{"id":592,"date":"2024-08-19T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xiaomi-x20-robot-vacuum-54405\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T18:17:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:17:27","slug":"review-xiaomi-x20-robot-vacuum-54405","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xiaomi-x20-robot-vacuum-54405\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Xiaomi X20+ Robot Vacuum (54405)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a child, I recall watching Runaway<\/strong>, a 1984 film starring Tom Selleck<\/strong> (trailer link<\/a>). Set in a future where robots perform most tasks, the movie features a specialized police unit that deals with malfunctioning robots. The plot thickens when the villain, portrayed by Gene Simmons<\/strong> (of the band KISS<\/strong>), replaces robot control chips, turning them into deadly machines. One scene depicts a home-help robot, strikingly similar to modern robot vacuum cleaners, wielding a revolver. The film accurately predicted technologies like tablets, surveillance cameras, and drones. Consequently, I’ve harbored a degree of skepticism, albeit jokingly, toward robot vacuum cleaners and similar autonomous devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Photo: senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, I was intrigued when I had the opportunity to evaluate the X20+ Robot Vacuum<\/strong> from Xiaomi<\/strong>. I was keen to experience having a robot handle my cleaning needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The X20+ Robot Vacuum<\/em> is more than just a vacuum; it includes a comprehensive base station for charging, self-cleaning, and water refilling. This distinguishes it from previously tested models like the Roborock S8<\/strong><\/a> and the Neato D8<\/a><\/strong>. However, such features are becoming standard in higher-end models such as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra<\/a><\/strong>. The question is: can the Xiaomi X20+ compete effectively, given its lower price point?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon unboxing, a quick start guide provides clear instructions on setup and placement. The product exhibits a solid and premium feel. The water compartment is constructed from durable material, minimizing the risk of leaks. The design is also intelligent, with a transparent fresh water container and a tinted dirty water container, facilitating easy differentiation and preventing incorrect placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Photo: senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While filling the water tank, I proceeded to download the necessary app (available for both Android<\/strong> and iOS<\/strong>) to operate the Xiaomi X20+<\/strong>. An initial issue arose: despite downloading the app from the Swedish<\/em> App store<\/strong>, the default language was set to Chinese. This appears to be a known issue, as numerous online comments report the same problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
How’s your Chinese? Photo: senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Using Google Translate, I located the language and region settings and successfully corrected them. The experience raises concerns about accessibility for users unfamiliar with such workarounds. The first task for the Xiaomi X20+<\/em> is to map the environment. For optimal results, it is recommended to remove obstacles such as chairs to ensure an accurate map generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Photo: senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once the map is created, it can be edited within the app. Users can divide and name rooms, create virtual “walls” to prevent access to areas like under TV cabinets where cables are present. Carpeted areas can also be designated to ensure the robot only vacuums, and not mops, those surfaces. One limitation is the inability to define diagonally oriented carpets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to its initial cleaning run, the battery requires a full charge. The battery provides approximately 180 minutes of runtime, sufficient for cleaning my home. The robot autonomously returns to the base station for charging and mop cleaning as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Xiaomi X20+<\/em> offers a suction power of 6000Pa<\/em>, four cleaning modes, and utilizes LDS laser navigation for efficient route planning. The robot can be configured to gently contact walls for thorough cleaning or to navigate without touching walls at all. It effectively adapts to changing conditions and reroutes when encountering obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My home features low thresholds, which generally benefits robot vacuum cleaners. However, cables secured to the thresholds with clamps presented a challenge. The robot demonstrated persistence in overcoming these obstacles, eventually finding a successful route. The threshold was easily navigated from the opposite side, where no clamps were present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n