Xiaomi Mi 3H Vs Smartmi P1 – Overcoming Indecision (2023)

Welcome to the most intriguing comparison by now. By intriguing, I don’t mean just another clash of titans but rather a battle of opposites. These two air purifiers have already been subjects of my previous reviews. Hence you can check up on each one on my website. 

The fact that Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 are two entirely different air purifiers, with different sizes and designed for contrasting spaces, does not diminish the enthusiasm of buyers. The constant dilemma on which one is better tends to cause total confusion, and I get it. 

That is why I will do my best to clear the picture throughout this review.   

What most buyers don’t know before googling is that both air purifiers belong to the Xiaomi ecosystem. Even so, my personal impression is that Smartmi is way better manufactured. You can already tell from the picture of the different shapes of both appliances, so you might as well know that Smartmi can be bought in silver and black, while Xiaomi is only made in white color. 

Whichever you choose, I’m sure you will see the easiness of blending into the ambiance of any space.

I will give you a hint: A Smart app. These machines are some of the high-end air purifiers I have had a chance to test out. Good enough reason for you to stick around?

Specs: Xiaomi Mi 3H Vs Smartmi P1

Features Overview

Regarding the previous hint I gave you, I must repeat how surprised I was to witness the many advanced options that both air purifiers have. 

To begin with Auto mode and Sleep mode, and, the most wanted, Smart app connection. Not to mention many other features that, in my opinion, each air purifier should own. 

Both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 are worth your attention and a detailed comparison review. 

Air Quality Sensor

The Air Quality Sensor is the feature that detects the quality of the air you’re breathing, thus the level of pollution, and these air purifiers own it. 

While Xiaomi’s sensor can detect only dust particles, Smartmi’s sensor can detect dust particles and so as pollen. 

Depending on the air quality, Xiaomi Mi 3H will edit the real-time quantity of PM2.5 particles on a display. That way green, orange or red color will appear, according to the level of pollution.

The Smartmi P1 has divided symbols of pollution on its display. If you zoom the picture, you’ll see the flower icon, which can also switch colors in accordance with the pollen present in the air. Below the flower icon, the current quantity of PM2.5 particles shows. That way, you can monitor each pollutant separately. 

But, if you’re that much into specified pollutant analysis, you can always use a Smart app and connect your air purifier to other devices. 

Auto Mode

Another common feature of Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 is the Auto Mode, a very convenient option, especially when combined with the Smart sensor. 

Once you switch your air purifier to Auto Mode, you can leave it working on its own. This Mode will constantly be shifting speed levels or operating modes, depending on the real-time air pollution. 

This way, you can freely lounge on your couch and watch movies, leaving the air purifier to clear the air. 

Temperature and Humidity Meter

This is a feature that most air purifiers don’t have, which makes it even more interesting to analyze. It is an extra feature that Xiaomi Mi 3H has, along with its Air Quality Sensor. A very refreshing feature for data analysis users. 

The Smartmi P1, on the other hand, does not come with this option. However, there is also one equally amusing feature of this machine. It is the light sensor that detects daytime/nighttime,  alternating the operating modes. If the night has come, the Sleep Mode is immediately ON. Don’t we all do that? 

Smart APP

Now we get to a part where things get geeky. There is a Smart App available for each air purifier, Android and iOS versions in both cases. The thing is, when you connect your appliance to a Smart App, you get to use more options that are unavailable on display. 

In the case of the Xiaomi Mi 3H air purifier, there is a Mi Home app, which is basically an app available to all Xiaomi products on the market. A very easy-to-navigate app that hasn’t made a single obstacle to me throughout the testing period. 

Even though Smartmi P1 belongs to the Xiaomi family, they have developed a specified app equally as good as the Mi Home app. I haven’t had any troubleshooting problems, and the app worked as smoothly as expected.

If you really want to learn more about this feature, go and check on my separate reviews. I did my best to go thoroughly in testing this valuable option. 

Manual Mode

Regarding what I mentioned in the previous section, the Manual Mode is one of those options which are available only via the Smart app. Believe it or not, this mode is not a regular feature that air purifiers usually have, so the surprise is even greater to know that both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 have it. 

Judging by its name, this mode lets you set the speed manually, sliding your fingers across the screen to the desired speed level. The good thing is that, with this feature, speed levels are adjustable to your needs, which is more than the device itself allows. 

Scheduled Power On/Off

Now, let’s talk about being advanced. This feature is just another option available if you download the Smart App. But, in fact, it is more than advanced. I would compare it to the Alarm function that all smartphones nowadays possess. It allows you to set the desired time at which your air purifier will turn ON or OFF. Of course, both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 have this option. 

Still, Xiaomi has leveled up this game by setting terms and conditions by which the device powers ON/OFF. For example, if you set the air quality as a parameter, you can determine the level of pollution that is acceptable to you. If the air quality exceeds that level, the air purifier would automatically turn ON. Great, isn’t it? 

