HyperOS Comes to the Laundry Room: Xiaomi Launches 12kg Smart Washer
Xiaomi’s latest Mijia Washing Machine Pro uses active oxygen electrolysis to remove stains without chemicals. We analyze the $505 smart appliance's specs.
Xiaomi continues to aggressively undercut legacy appliance manufacturers with the release of the Mijia Washing Machine Pro 12kg, a washer-dryer combo that relies on chemistry rather than just hot water to clean fabrics. Set to go on sale January 16 for 3,528 yuan (approximately $505), the device introduces "Super Electrolysis Technology," a proprietary feature that generates active oxygen to break down organic stains like oil and blood without requiring aggressive chemical bleaches. This launch signals Xiaomi's intent to push high-end sterilization features—typically reserved for $1,000+ units from Miele or LG—into the mainstream budget segment.
The Efficiency Ratio
In the world of washing machines, the "wash ratio" is the benchmark of cleaning performance, with standard efficient machines scoring around 1.03 to 1.1. The Mijia Pro claims a wash ratio of 1.3, a figure that suggests significantly higher mechanical and chemical efficiency per cycle. This is powered by a 1200rpm direct-drive inverter motor capable of handling a 12kg wash load and a 9kg drying load. For large households, this capacity means washing heavy winter coats or king-sized bedding in a single pass is finally viable without splitting loads.
Electrolysis and Sterilization Claims
The core differentiator is the electrolysis module. By electrolyzing cold water, the machine creates a solution capable of achieving a 99.999 percent bacterial and viral removal rate, alongside a 100 percent mite removal rate, according to Xiaomi’s internal lab data. This allows for hospital-grade sterilization on delicate fabrics like baby clothes or silk underwear that cannot withstand the high temperatures of a traditional steam cycle. However, the machine still retains high-temperature steam capabilities for users who prefer thermal sterilization for cottons and linens.
Smart Dosing and HyperOS Integration
Automating the most tedious part of laundry, the unit features a dual smart dispensing system. The reservoir holds enough detergent and softener (or disinfectant) for approximately one month of usage. The onboard computer weighs the laundry load and assesses soil levels to dispense liquid with milliliter-level precision, preventing the common user error of over-soaping which leads to residue buildup.
As a node in the Xiaomi ecosystem, the washer runs on HyperOS Connect. This integration allows users to control cycles via the Mi Home app, receive end-of-cycle notifications on Xiaomi smart speakers, and schedule washes during off-peak energy hours. The system supports Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, meaning wash algorithms can theoretically be optimized months after purchase.
Pricing and Market Positioning
At 3,528 yuan ($505), the Mijia Washing Machine Pro is priced aggressively against domestic Chinese competitors and is significantly cheaper than comparable smart combos in the US market, which often start at $900. While Xiaomi appliances rarely see direct official distribution in North America, they often set the feature roadmap for global competitors like Samsung and LG to follow 12 months later.
The Daily Tech Lens Verdict
We remain skeptical of "miracle" cleaning claims until independent testing validates the wash ratio, but the hardware value proposition here is undeniable. Getting a 12kg/9kg combo unit with auto-dosing and smart home integration for $500 is unheard of in the Western market. The Mijia Washing Machine Pro proves that the smart home is no longer about gimmicky touchscreens, but about automated maintenance and chemical engineering. If you live in a region where Xiaomi ships appliances, this is a compelling upgrade over a standard "dumb" washer.
