Introduction
We're looking at two models launched in 2024 by Roborock that share a surname but hide important differences in their features. The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A and the Roborock Qrevo Master represent two distinct approaches within the brand's high-end range, each with its own arguments for different types of users.
The Edge S5A stands out for its brutal suction power, whilst the Master opts for a more comprehensive artificial intelligence system. Both include a multifunction base with hot water mop washing and hot air drying, which guarantees quality mopping without manual intervention. The choice between one or the other will depend on whether you prioritise brute suction force or a more sophisticated navigation system with advanced visual recognition.
Power and Suction
The most striking difference between these Roborock robot vacuum cleaners lies in their suction power. The Qrevo Edge S5A reaches 18,500 Pa, a figure that practically doubles the 10,000 Pa of the Qrevo Master. This difference is particularly noticeable on medium or long pile carpets, where the ability to extract embedded dirt makes a real difference to the cleaning result.
As for the main brush, we find different philosophies. The Edge S5A features Roborock's DuoDivide anti-tangle system, specifically designed to push hair and strands towards the central suction gap, minimising tangles. The Master is equipped with a dual silicone brush, also effective against tangles but with a different approach. For homes with pets that shed a lot of hair, the DuoDivide usually offers slightly superior results.
The Master has an important advantage: its main brush can be lifted during mopping, something the Edge S5A cannot do. This allows the Master to perform more efficient mopping without dragging debris that might be on the brush.
Both feature an extendable side brush to improve corner cleaning, although curiously the Edge S5A incorporates anti-tangle technology in this side brush whilst the Master does not. A detail that can prove useful if you tend to accumulate hair near corners.
Mopping
The mopping system presents important similarities but also relevant nuances. The Edge S5A features two rotating mops, whilst the Master uses rotating mops without specifying the number. Both extend the mops to better reach edges and can lift them up to 10 mm when they detect carpets or rugs.
Where these units really shine is in their multifunction bases. Both wash the mops with hot water, a fundamental aspect for effectively removing grease and adhered dirt. During cleaning, the robots periodically return to the base to wash the mops, ensuring they always mop with clean cloths. Upon finishing, the mops are dried with hot air, preventing bad odours and bacterial growth.
Both models detect dirt on both the mops and the floor, adjusting their behaviour to go over areas that need it. The Edge S5A incorporates tray self-cleaning version 2.0, an improvement over the Master's version 1.0 which should translate into somewhat more spaced-out base maintenance.
Neither allows automatic mop removal at the base to perform vacuum-only sessions, something that some higher-end models do offer. In practice, this means that if you only want to vacuum without mopping, you'll need to remove the mops manually.
Navigation System
Here we find the clearest difference in design philosophy. Both Roborock robot vacuum cleaners use 3D LiDAR turret to map the home and plan efficient routes, but the Master goes much further in visual recognition capabilities.
The Qrevo Master integrates dual AI camera and front 3D laser sensor, allowing it to identify up to 62 different types of obstacles. It recognises pets, which allows it to avoid them carefully and adapt its behaviour when it detects animals nearby. The Edge S5A lacks these advanced cameras and sensors, relying primarily on its LiDAR system for navigation.
The Master also offers remote access to its camera, functioning as home surveillance when it's not cleaning. It includes night vision LED to capture images even in low light. These functions are absent in the Edge S5A.
In artificial intelligence, the Edge S5A features SmartPlan 2.0 whilst the Master uses SmartPlan 1.0. Both share the RR Mason 11.0 algorithm. In practice, the Master compensates for its SmartPlan 1.0 with its superior visual capabilities, resulting in a more comprehensive navigation system.
Autonomy and Battery
Both models share a 5,200 mAh battery that provides 180 minutes of autonomy. This figure is more than sufficient for homes of up to 200-250 square metres on a single charge, considering that the robots automatically return to the base when the battery runs low and resume cleaning where they left off after recharging.
Real autonomy will depend on the selected power mode and surface type. On carpets, where both automatically increase suction, consumption will be higher. The Edge S5A, with its maximum power of 18,500 Pa, will probably consume somewhat more battery when working at full capacity.
Smart Features
Both robots can overcome obstacles up to 20 mm in height, sufficient to navigate most thresholds between rooms and thick cables on the floor. This capability facilitates passage between rooms without getting stuck.
The Qrevo Master includes a built-in voice assistant, allowing you to give it commands directly without needing to use the mobile app. The Edge S5A doesn't have this function, although both are compatible with external assistants such as Alexa or Google Home.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
The bases of these two models share identical dimensions (340 x 521 x 487 mm) and similar capacities in their tanks: 2.7 litres dust bag, 4 litres clean water and 3.5 litres dirty water. These capacities allow several weeks of use without intervention in medium-sized homes.
As mentioned, both wash with hot water and dry with hot air, making the difference compared to more basic bases. The self-cleaning of the tray where the mops are washed is automatic in both cases, although the Edge S5A boasts version 2.0 of this system.
Neither base incorporates a detergent tank nor UV disinfection. Nor do they offer direct connection to water pipes, not even as an optional kit. This means you'll need to manually refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank from time to time.
Dimensions
The Edge S5A measures 352 mm in diameter and 98 mm in height, whilst the Master reaches 353 mm in diameter and 103 mm in height. The difference in diameter is imperceptible, but those 5 mm less in height of the Edge S5A can prove decisive for slipping under certain furniture or low beds.
If you have furniture with less than 10 cm of clearance, it's worth measuring before deciding. Those millimetres of difference can determine whether or not the robot accesses cleaning under sofas and beds, areas where dust and hair tend to accumulate.
The dust bin integrated in the robot also differs: 325 ml in the Edge S5A versus 220 ml in the Master. Greater capacity means the robot can collect more dirt before needing to empty into the base, although with automatic self-emptying this difference loses relevance in day-to-day use.
Real-World User Experience
For homes with pets, the Edge S5A offers clear advantages thanks to its greater suction power and its DuoDivide brush specific for hair. It will pick up more hair embedded in carpets and better manage tangles in the brush. However, the Master fights back with its ability to recognise pets and avoid them carefully, as well as being able to lift its main brush during mopping.
In large homes, both offer sufficient autonomy, but the Edge S5A's greater power can prove more efficient in houses with lots of carpet. For small or medium flats with hard floors, the Master better leverages its artificial intelligence to optimise routes and recognise obstacles.
If you value the peace of mind of not worrying about anything, the Master gains points with its more sophisticated navigation system that reduces the chances of getting stuck on small objects. The Edge S5A compensates with its brute power and its greater internal bin capacity.
For those seeking additional home surveillance functions, only the Master offers remote camera access with night vision. The Edge S5A focuses exclusively on cleaning without distractions.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A if... you have pets that shed a lot of hair, medium or long pile carpets where you need maximum suction power, or low furniture where every millimetre of height counts. Also if you prefer a robot focused exclusively on cleaning with maximum efficiency without additional functions you won't use. Its DuoDivide anti-tangle system and its 18,500 Pa of power make it an ideal option for those who prioritise cleaning results above all else.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Master if... you value an intelligent navigation system that recognises objects and pets with precision, want to use the camera as home surveillance when you're not at home, or prefer to give voice commands directly to the robot. Its dual AI camera and front 3D laser sensor minimise jams in homes with many small obstacles. The ability to lift the main brush during mopping also improves results on hard floors. It's the best option for those seeking a Roborock robot vacuum cleaner with the most comprehensive artificial intelligence system in this robot vacuum cleaner comparison, although you sacrifice some brute power compared to the Edge S5A.
