Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Oasis Z5i vs Dolphin Explorer E50
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Explorer E50 or Dolphin Oasis Z5i — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Oasis Z5i nor the Dolphin Explorer E50 is one of the cleaners our pool experts promote. Consider a proven ProLine, Max-Series, or Clear model instead — each is backed by its full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Quantum
Open Box $1529Refurbished $1419
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
Dolphin Cayman
Open Box $1059Refurbished $999
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
More ways to save on the Quantum
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Cayman
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Escape
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Oasis Z5i
- Not Sold by Poolbots - Maytronics sells the Oasis Z5i directly and through its dealers
Explorer E50
- Weaker Suction - Does not utilize the larger, commercial-grade motors that filter up to 500 GPH more that are found on the Dolphin Sigma and Dolphin Premier
- No Multi-Media™ - Does not include multiple filter options such as Oversized Leaf Bag and NanoFiltration
- Overshadowed by the newer Gen 2 models with more features - such as the ProLine and Max-Series
- Shorter Warranty - Shorter warranty compared to the Dolphin ProLine
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Oasis Z5i and Dolphin Explorer E50.
| Feature | Oasis Z5i | Explorer E50 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | ||
| Hands-Off Daily Cleaning | ✓ No manual recharge | ✓ No manual recharge |
| Smartphone App Control | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Hands-Off Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles.
Smartphone App Control
App connectivity can put scheduling, cycle selection and cleaner status on your phone, although the exact controls vary by model.
Full Filter Indicator
Know exactly when it's time to clean. The power supply alerts you directly when the filter is full — no need to pull out the unit to check.
Anti-Tangle Cable Swivel
Say goodbye to tangled cords. An anti-tangle swivel lets the robot move 360° around your pool without the cord getting tangled, so you can sit back while it cleans. Learn more ›
Warranty Coverage
A robot is only as good as its warranty. The Dolphin Oasis Z5i is backed by a 3-year warranty, while the Dolphin Explorer E50 carries a 2-year warranty. Buying through an Authorized Dealer like Poolbots gets you the full manufacturer warranty — never pro-rated or limited by cleaning cycles — plus a 30-day in-pool trial with no restocking fees. Learn more ›
The Details
Specifications
| Oasis Z5i | Explorer E50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99991079-USI | 99996281-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | Ultra-Fine Filter Kit | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2.5 hours | 1.5, 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 2 |
| Cable Length | — | 60 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | Yes |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Recharging Required | No | No |
| Smartphone App | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Operation | No | No |
| Restocking Fee | — | No |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Dolphin Oasis Z5i
Read Dolphin Oasis Z5i ReviewDolphin Explorer E50
Read Dolphin Explorer E50 ReviewKeep Comparing
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What’s Next?
Still narrowing it down? These expert guides and tools make it easy to find the right pool robot for your pool — most ship free, same day.

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Videos
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Pool Volume Calculator
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