Roomba I3 vs I7 – What They Don’t Tell You – Smoothvacuum

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In the field of robot vacuums, iRobot stands out as the absolute leading brand in the field. While they’ve been around for a couple of years, Roomba’s popularity has shown no indication of waning. Here we show you the Roomba i3 vs i7 comparison.

Its Roomba i3, and i7 are among the most well-known models of the iRobot lineup. You’re probably aware that the i3 is less expensive than the i7, but does it suggest it’s not a good option as a home appliance?

Do you think the improvement to the Roomba i7 is worth its price? What are the main differences between these two devices, and which should you pick?

Also read: Very Shocking expert testing of Roomba 650 vs 665

Review of the Roomba I3 vs. I7

Roomba i3

irobot roomba i3

The Roomba i3 is the most basic model in the “i” series, which comprises i3, i3+, I7, i7+, I9, and numerous others. This collection of vacuum robots can help you map your house in smart linear paths that aid in tidying the house more efficiently.

In addition to Smart Navigation, the i3 also comes with 10X suction capacity of the other Roombas such as the 600 series. It also has sophisticated controls, such as voice commands that can be controlled through Google Voice or Amazon Alexa.

It’s true that the i3 also comes with the double brush feature that many people have a positive opinion about when it comes to talking about cleaning tough spots. Roombas are well capable of doing this better than most of their rivals available.

Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Utilizes the Dirt Detect(TM) technique to detect trouble spots with the highest Dirt concentration. Then, it removes them completely.
  • Cheap (compared with other smart Roomba vacuum models).
  • It has 10X more suction in comparison to the Roomba 600 series.
  • Dual multi-surface brush, which can remove dirt from even the most difficult surfaces such as carpets
  • You can create zones of no-go areas with the help of the app that lists the cleaners to stay out of.
  • Smart navigation with no cameras. Because there aren’t any cameras, it’s slightly more secure as no one can hack into the videos of your home. The i3 range accomplishes this through sensors on the floor.
  • It recharges and then begins cleaning the exact place from where it stopped. It can be left virtually without intervention, except to clean the dirt collection.
  • Creates customized cleaning schedules for your home and can be used to make voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Voice. 
CONS
  • The dust collection system is a little small. So, for homes with larger spaces, it is possible to clean several times.
  • This model doesn’t have the vSLAM-based navigation offered in the Roomba I7 or i7+. The model does not produce an actual map of your home in itself and could be stuck in the same spot numerous times due to this issue.
  • It is a little loud.
  • Cleaning is everywhere. Specifying the areas you’d like to wash with this model is impossible. However, it is possible to use the I7.
  • It has a less pronounced duration. In a home with a lot of space, it will need to recharge multiple times. The i7, on the other hand, has twice the time to run.

Roomba i7 

iRobot Roomba i7

Roomba i7 is an improved version of the i3 that has a faster time to run, more efficient navigation, and smarter controls.

The i7 utilizes vSLAM(r) navigation, an algorithm developed by Intel that uses cameras to map the entire house and create a customized navigation route that optimizes cleaning.

A differentiating characteristic that distinguishes the i7 from the i3 is the ability to designate cleaning zones on the i7.

For instance, you can designate your living space and kitchen as separate. This gives you the option to take care of one area at a time instead of having to do the whole home in every cycle.

Imagine you’re looking for an immediate clean-up of your dining room before when your dining guests show up. The i3 won’t be able to recognize the dining room and begin cleaning the entire room, but in I7, you could use Alexa and Google Voice to tell the i7 to get out and get the dining room cleaned! This is a great feature.

It has the same suction power, dual multi-surface cleaning brushes, and a custom cleaning schedule that the i3 can provide.

However, take note you’ll need to consider $250 more than the iPhone, and unless you’re interested in the features listed in the previous paragraph, an i3 will probably meet your requirements.

Also read: What’s so fabulous about Roomba 805 vs 890?

Pros and Cons

PROS
  • It’s got a long running time of 180 minutes, which makes it ideal for homes with larger spaces. Despite the longer running duration, its charging duration is only a little bit more over the I3 (90 minutes with the i7, versus 75 minutes on the i3)
  • It comes with 10 times the cleaning power of its predecessor iRobot Roomba 600 series – with suction strength that is 1800 Pa.
  • You can make custom areas for cleaning with the i7. This allows you to clean certain areas of your home rather than the whole house each time.
  • You can also give it voice commands using Google Voice and Amazon Alexa.
  • The i7 comes with a more sophisticated vSLAM navigation that uses cameras to map your home and build the map you want to use for the most thorough cleaning route.
CONS
  • A relatively high-priced robot vacuum.
  • Certain people might find the vSLAM technology a bit intrusive due to the cameras used.
  • Cameras are used to create your home’s map. Some individuals are uncomfortable with this and believe that it exposes their homes to attacks from hackers.
  • This model also runs very loud (~70dB). 
  • There are no HEPA filters.
  • It’s possible to be harsh on carpets. If your carpets are denser, it is advisable to establish an uninviting zone in their vicinity.

