Philips OneBlade Face & Body Review
The Philips OneBlade Face + Body is one of the most heavily advertised body trimmers worldwide. The OneBlade has sold hundreds of thousands of units globally, and Philips stands as one of the largest corporations in the world. KingBalls is a novel Finnish male grooming brand that you likely haven’t heard of before. Could their trimmer be a viable alternative to the OneBlade? Let’s dive in and find out.
In this article, I’ll assess the suitability of these trimmers for a man’s body, with a particular focus on the intimate area. The aim is to achieve a smooth shave without suffering from cuts, plucking, ingrown hairs, or post-shave itching. After testing both products, I’m ready to share, as objectively as possible, how these trimmers fare across various aspects. How does this newcomer measure up against the established behemoth?
Discover the KingBalls Body Trimmer ➔
Technical Differences
| KingBalls Body Trimmer | Philips OneBlade Face + Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 122 g | 97 g |
| Size | Slightly larger, fitting well in a man’s hand | Smaller and narrower |
| Blade Width | 4cm, ideal for body use | 3cm, somewhat narrow except for shaving the intimate area |
| Shaving Area | Hair, body, and intimate area | Face, hair, and body |
| RPM | 6000 strokes/minute | 12000 strokes/minute (with 2 blades) |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Even quieter |
| Safety and Nicks | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| A separate blade for the genital area | Yes | No |
| Guide Combs | 1.5mm, 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm | Four combs, one guide comb for the body |
| Battery Life | 3 hours | 1 hour |
| Battery Charge Retention | Excellent | Average |
| Charging Time | 1 hour | 4 hours |
| Trimming Light | Yes | No |
| Battery Life Indicator | Yes | No |
| Charging Station | Yes | No |
| Travel Lock | No | No |
| Water Resistance | Yes, IPX6 rating | Yes |
| Grip and Handling | Excellent | Good |
| Drop Resistance | Average | Average |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 14 days | None |
| Price | Product not found. | 54-120 €, depending on the model |
Brands
Philips is a name known to all. Established in 1891 in the Netherlands, it has since produced some of the world’s best-selling shavers. Last year, their revenue amounted to about 20 billion euros, supported by a massive marketing budget. Philips’ most recent success, the OneBlade, has been extensively advertised and sold in Finland and Sweden as well.
In contrast, KingBalls is a largely unknown Finnish brand. Their product line is narrowly focused on men’s intimate grooming.
Winner: Philips OneBlade
Safety and Efficiency
Blades
The OneBlade features a stainless steel blade, offering two main advantages: its relatively small pins make it less likely to cut the skin than a traditional trimmer, and its double-sided design theoretically improves hair cutting efficiency in a single stroke. The dual-sided blade proved beneficial for achieving a comprehensive shave with back-and-forth motions.
The KingBalls trimmer boasts a ceramic blade, known for being sharper, more hygienic, slower to dull, and rust-resistant. These blades cut through hair effortlessly without irritating the skin and are designed to prevent the skin from getting trapped between the blades, making them ideal for intimate area grooming.
The OneBlade’s 3cm blade falls short for larger skin areas. The KingBalls trimmer’s 4cm blade, however, is capable of efficiently shaving large areas and is also suitable for the intimate regions.
KingBalls trimmer’s replacement blade
OneBlade’s replacement blade
I managed to nick myself with the OneBlade several times. Mainly, the OneBlade just scratched the skin, but it also made a few cuts in the intimate area. Moreover, I had to go over the same area multiple times for the blade to cut all the hair.
Conversely, careful use of the KingBalls trimmer resulted in no nicks, even on the most challenging areas like the scrotum, without causing any scratches. An additional GroinGuard™ blade is available specifically for the intimate area, allowing for a safe shave there and the use of a standard blade for the rest of the body.
Nevertheless, the OneBlade provided a closer shave than the KingBalls trimmer, noticeable especially on the hair and beard, achieving nearly razor-like closeness.
Given the Philips OneBlade’s non-ceramic blade dulls more quickly than the ceramic blade of the KingBalls body trimmer, the latter offers greater long-term value and environmental friendliness.
Winner: KingBalls
Motor
A trimmer’s efficiency in cutting hair without snagging depends on the cooperation between the blades and motor. Generally, a faster motor means quicker, smoother cuts, allowing for faster movement over the skin without missing hairs.
