Comparison Braun Series 3 BT3020 vs Philips Series 3000 QT4015

The number of haircut length options provided in the design of the clipper or the design of the nozzle. The more such options, the more versatile the clipper and the more cutting options it provides.

The width of the operating tool (blade) of the clipper. A wide blade is important for head hair trimmers, as it allows you to capture more hair in one pass and cuts faster. In turn, beard and mustache clippers use narrower knives, which is useful for fine work to give facial hair the desired shape.

The performance of the tool, the maximum rotation speed of the motor and how well the device handles with thick and coarse hair depends on the power of the electric motor. So, for cutting thick head hair, you need a clipper with a power of at least 15 W, the performance of such a device is usually enough to ensure a motor rotation speed of 10,000 rpm. But there are also more powerful clippers(from 20 W). Trimmers for beards and mustaches usually need 5 W of power. Such models most often have a performance of 3,000 – 5,000 rpm.

— Stainless steel. The standout feature of stainless steel is its exceptional resistance to rusting. When the clipper or trimmer boasts a sealed casing, the stainless steel cutting head can be conveniently cleaned using water pressure. While stainless steel is common in lower-tier devices and its blades can endure high temperatures, they tend to lose sharpness relatively swiftly.

— Titanium. Titanium alloys showcase impressive durability against substantial mechanical strain. The titanium cutting edge adeptly manages hair of various thicknesses and densities, retaining its sharpness admirably. Tools equipped with a titanium blade are reliable for frequent usage, notably in beauty salons. However, the drawback lies in their notably steep expense.

— Ceramic. Ceramic offers remarkable strength; its blades remain cool and sharp over time. Machines or trimmers featuring ceramic blades effortlessly handle even the thickest hair, allowing for frequent and prolonged use. Interestingly, models with ceramic blades often come at a more affordable price compared to those with titanium blades. Nonetheless, fragility is a significant drawback of ceramics; these blades are susceptible to damage from impacts and falls. Clippers and trimmers that are equipped with a ceramic cutting part must be handled with extreme delicacy.

— Titanium ceramics.... Blades made of ceramic with a high titanium content. Ceramic in the context of the material used improves cutting performance, reduces friction and maintains a sharpness for a long time, and the titanium coating gives the blades strength, provides resistance to wear and corrosion. Titanium-ceramic blades are good for cutting coarse, thick hair, but they are quite expensive.

— Diamond. Diamond-coated blades have increased edge strength. Typically, these blades are based on steel, most often stainless, but thanks to diamond coating, the knife acquires higher reliability and durability. Of course, the presence of diamond coating on the blade significantly increases the cost of the device.

— Steel. Steel blades are the budget-friendly option. Steel performs effectively in devices used sporadically, mainly for home purposes. Although steel edges tend to lose sharpness relatively swiftly, their durability can be enhanced through the application of protective coatings like diamond, ceramic, or titanium. Clippers or trimmers with uncoated steel blades typically fall into the low-cost category.

— Graphite. Graphite coating is typical for stainless steel blades, it allows the blade to glide more easily through hair and skin and generally increases the efficiency and convenience of working with such a device. Most often, detachable trimmer blades are equipped with graphite coating.

— Mains. The clipper is powered by a 230 V electrical network. The benefit of this power source is the unrestricted operational duration (no need for periodic battery recharging). However, drawbacks include the necessity of an available electrical outlet and the limitation imposed by a power cord, which can impede movement and cause operational inconvenience.

— Battery. The clipper is powered by its own built-in battery. On the one hand, this gives maximum freedom of movement (since there is no power cord) and battery life — such devices can be used even where there is no electrical network. On the other hand, the battery life is limited, it must be constantly recharged — otherwise there is a risk that the charge is exhausted at the most inopportune moment (for example, during the haircut).

— Batteries. The clipper is powered by interchangeable batteries. In terms of its primary pros and cons, this power source resembles battery power (as mentioned earlier). However, in contrast to built-in batteries, replaceable batteries offer less capacity, making them suitable for low-power devices like nose trimmers (see Type) that don't demand prolonged usage. On the positive side, replaceable batteries allow for swift replacement when depleted, whereas a built-in battery would necessitate a lengthier recharging process in such instances.

— Li-Ion. Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries currently dominate the market due to their high energy density, compact size, and light weight. On average, Li-Ion batteries last for approximately 400 charge-discharge cycles. They exhibit minimal self-discharge and lack a prominent "memory effect" (capacity decrease when charging a partially discharged battery). However, these batteries are sensitive to cold temperatures and require precise charging current conditions.

— Li-pol. Lithium-polymer (Li-Pol) batteries maintain stable output voltage even during significant discharge. On average, Li-Pol batteries offer a lifespan of around 800 charge-discharge cycles. These batteries don't exhibit the memory effect and remain stable across a broad temperature range, from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius. Their drawbacks primarily involve vulnerability to deep discharge and overcharging. This highlights the necessity for specialized chargers that employ optimal power delivery methods tailored to the lithium polymer context.

— Ni-Cd. Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are engineered to handle substantial charge and discharge rates. They can be stored either charged or discharged without issue. These batteries aren't impacted by heat and maintain their capacity in cold conditions. However, the primary drawback is the "memory effect," which emerges when the battery is prematurel...y charged with residual capacity. Despite being outdated, Ni-Cd batteries are occasionally employed in clippers.

— Ni-Mh. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries excel at managing substantial charge and discharge rates, making them suitable for demanding electric motors and facilitating quick charging. Contemporary Ni-MH batteries offer a prolonged lifespan of up to 1000-1500 charge-discharge cycles, while being environmentally friendly. In comparison to Li-Ion batteries, they appear bulkier and add weight to the device, yet they come at a more affordable cost. This battery type has replaced the previously mentioned nickel-cadmium technology.

— LiCo. Lithium-cobalt (Li-Co) batteries are renowned for their impressive energy storage within a small and lightweight structure. These batteries exhibit minimal self-discharge and lack the "memory effect". They maintain voltage stability almost until complete discharge. However, Li-Co batteries aren't engineered to handle substantial charge and discharge rates.

The typical duration of uninterrupted operation for a clipper powered by a self-contained source (battery or rechargeable batteries, refer to Power Source) without requiring a recharge or battery replacement. Extended continuous operation time becomes particularly crucial when intending to use the clipper in locations where recharging or battery changes are unavailable, such as during long trips.

Time to fully (from 0 to 100%) charge the battery of the clipper. For rare cases of using the model, charging time is not so relevant, but for everyday use it is better to choose fast charging clippers.

The clipper offers the capability to adjust its operating voltage, typically ranging between 110 and 230 V. Given the varying electrical network voltages across different regions (e.g., 230 V in Europe, 110 V in North America), this feature proves advantageous when using the clipper abroad. Some devices possess an automated voltage adjustment feature, requiring no user intervention, while others necessitate manual adjustment. It's important to emphasize this aspect before commencing clipper operation, and in cases of manual adjustment, it's crucial to verify the correct setting on the switch.