Google, Siri, and Alexa

One of the most popular features nowadays is most definitely a virtual assistant. That practically means you are just a voice command away from making your life a lot easier. 

Not to mention how easier it is to control your air purifier while you are busy with something else at the moment. 

Yes, both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 have this feature which is another great thing they have in common. 

The only difference is in the type of virtual assistant they support. With Xiaomi, you get to install Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while with Smartmi you can add Apple Homekit to the previous two. 

Airflow

Speaking of basic options that are relevant to all air purifiers, Airflow is most definitely one of them. Both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 have cylindrical filters integrated, in spite of their different outer shape. 

In Xiaomi’s case, the air enters through the bottom openings on each side except for the back lid side. The air circulates through the filters and is released on the upper side into the room. 

The Smartmi has just a bit different procedure since it has the same cylindrical shape as the filter. That way, the air enters all the way through the bottom holes, distributed in 360 degrees. After it is filtrated, the air is dispersed throughout the upper side holes. 

Warranty

When buying any type of appliance, most average consumers put on scales the price and the quality of the service or product. I must say that, in this case, the warranty provided by the companies has not exceeded my expectations. Contrary, both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 have only one year of warranty coverage. 

Considering how amazing and long-lasting these air purifiers are, I really think that an extra year or two would be expected and more than welcome. 

Filtration Technology

Like every other feature I previously mentioned in this comparison, filtration is equally interesting in both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 air purifiers. In this case, the size of Xiaomi’s filter is almost twice the size of Smartmi’s, but they both have a 3-stage filtration process. 

It begins with a pre-filter as the first stage, but the other two stages are reversed. The Xiaomi air purifier has a True HEPA filter in second and an Activated Carbon Filter in third place. The Smartmi, on the other hand, puts the True HEPA filter as third and the Carbon-infused filter as the second. 

A good thing to know is that, for each of these air purifiers, there is an additional type of filter available for purchase. That is if you don’t mind experimenting with these machines. Pollen specified filter and an extra carbon inner filter are available for purchase and installment into the Smartmi P1 air purifier. Also, you can buy Anti-formaldehyde S1 and Anti-bacterial filters that can be integrated into Xiaomi Mi 3H. 

Another important element that makes these devices stand out is the absence of Ozone as a side effect of the filtration process, which makes them environmentally friendly.

How To Replace Filters on These Devices?

Contrary to some other air purifiers, neither Xiaomi Mi 3H nor Smartmi P1 has a washable pre-filter. But that fact does not liberate you from keeping your air purifier clean. In this case, a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth, at least once a month, will be your best ally. 

However, depending on how much you use your new appliance, filters will last from 6 to 12 months. 

It is essential to know that the more you keep your air purifier clean, the more it will clean the air that you breathe.

Noise Tests

Like many previous features, when it comes to noise, these two air purifiers are much alike. They both have 3-speed levels plus a Manual mode. An additional feature of the Xiaomi Mi 3H is the Sleep mode.

I just want to point out the easiness these devices work with. While working at the lowest speed level both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 are unnoticeable. Easy to be around with, without cracking sounds or any noise whatsoever. 

On the contrary, while working fully at maximum speed, they tend to be a bit louder and outstanding. Xiaomi is even slightly louder than Smartmi. 

You have to put into consideration the fact that Xiaomi is a bigger device with a stronger airflow. Thus the noise at maximum speed. 

Therefore, I really don’t find any noise at both machines worth of complaint. 

Performance Tests

As you can see for yourself from the info table, these appliances have totally different room coverage. On one side, there is Xiaomi, designed for up to 484 sq. ft. rooms, while on the other side Smartmi covers up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) of space.

I was interested to see how well they show off, so I had them tested in different room sizes as well as in one 320 sq ft. room size. 

320 sq. ft. Room Tests

Like in any other comparison, both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Smartmi P1 were subdued to a test, working continuously for an hour at maximum speed. Given the difference in filter size and size in general, I have to admit that both air purifiers have shown great results. 

While Smartmi will leave your room up to 91% cleaner, Xiaomi does it slightly better with 95%. No wonder, since its larger filters can create better airflow. Nevertheless, Smartmi will not leave you disappointed as well.

Overall, outstanding performance for both air purifiers. 

Operating Costs

As for the wattage, you can see that Xiaomi Mi 3H (38W) and Smartmi P1 (30W) have approximately the same motor power. So I decided to put them to the test for a whole month, working 24/7 at a maximum speed. It turned out that Smartmi does use much less energy than Xiaomi. 

Still, there are a lot of other factors that have a significant impact on the total payability of an air purifier. Like, filter price. And I speak in favor of a Smartmi since its filter replacement price is twice lower than Xiaomi’s.  

After summarizing all, Smartmi is definitely a lot cheaper to maintain.