In terms of shaving there is difference between the peyos on the side of the head and the beard. We treat the former as asur even with k’ein tar. The latter is mutar with k’ein tar. See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 181:3 & 10.
This is why all Orthodox Jewish men will have sideburns (peyos of the head) but not all will have beards.