Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) Review: Buyer’s Guide

Philips Norelco Series 9000

The Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) delivers ultra-precise trimming with 30 length settings, steel blades, digital zoom, and a powerful 6-hour battery life.

I would hate the day when it was time to trim the beard. My previous beard trimmer pulled, left gaps, and made my neckline look like a lawn that had no grass. It was annoying, every morning I used to waste my time in trying to smooth out uneven stubble, only to become annoyed, both emotionally and physically. Sound familiar?

Pros & Cons

  • Exceptional precision
  • 6 hours of battery
  • High-end build quality
  • Premium price point
  • Slightly bulky for tight areas
Philips Norelco Series 9000


I had experimented with the cheap trimmers and even some in the mid-range but nothing gave me a feeling of precision and power over my thick beard. This is when I came across the Philips Norelco Series 9000 BT9810/40. The final precision of Beard Sense Technology that adapts in real-time to my beard density. I was not so sure but intrigued. I swallowed the bullet-and I am glad I did.

Philips Norelco Series 9000 is not a regular trimmer. It is an upgrading of grooming. But, when you are sick of subpar performance and ingrown, allow me to take you through why this could be your game changer.

Description and Features

Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) is a product aimed at men who do not joke with grooming. It is high-end straight out of the box. The smooth stainless steel shell exudes the impression of longevity and quality manufacturing. Its Beard Sense Technology is the most notable thing. This new technology reads the density of your facial hair 125 times every second and automatically adjusts power to produce an even trim.

Add to that the integrated metal comb and 40 length settings (0.4 mm to 20 mm), and you have a one-stop shop when it comes to stubble, full beards and anything in between. It also has self sharpening stainless steel blades which remain sharp even after years. It has a zoom wheel to adjust the lengths of trims, and has a digital LED display which indicates battery status and the length setting chosen- very small but very useful.

FeatureDetails
BrandPhilips Norelco
Model NumberBT9810/40
Length Settings30 adjustable settings (0.4mm to 10mm) with digital zoom wheel
Blade MaterialStainless steel
Trimming Precision0.2mm increments
Battery LifeUp to 6 hours of cordless use per full charge
Charging Time1 hour full charge, 5-min quick charge available
DisplayDigital LED length display
CleaningFully washable; detachable head for easy cleaning
Accessories IncludedTravel pouch, cleaning brush, precision trimmer head
Suitable ForBeard, stubble, and detailed facial grooming
Power SourceRechargeable lithium-ion battery
Warranty5-year warranty with product registration

Note on model numbers

There is one thing I should explain before going further. There are several models of Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40), such as Prestige series and MG7770. The BT9810/40 is the specialist beard and hair trimmer not a multigroomer. This is no body grooming or shaving model; it is a high precision trimming model. Do not mistake it with the Multigroom 9000. It is a fine piece of hardware as well, but this Philips Norelco Series 9000 BT9810/40 is designed to sculpt facial hair with precision, and at that it is spectacular.

What is the Performance of Series 9000 Prestige?

To put Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) in one word: brilliantly. I have applied it on 1-day stubble and week-old growth and even on reshaping my neck line. It slides smoothly, never pulls and does not get hot. The Beard Sense Technology is not a joke. When I pass over a more dense area such as underneath the chin, it automatically increases the power. It translates to less strokes, no snagging, and a smoother trim in a shorter amount of time.It is also extremely silent as a very powerful device. One would imagine a small lawnmower noise, but instead it runs smoothly without annoying the family (or me).

General Trimming

Each and every trimming experience is like visiting a barbershop. The device Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) fits well into my hand it is neither too heavy nor light. Its grip is comfortable and textured thus no slipping occurs even when my hands are wet.

The zoom wheel makes switching between lengths simple, and the LED display makes you never have to guess. I am definitely aware of what I am doing whether I want to have a stubble of 1.5 mm or have a long beard. The simplicity is well balanced with control. No complex add-ons or tricks, but rather effective grooming.

Quality and Design

Philips did not compromise in this. The body of the trimmer is mainly brushed stainless steel, which makes it feel somewhat heavy and have a modern design. This model does not scratch and scuff like the plastic ones, and it will remain sharp.

