Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Review 2026: AI Brushing Coach, Now the Value Flagship

TL;DR: The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is Philips’ previous-generation connected flagship — app-based brushing coach, smart pressure sensor, brush head auto-detection, and premium travel kit. Based on specs, pricing, and published reviews, it’s an excellent brush that now sells at a discount because the newer DiamondClean 9900 Prestige arrived in October 2026, making this the smart buy if you prefer Philips’ sonic style.

Key features

• App-connected brushing coach: Pairs with the Philips Sonicare app over Bluetooth to track coverage, pressure, and scrubbing motion, showing a mouth map of what you’ve cleaned and where you missed. Smart sensors give real-time feedback as you brush.
• Smart pressure sensor: A light ring at the handle’s base alerts you when you’re pressing too hard, and the brush can reduce intensity to protect your gums.
• Brush head auto-detection: Smart brush heads pair automatically with the right mode and intensity, and BrushSync reminds you when a head needs replacing. The 9700 ships with a generous set of heads, including Premium Plaque Control, Premium Gum Care, Premium White, and TongueCare+.
• Five modes, three intensities: Clean, White+, Deep Clean+, Gum Health, and TongueCare, each with three intensity levels — enough range for sensitive gums through stain removal.
• Philips’ sonic cleaning: Up to 62,000 bristle movements per minute with Sonicare Fluid Action driving fluid between teeth and along the gumline. Philips claims up to 20x more plaque removal versus a manual brush.
• Premium travel kit: A glass charging base and a USB charging travel case come in the box, with up to two weeks of battery life per charge.

Who it’s for

The DiamondClean Smart is for Philips loyalists and anyone who prefers the sonic brushing feel over Oral-B’s round oscillating heads. It’s a natural pick if you want a coach-style brush but find the Oral-B iO Series 10 overpriced or its round head unfamiliar. It’s also well suited to travelers — the glass charger looks good on a counter and the USB travel case charges on the go.

If you’re buying in 2026, it’s specifically for the value-conscious premium buyer: with the 9900 Prestige now on sale at $379.99, the Smart 9700’s discounts make it the cheaper way into Philips’ top tier.

What to watch out for

The elephant in the bathroom: Philips launched the Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige in October 2026, with on-device AI, a 12-segment mouth map on the handle itself, and adaptive intensity — at $379.99. The DiamondClean Smart 9700 is now the older flagship. That’s good news for your wallet (discounts are common), but don’t pay near-original list price for it.

A few practical caveats from long-term reviews: the app experience is genuinely useful but the novelty can fade — some owners stop opening the app after a few months, at which point you’re left with a very good but very expensive brush. The power button on some units has been reported to malfunction over time; Philips covers its brushes with a two-year warranty, so keep your receipt.

Also note that Philips’ mode and head naming is confusing — the 9700 ships with several head types and the app tracks them individually. It works well once set up, but the first pairing session takes a few minutes of attention.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent app-based brushing coach with coverage and pressure tracking
• Smart brush heads auto-select modes; BrushSync replacement reminders
• Generous bundle: multiple premium heads, glass charger, USB travel case
• Up to two weeks of battery per charge
• Often discounted now that the 9900 Prestige is the current flagship

Cons:

• Superseded by the DiamondClean 9900 Prestige — don’t pay full list price
• App coaching only matters if you actually keep using the app
• Some reports of power-button issues over time (two-year warranty covers it)
• Sonic style isn’t for everyone — try before committing if you’ve only used oscillating brushes

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the DiamondClean Smart 9700 or the new 9900 Prestige?
The 9900 Prestige is the newer brush with on-device AI and on-handle mouth mapping at $379.99. Buy the Smart 9700 if you find it meaningfully discounted — the cleaning fundamentals are very similar.

Does the DiamondClean Smart work without the app?
Yes — it brushes, times, and pressure-warns on its own. The app adds the coaching layer: coverage maps, habit tracking, and personalized tips.

How many brushing modes does it have?
Five: Clean, White+, Deep Clean+, Gum Health, and TongueCare, each with three intensity levels.

How long does the battery last?
Philips rates it at up to two weeks of twice-daily brushing per charge.

Which brush heads fit the DiamondClean Smart?
It uses Philips Sonicare click-on heads, and the smart heads (A3, C3, G3, W3 series) auto-pair with modes. BrushSync tracks wear and reminds you to replace them.

Price and availability

The DiamondClean Smart 9700 lists at $339.96 on Philips’ site but is regularly discounted at retailers now that the 9900 Prestige is out. Check price on Amazon

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