After trying every kind of grooming tool over the years, from noisy foil shavers to rotary razors that left patches untouched, I finally decided to try the Philips i9000 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (model X9000/10). I wasn’t sure what to expect. The brand’s premium tag and promises around AI-powered shaving felt a bit much on paper. But a week into daily use, I can honestly say this is the most effortless and effective shave I’ve had in ages.
It’s not flashy, nor does it try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on comfort, precision, and consistency, all powered by SkinIQ technology and built-in intelligence that adapts to your face and beard.
Build Quality and First Use
Right out of the box, the Philips i9000 feels premium. The finish is sleek, the grip is ergonomic, and the charging stand that comes with it adds a touch of polish to your bathroom counter. The travel case is compact and sturdy, great for tossing into a backpack or suitcase.
The magnetic charging base is easy to use. One hour of charging gives you enough power for several days. You can also plug it in for five minutes for a quick single shave, which has already saved me once on a busy morning.
The Shave: Sharp, Smart and Comfortable
The real win with the i9000 is how smooth and consistent the shave feels, no matter your style. I tested it across a clean shave, a three-day stubble, and a full week’s beard. Thanks to Dual SteelPrecision blades that spin at 7 million cuts per minute, the shave is close without feeling aggressive. The Triple Action Lift & Cut system helps raise each hair before cutting it, so you’re not going over the same patch repeatedly.
What stood out most is how it adapts to tricky areas. The 360° Flexing Heads genuinely move with the shape of your face. My jawline and the underside of the chin have always been trouble spots. But this handled them without irritation or the need to tilt awkwardly.
The SkinIQ sensor checks beard density 500 times a second and adjusts the motor speed accordingly. I didn’t think I’d notice this in practice, but I did. On thicker areas, it quietly kicks in more power. On smoother patches, it eases off. This keeps the shave both efficient and gentle.
Wet, Dry or In the Shower
I tried it dry, with gel, and even under the shower. In every case, the i9000 worked exactly as promised. It’s fully waterproof, and cleanup is simple thanks to the one-touch open feature. Just press a button, flip the head open, and rinse it under water.
Philips uses a micro-bead hydrophilic coating on the blades, and it shows. The glide is easily one of the smoothest I’ve experienced. There was no tugging or razor burn, even with minimal prep.
App Connectivity: Smarter Than Expected
I paired the shaver with the Philips GroomTribe app out of curiosity. To my surprise, it added some value. The app tracks your shaving pressure, speed, and motion in real time, giving small but useful tips. It’s not essential, but it helped me get more consistent results in fewer passes.
Battery and Longevity
Battery life has been excellent. I charged it once during the week and never thought about it again. The device is built to last, with self-sharpening blades and a motor designed to hold up over five years. There’s also a five-year warranty, which adds confidence to the investment.
If you care about sustainability, it helps to know that Philips uses 100% renewable energy at the factory that produces the blades, and the packaging is fully recyclable.
Final Thoughts
The Philips i9000 does not rely on gimmicks. It focuses on giving you a clean, close shave without irritation. The AI actually helps, the hardware feels solid, and the skin comfort is better than any electric shaver I’ve used so far. Whether you’re grooming daily or every few days, this shaver is consistent, quiet, and kind to your skin.
If you’re looking for an upgrade that feels modern but stays practical, this one’s an easy recommendation.