The ILIFE A8 vs. Xiaomi Mi Robot Comparison: Which Is Better?

Recently, ILIFE Robotics released a new flagship robot vacuum - the ILIFE A8. It's a first ILIFE model with an intelligent navigation system that builds a path for efficient cleaning. Why is smart navigation so important? Most of the cheap robot vacuums randomly move around your house, so they need more time to cover the entire area. Sometimes, they can't clean all the rooms at once or spend more time in one room and less in another. But they are still good if you use them regularly a few times per week. More expensive models like the ILIFE A8, Xiaomi Mi robot (and the newest Roborock S5 version), the Roomba 980, the Neato BotVac Connected, the Deebot Ozmo 930, and so on are equipped with a smart navigation system.

They have a laser or camera located on top that scans your house, while a powerful processor builds a plan of all rooms and calculates the most effective path to clean it avoiding obstacles. In this article, we will try to compare the ILIFE A8 and Xiaomi Mi Robot vacuum cleaners.

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ILIFE A8 and Xiaomi Mi Robot specifications

What does the Xiaomi Mi Robot do? Features

The Xiaomi Mi Robot can be controlled via the MI Home app (Android and iOS supported). The app offers a few features such as tracking cleaning progress (even if you are not at home), scheduling, the start/stop button, return to recharge, and so on. The Mi Robot has a powerful motor that delivers 1,800 Pa vs. 1,000 Pa compared to the ILIFE A8. The 5200mAh battery provides a longer run time - up to 150 minutes in one charge. It is equipped with 12 different sensors that help the robot move around the house and build an efficient cleaning pattern.

In the app, you can track the Mi Robot in real-time, watch a created map, set virtual boundaries by drawing a rectangle on your smartphone. Also, if you need the robot to clean a particular room, you can create a zone to be cleaned.

Pros

• Can be controlled and monitored via a smartphone
• Decent battery life
• Strong suction power
• The LIDAR technology is more accurate and allows the robot to work in the dark
• Supports virtual block offs and zoned cleaning

Click here to see customers reviews about the Xiaomi Mi Robot on Amazon

Cons

• No extra accessories in the box (no extra side brush, filter, or anything)
• The bristled brush makes it challenging to untangle long human or pet hair

The main features of the ILIFE A8

The ILIFE A8 is an improved version of the A6 model. It has a similar design and the same 300ml dustbin. You can use the IR remote controller to schedule the robot, choose between 5 cleaning modes (auto, borders, the entire room, spotted spiral cleaning mode), and get the robot to its docking station using the home button. The ILIFE A8 has a new feature - a voice alert system called the i-Voice Assistant. The robot alerts you about the battery level or when the cleaning process will be finished. The slim body allows cleaning hard-to-reach places.

In the box, there are two brushes: a bristled one for working on carpet, and the rubber one that is tangle-free, perfect for pet hair and bare floors.

Pros

• Slim 7.2cm body
• Low noise level
• i-Voice Assistant
• Extra brushes and filters come in the box
• Tangle-free brush is the best for pet and long human hair

Click here to see customers reviews about the ILIFE A8 on Amazon

Cons

• Does not come with a smartphone app
• Doesn't do medium and thick carpets
• Its mapping technology is not as good as the LIDAR

Price and where to buy

• The 1st generation Xiaomi is available on Gearbest. It costs $299.99 which is more than expected for the features it offers.

• You can also get the Xiaomi Mi Robot on Amazon for $365 with free two-day shipping for Prime members.

• The iLIFE A8 is available on Amazon for $249.99.

Update: You can order ILIFE A8 on Gearbest for about $350.

*remember that prices on Amazon or GearBest may change.

What are the main differences between the Xiaomi Mi Robot and the ILIFE A8?

1. The Xiaomi Mi Robot uses the LIDAR mapping system and SLAM technology to navigate around. It allows the robot to work in the dark. The ILIFE A8 maps with a camera sensor that has its issues with dark carpets because of the cliff sensors that "think" the robot is going to fall
2. The Xiaomi Mi Robot comes with stronger suction making it suitable for medium carpets (up to 15 mm of height) while the ILIFE A8 can do only thin ones
3. The Mi robot's dustbin holds more dust and dirt
4. Thanks to the ILFIE A8 rubber roller, the robot is suitable for pet hair
5. The Xiaomi works longer which makes it perfect for bigger homes
6. The Xiaomi Mi Robot comes with the Mi Home app while the ILIFE A8 has a remote control only
7. The ILIFE A8's it shorter making it suitable to work under most of the furniture
8. You can see a map created by the Xiaomi robot in the Mi Home app while the ILIFE A8 doesn't have an app to view the map
9. Mi Robot can climb an obstacle up to 15 mm tall, the ILIFE does 12 mm top
10. In the Mi Home app, you can create virtual block offs and zone cleaning.

Which robot is better, the Xiaomi Mi Robot or ILIFE A8?

Both robots are good, both provide high performance for their value, are both worth the money. The robots from ILIFE and Xiaomi have a low price tag but can beat much more expensive flagship models from other manufacturers. The best side of the ILIFE A8 is its rubber brush that doesn't cause hair tangling and works better on bare floors.

However, Xiaomi Mi Robot comes with an app and runs longer. It has stronger suction that can clean low and medium-pile carpets. Its mapping technology is more accurate and allows the robot to work in the dark. Even though it is an old model, the Xiaomi Mi Robot still one of the best robot vacuum cleaners on the market with a price tag of around $300. Even though the Xiaomi Mi Robot costs more, it is perfect for average and bigger homes with mixed surfaces and preferable to get over the ILIFE A8.

[Update, September 2018] Have a look at the newest robot vacuum - 360 S6. It is featured with a powerful motor, mapping, mopping, etc. It can easily compete with high-end robot cleaners having a budget price tag of around $350.