The smart tech market is full of offerings, but Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are still at the forefront of the market for price and functionality, but it’s easy to get confused by hundreds of models that often have only minor details but vary in price when you choose a device from the Mi Home ecosystem.
Before you make a purchase, you need to clearly understand what tasks the gadget will perform in your home: will it be dry cleaning of carpets, regular wet cleaning of laminate or comprehensive maintenance of a large apartment with a complex layout?
In this article, we will discuss the key technical characteristics that you should pay attention to not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to be disappointed in the basic configuration. The right choice will save you time and nerves during operation.
Navigation: Laser vs. Camera and Gyroscope
The most important factor affecting cleaning efficiency and device price is the type of navigation. Xiaomi’s lineup has three main types of spatial orientation, each with its own features.
The most advanced and accurate solution is LDS-Laser Distance Sensor: These models have a characteristic turret on the top panel that rotates and scans the room with a laser to build an accurate map. LDS They never retrieve chaotically, they move strictly parallel lines, do not forget corners and can return to recharge exactly at the point where they stopped.
More affordable models use a gyroscope or camera (vSLAM). Gyroscopic models build the map less accurately, can make small errors and sometimes get lost in the dark if they don't have additional sensors. Camera systems work well in good light, but can experience difficulties at night.
- 📡 LDS (Laser: Perfect map, work in the dark, high price, possibility of dividing into rooms.
- 📷 vSLAM: Good navigation in light, low profile (no turrets), problems in the dark.
- 🌀 Gyroscope: Snake movement, lack of full map in the application, low cost.
When choosing a furniture, consider the height of the furniture. Laser models, because of the protruding sensor, can be higher than the chamber counterparts. If you have a lot of low furniture, check the dimensions of the device.
Types of wet cleaning and tank design
Many users mistakenly believe that all robots wash the floor the same way, in reality, under the brand Xiaomi hides devices with fundamentally different approaches to wet cleaning, which directly affects the quality of the result.
The basic level is the wiping. In these models (often the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential series), water is fed to the napkin by gravity or simply in a static tank. The robot simply carries a wet rag across the floor. This is suitable for collecting fine dust, but it will not remove dried stains.
More sophisticated systems use a vibration platform or rotating discs, such as Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro+ or Dreame devices, which use sonic mopping technology, where the cloth vibrates at a high frequency, mimicking hand movements when washing the floor.
What is the difference between an electronic and mechanical tank?
⚠️ Note: No rag-washed robot vacuum cleaner is designed to wash carpets. If you have carpets in your home, choose models with automatic rag lifting or the ability to create virtual no-go zones in the app.
Also worth paying attention to the volume of the combined tank. Modern models often use a 2-in-1 system, where part of the volume is occupied by a dust collector and part is occupied by a water tank. For large apartments, it is better to look for models with an increased water tank (from 200 ml).
Comparison of popular series and models
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a key performance comparison table for the popular robot vacuum cleaner lineups on the market, which will help you quickly navigate the range.
| Series/Model | Type of navigation | Wet cleaning | Auto-cleaning the base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Robot Vacuum E10 | gyroscope | No. | No. |
| Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite | Gyroscope + LDS (depending on version) | Wipe | No. |
| Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+ | LDS Laser | Vibration + lift | Yeah (dust + water) |
| Roborock S7/S8 (Ecosystem) | LDS Laser | Sonic (Vibration) | Optionally. |
And there's also models with self-cleaning stations, which are devices that, after cleaning, return to the base, where a powerful vacuum cleaner sucks garbage from the robot's internal container into a large bag, and these stations may not require human intervention for up to 60 days.
For pet owners, having a self-cleaning station is critical, and it allows them to avoid contact with tangles of wool and dust every time they unload the garbage collection.
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Pay attention to the presence HEPA-If you're allergic, a regular net on a bag can let fine dust back into the air when blowing out.
Mi Home App and Ecosystem
The robot is controlled via a smartphone, and the quality of the software is just as important as the specs. The main tool is the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home), which integrates all the smart devices of the brand.
The app allows you to build maps of rooms, install virtual walls, set up schedules and select cleaning modes. However, the functionality may vary depending on the region to which the device is connected. Full functionality often requires you to choose a "China" region, which can affect the response speed of the server.
An important feature is integration with voice assistants. Xiaomi robots are great friends with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Yandex Alice (through the Mi Home skill).
- 🗺️ Cartography: Preserving up to 4 floor maps, editing rooms, installing no-go zones.
- 📅 Schedule: Flexible setup of cleaning times for different days of the week and rooms.
- 🔊 Voice Packages: The ability to change the robot’s language and voice (including celebrity voices in the Chinese version).
☑️ Checking before connection
Permeability and gender types
The efficiency of cleaning depends on the robot's ability to overcome obstacles, and the rugs between rooms, the carpets with high pile, and the transitions between the tile and the laminate are tests that a good machine must withstand.
The key here is clearance and suction power. 2000 Pas can struggle with carpets, while devices with index 4000-5000 Pa and above easily pull dust from the depths of the pile.
In recent years, Xiaomi has moved to use silicone brushes in top-end models. They are less confusing with hair and wool, they are easier to clean. Classic brushes with pile are better at cleaning dust from deep flooring crevices, but require regular maintenance.
⚠️ Warning: If you have a very dark floor or black carpets, laser elevation sensors (which prevent you from falling down stairs) may perceive them as a cliff.
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For apartments with broods above 1.5-2 cm and thick carpets, choose models with clearance of at least 2 cm and suction power from 3000 Pa.
Services and supplies
Buying a robot is just the beginning, and in order for the device to last long and clean properly, you need to maintain it regularly. Xiaomi supplies are easy to find, but they need to be changed.
HEPA filters need to be changed every 2-3 months, otherwise the suction power will fall and the motor may overheat. Side brushes wear out faster than anyone, especially if there are animals in the house and they need to be replaced every 3-6 months.
The main brush and wheels also require attention. Periodically (every 1-2 weeks) it is recommended to remove the brush and clean the bearings of wound hair.
Don't forget the sensors. Laser rangefinder and elevation sensors need to be periodically wiped with dry soft cloth. Dust on the sensors can lead to navigational errors and collisions with furniture.