For pubic area grooming, a medium-speed motor is ideal to avoid plucking hairs with a slow blade or catching on loose skin with a too powerful motor.
The Philips OneBlade claims an impressive 12,000 revolutions per minute, achieved with a double-sided blade, essentially equating to 6,000 RPM per blade side. The KingBalls blade also operates at 6,000 RPM. However, the high speed of the OneBlade’s motor does not translate to more efficient shaving, often requiring multiple passes to shave thoroughly.
Despite identical motor speeds, the superior blade of the KingBalls trimmer facilitated easier, single-pass hair cutting.
Winner: Tie
Quietness
Both the OneBlade and KingBalls body trimmer operated quietly, with the OneBlade emitting a higher pitch and the KingBalls a lower one.
Winner: Tie
Intimate Area Hair Removal
The OneBlade frequently caused cuts during intimate area grooming, making it unsuitable for this purpose.
Using a guard with the OneBlade leaves hairs too long and complicates shaving, as hairs seem less effectively cut due to the guard obstructing direct blade contact.
The KingBalls trimmer’s GroinGuard excelled in intimate area grooming, achieving a close shave without causing any wounds or scratches.
Winner: KingBalls
Body Hair Trimming
The OneBlade required numerous back-and-forth passes to trim all the hair from the desired area and noticeably caused more skin irritation than KingBalls’ trimmer. Its narrower blade led to longer trimming sessions.
Although the OneBlade trimmed hairs nearly as close as a traditional razor, KingBalls was not far behind. The difference in stubble length was noticeable only upon close inspection.
On the right, the side trimmed with KingBalls’ trimmer (in green) and with the OneBlade (in red).
The stubble length was roughly the same, but the OneBlade required more passes and caused skin irritation.
The side trimmed with the OneBlade experienced itching the following day, especially noticeable during physical activity when sweat came into contact with the irritated areas.
Winner: KingBalls (significantly faster trimming without causing irritation)
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Hair And Bread Trimming
The trimmers produced very different results in hair trimming.
The OneBlade cut the hair to a bald level – almost as closely as with a razor. KingBalls, on the other hand, left a masculine-looking stubble (0.5mm).
I prefer the shorter stubble look for hair, but this is a matter of personal preference.
The same effect occurred with beard hair. The OneBlade trimmed the beard nearly as short as an average razor would. KingBalls left a noticeable stubble behind. In terms of beard appearance, the OneBlade’s trim was clearly superior.
Both trimmers come with additional combs for cutting hair to longer lengths. With the OneBlade, you can achieve 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm lengths. KingBalls’ additional combs allow for 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm lengths. Without an additional comb, KingBalls cuts hair to just under a millimeter.
Winner: OneBlade (if you prefer the shortest possible hair on your head)
Battery
The OneBlade appears to use older battery technology compared to KingBalls. The OneBlade arrives uncharged and requires an initial 3-hour charge, which barely lasts through a complete body trim.
KingBalls’ trimmer arrives partially charged, allowing for immediate use. It remains powered for 3 hours and charges fully in less than two hours. KingBalls can be used for months without needing a recharge. Its battery maintains charge well, even after long periods of inactivity.
Winner: KingBalls
Safety And Efficiency Conclusion
Without guards, the OneBlade caused skin irritation. With guards, trimming took too long and left the hairs too long. KingBalls’ trimmer was gentler and safer, especially for the intimate area. It trimmed hairs smoothly without the need for back-and-forth passes. KingBalls’ charging time and runtime also significantly outperformed the OneBlade.
OneBlade was clearly better for beard trimming. Additionally, it trimmed body hair slightly closer than KingBalls without guards.
Neither trimmer cuts as close as a traditional razor, leaving hairs about 0.2-0.5 mm long. For a very smooth finish, it’s recommended to first trim with a trimmer and then shave with a razor. Shaving is quickly done after pre-trimming to very short lengths.
Convenience and Style
Personal preferences vary. A good body trimmer should accommodate different trimming styles, hair types, and goals. This section addresses which cordless body trimmer is more convenient.
Wet and Dry Use
Both trimmers are fully water-resistant, allowing you to trim even in the bathtub. They are also compatible with shaving foam, cream, and gel.