Its construction is excellent. Having used it over months, there is no rattling, the buttons are sturdy and the head clicks in. Even the comb guide is made of metal rather than plastic, so it is very accurate and long lasting. It is also water resistant, and I can wash under the tap after using it. Shower not waterproof- but it is not pretending to be. It is not a bag-it-up-and-forget-about-it tool, it is a precision tool.

Cutting Power

The center piece of this trimmer is a potent motor with Beard Sense Technology. In practical terms what this amounts to is steady power delivery, even as the plane trims through rough or uneven vegetation. The blades are sharp, very sharp, and self-sharpening, so they remain sharp, as well. I have never oiled them and they just cut as sharp as ever. Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) trimmer is up to the task even when I allow my beard to grow a little longer. No tugging, no lumpy spots: smooth, even results.

User Friendly

I did not have to use the manual since day one. The interface is user friendly. The length settings zoom wheel is a genius, the wheel clicks into place and shows your setting in the LED screen. It is easy to charge through USB or a wall plug and the travel lock feature ensures that it does not buzz in your bag. Minor details, yet they count. It is also easy to wash. Rinse it off under the tap, shake it off and you are finished. No fussy take apart required.

Charging and Battery

This Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) is long lasting and can be charged quickly. A single charge will last you 120 minutes of cordless time, which in my case would be 2-3 weeks of everyday usage. It has a battery indicator in digital form, and it tells you the percentage, and you are not caught unawares. It is also quick-charge, so in 5 minutes of charging, you will have enough power to do a full trim. Be it at home or on the move, the battery life will not disappoint.

Cleaning and Maintenance

This trimmer is very easy to clean. Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) is not completely waterproof but the removable head can be rinsed, so you can wash it under the hot water after every use. I do this very often and it maintains hygienic conditions. It is a huge plus since the self-sharpening blades do not have to be oiled. Sometimes I use the brush that comes with it to brush out any buildup hair around the comb region. No sloppy cleaning, no additional cleaning kits required, simply rinsing and brushing.

Value to Money

It is an expensive-looking trimmer at the outset. However, Philips Norelco Series 9000 is quite good value when you consider its accuracy, longevity and intelligent technology.It is not a device that you change in 6 months. It is durable and its performance remains the same. It is just by detailing my beard myself that I have been able to easily save money by not spending it in the barbershop. And, since it has all the length options and no requirement of multiple attachments, it is a minimalists dream.

Who is Best for the Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40)?

This trimmer is the one that is serious about grooming. Need to trim a stubble, keep a sharp beard line, alternate between beard lengths frequently? This trimmer is going to meet the challenge. It is suitable to:

  • Rushed business people seeking fast, accurate cuts
  • Symmetry maniacs who wear beards
  • Anyone who is sick of cheap plastic trimmers that are of poor quality

This is the answer to being burned by tools in the past that are inconsistent or underpowered. I do not only cut my beard now, I style my appearance with confidence.

FAQs About Philips Norelco Series 9000

 No this is a trimmer that is made to be used on facial hair. It is also modeled to trim the beard and stubble and not to groom the head or body.

 It is waterproof and you can rinse the blade head but not completely. It is not shower proof.

 When fully charged, you will have 120 minutes of wireless play. It has also a 5-minute rapid charge facility.

 No, the stainless steel blades are self-sharpening and do not need any oiling, and that makes maintenance a breeze.

Final Thoughts:

I have used a hundred or more trimmers in my life and the Philips Norelco Series 9000 (BT9810/40) has at last provided me what I had always been wanting, consistency, comfort and confidence. And the first time I used it, it was obvious that this was not another trimmer, this is a precision tool that is created with serious grooming in mind.

The digital length setting wheel, the extremely sharp and skin friendly blades, and the rock solid battery performance makes it a game changer to anyone who is concerned with detail and style. I can either use it to get a sharp stubble or a well-sculpted beard and the results are always perfect. When it comes to grooming, I just like you, do not see it as an additional task that has to be done and is therefore worth every penny. It does not pull, it does not skip spots and definitely does not fail to impress. I have settled down after several years and have found the one.