Comparison Philips Lumea Advanced SC 1997 vs Philips Lumea SC 2004

The number of speeds provided in the epilator.

Having two or more speed options in the epilator offers the flexibility to select the most fitting operational mode for specific situations. A lower speed is ideal for minimizing discomfort in sensitive skin regions and effectively removing fine hair without breaking it—ensuring extraction along with the follicles. Conversely, a higher speed aids the epilator in managing coarse and stubborn hair, simultaneously reducing procedure duration.

Note that even in advanced epilators, the number of speeds does not exceed 3 — in fact, this is quite enough.

The number of attachments supplied with the epilator in standard configuration. A wide variety of attachments allows you to save on the purchase of other body care products (for example, a trimmer or a razor).

— For the body. An attachment featuring an enlarged light window, designed for treating larger body areas like the upper and lower limbs, abdomen, and more. This attachment is often curved to ensure optimal skin contact.

— For the face. The facial attachment typically incorporates a compact flat light window, often accompanied by a red protective filter. Its purpose is to perform hair removal on delicate skin areas like above the upper lip, the chin, and cheekbones.

— For armpits. With the removal of hard-to-reach hair in the armpit area, a special nozzle for the armpits does a good job. It provides a medium-sized light window, and thanks to the curved shape, the attachment perfectly follows the contours of the body.

— Bikini area. An attachment equipped with a transparent filter in the light window serves as an efficient solution for treating the bikini area. This filter enhances the treatment's effectiveness on coarse hairs while ensuring dependable protection for sensitive skin.

An automatic sensor that identifies the skin type being treated by the photoepilator. Individuals have varying skin types, which vary in sensitivity and color, influencing the selection of the best operational mode for the photoepilator. The sensor simplifies configuration by supplying essential data.

The possibility of using a photoepilator to remove facial hair. The facial areas have their own characteristics (for example, the skin is usually lighter) and require a separate mode of operation, which is provided in photoepilators with this function.

The photoepilator lamp has a guaranteed lifespan in terms of the number of flashes it can emit before it becomes depleted and ceases to function. Ideally, this number should be a minimum of 750 flashes (0.75K). In certain models, the lamp's longevity can extend to tens of thousands of flashes.

Power supply for the epilator.

— Mains power. Operates through a regular household outlet, offering nearly limitless usage as long as there's a power supply. The downside is mobility constraints due to cord length and dependence on available sockets.

— Battery. Uses its internal, often non-removable, battery. While this affects weight and cost, it grants the advantage of being usable even without nearby outlets, which proves beneficial during travel and at home. Compared to another autonomous power source—batteries—these batteries are more efficient, suitable for robust and long-lasting devices. Charging is necessary, unlike quick battery replacement, though this isn't a critical concern considering the specific use of epilators.

— Network/battery. Essentially battery models with the added capability to function using a power outlet. This way, the device can operate autonomously, and when the battery depletes, it can be connected to the mains and resume operations (typically while recharging the battery). Such combined power supply models are less common due to their infrequent necessity.

— Batteries. Reliant on standard replaceable batteries, often AA-sized. A perk of this type is that a drained battery can be swiftly swapped for a fresh one. However, battery performance is relatively limited, influencing the efficiency a...nd lifespan of epilators. This approach can lead to ongoing expenses for fresh batteries, unless rechargeable batteries are used (along with a charger, which might be costly). Consequently, this option is less common, primarily seen in inexpensive models.

What is the duration required to fully charge the epilator battery from complete discharge to 100%? If the battery usage is limited to home use for convenience, the charging duration might not be extremely important. However, if the device is frequently carried during trips, it's advisable to consider models with a shorter charging time.

The lamp's photoepilator (refer to "Type") can generate a certain quantity of flashes on a single battery charge. A longer operation time results in an extended battery life, reducing the frequency of recharging.