Philips Lumea 9000 (BRI955/00 vs. BRI957/00) – What’s the difference?

Pulsed light epilators were one of our great discoveries a couple of years ago, and, since then, we are always very attentive to the new developments launched by the leading brands in the sector. One of them is, undoubtedly, Philips, which is Braun’s main competitor in IPL hair removal (acronym for “intense pulsed light” in English). Therefore, today we want to share with you this comparison between two of Philips’ best-selling IPL epilator models: Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 vs BRI 957/00.

Both belong to the Philips Lumea series, which we dare to say is the brand’s best-selling. It is not surprising, because, in general, it has devices with an excellent quality-price ratio. And, furthermore, both correspond to the 9000 series, which is the most recent that the brand has launched at the time of writing this review. But, do you know what are the exact characteristics that you should look for to choose the best one?

As you can imagine, the two share more similarities than differences, because they are two models from the same range. Therefore, it is even more important that we look at all the differences, no matter how small. In the case of our two protagonists, the most relevant difference comes down to the number of accessories each one is equipped with. The Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 has a total of 3 accessories, while the Philips Lumea 9000 BRI87/00 has 4 accessories.

Below, we summarize the most important specifications between the two Philips Lumea 9000 IPL epilators so you can check which of the two is more interesting to you. Let’s go there!

Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 vs BRI957/00 – Comparison table

In the following table we summarize the characteristics that seem most relevant to us when comparing the two pulsed light epilators. Then, we will detail the most important differences:

A design in which only the color changes

The first thing we notice, almost unintentionally, is the design of the two IPL epilators. It is exactly the same; The only thing that varies is the color. The Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 is available in white, with the top in a bronze tone, while the Philips Lumea 9000 BRI957/00 is available in pink. Otherwise, we are looking at the same epilator; In fact, it has the same dimensions and, practically, the same weight. Likewise, in both cases it is equipped with a white travel case to make it easier to carry.

Accessories make the main difference

The number of accessories is the most important difference between these two pulsed light epilators. The Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 has 3 accessories, compared to the 4 that the BRI957/00 model has. Now, what is each accessory for? Both epilators share the main head, the one we use to epilate the body. They also have the head for removing facial hair, which is easily distinguished by being the one with the red window.

So where are the differences? The Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 has a third accessory that Philips calls “precision”. Basically, it is a head that can be used in those areas where hair removal requires a greater level of detail, such as the bikini line, but without specifying. That is, it can be used interchangeably in various areas.

On the other hand, the Philips Lumea 9000 BRI957/00 has two accessories in addition to the body and face heads. Specifically, one specific for the armpits and another for the bikini line. That is, it diversifies into two what, in the previous model, it combines in the same precision accessory. In this sense, we do consider it interesting that there is a different accessory for each area, although we must also recognize that the precision head is used to remove both the armpits and the groin area. For the latter, the specific head is more precise, but if we didn’t have it, we could manage.

Finally, we tell you that the application time is the same in both Philips epilators, and ranges between 1.5 minutes (in the case of facial hair), up to 8.5 minutes if you shave your mid-legs.

Same number of pulses and intensity levels

The two IPL epilators can shoot up to 450,000 light pulses in total, being one of the highest figures that Philips records in this section. According to the brand, this is equivalent to about 39 years of lamp life. And, if we translate it into the number of standard hair removal sessions, we are talking about a typical duration of about 20-22 years. This, you know, is a theoretical fact, because then it depends a lot on how we use it, how we maintain it and another series of external conditions, such as temperature or frequency of hair removal.

On the other hand, the two Philips IPL epilators allow you to choose between 5 intensity levels, depending on your skin tone. To analyze it, the Lumea 9000 have SmartSkin, a sensor that detects your skin tone and, based on it, decides what level of intensity is most appropriate. You already know that these hair removal devices are not valid for all hair and skin tones, nor do they require the same intensity for them.

They are for wireless use

One of the things we liked most about both IPL epilators is that they can be used wired or wirelessly. This makes them great alternatives if we go on a trip and want to take them with us (also remember that they have a case for it). If you use it wirelessly, you should know that each charge has autonomy for approximately 130 light pulses. Charging time takes no more than 1.5 hours, so you don’t need to plan your hair removal that far in advance.

When do we start seeing results?

This, in reality, depends a lot on each person, because skin tone, skin sensitivity to light and hair thickness have a lot of influence. But, in general, from the third or fourth session you can begin to see results. At first, the frequency of hair removal is higher, while after the first 4 weeks, it increases. Approximately, from 12 weeks onwards we will only have to shave as a reminder, because the duration can be up to 6 months. However, we do not advise you to take this literally, but rather check how your skin responds.

Regarding the percentage of hair reduction, it is never 100%, but it can be up to 92%. However, depending on the area it can be reduced. For example, according to Philips, in the bikini line and in the armpits it is lower than that obtained in the legs, although this, once again, depends on each person.

So, which Philips IPL epilator should I choose?

As you have seen at this point in the comparison, there are no big differences between choosing the Philips Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 and the BRI957/00. The most important difference (and, almost, the only one) is the number of accessories, but it does not seem like such a substantial variation to us either.

Mainly, because it is not that there is an irremediable difference between the two, but simply that with the BRI957/00 it is easier and, perhaps, more effective to remove hair from the bikini line and armpits. By having a specific accessory for each area, the precision is somewhat greater, but this does not mean that with the precision head of the BRI955/00 model you cannot epilate the same areas. Maybe with less precision, but you can.

Therefore, taking into account that the price difference is minimal, the best Philips Lumea IPL epilator is the one you like the most. If you prefer to have a specific accessory for each area, it is preferable to opt for the Lumea 9000 BRI957/00. If you don’t usually use it a lot for those more sensitive areas, then the Lumea 9000 BRI955/00 will be enough for you and you will save a few (few) euros.

But, in case you have any doubts, we are looking at the same pulsed light epilator in essence, and one of the most complete and advanced from Philips, if you allow us to add.