Some Similarities

Similarity 1: Both Roomba I3 and the Roomba I7 Employ Smart Navigation Instead of Traditional Pseudo-Random-Style Navigation.

All Roomba vacuums with model numbers beginning with “9”, “i,” or “s” are clean efficiently and logically. They sweep straight lines and employ sensors to identify obstacles in their path and clean them instead of crashing into them repeatedly.

The older and fewer budget Roombas who are older and budget-conscious navigate using the “drunken sailor” method. They can move about randomly, cleaning wherever they go. Some examples of these models are the 600 series and the E series Roombas.

Similarity 2: Both the Roomba I3 and the I7 Have Resume and Recharge Capabilities.

This feature means you’ll not need to be concerned about the battery’s longevity. Suppose your battery is about to run out on one or the other of these Roombas. They will be able to remember the last time they vacuumed. Return to the docking station for recharge and begin vacuuming again once the battery is fully charged.

Similarity 3: They Both Come With Brush Rolls That Are Anti-tangle.

The brushrolls that prevent tangles are a major problem, but both models, fortunately, have the same. If you’ve attempted to cut hair stuck to the floor with the old vacuum, you’re aware of the pain it could be. The anti-tangle rolls are made of rubber and have small protrusions which beat the floor while it scrubs. Hair easily gets swept into the bin instead of getting stuck on the roller. This makes cleaning these robot vacuums easy.

Similarity 4: Both the I3 as Well as I7 Have Voice Assistants.

Both robot vacuums can be controlled via voice assistants, such as Alexa, Siri,a nd Google Assistant. If you are a fan of screaming from any place in your home instead of using an app or even manually pushing the clean button, one of these robot vacuums will complete the task.

Also read: What did we find superb about iRobot 805 vs 860?

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A Head to Head Comparison: Roomba i3 vs. Roomba i7

roomba i3 1

1. Design & Quality

For the design, the model i3 features a ring of fabric on the upper part of the model, while the i7 model is made of plastic.

The models come with three buttons on the front: one of which is the home button, which will send Roomba returning to its home, as well as an on button that signals Roomba to get clean. The spot clean button will cause the Roomba to be moved 3 feet away from the base and then clean up before returning.

The i7 looks like an upgraded product over the i3 model due to its more sleek and darker design.

If turned upside down, the two look alike, with the filter and wheels in the same location.

The Roomba i3 and Roomba i7 have the same round design, which is now synonymous with the iRobot brand of robot vacuums. On the top, there are several physical buttons to control the machine. 

These buttons are integrated into the body of the robovac, reducing the possibility of dust getting into the buttons. In addition, the majority of features for cleaning are hidden under the Roombas.

The i3, in coparison, comes with a metallic silver finish, whereas the i7 appears more luxurious and is clad in the charcoal gray top cover, with black plastic surrounding the controls. Both have a broad black bumper to prevent them from harming the device itself and any furniture it could accidentally damage.

IRobot’s i3 and i7 weigh just over seven pounds and have an identical 3.63-inch height. Due to these dimensions, the robovacs are more maneuverable, which will allow them to get rid of the majority of clutter within the home.

 2. Weight & Dimensions 

The Roomba i3 measures 13.26 inches x 3.63 inches in size and weighs 7.44lbs The I7 model measures 13.31 inches x 3.62 inches and is less than 7.28lbs.

A small difference may not be obvious to the naked eye if you compare them side-by-side.

The differences in weight and size aren’t likely to affect the ability to clean the models.

3. Cleaning Capabilities & Power

Despite being available at various prices, they are similar in price. Roomba i3, as well as the i7, come with the identical iRobot three-stage cleaning technology. Compared to Roomba’s top-selling 600 Series, the i-Series vacuum cleaners have 10x higher suction capabilities. This makes it easier to pull into more debris, Dirt, and dust.

In addition to the suction, you’ll also receive two kinds of brush systems. Dual multi-surface brushes enable the i3 and i7 brushes to remain in contact with any kind of surface, no matter if it’s carpeted or hard flooring. 

However, they’re designed to be easy to maintain as they won’t get caught in pet hair. Edge-sweeping brushes, however, assist in clearing debris from difficult-to-access corners and the edges of rooms. 

Due to the round shape of the i3 and i7 models, difficult corners are often missed, and this issue has been addressed by the superior Roomba S9 and S9+’s specially made corner brush.

The Roomba i3 and the i7 are equipped with high-efficiency filters. These not just snare pet allergens but also collect dirt and dust mites. The Plus models will also receive an automatic emptying feature thanks to the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. Its base is identical for the i3 and the i7 and includes AllergenLock bags that can hold the Dirt for up to 60-days.

Also read: Why are buyers crazy about Roomba 880 vs 870?

4. Filtration

roomba i7 1

Both models have the most efficient filter to trap allergens and pet dander. Keep your home clean.

The only differentiator to the other models is that the i7 has an additional filter included in the package, so you don’t need to buy an additional one as you do for the I3.

