Sonicare Flexcare Connected Toothbrush

Product Description

Philips Sonicare' s most revolutionary toothbrush to date! Flex Care Platinum Connected takes the guesswork out of oral care. Smart sensors send your brushing data to the free Sonicare app via Bluetooth wireless technology, providing you personalized coaching and instant feedback for the most complete clean possible! This specific model, HX9192/02, also includes the UV brush head sanitizer which helps kill up to 99% of bacteria and viruses (HSVI, H.A.) on the brush head. From the #1 recommended brand by Dental Professionals. As per the manual, consumers should start brushing at the upper, right quadrant of their mouth. If not started in this position the app will effectively align with the brushing activity. This toothbrush is compatible with android phone with the following OS: • Version 4.4- Kitkat • Version 5.1- Lollipop • Version 6.0- Marshmallow • Version 7.0- Nougat+

Features

• As per the manual, consumers should start brushing at the upper, right quadrant of their mouth. If not started in this position the App will effectively align with the brushing activity.
• Featuring innovative Smart Sensor technology: Location sensor shows where you're brushing too little for better coverage. Pressure sensor lets you know if you are brushing too hard.
• The Touchup feature provides customized guidance based on your personal brushing data so you can immediately address any missed areas and achieve a more complete clean.
• Set goals, track progress and receive personalized coaching, tips and alerts. Download the free Sonicare app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• 95% of users agree Flex Care Platinum Connected is the most effective product they have used for building healthier brushing habits.Speed:Up to 62000 brush movement/min

Top Reviews

It doesn't actually track where you're brushing, but it's still a good brush.
by Adam Davenport (2 out of 5 stars)
September 23, 2016

DISAPPOINTMENTS:

It doesn't actually sense where you are in your mouth. With the app up, it tells you where to brush (one of 6 sections), and only senses whether you're on the inside our the outside of that section. ...That's it. And it doesn't even do that very reliably. The inside of my top left side of my mouth rarely detects properly, leaving the app to falsely report that I need to spend more time there.

The "touch up" and the "modes" that it offers tweak nothing but how long it stays on. If you buy a brush that doesn't have these features, you can mimic them by just turning the brush on again after it shuts off.

THINGS I ENDED UP LIKING

I didn't expect to want to be able to adjust the intensity. I've been an E-Series user for decades and never needed it. However, my gums started to get sore after using this new brush on high, so I switched it to medium. Now that they're healed, high is OK again. ...but it's nice to have the option.

The app poorly detecting where I'm brushing is a gimmick at best. However, after I'm done brushing, the app asks "did you floss? did you rinse? did you scrape?" It's silly, but knowing that I'd have to press the "no" button has persuaded me to floss rinse and scrape far more often than I used to. I consider that a win.

Also, the app yells at you if you move your brush too quickly-and this is by far my greatest offender. I have apparently been moving my brush far too much over the past decade, and the app is convincing me to slow it down. It's a tough habit to break, but I'm only aware of it because of this bluetooth model.

Overall, I'm pleased, and expect to get 5-10 years of brushing out of it.

UPDATE JANUARY 2017:

The "brushing too quickly" detection that I thought was so helpful now seems kind of ridiculous. The brush is vibrating at 500+ strokes per second, but me adding 3 additional strokes per second is going to leave my teeth dirty? I get that I don't HAVE to stroke with this brush, but I can't see why someone should pay extra for a bluetooth model with an app just so they can curb the habit.

I rarely use the app now. I get a notification every 2 weeks to tell me to brush with the app so that it can "sync" and track my brush life, and I do so, but the novelty of the bluetooth feature has worn off. I brush my teeth twice a day, I don't need an app to tell me that it's time to replace a head-I can just do the math. This is a solid brush and works great, but If I could do it again, I'd save my $$ and skip the bluetooth.

UPDATE AUGUST 2019:

I took it on a trip and didn't bring a charger. I got one brush out of it and it's dead. I haven't even had it 3 years. The battery is soldered in. I called Philips and they said I'm outside the warranty and sent me a voucher for their online store. I dropped this review to 2 stars due to longevity, and would no longer recommend any electric toothbrush without a replaceable battery.
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Platinum Vs. Plus Vs. DiamondClean
by Deep Thought (4 out of 5 stars)
August 21, 2016

The Flexcare Plus, Platinum (this one), and DiamondClean are the three top of the line (in order listed) models. I thought at first that the Platinum was an additional offering, but since the Plus is no longer featured on Philips' website, it looks like it is being replaced altogether by the Platinum. This is disappointing to me since I favor the Plus over the other two (despite it's lower cost), and view it as a sort of "bench-mark" or gold standard of Sonicare toothbrushes. That said, each of course, have their own set of pros and cons. Also of course, this is the new "connected" version that works with your smartphone via the free App.

note: Even though it appears that the PLUS model is being phased out, I include it in this review for comparison purposes and because it still seems to be available for purchase, and in case it is made available again in some form in the future.

