Introduction
The Mova V50 Ultra and the Xiaomi X20 Max represent two different propositions within the robot vacuum segment with multifunction base. The former arrives in 2025 as a high-end model with very advanced technical specifications, whilst the latter, launched in 2024, is positioned as a more accessible alternative without sacrificing important features.
Both units feature a self-emptying base, mop washing and drying with hot water, which guarantees a good level of automatic cleaning. However, differences in suction power, intelligent navigation and battery life mark very different user profiles. The Mova model is designed for those seeking maximum efficiency in large homes with pets, whilst the Xiaomi is better suited to more moderate needs.
Power and Suction
The most notable difference between these two robots lies in suction power. The Mova V50 Ultra reaches 24,000 Pa, a figure that places it in the market elite, whilst the Xiaomi X20 Max remains at 8,000 Pa. In practice, this means the Mova handles thick carpets, pet hair and ingrained dirt with much more competence.
The brushing system also differs substantially. The Mova uses a dual anti-tangle brush, specifically designed to prevent hair from wrapping around, whilst the Xiaomi mounts a TriCut 3.0 brush, which combines bristles with blades to cut tangles. Both systems work well, but the Mova's dual brush requires less manual maintenance.
The Mova V50 Ultra's side brush is extendable and liftable, as well as featuring anti-tangle technology. This allows it to sweep corners better and prevents the mop from rubbing the floor during vacuuming. The Xiaomi X20 Max does not include any of these functions in its side brush, which limits its effectiveness on edges and corners.
The Mova's main brush also lifts during mopping, something the Xiaomi does not do. This detail prevents the brush from getting unnecessarily wet and improves cleaning on hard floors.
Mopping
Both models use two rotating mops, an effective system for deep mopping. Both extend the mops to reach edges, although the Mova V50 Ultra adds Roboswing movement, which allows the mop to slightly reach under furniture and overhangs.
Mop lift is practically identical: 10.5 mm on the Mova compared to 10 mm on the Xiaomi. Sufficient to pass over medium-thickness carpets without wetting them.
Where the Mova makes a clear difference is in mopping water temperature. It mops the floor with hot water at 55°C, which better dissolves grease and eliminates bacteria. The Xiaomi X20 Max only uses cold water, less effective on difficult stains.
The Mova V50 Ultra automatically removes the mops at the base when it only needs to vacuum, avoiding dragging them dry across the floor. The Xiaomi does not offer this function, which requires manually managing the change between modes.
Additionally, the Mova detects dirt both on the mops and on the floor, adjusting mopping as necessary. The Xiaomi lacks both detections, which means less adaptive mopping.
Navigation System
The Mova V50 Ultra integrates retractable LiDAR and dual camera with artificial intelligence, capable of recognising up to 200 types of obstacles. This includes pets, curtains and small objects, which notably reduces blockages and improves route planning. It also allows remote camera access, useful for surveillance when you're not at home.
The Xiaomi X20 Max mounts a 3D LiDAR turret and front laser sensor, but does not include a camera. Its obstacle recognition capability is inferior, and it does not specifically identify pets or curtains. It works well in tidy environments, but may have more difficulties in homes with many objects on the floor.
Both feature LED for night vision, which allows them to navigate in low light without problems.
Autonomy and Battery
The Mova V50 Ultra is equipped with a 6,400 mAh battery that provides 220 minutes of autonomy, sufficient to clean large homes without the need for intermediate recharging. The Xiaomi X20 Max has 5,200 mAh and 120 minutes of autonomy, which limits its use to medium-sized flats.
This difference is especially relevant in homes of more than 150 square metres, where the Xiaomi will probably need to pause to recharge before completing the cleaning.
Smart Features
The Mova V50 Ultra overcomes simple steps, although the exact height is not specified. The Xiaomi X20 Max can handle obstacles up to 20 mm, a clear figure that facilitates passage between rooms with small level changes.
The Mova incorporates its own voice assistant, which allows you to control it without depending on third parties. The Xiaomi is only compatible with Alexa and Google Home, functional but less integrated.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
Both bases perform self-emptying of the dust bin, mop washing with hot water and drying with hot air. This ensures very complete automatic maintenance in both cases.
However, the Mova V50 Ultra adds third-generation washing tray self-cleaning, which prevents dirt accumulation in the base itself. It also includes UV disinfection, something the Xiaomi does not offer.
The Mova's detergent tank is dual, allowing different products to be used depending on floor type or dirt level. The Xiaomi X20 Max does not have a detergent tank, so mop washing is done with water only.
The Mova's dust bag has a capacity of 3.2 litres, compared to the Xiaomi's 2.5 litres. Both clean water tanks are 4 litres, but the dirty water tank is 3.5 litres on the Mova and 3.8 litres on the Xiaomi.
Dimensions
The diameter of both robots is identical: 350 mm. The height, however, varies. The Mova V50 Ultra measures 89.5 mm, which allows it to slip under low furniture more easily than the Xiaomi X20 Max, which reaches 97 mm. Those 7.5 mm of difference can be decisive under sofas, beds or wardrobes with little clearance.
The bases have different configurations. The Mova's is wider (420 mm compared to 340 mm) but less tall (470 mm compared to 563 mm). The Xiaomi's is narrower but takes up more height, something to consider depending on available space.
Real-World Experience
The Mova V50 Ultra is designed for large homes, especially those with pets. Its 24,000 Pa power and dual anti-tangle brush make it especially effective with animal hair. The 220-minute battery life allows cleaning large spaces without interruptions, and the dual camera with pet recognition prevents the robot from disturbing animals or getting blocked by their toys.
Mopping with hot water at 55°C and dirt detection make it a very complete option for those seeking minimal maintenance. The base with tray self-cleaning and UV disinfection further reduces manual tasks.
The Xiaomi X20 Max is more suitable for medium-sized flats without pets. Its 8,000 Pa power is sufficient for hard floors and thin carpets, but may fall short on thick carpets or with lots of hair. The 120-minute battery life limits its use to surfaces of up to 100-120 square metres.
Mopping with cold water works well for daily maintenance, although it is not as effective on difficult stains. The absence of a camera and advanced obstacle recognition may generate occasional blockages in cluttered environments.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Mova V50 Ultra if: You live in a large house, have pets, seek maximum suction power and prefer a robot that requires the minimum possible maintenance. Its reduced height is ideal if you need it to pass under low furniture. Mopping with hot water and the base with self-cleaning and UV disinfection make it the most complete and autonomous option.
Choose the Xiaomi X20 Max if: You have a medium-sized flat, there are no pets at home and you're looking for an effective solution without the need for advanced features. Its value for money is more competitive, and the multifunction base with mop washing and drying with hot water covers basic needs well. It's a good option if the budget is more limited and you don't need maximum battery life or power.
