Xiaomi Aluminum Suitcase 20″ – Review

When it comes to travel, a reliable carry-on suitcase is essential. I’ve always admired the sleek design and durability of the Rimowa aluminum suitcase, but with a price tag of around $2000, it’s a out of my budget. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that Xiaomi offers a similar aluminum carry-on baggage for a fraction of the price. At under $300, it’s just a fifth of the cost of a Rimowa. Curious about this affordable alternative, I decided to give the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase a try.

 Xiaomi 20″ Aluminum Suitcase – Specs

The Xiaomi aluminum suitcase measures 55.1 × 38.3 × 20.3 cm (22.7 x 15.1 x 8 in) and weighs approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs). This makes it about the maximum size for carry-on luggage, though it is around 1 kg heavier than a typical polycarbonate suitcase. In terms of dimensions and weight, it’s comparable to the Rimowa aluminum suitcase.

Constructed from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, the suitcase’s body is both sturdy and stylish, while the interior is lined with polyester. With a capacity of about 31 liters, it offers enough space for your travel essentials.

Xiaomi aluminum carry-on features two locks, each with individual 3-number codes, and are TSA-approved. The pull rod has four adjustable positions and extends to a convenient height of 1.15 meters. Additionally, the rod’s shaking is minimal, within 10 mm, ensuring a smooth and comfortable pulling experience.

Although the aluminum suitcase is sold under the Xiaomi brand, it is actually manufactured by 90 Minutes. Inside, you’ll find a tag indicating that it was designed by Runmi in Germany. The suitcase features two Y-shaped straps with Velcro that won’t stick to your clothes, ensuring your items stay secure without any hassle. Additionally, it includes a flexible division board with a zipper, perfect for organizing chargers and other small items.

Is it carry-on size?

The Xiaomi 20″ aluminum suitcase qualifies as cabin baggage. During my wait at the airport, I tested it in several airlines’ measuring boxes, and it fit perfectly as a carry-on bag for all of them.
Here are some airline requirements (see my field test photos below):

• Ryanair: 55 x 40 x 20 cm – 10kg
• Wizzair: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 10kg
• EasyJet: 56 x 45 x 25 cm – ?kg
• Austrian: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 8kg
• Lufthansa: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 8kg
• Vueling: 55 x 40 x 20 cm – 10kg

Inside the aircraft, I had the opportunity to test the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase on two types of planes. On an Airbus A320/A321, the suitcase fits perfectly alongside in the overhead compartment. On a smaller regional jet, the Embraer 195, the suitcase fits broadside.

Hands-on Experience & Review

After: 1 trip – 2 flights

After a trip with two flights, these are my findings: The wheels are super smooth and silent. No matter which terrain I was pulling my suitcase, it worked out fine. The shaking of the pulling rod is quite ok and comparable to other case I used.

While I appreciate the Y-shaped strap and the quality of the Velcro, closing it can be a bit inconvenient. You need to fumble the strap through a metal opening, which can be tricky if you’ve overpacked, as the Velcro part is too thick to fit easily.
Personally, I would prefer a strap on one side and a zipper compartment on the other, similar to the Xiaomi 20″ Business Suitcase (a polycarbonate suitcase):

During my fist trip Xiaomi Suitcase took a few hits, got a few minor scratches, but still looks like it was delivered:

After: 6 trips – 8 flights, car-rides & bus-ride

After several more flights with different airlines, I remain very satisfied with the Xiaomi aluminum luggage. It continues to pass through security without any issues and always finds a spot in the overhead compartments. Despite a few hits from careless passengers trying to stuff their belongings into the bins, the suitcase still looks great and has no scratches.

The wheels are impressively smooth and silent, making it easy to maneuver through various terrains, including longer walks on cobblestone streets. The carry-on’s durability and sleek design have consistently impressed me.

The only minor inconvenience is the Y-shaped strap, which can be tricky to close when the suitcase is overpacked. You need to thread the strap through a metal opening, which can be a bit cumbersome if the suitcase is too full. However, this is a small drawback compared to the overall quality of the suitcase.

In summary, the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase offers excellent value for its price, combining style, durability, and functionality. It’s a fantastic alternative to more expensive brands like Rimowa, and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of a reliable carry-on.

Price / Retailer Comparison

Where to buy Xiaomi Aluminum suitcase?

• Xiaomi aluminum suitcase made its way to Europe and is available on Amazon:

• You can also find the suitcase on Aliexpress:

• I ordered my Xiaomi suitcase on Banggood. It is listed, but sometimes not available:

Alternative: Xiaomi 20″ Business suitcase

If you don’t need the fancy aluminum suitcase, here’s a cheaper alternative. I mentioned this suitcase earlier when writing about the inner compartment. I think having a strap on one side and a zipper compartment on the other side (for small stuff) is great. Further the “Xiaomi Business Suitcase” offers another great feature: there’s a separated compartment at the front which holds your electronics such as laptop, tablet or phone – very convenient! No need to open the whole case to remove those items, just get them out of the front compartment. That comes in handy if you want to get out your laptop at airport security or if you try to get some work done while waiting at the gate.
I’ll stick with my metal suitcase as I think it’s more durable and a bit more stylish – but I’m very tempted to test it.

The Xiaomi Business Suitcase is available for 87.99 USD at Banggood.

If you are looking for a check-in luggage, check out my review of the 24″ Xiaomi Spinner-wheel suitcase.