The first and MOST IMPORTANT thing to know: Any of the Philips Sonicare brushes can be used with any of the models. Of course, the brushes are where "the rubber meets the road", so to speak. Knowing this, you are free to choose a brush handle based solely on it's features and design.

The UV SANITIZER versions were/are available with both the Plus and Platinum models. Obviously this adds a bit to the cost, so one should weigh the Sanitizer's importance and usefulness to them. Personally, I LIKE having it, though admittedly I find myself just not using it very much. Of course it also adds quite a bit to the footprint of the toothbrush versus the small charging base, which takes up very little space.

COMPARISONS

Performance

As far as their capability of performing their intended function, that obviously being the cleaning of your teeth, I have to say that the three models all seem pretty equal on those terms. There is one listed distinction, however, between the newest Platinum model and the DiamondCare and Plus. The Platinum model is apparently capable of a little bit of a higher intensity than the other two models. Philips states the following about the Platinum: "Philips Sonicare's best ever plaque removal: up to 10x more than a manual toothbrush". The other two models are listing 7x more plaque removal than a manual toothbrush. I cannot speak to the accuracy of this claim, but I can say that I have used all three models one after the other on their highest intensity settings and I cannot perceive any difference in intensity or in the way that they perform.

Ergonomics

There are some definite differences here. In this regard, the Plus model scores the highest in my opinion. This is because of it's curves as well as due to the back portion of it's handle being made of a rubber-like material. It feels the most comfortable to hold and is the easiest to grip. Both the Platinum and Diamond models are cylindrical in shape and have forgone the rubber handle for all plastic, with the Diamond being completely smooth on all sides and the Platinum using raised "dots" to help with grip.

Design

In addition to the ergonomic differences already mentioned, their additional individual design features are what set them apart the most from each other. This is also probably the most subjective area to be considered as some may love certain design aspects that other will not like at all.

The DiamondClean model is of minimalist design. When I first saw it, I called "The i-phone of toothbrushes". It is all white with some chrome accents. It has a very appealing modern and clean look. The glass charger is of course very cool whether or not you actually use the glass for rinsing and not just charging. The single button operation is both a plus and minus for me. It is a plus because it is as simple as you can get in operation-one button turns it on, adjusts mode, and turns it off. It is a minus because you cannot simply turn it off too soon after turning it on. Once you turn it on, if you push the button it again cycles through it's cleaning modes. If you want or need to turn it off within ten or so seconds after turning it on, the only way to do that is to first cycle through the five modes. I find this annoying. I like to be able to turn things on and off easily and as needed.

The Platinum model uses three buttons for control. It's use is very intuitive. They have added a three level intensity setting button in addition to the mode button. I think that most people will simply use the highest setting unless they are first-time users or have particularly sensitive teeth. What I do not like is the design of the buttons here. There is a space all around the three buttons, whereas the buttons of the other two models are fairly sealed. This means that gunk will inevitably get into those spaces, potentially causing problems or at the least requiring tedious cleaning. Tiny green LED indicator lights indicate level and mode.

The Plus model uses two buttons for control- one being an on and off button and the other to cycle through five cleaning modes. Operation is very simple and intuitive and is my favorite in this regard. The buttons are pretty well sealed.

Bluetooth "Connected" Feature

Of course this Platinum is the only model with this feature. This seems like a pretty cool and novel idea, but I really wonder how often I (or most people) will ever use it once the novelty wears off. Downloading the App and pairing with the tootbrush was very simple. I am still experimenting with this feature and will add more thoughts here.

Summary

The Platinum Sonicare is a very good toothbrush that performs well, with some design changes over the Plus model which I do not favor by comparison.
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Bristles FALL OUT Atfer 1-3 weeks- Sonicare denies fault
by Jonathan Rose & Angel Belardinelli (1 out of 5 stars)
October 31, 2018

After 1-3 weeks brush bristles begin falling out in small parts and large sections. This has happened with 5 brush heads already. I have contacted Sonicare who adamantly claims that the brush heads are not defective, however "We are dedicated to improving your experience. Before applying any toothpaste directly to the brush head, please make sure to check the ingredients to see whether your toothpaste contains any essential oils such as coconut oil, peppermint oil, or clove oil. These oils can damage your brush heads and cause bristles to fall out ."

I have been using Sonicare electric toothbrushes with the same exact toothpaste since 2003. I have never had this problem. Not only is Sonicare not owning up to creating a faulty toothbrush/brusheads, they are trying to put the blame on the consumer.

They offered me ONE replacement to compensate me for my trouble "as a good will gesture" (note: I purchased the toothbrush new to use these heads, and 2 additional packs of replacement heads, that's at least 6 brush heads plus a new toothbrush - at around $300)
"Philips values your business and to show our appreciation, I'd like to send you a new one-pack Sonicare diamondclean Standard sonic brush heads as a one-time courtesy. I will also include in the box a prepaid return label to send back your original defect brush head(s). It is important that you return the original defect brush head(s) so that we can further investigate your experience and see how we can improve the quality of our products. Please send the defect brush head(s) only and keep your handle, charger and other accessories. You can use the same packaging the replacement comes in, but be sure to cover or remove the label that comes on the box to avoid any shipping confusion. You will receive an email confirmation of the order from Encompass, our parts distributor, with your tracking number."

