Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX4 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX4
Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Proteus DX4 or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX4 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. Dolphin Proteus DX5i has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Proteus DX4's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX4 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control. Both use a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is listed at $1,199 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Proteus DX4 is $100 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX4 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 Proteus DX4 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | No | 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 Proteus DX4 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.
- Is listed $100 lower
- Weekly timer
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for owners who put smartphone control first.
- Adds smartphone control
- Smartphone app control
Dolphin Proteus DX4 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 Proteus DX4 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Not listed | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | 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 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX4 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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