For pool owners seeking a powerful, automated solution to pool maintenance, Dolphin robotic pool cleaners continue to lead the market in reliability, innovation, and performance. Two of the most talked-about models—Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Proteus DX4—offer impressive features that make pool cleaning more efficient and hands-free. While both are designed for in-ground pools and promise efficient coverage, their internal systems, filtration methods, mobility enhancements, and cleaning performance set them apart.
In this in-depth comparison, we evaluate every critical feature to help determine which unit best suits your residential pool cleaning needs.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Proteus DX4
- Cleaning Coverage and Wall/Waterline Reach
- Navigation Technology and Cleaning Intelligence
- Brush System and Scrubbing Efficiency
- Filtration System and Debris Capacity
- Mobility and Wall Climbing
- Cable Type and Tangle Prevention
- Scheduling and Automation
- Ease of Handling and Weight
- Smart Control and App Integration
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Quantum
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Proteus DX4
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin Quantum vs Dolphin Proteus DX4
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Cleaning Coverage and Wall/Waterline Reach
Both models are optimized for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, but their surface reach varies greatly. The Dolphin Proteus DX4 covers the floor and walls, efficiently scrubbing debris from flat and vertical surfaces. However, it does not clean the waterline, which often collects oil, residue, and debris from everyday pool use.
The Dolphin Quantum, by contrast, delivers full coverage of floor, walls, and waterline. Its HyperGrip tracks and gyroscopic control allow it to climb to the waterline and maintain stable contact, even along curved tile lines or irregular surfaces. This makes a visible difference in the pool’s appearance, particularly in high-use settings or areas with hard water buildup.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Its ability to clean the waterline offers a more complete solution, leaving no part of the pool untouched.
The Proteus DX4 uses CleverClean Navigation, which relies on internal algorithms to scan and map the pool. It plans an efficient route, avoiding random paths and ensuring comprehensive floor and wall coverage within a two-hour cleaning cycle.
The Quantum, however, is built with SmartNav 2.0™ and an integrated gyroscope, which provides real-time position tracking. This allows for highly intelligent movement across all surfaces, especially during vertical cleaning. The gyroscopic feedback system ensures smooth transitions, tight cornering, and optimized navigation, even in freeform or irregularly shaped pools.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Advanced gyroscopic navigation and real-time tracking give the Quantum superior efficiency and adaptability during cleaning.
Brush System and Scrubbing Efficiency
The Proteus DX4 features dual standard brushes, which rotate to dislodge dirt and algae from the floor and walls. These brushes provide effective general cleaning for everyday use in typical backyard pools.
The Quantum takes scrubbing to the next level with dual HyperBrush™ active scrubbing systems, which rotate twice as fast as the robot’s movement. These brushes agitate stubborn grime, biofilm, and fine particles far more effectively than standard rollers. They are especially useful in older pools, plaster surfaces, and regions prone to algae blooms or debris from surrounding trees.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Its high-speed HyperBrush technology ensures a more aggressive and deep cleaning process, outperforming standard brushes in all conditions.
Filtration System and Debris Capacity
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 includes a top-load cartridge system with separate fine and ultra-fine filters, allowing it to capture both large debris like leaves and fine particles such as pollen and sand. The filters are easy to rinse, but their smaller capacity may require more frequent cleaning.
The Quantum is equipped with an oversized top-load filter basket with fine and ultra-fine mesh, offering greater volume and multi-stage filtration. This design handles larger debris loads without losing suction or requiring as many filter changes, making it ideal for pools with heavy debris, spring cleaning, or post-storm maintenance.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
The larger, high-capacity basket allows for more debris storage and less user intervention, resulting in a more efficient and cleaner cycle.
Mobility and Wall Climbing
The Proteus DX4 utilizes standard wheel-based mobility, which is sufficient for stable cleaning on flat pool floors and moderate wall ascents. While it performs reliably, it can occasionally struggle on slick or steep pool walls, especially during extended vertical cleaning cycles.
In contrast, the Quantum features Continuous HyperGrip Tracks, which offer superior traction and surface contact on all pool materials. Whether the pool has vinyl, fiberglass, gunite, or tile finishes, the tracks maintain consistent climbing ability and allow for superior maneuvering across vertical and sloped surfaces.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
The track-based design with HyperGrip traction gives the Quantum unmatched stability, particularly in complex or steep-sided pools.
Cable Type and Tangle Prevention
The Proteus DX4 includes a 60-foot cable that accommodates full pool coverage. However, the cable does not include swivel functionality, which can lead to tangles over time—especially during frequent use or long cycles.
The Quantum features a 60-foot anti-tangle swivel cable, a vital addition that prevents looping and reduces maintenance interruptions. This ensures the cleaner can complete its programmed route without being stopped or restricted by cable twists.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
The anti-tangle swivel cable ensures smoother operation and eliminates the frustration of tangled cords.
Scheduling and Automation
The DX4 must be operated manually and does not include a built-in scheduler, which requires the user to start each cleaning session directly from the power supply. While reliable, this can be inconvenient for users seeking a set-it-and-forget-it experience.
The Quantum includes a weekly scheduler, allowing users to preset cleaning intervals for every day, every other day, or every three days. This feature enhances convenience, especially for busy pool owners who want regular maintenance without ongoing supervision.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Automated scheduling improves usability and ensures the pool remains clean without daily involvement.
Ease of Handling and Weight
The Proteus DX4 weighs approximately 18.5 lbs, making it relatively easy to remove from the pool and transport to storage. It features a carry handle and a compact design suitable for frequent manual handling.
The Quantum, with its more powerful components and track-based system, weighs about 27 lbs. Though heavier, the unit’s robust handle design helps offset the added weight, and the higher performance justifies the trade-off for many users.
Winner: Dolphin Proteus DX4
For those prioritizing portability and lightweight handling, the DX4 is easier to manage post-cleaning.
Smart Control and App Integration
Neither the Quantum nor the Proteus DX4 supports WiFi, Bluetooth, or smartphone app integration. Both units operate using their power supply boxes, and settings must be manually configured. However, the Quantum’s control box includes the weekly scheduler, while the DX4 lacks any programmable options.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
While neither offers full smart connectivity, the Quantum’s scheduling function adds more automation flexibility.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Quantum
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Proteus DX4
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Proteus DX4 if you want a reliable and affordable pool cleaning robot that provides strong wall and floor cleaning, decent filtration, and a lightweight frame. It’s best suited for homeowners with smaller debris loads, standard pool surfaces, and those who prefer manual operation without premium features.
Choose Dolphin Quantum if you’re looking for a high-end robotic pool cleaner that can handle everything from waterline cleaning and heavy debris to complex pool shapes. Its advanced navigation, aggressive scrubbing, oversized filter basket, and automated scheduler make it an ideal choice for owners who want the cleanest pool with the least amount of effort.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With powerful scrubbing, smart navigation, waterline cleaning, and superior mobility, the Dolphin Quantum is a clear leader in advanced robotic pool cleaning. It delivers deeper, more automated, and more reliable cleaning results for demanding pool environments.