Makeblock mTiny vs Sphero BOLT+
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| MakeblockmTiny | SpheroBOLT+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | – | – |
| Task and control | ||
| Form | Wheeled | Wheeled |
| Use | Education | Education |
| User programming | Yes | Yes |
| Phone app | – | Yes |
| Movement | – | Rolling spherical robot inside a transparent polycarbonate shell. |
| User programming | Physical command cards and tap-pen control; no phone or tablet required for these activities. | Sphero Edu supports drawing, blocks, JavaScript and Python. The maker provides free lesson resources. |
| Remote control | Included tap-pen controller. | – |
| Regional availability | Discover kit SKU P1030157 orderable on 3 October 2026; contiguous-US delivery. Store also displays an undated “Shipping from 6/8” note, so a precise dispatch date is not established. | The individual robot (SKU 920-0600) is orderable from the maker US store on 3 October 2026; classroom packs are separate SKUs. |
| Release details | Exact first-sale date not established from the maker evidence read. | Announced on 18 June 2024 as a preorder shipping later that summer. The first retail-sale date was not established, so no release date is assigned. |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life (maker's claim) | Up to 2 hours of play | All-day classroom use (maker claim; hours unpublished) |
| Charging | – | Qi wireless charging; shake the robot to wake it. |
| Hardware | ||
| Bluetooth | – | Yes |
| Audio | Maker lists more than 300 sound effects. | – |
| Display | More than ten facial expressions. | 128 × 128-pixel colour LCD; maker announcement lists more than 650 graphics and animations. |
| Durability | ABS and silicone enclosure. | Maker describes the polycarbonate shell as waterproof; no IP classification is given on the product page. |
| Accessories | Current Discover kit includes maps, coding cards and drawing accessories. Earlier Coding-kit photographs are excluded. | Individual robot and classroom multi-robot kits are sold separately. Gallery Power Pack images show the optional classroom case, not the individual package. |