KingBalls’ trimmer is certified with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60529 IPX6 for water resistance. The OneBlade is also water-resistant but lacks this specific certification. However, ensure that neither trimmer is connected to the charger in moist environments.
Trimming in the shower may not yield results as good as dry trimming. Therefore, it’s recommended to use shaving gel or foam for wet trimming, as it smooths the process and minimizes skin irritation.
Cleaning both trimmers is straightforward; simply rinse them under water. Remember to occasionally disinfect the trimming heads, for example, with alcohol spray from the pharmacy.
Both trimmers ensure a secure grip, even with wet hands.
Winner: Tie
Guide Combs
The KingBalls trimmer includes three guide combs: one is 1.5 mm, and the other two are double-sided, offering lengths of 3 mm and 6 mm, and 9 mm and 12 mm, respectively.
There are several OneBlade models, each equipped with different guards. Particularly noteworthy for this article is the “body comb” included with all “Face & Body” models. This comb effectively prevents the scratches usually caused by the OneBlade but makes trimming time-consuming. When using the comb, the OneBlade does not perform as well, requiring multiple passes over the same area. Additionally, the stubble left behind is so long it can scarcely be considered stubble.
Additionally, my OneBlade Face & Body model came with 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm combs. At first, I didn’t grasp the differences among the combs, nor did I find any length indications. However, the lengths were printed as circled numbers on the back of the blades.
A small cleaning brush, not included with the OneBlade, comes with KingBalls’ trimmer.
The body comb designed for the OneBlade is inadequate. It seems the hairs do not adequately reach the blade, requiring many passes and consuming much time. It also leaves the hair excessively long.
Winner: Tie
Additional Features
KingBalls’ trimmer comes without a charger, utilizing a USB-C connection for charging, such as with a computer or phone charger. KingBalls justifies the absence of a charger as an environmentally conscious decision. Given the OneBlade includes a charger, I consider the OneBlade superior in this aspect.
The LED on KingBalls’ trimmer shows the battery level, changing from blue to orange to red, so you always know how much charge remains. The OneBlade has a light that blinks when the battery is nearly depleted, which doesn’t keep you as informed about the battery life.
A headlight on the KingBalls trimmer makes trimming easier.
Winner: KingBalls
Design
The OneBlade trimmer and its packaging are very stylish and futuristic.
KingBalls’ trimmer and its packaging have a simpler design.
Removing and replacing the OneBlade in its retail package can be somewhat challenging, despite the packaging’s attractiveness.
KingBalls’ trimmer comes in a sealed and stylish black box. It feels authentic, comfortable to hold, and durable.
The OneBlade comes in an attractive transparent package. It provides a decent grip, although those with larger hands might prefer a thicker handle. The OneBlade is significantly smaller than the KingBalls trimmer, making it feel less sturdy. There has been a lot of feedback online about the breaking of the OneBlade’s narrow end.
Both trimmers are lightweight and easy to maneuver. The OneBlade is slightly lighter. KingBalls is more comfortably sized for a man’s hand.
Winner: OneBlade
Price
The OneBlade comes in many versions, and each retailer has their own pricing. The base Face & Body version starts at approximately 54 euros, while the premium Pro version can cost about 120 euros.
The KingBalls body trimmer is priced at Product not found..
The blades for the OneBlade need to be replaced more frequently than those for KingBalls, as they are made of stainless steel and do not remain sharp as long as KingBalls’ blades. Consequently, maintaining the OneBlade over time proves to be more expensive.
Winner: KingBalls
Delivery Time
KingBalls guarantees delivery within 4 working days. It will be shipped to your home or chosen pick-up point. The packaging is completely discreet.
The OneBlade can be immediately picked up from a retailer. If you opt for home delivery, it is likely to take the same or longer than KingBalls to arrive.
Winner: Tie?
Which Trimmer Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for a body trimmer that can also be used for beard shaving, providing a stubble nearly as close as a razor, the OneBlade is your better choice. It also trims hair nearly as closely as a razor.
For all other body areas, KingBalls’ body trimmer appears to outperform. It trims hair faster and does not cause irritation or cuts, even in sensitive areas.
KingBalls offers a more gentle and safer trim, with its battery lasting significantly longer on a shorter charge.