One customer, a long-time Braun user, stated, “BUT THE ACTUAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ARE COMPLETELY GIVEN IN UNINTELLIGIBLE PICTOGRAMS!!!“.

Customer testimonials provide further insights:

• One user with sensitive skin found success by using a pre-electric shave product and avoiding excessive pressure, noting that it “shaves parts of my face better than a DE”.
• Another reviewer lauded its versatility as a body groomer, praising its multiple hair length options, even for sensitive areas, and its long-lasting rapid charge.
• A user reported intermittent locking-up issues within two months of use, requiring the shaver to be plugged in to clear the lockup, which can be a hassle, especially in the shower. They planned to check on the two-year warranty.
• A satisfied customer emphasized taking time during shaving, suggesting to “drag one of your fingers just in front of your razor where you’re feeling your skin before it hits the razor then run back by you’ll feel the difference immediately”.

Product Support and Protection Plans

To enhance customer confidence and protect the investment, several options are available when purchasing the Braun Series 5 5050cs:

Amazon offers free product support for this item. This includes live phone/chat assistance with an Amazon associate, manufacturer contact information (Procter & Gamble), step-by-step troubleshooting guides, and help videos. This support aims to help resolve product issues and extend the lifespan of the device.

Comparisons with Other Braun Series

The Braun Series 5 5050cs is part of Braun’s broader line of electric shavers. While it offers a “Standard” shave mode with 24,000 cutting actions per minute, suitable for a 3-day beard, higher series models provide more advanced features:

Braun Series 7:

Offers additional shave modes like Turbo and Gentle, with 26,000 cutting actions per minute, also suitable for a 3-day beard. Some Series 7 models are also GreenCircle Energy Savings certified.

Braun Series 8:

Features AutoSense Technology with 30,000 cutting actions per minute, still for a 3-day beard. Some Series 8 models, like the 8457cc, come with a SmartCare Center for automated cleaning and charging, a feature not included with the 5050cs, and are also GreenCircle certified.

Braun Series 9:

Represents the top tier, featuring SynchroSonic Technology, 40,000 cutting actions per minute, and is suitable for a 7-day beard. These models often include a PowerCase and SmartCare Center for automated cleaning and charging, and are GreenCircle certified.

The 5050cs relies on its EasyClean system for manual cleaning, unlike the higher series which may include a SmartCare Center. A newer version, the Braun Series 5 5150cs, is also available for $99.94 and includes a Turbo Shaving Mode.

Final Words

The Braun Electric Razor Series 5 5050cs is a well-regarded and versatile grooming appliance, appreciated for its close shave, ease of cleaning, and overall quality, underpinned by its German engineering.

Despite some mixed feedback regarding battery life and the largely pictorial user manual, its core features, included attachments, commitment to sustainability, and available product support and protection plans make it a compelling choice for many men’s grooming needs.