The main difference between the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum E12 and the newer E5 lies in the suction power, navigation and features. The E12 offers a higher suction power of around 4000 Pa and is equipped with a base station, while the E5 has a suction power of 2000 Pa and only has a simple charging station without a suction station. The E5 uses gyroscope navigation, while the E12 relies more on simpler navigation techniques. In addition, the E12 has a battery life of 110 minutes and is 8 cm high, while the E5 with a 2600 mAh battery is designed for rooms up to approx. 100 m² and is slightly flatter at 7 cm high. The E5 has a passive mopping function with a 90 ml water tank, while the E12 is also a robot hoover, although details of the mopping function are less well described. Both support smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but the E12 is positioned more as an affordable entry-level model with minimal features, while the E5 is considered an even more affordable model with simpler technology.