Xiaomi is one of the modern titans in the world of technology, thanks to delivering a combination of quality and fair pricing with most of their products. That’s no different with the routers we’re going to be discussing today!
The AX3200 and AX3600 are sister products in a way. The AX3200 is a newer model but it’s cheaper due to being aimed more towards the average user, while the AX3600 is an older premium router for power users.
Despite the differences, both routers offer support for the latest connectivity technologies, widely known to most people as simply “Wi-Fi 6”.
But do the similarities end there? Exactly what is the difference between the cheaper AX3200 and the more expensive AX3600, and is it enough to justify the extra cost?
Well, that’s what we aim to find out here by comparing their specs! Now, let’s dive into the inner workings of these Xiaomi routers.
This is an interesting category for our comparison, so we’re using it as our kick-off point!
Both of Xiaomi’s routers, the AX3200 and AX3600, have the same max potential speed of 2402 Mbps when connected through 5GHz Wi-Fi. All good there, it’s about what you would expect on a modern router.
However, the AX3600 falls behind when it comes to max potential speed when connecting through 2.4GHz, having a cap of around 574 Mbps in optimal scenarios. Honestly, we expect better from a router as pricey as the AX3600.
To make matters worse, the cheaper AX3200 can reach speeds up to 800 Mbps when using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. This eclipses the AX3600’s speeds, and is even above the average of 600 Mbps!
Winner: Xiaomi Router AX3200
This spec is unlikely to matter to most average users, as the usual household router rarely requires large memory. However, it’s one of the few notable differences in the specs of both of the routers we’re covering here!
The AX3200 boasts a very solid memory of 256 MBs, which allows the router to handle connections for up to 128 different devices. We hope you don’t have 128 different devices in your household, though!
But, while those numbers are extremely impressive, the AX3600 straight-up doubles them. Indeed, the AX3600 has a memory of 512 MBs and can easily handle up to 248 different connected devices at once.
OK, let’s be fair here, this is unlikely to matter to most users. It’s just way past overkill if you’re looking for a router for your home. On the other hand, it does mean the AX3600 is better suited for large-scale users, such as companies.
Winner: Xiaomi Router AX3600
The last big difference between both of today’s routers is their antennas.
Both devices feature 6 omnidirectional high-gain antennas, so they have fantastic coverage that is more than enough for any household. Plus, they support MESH networking to expand their range as well.
However, the AX3600’s antennas seem to work better when tested in the real world, which is something the spec sheets given by Xiaomi don’t really tell you. Wall penetration is a lot better in the AX3600, too.
There’s one extra trick up the AX3600’s sleeve, too! It also incorporates one AIoT antenna. That means Artificial Intelligence of Things, just in case you’re unaware.
The main purpose of this antenna is to make it easier to set up and utilize other smart devices in your home, provided they’re compatible with Xiaomi’s “Mi Home” app. It’s a fairly niche use, admittedly, but a huge boon if your smart house setup relies on Xiaomi devices!
Winner: Xiaomi Router AX3600
Overall, we have to go with the AX3200. Its performance with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks is way faster and more reliable, so you just get more bang for your buck. Now, mind you, we think AX3600 is great too, but some of its biggest improvements over the AX3200 are fairly niche and unnecessary for the average consumer.
Check what other users on Amazon think about the products
