Two Months of Daily Use: Honest Verdict, Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Really For
Xiaomi’s grooming products often promise premium features at a mid-range price, and the Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301 is no exception. On paper, it looks like a strong contender: dual-track foils, turbo mode, IPX7 waterproofing, USB-C charging, and a battery life Xiaomi boldly claims can last up to 90 days.
But electric shavers live or die by long-term comfort and real-world results — not spec sheets.
We’ve been using the Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301 daily for almost two months, mostly on 1–2 days of stubble, and this review reflects exactly how it behaves after the honeymoon period is over.
Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301 – Key Specs Overview
- Shaving system: Dual-track foil with floating heads
- Speed modes: Standard + Turbo
- Water resistance: IPX7 (fully washable)
- Charging: USB-C (5V ? 1A)
- Charging time: ~2 hours
- Battery life: Extremely long (real-world ? once per month charging)
- Display: LED battery indicator
- Use: Dry & wet shaving supported
First Use Experience: A Rough Start
First impressions were not particularly encouraging.
With 1–2 days of beard growth, the S301 felt:
- Pulling on the hair
- The skin getting warm quickly
- Not shaving closely at all compared to a classic razor
To be precise:
? The shaver itself always remains cold.
? The warmth comes from skin friction and repeated passes, not from the device heating up.
There were no cuts, which is a positive, but the shave felt inefficient. Areas like the neck, under the nose, and the chin were especially problematic.
Learning Curve: Technique Helps, But Has Limits
Over the following days, shaving technique was adjusted:
- Slower passes
- Significantly more repetitions
- Circular motion
- Consistent use of Turbo mode
While this improved control, the core experience remained largely the same:
- Pulling sensation persisted
- Skin warmth persisted
- Shave closeness remained clearly inferior to a razor
At this stage, the S301 felt like a shaver that requires patience rather than rewards skill.
Long-Term Use (After ~2 Months): Opinion Improves
After extended daily use, the overall opinion improved — not because the shaver changed, but because usage patterns adapted.
The Key Insight
The S301 performs significantly better when used very frequently.
- Best results when shaving twice per day
- Shorter hair = less pulling
- More even and predictable outcome
- Skin adapts well over time
At this point, the S301 became usable as a main shaver, with one limitation:
? Occasional razor correction is still needed, especially:
- Under the nose
- On the chin
Skin Comfort and Heat Sensation
- The skin gets warm during shaving due to friction
- The device itself stays cold at all times
- No irritation, redness, or burning developed over time
- Two shaves per day are comfortable
- Aftershave is sometimes used, but not strictly necessary
This is a key strength: despite the warm sensation on skin, there are no lasting negative skin reactions.
Battery Life and Charging: A Standout Feature
Battery performance is one of the S301’s strongest points.
- Always used in Turbo mode
- Charged about once per month
- Battery drains very slowly
- No noticeable power drop during shaving
USB-C charging is excellent — the same charger as a phone is enough. The LED display is genuinely useful, giving clear battery information instead of vague indicators.
Noise, Build Quality, and Handling
- Noise level: Moderate, not distracting
- Build quality: Solid and well-assembled
- Grip: Secure, even with wet hands
Travel Use
Despite its strengths, the S301 is not ideal for travel:
- Relatively large and heavy
- Better suited for home use than compact travel kits
Cleaning and Maintenance: The Weakest Area
Cleaning is the most frustrating aspect of ownership.
- Dry cleaning feels imprecise
- Hard to know if it’s fully clean
- Uncertainty whether imperfect cleaning affects shave quality
Hair fragments are small and do not visibly clog the head, but the lack of confidence in the cleaning process is a downside for a daily-use device.
Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301 – Pros and Cons
? Pros
- Outstanding real-world battery life
- USB-C charging
- Solid build and good grip
- No cuts or skin irritation
- Works best with frequent shaving
- Useful LED battery display
? Cons
- Pulling sensation
- Skin warmth from repeated passes
- Not razor-close
- Weak performance on neck, chin, and under the nose
- Bulky for travel
- Cleaning process feels unclear
Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301?
Recommended If You:
- Shave daily or multiple times per day
- Value battery life and charging convenience
- Prefer safety over ultra-close results
- Want a reliable, low-maintenance daily shaver
Not Ideal If You:
- Shave every few days
- Expect razor-level closeness
- Are sensitive to friction-based warmth
- Want a compact travel shaver
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi Electric Shaver S301 is not a love-at-first-use product.
It’s a shaver that rewards routine, not raw power. Used frequently, it becomes reliable, comfortable, and predictable. Used occasionally, it can feel underwhelming.
If you understand its limits — and don’t expect razor-level closeness — it’s a solid daily electric shaver with exceptional battery life and modern charging.
Overall rating (real-world use):
? 3.7 / 5
