The vacuum capability of the Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer Plus is the most desirable feature of this product. Without it, it’s just another trimmer. The cutting features, multiple length settings and the corded and cordless operations are also important to the overall value of the product. The combination of these features seemingly makes the 
Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer Plus a practical, useful and efficient product. With over 80 customer reviews, most customers were satisfied with the cutting capability of the trimmer, although there was considerable dissatisfaction with performance on the mustache, and around the nose, chin and lips. Customers were also quite satisfied with the battery performance and the option to use the cord. Most reviewers had strong opinions about the performance of the vacuum feature. There were a few customers that were satisfied with the function of the vacuum, even elated! However, for some, there was the feeling of misrepresentation and false claims, given the name of the product. The vacuum feature was considered ineffective by some users.
FEATURES
- Integrated vacuum system – vacuum system captures cut hairs for mess-free trimming
- Contour follow comb for an even and precise trim
- Lithium-ion battery delivers 50 minutes of use on a single charge (8 hours)
- 18 secured length settings
- Precision zoom lock hair length selector
- Corded or cordless operation
- Maintenance-free, stay-sharp blades. No oiling needed.
- Two-year warranty
- Charging adapter
- Cleaning brush
DESCRIPTION
Mess-Free, Maintenance-Free Grooming Sinks covered in hair are no longer. The unique vacuum system stores the cut hair inside the handle.
Evenly Trims Your Beard The Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer Plus has 18 secured length settingsas well as a zoom lock wheel that is easy-to-use and will secure your selection. The comb gently follows the contours of your face for an even shave.
Portable Design and Long Battery Life The Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer Plus can be used with or without the cord, a big advantage. The lithium-ion battery is powerful and will deliver up to 50 minutes of operation on an 8-hour charge. It also has a charging and low-battery indicator light.
REVIEWS
82 amazon.com reviewers gave an average rating of 4.0 of out 5 stars, with 29 5-star reviews. Here’s what they had to say about the battery, vacuum, and more:
Battery
“The QT4050 has a big advantage in that it uses a Lithium-Ion battery, rare in products of this nature. I also like that the Qt4050 includes a universal-voltage AC charger.”
“All in all a nice product and the Lithium ion battery will continue to charge for a long time.”
“The only negative about the trimmer I have is that it takes 8 hours to fully charge the battery, granted it lasts a couple of weeks between charges, but 8 hours is a bit longer than ideal. However, you can use it while it is plugged in, so if you don’t have time to wait for a complete charge.”
Vacuum
“The idea of this is awesome, but its not what it is advertised to be.”
“The main selling point of this particular unit, to me at least, was the vacuum function and it just sadly doesn’t work well.”
“The vacuum feature is hit and miss. The obvious shortcoming for me is the vacuum. I find it ineffective. Philips has the right idea by adding a vacuum, but there is still work to be done in the R & D department before this feature becomes a selling point.”
“There is a vacuum, but I estimate it only captures about 60% of the trimmings. Seriously, what’s the difference between having to clean up 40% of your trimmings and 100% of them?”
“The vacuum is the thing I like the best!” he said. “I don’t have all those little pieces of hair down my shirt front, or in the bathroom sink…and it is a really good beard trimmer besides!”
“Plenty of power and the vacuum system works really well.”
“No mess and my beard is also groomed. The addition of a vacuum to a beard trimmer is one of those “duh” things that only become obvious once somebody does it.”
“No more clogged sinks after my husband shaves!!”
“All in all a terrific beard trimmer that prevents a mess of hair from landing in your sink.”
Trimming/Cutting
“Doesn’t work to trim your mustache. The front of the combs is quite a bit further forward from the blades because of the vacuum that by the time the combs go up your upper lip and hits your nose, the blades are only half way up your upper lip, leaving the top half of your lip unreachable with this shaver.”
“It has no pop-up trimmer like the others to even the hair above your lip and under chin like others.”
“The head should be smaller to get in tight places around the nose.”
SUMMARY
While reviews for this product were mixed, keep in mind all Philips Norelco products come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to try it and judge for yourself.