1 cleaning program, 1 head, Ni-MH battery, 10-day autonomy
Highlights
- Automatic shutdown after 2 minutes
- Compatible with other heads
- Ergonomic handle
- Autonomy up to 10 days
- Timer driving brushing
- Available in 3 colors
Weaknesses
- Not very versatile
Cleaning mode
This model doesn’t provide different cleaning modes. In fact, it has a single brush program, called “Clean”, which consists of a cleaning period of two minutes (optimal time recommended by dentists). This does not surprise us, because we are faced with a fairly simple and cheap toothbrush. However, the Philips Sonicare (Check on Amazon.com) allows for a correct and effective cleaning for all those who do not need special programs or care for their oral hygiene.
However, it should be noted that this model is certainly less versatile than other toothbrushes, which offer specific cleaning programs, like taking care of Sensitive gums.
On the other hand, Sonicare uses a sonic cleaning technology that allows the head to perform 31,000 movements per minute thus brushing your teeth intensely and effectively.
Functions
The fairly low price at which it is sold mustn’t suggest that it is a completely essential toothbrush.
In fact, we find two very important features for proper brushing of your teeth:
Smartimer: a timer that after 2 minutes of use causes the toothbrush to turn off itself, indicating that the cleaning time recommended by dentists is over.
Quadpacer: with this function, the device tells the user every 30 seconds that he has to devote himself to a different area of the dental arch.
An added feature that we seem to find only with Philips brushes, is the EasyStart function that consists of automatic and gradual increase of the power level for the first 14 uses, so you can get used to the electric toothbrush, especially the ones that have never used one.
Power
This electric toothbrush has a rechargeable internal battery, which makes it better performing than replaceable battery models.
The battery is NiMH type, certainly less durable and powerful than the lithium-ion type, but still valid. The Philips Sonicare can last up to 10 days with a full charge.
A downside is that, unlike lithium batteries, NiMH ones suffer slightly from the “memory effect” which, in the long run, changes the performance of the toothbrush. On the other hand, this kind of battery can keep the price very low.
Design
The first positive aspect is its weight and footprint, a size that makes it suitable for those who have little space on the washbasin to place the toothbrush. Moreover, the fact that the handle is fairly light, makes it possible to use even by children.
The handle is also improved: the rubbery sides make the grip very comfortable and ergonomic, even when handling it with wet or damp hands.
Accessories
In the package, there are only a few accessories: one head and the base.
As for spare parts, it is still possible to combine the handle with other heads, in order to vary or expand the cleaning possibilities.
Final verdict
This electric toothbrush is, in our view, one of the most affordable, and at a reasonable price offers effective cleaning. Among its strengths, we appreciate the ergonomic structure and the presence of a timer that teaches us the correct brushing technique. Among the less convincing points is the NiMH battery, which is not the most performing one, but should still last up to about 10 days. The Philips Sonicare (Check on Amazon.com) is, therefore, a simple and effective, although not versatile, an electric toothbrush that we recommend to those who do not have particular problems of oral hygiene and just need to brush their teeth daily.