Roborock S4 Max: What's New and Is It Worth Buying?
In this review, we will look at the new product of autumn 2020 - the Roborock S4 Max robot vacuum cleaner, which is an upgraded version of the previous junior model. S4, released back in 2019. The device is priced at a premium price (it launched at $429, which is more than $300) and has the specifications and features expected of its segment. Let's take a closer look at the new Roborock S4 Max.
Main differences
What improvements did the robot receive first?
- Lidar — the robot vacuum cleaner's navigation capabilities have been expanded, with the ability to create and store four room maps at once (for example, maps of different floors in a house).
- Technologies for scheduled cleaning, setting cleaning zone restrictions, and automatic room recognition have been added and improved.
- The robot vacuum cleaner's clearance has been increased to 20 millimeters (compared to the previous 15 millimeters).
Some technical specifications have also been updated, but wet cleaning is still missing. Like its predecessor, the Roborock S4 Max is only capable of dry cleaning on smooth surfaces and carpets.
Let's move on to a detailed review of the robot.
Equipment
The Roborock S4 Max package is no different from the S4:
- Robot vacuum cleaner.
- Charging base.
- Power cable.
- Brush for cleaning the dust collector and turbo brush.
- Spare filter.
- Operating instructions in several languages.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, you'll immediately notice that the new Roborock S4 Max robot vacuum cleaner has a matte finish, making it more practical to use. The body remains round and black.
Top view
At the top center of the body is a protruding turret housing an LDS sensor. Above that are two control buttons for starting the robot and sending it back to the charging base. The brand logo is located at the very bottom. Under the lid is a 460-milliliter dust bin with an E11 HEPA filter. The filter can capture up to 95% of fine particles, including various allergens.
The front of the robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a protective bumper with an obstacle detection sensor, and the back has ventilation holes for air release.
Front view
When reviewing the Roborock S4 Max from the bottom, we see a wheelbase consisting of two drive wheels and one swivel caster, charging contacts, height sensors, a central electric brush assembly, and one side brush.
Bottom view
Technical specifications
The main characteristics of the Roborock S4 Max are summarized in a table for easy reference:
| Type of cleaning | Dry |
| Battery | Li-Ion, 5200 mAh |
| Opening hours | Up to 3 hours. |
| Charging time | Up to 5 hours. |
| Cleaning area | Up to 250 sq.m. |
| Suction power | 2000 Pa |
| Threshold passability | Up to 20 mm |
| Garbage container | 460 ml |
| Dimensions | 354*350*96 mm |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Noise level | Up to 65 dB |
Functional capabilities
The robot vacuum's navigation is based on a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor, which accurately reads the location and shape of surrounding objects. It rotates at high speed, ensuring optimal route selection and, in conjunction with a suite of other sensors, enabling it to avoid obstacles and avoid falls.
The Roborock S4 Max robot vacuum cleaner can store up to four cleaning maps, making it ideal for multi-level buildings.
As a nice bonus, the device recognizes the room it's currently in, allowing you to plan your cleaning process in detail (cleaning rooms one at a time and at different times). This adjustment occurs immediately after the first cleaning cycle.
Room-by-room cleaning
The Roborock S4 Max has the following operating modes:
- quiet (50 dB, 1.2 kPa);
- balanced (55 dB, 1.4 kPa);
- turbo (60 dB, 1.8 kPa);
- maximum (65 dB, 2 kPa).
The maximum mode with a suction power of 2000 Pa ensures effective removal of dust particles, dirt, hair, and pet hair from smooth floors, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas.
Automatic power increase on carpet
Enhanced (triple) cleaning of selected zones is also available, with up to five zones available. Additionally, you can set no-go zones on the map where the robot will not enter.
The Roborock S4 Max cleans surfaces with a detachable central electric brush. It's assisted by a single, five-pointed silicone side brush.
The robot vacuum cleaner is controlled via the Roborock app for Android or iOS devices. It's easy to monitor the device's operation, view maps, set cleaning zones, view a log of completed cleanings, select a mode, set a schedule, and more. The app is constantly updated and improved, becoming even more user-friendly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Stylish design.
- Precise navigation.
- Cartography with the ability to save up to 4 maps.
- Different suction modes.
- Disassemblable design of the central electric brush.
- Convenient and functional application.
- Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Low noise level.
Cons:
- High price.
- Wet cleaning is not provided.
Overall, the Roborock S4 Max meets all the requirements of a modern robot vacuum, but given the price and lack of a wet cleaning function, we don't think it's the best option. For about the same price, you can get Roborock S5 Max, which is also suitable for wet cleaning. If you only need dry cleaning, a model like this one will be significantly cheaper. Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 1S, which is just as good in cleaning quality. So until the price drops to at least $250, we don't see much benefit in buying this robot.
That concludes our review of the Roborock S4 Max. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment below. Happy shopping, everyone!
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