Dyson V12 vs. V15 Detect Which Is Better For Carpets?

The Dyson V12 right in the middle of the V15 and Micro in terms of size and weight. But its power and battery life numbers are pretty similar to the V15. And unlike the Micro it comes with a standard combo head as well so it can be used with carpets and rugs just like the V15. 

These variants have Dyson's latest technology including the Piezo sensor, laser slim roller, and a torque screw tool.

So what's the difference between these products?

• battery capacity
• bin capacity
• suction power
• weight

Before testing the V12 I thought that it was only a V15 refresh with a push button switch. But it's more than that Dyson launched it to address some of the issues plaguing the V15. Mostly related to the ergonomic limitations in its handheld configuration due to the heavy frame and the trigger switch which is something that long time does in customers have been climbing to replace finally they gave in and put in a push button switch in their full-size thick vacuum.

The Dyson V12 is not as powerful, has a smaller size, smaller dustbin, and doesn't weigh as much.

The Dyson V15 is visibly larger. Since it uses the same capacity dustbin as a V11 and V10 with a larger motor and upgraded battery making it Dyson's best-performing cordless stick vacuum.

The V12 is actually a smaller version of the V15 alleviating the issues consumers have been climbing Dyson to fix mainly with its bulk and trigger.

An easy way for dies to reduce the bulk is by cutting down the dustbin size. The V15 more than doubles the V12's capacity at 0.77 liters. So it can hold more dirt and clean a larger space before you have to empty it.

Features

The biggest one and something you won't see looking at the advertorials is size differences.

The V12 smaller size compromises primarily with airflow capacity and range.

The next compromise is the smaller motor reducing the airflow by more than 20% at the max setting.

Surprisingly there isn't much difference in service debris pickup between the V12 and V15. But the airflow difference is seen in the deep cleaning performance. Whereas the V15 is much better picking up 100% even in the auto setting versus the V12 94.1% in the max setting, this aspect is a big deal for me because using the auto setting maximizes range and reduces wear and tear on the battery lengthening its life.

The V12 is the first Dyson full-size stick vacuum with a push button switch.

The Dyson performs like a full-size stick vacuum but with a lighter frame. It's actually a new category within Dyson's ecosystem. An in-between option to fill the gap between the ultra-lightweight hard floor-only micro and other V-series options like the V15 V11 and V10. And because of this, the attachments of the V12 won't fit the V15 and vice versa.

Battery capacity

The V12 has a smaller battery compared to the V15 and is not suitable for big homes.

The V15 runtime is up to 80 minutes while the V12 does 63 min. Both have swappable batteries which means it exceeds time for up to 120 minutes for the V12 but the extra battery is cheaper compared to the one that suits the V15 which is another factor to consider.

Standard brush roll nozzle

Another difference with these Dyson products is the standard brush roll nozzle. 

The V15 uses the latest design with the combs and adjustable gates while the V12 reverted back to the V8 design but with more ports helping larger piles of dirt fit through

However, these ports aren't big enough and it's still prone to snow plowing large dirt piles versus the V15 that didn't have this issue but for these specific models, this shouldn't be an issue because it comes with a laser slim roller.

Laser roller

The V12 attack retains many of the same features as a V15 Detect and at the forefront is a laser slim roller. This attachment was first seen in the V15 Detect.

Another groundbreaking technology by Dyson and it's now available in select outsized models. Please note that the laser flame roller of the V15 is backward compatible with older models like the V8 and V11 and the green laser will turn on.

So it's good news for consumers looking to save money dust simply pops when the bright green light flashes even in dark areas with barely any light. It's better than any LED-equipped stick vacuum I've tested at tracking almost invisible dust. These nozzles are based on Dyson slim roller which in my opinion is better than the chunky fluffy attachment. Because it will fit under low-clearance areas better.

The V12 and V15 have a standard brush roll attachment but the similarity ends here. 

The V15 uses the latest high torque nozzle with adjustable Gates Combs and a redesigned brush. Whereas the V12 uses an older design based on the V8 with a rubber blade seal behind the brush. 

The V15's brush is better on several levels. 

1. adjustable gates
2. agitation
3. ability to resist angles from long hair strands

First, adjustable gates enable it to clean large dirt piles with minimal snow plowing which is an issue for the V8 and now the V12. Another advantage is the agitation so it picks up more embedded debris than the V12's old-style brush. The proof is in the deep cleaning test where the V15 picked up 100% even in the auto setting whereas the V12 picked up 94.1% in the max setting. Lastly is its ability to resist angles from long hair strands thanks to the combs and chunkier brush. Nothing significant tangled on it in the here tests even long 13-inch strands. While 11-inch strands tangled on the V12's brush. 

Similarities

• Piezo sensor
• detachable batteries
• fully sealed system
• torque tool

Both have the Piezo sensor that measures specific debris sizes shown on the LCD screen behind the motor. There isn't much variance with the interface besides the screen size button shape and color. But the functionality remains the same, both have detachable batteries which are good for usability since removing the batteries is easier than loosening screws. So extended run time is easy to purchase extra batteries. And with Dyson's design, you could recharge them detached.

Both have a fully sealed system that didn't leak during a fog test and this bodes well for allergy suffers since allergens won't exit through the exhaust. Both have the torque tool which is excellent at cleaning long hair strands on fabric upholstery even long ones.

Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V15 Detect

The best value

$601.87 on Amazon

The Dyson V15 is one of the best cordless cleaners in the lineup with all that power and new smart features. Suitable for all homes and supports an extra battery if you have to vacuum a big area.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

A smaller version for mostly hard floors and pet hair

$529.88 on Amazon

The V12 has a smaller battery compared to the V15 and is not suitable for big homes.

The V15 runtime is up to 80 minutes while the V12 does 63 min. Both have swappable batteries which means it exceeds time for up to 120 minutes for the V12 but the extra battery is cheaper compared to the one that suits the V15 which is another factor to consider.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is ideal for homes with hard floors mostly but you'd have to empty the dustbin more often. Also ideal if you are looking for a smaller device in addition to a traditional corded vacuum.

So which option is better?

This will depend on your answer to these questions. How much are you willing to spend do you need to clean lots of carpets how big is your home?

Who doesn't want to spend a premium on a cordless stick vacuum the Dyson V12 is a good compromise. The lower airflow means it won't deep clean carpet as well as a V15. But surprisingly it's nearly as good on surface debris. This also answers the questions about needing to clean carpets because the V15 is better on this surface because of the higher airflow and upgraded nozzle.

But for hard floors, I'd go with the V12 since it has a laser slim roller that's highly efficient and tracks dust as no other stick vacuum can.

Folks who need to clean long hair will benefit from the V15 standard brush roll since it resists tangles better with the chunkier brush and combs. But overall aside from the deep cleaning run time and anti-tangle advantages of the V15 the V12 is much cheaper while retaining most of the V15 features.

Yes, there will be compromises with runtime and power but these aren't enough to negate the ergonomic and usability benefits and of course the huge price difference. However, for homes covered with carpets mostly, we'd recommend going for the Dyson V15 Detect.