"A technologically dense toothbrush whose smart features command a punishingly high price."
The 'iO Sense smart charger' uses sensors to guide your brushing across 6 zones of your mouth, aiming to solve the problem of missed spots, but it's also the feature that inflates the price into luxury territory.
This is for the user who wants the maximum amount of data and feedback on their brushing habits and is willing to pay a steep premium for that coaching. It also appeals to those who prioritize the quieter, smoother feel of the magnetic drive motor.
Anyone focused on value can find comparable cleaning results in brushes under $100. Users who dislike relying on a smartphone app for full functionality will find the core 'smart' features of the iO9 a chore to use.