Introduction
The Roborock QV 35A and the Roborock Saros Z70 are two robot vacuum cleaners launched in 2025 that represent different levels within the catalogue of the world's leading brand in this segment. Whilst the QV 35A is positioned as a model with advanced functions and a multifunction base at a more accessible level, the Saros Z70 incorporates cutting-edge technologies that place it in Roborock's highest range.
The difference between these units is not just about price. We're talking about very different capabilities in navigation, mopping and autonomy. The Saros Z70 integrates an OmniGrip Arm robotic arm, dual camera with artificial intelligence and a StarSight 2.0 navigation system that recognises up to 108 different obstacles. The QV 35A, although simpler in these aspects, maintains the foundations of what characterises Roborock: reliability, precise laser navigation and a base that washes and dries the mops.
Power and Suction
The difference in suction power is notable. The QV 35A offers 8,000 Pa, a figure sufficient for most homes with hard floors and medium-thickness carpets. The Saros Z70 reaches 22,000 Pa, almost three times more, which makes the difference on dense carpets or when there are pets that shed a lot of hair.
As for the main brush, the QV 35A has a conventional simple brush, whilst the Saros Z70 incorporates Roborock's DuoDivide system, specifically designed to prevent long hair tangles by pushing them towards the central suction gap. This can be especially noticeable in homes with pets or people with long hair.
The side brush also presents important differences. The Saros Z70's is extendable and liftable during mopping, which allows better sweeping of corners and prevents it from getting unnecessarily wet. The QV 35A has an anti-tangle side brush, but without these additional functions. In practice, the Saros Z70 sweeps corners more efficiently and manages the transition between vacuuming and mopping better.
Mopping
Both models use two rotating mops, but the differences in the mopping system are substantial. The Saros Z70 includes mop extension to better reach edges and skirting boards, something the QV 35A doesn't offer. Mop lifting also varies: 10 mm on the QV 35A versus a range of 12-22 mm on the Saros Z70, which allows the latter to navigate over carpets with greater clearance.
A key difference is in water temperature. The Saros Z70 mops with warm water, which improves dirt dissolution and overall mopping effectiveness. The QV 35A uses cold water. This feature, combined with the fact that the Saros Z70 has dirt detection both on the mops and on the floor, means it adapts its behaviour by re-mopping dirtier areas automatically.
The Saros Z70 can automatically remove the mops at the base when you only need to vacuum, avoiding having to do it manually. The QV 35A doesn't have this function. For homes where you frequently alternate between vacuuming and mopping, this provides greater convenience.
Navigation System
The QV 35A uses a LiDAR 3D turret that precisely maps the home and allows orderly navigation. It's a reliable and effective system for most situations. The Saros Z70 takes a considerable leap with StarSight 2.0, which combines LiDAR with dual artificial intelligence camera, front 3D laser sensor and LED for night vision.
Thanks to this technology, the Saros Z70 recognises up to 108 different types of obstacles, including pets, and allows remote access to the camera for home surveillance. The QV 35A doesn't have a camera or advanced object recognition. In homes with young children, scattered toys or pets, the Saros Z70 avoids obstacles with much greater precision.
The intelligent cleaning algorithm also differs. The QV 35A incorporates SmartPlan 1.0, whilst the Saros Z70 has SmartPlan 2.0 and the RR Mason 12.0 processor, which translates into more optimised routes and more intelligent decisions during cleaning.
Autonomy and Battery
The QV 35A's battery capacity is 5,200 mAh, which provides it with 180 minutes of autonomy. The Saros Z70 has a 6,400 mAh battery, greater capacity that should translate into more operating time, although the manufacturer doesn't specify the exact minutes. Considering that the Saros Z70 has greater suction power and more active functions, it's likely that the actual autonomy is similar or slightly superior.
For large homes, both models automatically return to the base to recharge and continue cleaning where they left off, so autonomy isn't usually a limiting factor in either of them.
Smart Functions
Both robots overcome 20 mm thresholds, although the Saros Z70 adds an improved system to navigate simple obstacles more easily. The most notable difference in this section is the Saros Z70's OmniGrip Arm robotic arm, capable of manipulating small objects and moving light elements that obstruct cleaning. The QV 35A doesn't have this technology.
The Saros Z70 also incorporates its own voice assistant integrated into the robot, in addition to compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. The QV 35A only works with external assistants. This allows the Saros Z70 to respond to commands directly without the need for other devices.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
Both units include a multifunction base with dust auto-emptying, mop washing and drying. However, the differences are important. The Saros Z70 washes the mops with hot water and dries them with hot air, whilst the QV 35A uses cold water for washing and cold air for drying. Hot water and air speed up the process, remove adhered dirt better and reduce the proliferation of bacteria and bad odours.
Self-cleaning of the washing tray is another exclusive advantage of the Saros Z70, which incorporates the 2.0 system. This significantly reduces manual maintenance. The QV 35A doesn't automatically clean its tray, which requires doing it periodically.
The Saros Z70 has a detergent tank that is automatically dosed during mop washing, improving mopping hygiene. The QV 35A doesn't include this function. The dust bag capacity is slightly higher on the QV 35A (2.7 litres versus 2.5 litres), although the difference is minimal. The clean water tanks are identical (4 litres), and the dirty water one is somewhat larger on the QV 35A (3.5 litres versus 3 litres).
Dimensions
The diameter of both robots is identical: 353 mm. The difference is in the height. The Saros Z70 measures 79.8 mm, whilst the QV 35A reaches 96.5 mm. Those almost 17 mm extra can make the difference when it comes to passing under low furniture, sofas or beds with little height. If your home has furniture with little clearance underneath, the Saros Z70 will access more areas.
As for the bases, the QV 35A's is taller (521 mm versus 488 mm) but somewhat narrower (340 mm versus 381 mm). The depth also varies slightly: 487 mm on the QV 35A and 475 mm on the Saros Z70. It's advisable to measure the available space before deciding where to place the base.
Real-World User Experience
The QV 35A is a capable robot for medium-sized homes without very dense carpets or pets that shed a lot of hair. The multifunction base guarantees good mopping and reduces maintenance, although it requires manually cleaning the washing tray. The 180-minute autonomy covers large surfaces without problem.
The Saros Z70 is designed for those seeking maximum performance and minimum maintenance. The 22,000 Pa power, the DuoDivide anti-tangle brush and mopping with warm water make it ideal for homes with pets, children or thick carpets. Advanced navigation with dual camera and recognition of 108 obstacles minimises manual interventions. The robotic arm adds versatility in cluttered spaces.
The Saros Z70's lower height facilitates cleaning under furniture, whilst its base with tray self-cleaning, hot water and detergent tank reduces maintenance to a minimum. For large homes with multiple floor types and high cleaning demands, the Saros Z70 offers a more complete experience.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if you're looking for a reliable robot with a multifunction base that washes and dries the mops, your home doesn't have very thick carpets or pets that shed a lot of hair, and you prefer a more economical option within the Roborock range without giving up advanced functions such as auto-emptying and automatic mopping.
Choose the Roborock Saros Z70 if you want maximum suction power, cutting-edge navigation technology with dual camera and artificial intelligence, you have pets or long hair at home, you need to pass under low furniture, you value mopping with warm water and prefer to minimise maintenance thanks to tray self-cleaning, hot water and detergent tank. It's also the option if you're interested in the robotic arm for manipulating small objects or remote camera access for home surveillance.
