Xiaomi 2021 Robot Cleaner: How to Choose the Best Home Model

Choosing a robot vacuum cleaner is a tough task, especially for Xiaomi 2021 models, and this year it has released several updated lines, each geared toward different needs, from budget solutions for small apartments to premium devices with laser navigation and floorwashing. But how can you not get confused about the specifications and pay for unnecessary options?

In this article, we will analyze the key parameters to look for when buying, compare the popular models Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 and others, and give practical tips for choosing depending on the type of coverage, space and budget.

Key parameters when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Before comparing specific models, it is important to understand what specifications really affect the quality of cleaning.

• 📏 Type of navigation: laser lidar (more precisely, but more expensive), gyroscope (cheaper, but less accurate) or camera (rarely found in Xiaomi).
• 🔋 Battery life and capacity: 90 to 180 minutes on a single charge.+ m2) requires a battery of 3200 mAh.
• 🌀 Cleaning system: dry cleaning, wet cleaning or combined. Models with floor cleaning function require regular replacement of wipes.
• 📱 Management via the application: support for Mi Home or Xiaomi Home, the ability to zoning, cleaning schedules and integration with voice assistants.
• 🔊 Noise level: from 55 to 70 dB. For cleaning at night or in the presence of children, it is better to choose models with a score of up to 60 dB.

One of the most controversial issues is suction power. Manufacturers often give peak value (for example, 2500 Pa), but the actual efficiency depends on the design of brushes and filters. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro with a declared 3000 Pa may be inferior in cleaning the wool of the Roborock S7 animal model from 2500 Pa due to differences in the design of the turbobrush.

Comparison of popular Xiaomi models 2021

In 2021, Xiaomi released several notable new products, as well as updated old lines. Below is a comparative table of key models that can be found on sale:

One important nuance: Laser-navigated models require open space to build a map. If your apartment has a lot of low-end furniture (such as sofas without legs or oofiks), the robot can "lose" and skip zones, in which case it is better to consider hybrid solutions with a gyroscope or camera.

It’s also worth noting that the Roborock S7, although it’s a Xiaomi subsidiary of Roborock, is often sold under Xiaomi’s marketing umbrella, which features a vibrating mop that is better at washing dried stains, but also costs significantly more.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a robot vacuum cleaner to clean long-pile carpets, look for models with adjustable suction power. Cheap devices may get tangled in the pile or may not be able to handle deep cleaning.

Laser Navigation vs. Gyroscope: Which is Best for Your Home?

One of the most common questions you have to ask yourself is what type of navigation you want, and let's look at the pros and cons of each option:

• 🔦 Laser lidar: ✅ Precise construction of a room map. ✅ Possibility of zoning and prohibition of cleaning in certain areas. ✅ It is better to cope with complex layout (many rooms, corridors). ❌ It is 30-50% more expensive than a gyroscope. ❌ May work poorly in dark rooms or in bright sunlight (glows).
• 🌀 gyroscope + optical-sensors: ✅ Cheaper and easier to maintain. ✅ It is suitable for small apartments (up to 60 m²). ❌ Map is less accurate, there are possible "skips" zones. ❌ It is more difficult to set up virtual walls or cleaning areas.

If your apartment has a simple layout (for example, a studio or a two-room one with no winding corridors), a gyroscope may be a good solution, but for houses with multiple levels, stairs or complex furniture arrangement, a laser lidar will be a more reliable choice.

Wet cleaning function: do you need it?

Wet cleaning models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 or Pro) are marketed as universal solutions for dry and wet cleaning, but in practice this feature has a number of limitations:

• 💧 Washing intensity: Most of Xiaomi’s 2021 robots only slightly moisturize the surface, but do not wash away severe contaminants (such as burnt fat or footwear marks).
• 🧹 Care: After each cleaning, you need to wash the water container and napkin, otherwise the smell will appear.
• 🚫 Coating restrictions: wet cleaning is not suitable for low-moisture laminate or carpets (risk of wetting and mold).

If your primary goal is to get rid of dust and small debris, dry-cleaning models are enough.

• Tiles or linoleum in the hallway / kitchen.
• Pets (a robot can pick up wool and wipe the floor at the same time).
• Allergy to dust (wet cleaning reduces its spread).

⚠️ Note: In the Xiaomi 2021 models, wet cleaning is often implemented through a removable water tank that takes the place of a dust container, which means that the volume for collecting garbage is reduced during combined cleaning (for example, from 0.6 liters to 0.3 liters).

Compatible with your type of coverage|Availability of spare wipes in the kit|Opportunity to disable function (if only dry cleaning is needed)|Reviews on the quality of washing (some models leave divorces)-->

Which robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi 2021 is suitable for an apartment with animals?

If you have dogs or cats, there are a few additional factors to consider when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner:

1. Suction power: a minimum of 2,500 Pa to collect wool from carpets. Turbobrush models (such as the Roborock S7) do better than straight brushed ones.
2. Volume of the dust collector: from 0.5 liters, otherwise you will have to clean it after each cleaning.
3. HEPA filter: mandatory for allergic people, as it traps small particles of wool and dust.
4. Noise level: Animals can be frightened by loud noises, optimally up to 60 dB.

Of the 2021 models, the best fit for this task are:

• Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro – thanks to the high suction power (3000 Pa) and a large dust collector (0.55 liters).
• Roborock S7 – Vibration mop helps remove the adhering wool from hard surfaces.

However, even the most advanced robots will not replace manual cleaning in corners and under furniture.

• 🐾 Remove toys and bowls of animals before starting a robot.
• 🧹 Use virtual walls to restrict access to tray or feed.
• 🔄 Start cleaning 2-3 times a week (wool accumulates quickly).

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If the robot is constantly entangled in the wool, check the condition of the side brush — it must be cleaned after each cleaning. In some models (for example, the Roborock S7), the brush is removable and washable.

Budget vs. Premium Models: Which One Should Choose?

The price range of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners in 2021 varies from 15,000 to 50,000 rubles. Let's analyze what exactly you overpay in premium models and whether it is worth it.

Budget models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite) are suitable for:

• Small apartments (up to 50 m2).
• People who only need dry cleaning.
• Quiet operation (noise level ~55 dB).

Premium devices (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro or Roborock S7) are justified if:

• You have a large apartment (80+ m2) or several levels.
• It requires accurate navigation with support for virtual walls and zones.
• Wet cleaning with intensity adjustment is important.

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If your budget is limited but you need laser navigation, look for 2020 models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) – after the release of new versions, they are often sold at a discount of up to 30%.

Where to buy and what to look for when choosing?

When buying a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, it is important not only to choose a model, but also to avoid fakes or devices with “gray” firmware.

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citronix. Here you can guarantee the original firmware and warranty 12+ months.
• 🌍 Imported versions: models for the Chinese market (for example, with prefixes) CN in the title) may not support Russian in the application or have restrictions on the guarantee.
• 🔄 Software Updates: Check if the model supports automatic updates via Mi Home. Some gray devices require manual firmware.
• 📦 Package: the box should have spare filters, wipes for wet cleaning and instructions in Russian.

You also have to look at the feedback about the particular vendor, and on sites like AliExpress or JD.ru, they often sell fakes under the guise of the original models.

• The price is 30-40% below the market average.
• The absence of the Xiaomi logo on the case or packaging.
• Incorrect work with the official application Mi Home.

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, check with the seller whether the model supports Russian firmware. Some devices require manual reflashing, which may deprive you of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners 2021