I asked to speak to a supervisor, and I got the same answer:
"Thank you for patiently waiting. 3:30:36 p.m.

I already reviewed your chat. 3:32:18 p.m.

The best offer I can do here is send you a 1 pack brush head as good will gesture."

I have asked for an additional supervisor, and I got a brush off:
"Right now, I'm the highest point of escalation. Rest assured I'm the best person to resolve your issue."

After pushing a bit more: "Here's what I'm going to do, I will check with our specialist to review your case and send you a follow up email."

I am not confident that I will get a happy resolution, and honestly I am not sure what to do if I have to change from Sonicare. But I guess I will be going back to the original brush heads. It is very frustrating because I didn't need to buy a new toothbrush if I was going to keep using the old heads.
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Great toothbrush but bluetooth is useless
by Kon (4 out of 5 stars)
June 21, 2017

Like many others who first purchased a Philips toothbrush, we all wanted to have cleaner, brighter and healthier teeth. And this toothbrush did indeed achieve that for me, my only issue was that I had originally brought this particular model in hopes that the bluetooth app would better aid my cleaning regime, but while still a great toothbrush the feature at this point has proven to be quite useless to me. Like some others have mentioned, it doesn't really track exactly where the brush head is located in your mouth and personally I felt that the on screen timing was too fast paced for me (especially when I first started using the toothbrush). The toothbrush has a pressure sensor feature, but in reality you'd have to press down pretty hard for it to activate.

In a nutshell its a great toothbrush but like many others have said I would have rather purchased the same model minus the bluetooth capabilities.
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High quality toothbrush, unnecessary bluetooth connectivity
by Tad (4 out of 5 stars)
October 29, 2017

My dental hygienist recommended I use one of these, so I decided to invest in my long term gum health.

The toothbrush doesn't have the clearest instructions--there were two heads included and nowhere does it explain the difference.

With that said, once you get into the routine it's pretty nice. It buzzes to tell you when to shift to a new section of your mouth, and it has a different buzz to tell when you are using too much pressure.

The bluetooth bit is almost a gimmick, though it does allow you to track your brushing visually, showing if you missed any days, and it tracks the age of the brush head. I don't bother using it every time, and the brush is smart enough to store recent brushing activities and upload them all the next time you sync over bluetooth.

I will have to come back and update this review when I have my next dental cleaning--time will tell if it is doing its job.
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Bad tracking
by Epimachus (2 out of 5 stars)
August 24, 2018

The main selling point of this toothbrush, besides that it's electric, is its ability to track your brushing. Unfortunately, my device was completely unable to track any amount of brushing in the back bottom left, and usually also ran into trouble in the back lower right, back top right, and back upper left. This is despite attempting every angle physically possible. That basically leaves only the fronts, back top middle, and back bottom middle working correctly.

I want to know where *I* accidentally missed my brushing, not where the toothbrush accidentally missed my brushing. I hate returning items, especially toothbrushes (who does that?), but this product isn't worth anywhere close to its relatively high price.
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Stay away, it is not durable like old Sonicares.
by Richard C. (1 out of 5 stars)
April 2, 2019

I have had several sonicare toothbrushes over the years. I have in fact never actually broken one or had it fail on me until this model. I have always just purchased a new one as the others look old and/or I want a newer model.

This model comes with a pressure sensing feature that lets you know if you are brushing too hard. That feature creates an Achilles heel and adds a failure point. I never exceeded the brushing pressure guidelines but this model still failed after less than 2 months. The metal driver part has become disconnected from the vibrating shaft and is now an expensive and loud rattling basic toothbrush. This seems to be a common problem on these latest Sonicares. The web is full of DIY repairs and spare parts. In the 15+ years I have used a Sonicare, I have never had one fail until this one.

Stay away.
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New technology with Bluetooth
by David H. Gundersen (5 out of 5 stars)
September 27, 2019

When purchasing this tooth brush, I wasn't aware that it had Bluetooth to monitor your brushing. It came with 2 different brushes. My wife & I use the same unit, only the different brushes that came with the unit. I previously purchased replacement brushes for the older unit that died. Now, I will have to find new replacement brushes to fit the newer model. I seems to have 4 phases when brushing. Not sure if it is for the 4 quadrants on your mouth. The previous model would signal it was time to move on after 30 seconds. This one seems to signal after 15 seconds, ergo the surmise of 4 quadrants of the mouth. No instructions
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Different item received
by O (1 out of 5 stars)
June 5, 2017

Received a completely different item. different model, Moreover, the item received was clearly marked as "For distribution by dental professionals only not for online resale".
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Do not buy this model
by SB (1 out of 5 stars)
August 23, 2017

Do not buy this model! Received 2 of these and both stopped charging. The first stopped charging after only one month and the second one after a few months. This model is junk it was the first model released with Bluetooth and was obviously their test product. Do not buy this model!

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