Putting Philips’s new wake-up light to the test
19.1.2018
Translation: Eva Francis
«Simulate a natural sunrise to wake up refreshed» is Philips’s claim. The newest addition to their product range is a sleep and wake-up light. My co-worker Catharina and I had a closer look at the model HF3650/01 and wanted to find out what this alarm clock is really capable of and if it’s worth a buy.
My first wake-up light was a model by Philips that I got on my 15th birthday. It was bulky and impractical, but it worked perfectly for many years – and that’s why I loved it. Especially in winter; I didn’t need a bedside lamp, because my alarm clock was also a light. This is what it looked like:
Pretty, isn’t it?
Three years ago, my alarm clock sadly packed up. I’ve been waking up with the alarm from my mobile phone ever since. I must admit, when it came to testing the new model HF3650/01, I had high hopes. Surely, a lot must have happened in the last 10 years since my first wake-up light was launched.
First impressions
Before I get to the functionalities, I’d like to say a few words about the design: It’s futuristic, almost sterile and doesn’t have much in common with the last few wake-up models when it comes to design. What the hole is for is a mystery to me. The design is not particularly elegant, in my opinion, but then again, it’s not all about the looks, right? Catharina, who tested the alarm clock at the same time as I, didn’t agree with me. She found this alarm clock much more attractive than the preceding model, which she refers to as «massive dome».
The functions
No DAB+, no possibility to enter different wake-up times for weekdays and weekends and only eight alarm tones – I’m disappointed. However, the touchscreen works well, there are multiple brightness levels and the function Relax Breath got my attention. According to Philips, you follow the rhythm of the light with your breathing to wind down. Sounds great, so I gave it a try…and wasn’t convinced. The outer LEDs didn’t flow well, which I found annoying. I switched to Sunset mode: much better. It even plays the sound of rain if you want. Although I quite liked this setting – it was soothing and cool – I only used it a few times. When I really wanted to sleep, I just switched the alarm clock off. What turned out to be my favourite function was Night mode: a pleasant red light that comes on when you touch the sensor on top of the lamp. This is really handy when you have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and don’t want to wake up your partner.
I always woke up when the brightest level was reached, even before the alarm tone. Catharina didn’t wake up purely from the light, but only once the alarm tone started. She wasn’t happy about the tone she chose, which simulated the sound of waves. «Personally, I would have liked it to be more gentle. I always woke up with the first wave and it felt rather abrupt – not different to other alarm clocks.» I chose the twittering of birds to wake me up, which was OK, but considering my old alarm had three alarm tones, the upgrade to eight isn’t impressive. At least, the sound quality is a lot better. One more feature is the USB port that let’s you charge your phone and play your own music.
My conclusion
I agree that this wake-up light lets you wake up more gently. You’re not jolted from your sleep as with a mobile phone alarm. Although night mode sounds unspectacular, this – together with the USB port – is my personal highlight.
Am I going to buy one? My first thought was: no way! But now that the test phase is over, I quite miss it. The first morning without it felt strange. Catharina likes the variety of the alarm tunes, but is staying loyal to her current alarm.
You should get it if...
- you’re sensitive to light.
- the dark winter months are getting to you.
- you have enough of your mobile phone alarm.
- you sleep on your own or share the bed with someone who has a similar sleeping rhythm.
- you don’t have enough space for a bedside lamp.
You shouldn’t get it if...
- you have the preceding model.
- you have high demands when it comes to alarm clocks.
- you prefer less sterile designs.
- you’re an early-morning person and your partner isn’t.
Léonie de Montmollin
Portfolio Development Manager
leonie.de.montmollin@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I’m not busy putting together home décor themes or planning marketing activities for Galaxus, I enjoy decorating my home with things I love and starting DIY projects I finish all too rarely. The inspiration I get comes from blogs, magazines and travels. My favourite home living styles: Nautical, Scandinavian and Nordic.
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