5. Navigation

Regarding navigation on these vacuums, the i7 is the winner due to its more sophisticated IAdapt 3.0 Smart Technology compared to the I3’s adaptive 2.0 Smart Technology.

This might not be noticed by those who are using them, and both models are still able to provide a thorough tidying of your living spaces.

The place where the i7 takes the lead is in its technology known as vSLAM (smart map) technology that learns the house’s layout and assists in creating maps for the future of cleaning.

You’ll be able to instruct your i7 to clear certain rooms using the app or by voice, and it’ll be able to locate the way to get there.

Because the i7 features this option, you can program it to be kept away from certain areas in your home, which will make automating cleaning schedules simpler.

For instance, if you know that your little kids will be playing in a particular zone at the time, then you can set up a Keep Out Zone so the Roomba i7 doesn’t break.

The i3 can’t accomplish this, and it will not remember the area it just traversed after it has finished cleaning.

The Roomba i7 and the i3 both come with the same technology of a reactive sensor, which informs the Roomba of areas it can not reach, so it won’t become stuck in furniture while cleaning.

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6. Battery Capacity

Both the i7 and i3 are built using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Both models come with the ability to recharge and resume, which allows them to immediately go back to the charging station when they’re low on batteries during cleaning and will pick up the same place they had left off.

But the most significant difference is that the i7 can recharge and resume, which means that it will only recharge the battery to the amount required to complete when it resumes. This contrasts with the i3, which will charge completely and then resume.

This means that the i7 will be finished quicker.

The i3’s battery has a timer that lasts for 75 minutes before when it’ll require recharging. The i7 will also last for 75 minutes on a completely charged battery.

The Roomba i3 and i7 require about 1.5 up to two hours of recharge to resume their cleaning chores.

7. Smart Features

Each of the Roomba i7 and the i3 both work with the iRobot application, which is available on both Android and Apple devices. This app allows you to customize your cleaning schedule and provides suggestions for cleaning time based on your habits with cleaning.

Both models work with Alexa devices and Google Home, allowing you to use Roomba through voice recognition.

In addition to Smart Maps and smart device technology enabled for the i7 model, you can also ask Roomba to take care of messes within certain places around your house (i.e., beneath your dining) table currently, and it will decide the best place to go. But the i3 model is not able to perform this.

Both models come with imprint Link Technology that permits the Roomba to work with Braava mop under the iRobot brand to sweep and mop the floor in a sequence without the need to activate them individually.

Also read: Get shocked by reading Roomba 860 vs 960 review!

What’s The Difference Between Them?

One of the main differences is the fabric ring that’s on the i3’s design as compared to the i7. This makes the i7 appear more elegant as compared to the model with the i3.

The i7 features intelligent mapping technology via the built-in camera that creates floor maps for your house to allow you to tell it to wash certain rooms or clean a specific spot in a particular place.

Thanks to this intelligent map upgrade the i7 comes with, it can also make an Out Zone, unlike the i3.

Both models come with the recharge and resume feature; however, the i7 comes with an additional feature called Smart charge technology, which lets it recharge only according to the amount needed to continue cleaning the remainder of the space.

FAQs

What's the difference between Roomba I3 and Roomba i7?

The i3 and i7 both share the same cleaning system that is 3-stage. The i7 has vSLAM navigation, which allows it to discover the structure of your home for cleaner and more efficient cleaning. The i3, however, has a standard mapping feature.

How long do the Roomba I3 and i7 last?

The I3 and i7 come with approximately 75 minutes of running time. The charging process is straightforward, as both models will return automatically to their charging base when their battery is depleted. When fully charged, the vacuum cleaners return to where they left off.

When do you have to empty the trash bin of the i7?

The frequency at which you empty your Roomba i7's trash bin is contingent on your cleaning habits and the present situation in your home. A full cleaning session may mean emptying the trash bin the entire time.

What does the Roomba I3 perform with hair from pets?

If it's about pet hair, the i3 does a great job drawing hair in and keeping floors tidy.

Conclusion

THE FINAL ADVICE

iRobot is the best in robotic vacuum cleaners. These mean cleaners are becoming an everyday item for households with an iRobot Roomba i3, and the i7 makes the technology and ease of use more affordable.

Between the two cleaning machines, the Roomba i7 cleaner makes it simpler to schedule cleaning without fretting about where it can and should not travel.

Its unique advantage in navigation and visual mapping makes it a more intelligent robot that can discover the design of your home. If you want to ensure that Roomba does not enter certain areas, you’ll get most from the Intel i7.

While the Roomba i3 doesn’t come with an intelligent mapping system, it has identical cleaning technology to the i7. It has the same suction capacity and runtime addition. With a price of just $200 lower than the i7, the brand new Roomba I3 makes for an excellent case.

Furthermore, you can buy the Roomba I3+ and the Clean Base for about the same price as an i7. It’s certainly worth a look.

Also read: Roomba 890 vs 960

Buy on eBay

  • Our trust is with Amazon

Buy on eBay

  • Our trust is with Amazon

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