Introduction
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is not just an electric toothbrush—it’s a complete oral care system designed for those who demand excellence. With intelligent sensors, personalized app guidance, and multiple brushing modes, this toothbrush redefines what it means to achieve a professional-grade clean at home. In this comprehensive review, we break down every aspect of the Sonicare 9700, highlighting its real-world performance, key features, pros and cons, and whether it truly justifies its luxury price tag.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brushing Modes | 5 Modes: Clean, White+, Deep Clean+, Gum Health, TongueCare+ |
| Brush Heads Included | Premium Plaque Control, Premium Gum Care, Premium White, TongueCare+ |
| Smart Sensor Technology | Pressure sensor, location tracking, scrubbing sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth-enabled with Philips Sonicare App |
| Charging Options | Inductive glass charger + USB travel charging case |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days on a full charge |
| Compatibility | Works with all Sonicare click-on brush heads |
Design and Build Quality
The DiamondClean Smart 9700 stands out immediately with its sleek, minimalist design. The matte finish gives it a premium feel, and the weighted handle feels balanced in hand. The iconic glass charging cup doubles as a mouth rinse glass—a hallmark of Philips design innovation.
The toothbrush is available in elegant finishes such as Lunar Blue, Rose Gold, and White, adding aesthetic value to any bathroom countertop.
However, long-term durability is a point of contention. Some users report stem breakage and motor malfunctions after extended use, suggesting the internal structure may be more delicate than its robust exterior implies.
Advanced Cleaning Performance
Equipped with Sonicare’s patented sonic technology, the 9700 delivers up to 62,000 brush movements per minute, creating dynamic fluid action that reaches deep between teeth and along the gumline.
Notable Strengths
- Exceptional cleaning power – Users describe results comparable to a professional dental cleaning.
- Deep Clean+ mode provides an extended, more thorough clean for heavy plaque buildup.
- Whitening performance visibly brightens teeth within a week of consistent use.
- Gum Health mode gently massages the gums to improve circulation and prevent gingivitis.
User Insights
Customers consistently praise how smooth and glossy their teeth feel, often comparing the results to a post-dentist polish. However, a short adjustment period is common for new users due to the brush’s high-intensity vibration.
Smart App Integration
The Philips Sonicare App serves as a personal oral hygiene coach, using real-time 3D mouth mapping to guide users through proper coverage, brushing time, and pressure.
Highlights
- Tracks brushing patterns and missed areas.
- Offers personalized feedback and progress reports.
- Integrates with Apple Health for holistic wellness tracking.
Weaknesses
Despite its sophistication, Bluetooth connectivity is inconsistent. Users report frequent disconnections requiring manual resets or even phone reboots. While the app is a valuable learning tool, its connectivity issues diminish its convenience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance receives mixed reviews. Many users enjoy two full weeks of brushing on a single charge, ideal for travel. The included USB charging travel case adds portability and elegance.
However, several customers note battery degradation over time, with some units ceasing to hold a charge within months. Given the toothbrush’s premium price, this remains a key drawback.
Functionality and Ease of Use
Switching between brushing modes is intuitive, and each brush head automatically syncs with the correct setting via Smart Brush Head Recognition. LED indicators clearly display mode and intensity.
Yet, a few users mention difficulty turning the power button on/off, and the app pairing process can be cumbersome. Overall usability is strong, but the software experience doesn’t always match the hardware excellence.
Durability and Common Issues
While praised for its design, the Sonicare 9700 faces criticism for breakability and reliability:
- Some users report loose brush stems or units that stop working after months.
- The pressure sensor and internal components appear sensitive to impact.
- A few users mention random power activations during the night—likely a firmware glitch.
This pattern suggests that while performance is stellar, quality control inconsistencies affect long-term satisfaction.
Value for Money
With a retail price hovering around $350–$400, the DiamondClean Smart 9700 is among the most expensive electric toothbrushes on the market.
Pros
- Professional-grade cleaning
- Luxurious build and accessories
- Comprehensive app-based guidance
- Travel-ready charging case
Cons
- High initial cost
- Questionable long-term reliability
- App connectivity issues
Still, for users prioritizing oral health investment—especially those with implants, braces, or gum concerns—the benefits often justify the cost.
Customer Sentiment Overview
| Category | Positive Mentions | Negative Mentions | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Effectiveness | 100 | 8 | Outstanding cleaning results, “dentist-like” feel |
| Battery Life | 19 | 35 | Long-lasting for some, unreliable for others |
| Functionality | 6 | 62 | Frequent reports of device failure |
| Build Quality | 158 | 17 | Premium design, but some structural fragility |
| App Experience | 18 | 28 | Helpful but buggy |
| Value for Money | 41 | 68 | Divided—some find it worth every penny, others overpriced |
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent cleaning performance | Expensive |
| Smart brushing feedback via app | App connectivity issues |
| Multiple modes for custom care | Reports of early failure |
| Elegant glass charger and travel case | Battery inconsistencies |
| Pressure and motion sensors | Fragile stem design |
Ideal Users
The Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is best suited for:
- Users seeking a luxury oral care experience
- Individuals with sensitive gums or dental restorations
- Frequent travelers who value portability and convenience
- Tech-savvy users interested in smart health integration
Expert Verdict
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 delivers a truly advanced cleaning experience unmatched by most competitors. Its smart features, high-intensity sonic action, and aesthetic sophistication make it one of the best-performing toothbrushes available today. However, its inconsistent reliability and steep price may deter some buyers.
For those willing to invest in top-tier technology for oral health, this brush is a powerful long-term asset—provided you handle it with care.
- Advanced sonic toothbrush for improved oral health: achieve up to 20x more plaque removal¹, up to 15x healthier gums¹, a…
- Personalize your brushing with this innovative electric toothbrush: choose from 5 brushing modes and 3 intensity levels …
- Real-time feedback: the light ring on the end of your handle will flash if you use too much pressure, reminding you to e…
Final Rating
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Performance | 9.8 |
| Smart Features | 8.5 |
| Battery Life | 7.5 |
| Build Quality | 8.0 |
| App Stability | 7.0 |
| Value for Money | 7.8 |
| Overall Rating | 8.5 / 10 |
FAQ
1. How long does the Sonicare 9700 battery last?
Up to two weeks on a single charge under normal use.
2. Can the toothbrush connect to Apple Health?
Yes, it syncs brushing data to Apple Health for integrated tracking.
3. Are replacement heads expensive?
Yes, but they are premium-quality and last about 3 months each.
4. Does it come with a UV sanitizer?
No, unlike some earlier models, the 9700 omits the UV sanitizing chamber.
5. Is the app necessary for effective brushing?
No, it’s optional—but helpful for beginners or those improving technique.