Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.
ProLine
Dolphin Premier
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Why Dolphin Premier is our pick
Dolphin Premier
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
$1,999
Buy Dolphin PremierDolphin Premier or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.
Pool fit and cleaning reach
Both robots are intended for inground pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Premier lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual commercial-grade motors. Dolphin Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Premier includes Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, and Multi-Media; Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket. That gives Dolphin Premier the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Premier provides a weekly timer, power-supply controls, and optional remote control; Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control. Both use a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Premier is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is $700 less. Dolphin Premier lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Proteus DX5i. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Choose Dolphin Proteus DX5i when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
Feature check: what each robot actually has
A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.
| Feature | Dolphin Premier | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | YesEdge | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | YesEdge | No |
| No recharging between cycles | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in UV-C water treatment | No | No |
Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.
Where Dolphin Premier stands out
Dolphin Premier is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
- Adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Adds smartphone control
- Is listed $700 lower
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Proteus DX5i specifications
Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.
| Specification | Dolphin Premier | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,999 | $1,299 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, Multi-Media | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Not listed |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 20.3 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.
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