Released in a similar timeframe, the LeEco Le 1s and Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 represented compelling value propositions in the budget smartphone market. While both aimed to deliver a premium experience at an affordable price, they took fundamentally different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, revealing which device holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, built on a 14nm process, delivers significantly better power efficiency than the LeEco Le 1s’ MediaTek Helio X10, resulting in longer battery life and less thermal throttling during sustained use. While both phones share similar endurance ratings, the underlying architecture favors the Redmi Note 4.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, February. Released 2016, February | 2017, January. Released 2017, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.1 x 74.2 x 7.6 mm (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) | 151 x 76 x 8.5 mm (5.94 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6200 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) - LeEco Le 1sAndroid 6.0 (Marshmallow) - LeEco Le 1s Eco | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C (MHL2 TV-out) | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Silver, Gray | Dark Gray, Gold, Black, Lake Blue |
| Models | Le X507, Le X509, Letv X500 | 2016100 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.6dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1503:1 (nominal), 2.714 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 81dB |
| Performance | - |
GFXBench: 3.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LeEco Le 1s
- Higher CPU clock speed (2.2 GHz)
- Potentially lower initial price (depending on market)
- Sleek design for its time
- Less power-efficient chipset (28nm)
- Prone to thermal throttling
- Potentially shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
- More power-efficient chipset (14nm)
- Better sustained performance
- Qualcomm Quick Charge support
- Lower CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz)
- May have been slightly more expensive at launch
- Design is less striking than the Le 1s
Display Comparison
Both the LeEco Le 1s and Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1503:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.714. This suggests a similar viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel type (IPS vs. AMOLED), resolution, and brightness. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Redmi Note 4’s slightly larger display size (typically 5.5 inches vs. the Le 1s’ 5.5 inches) may offer a marginally more immersive viewing experience, but without detailed specs, this remains speculative.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. Given the market segment, both likely feature a primary camera around 13MP and a front-facing camera around 5MP. The Redmi Note 4’s camera is generally regarded as slightly better in real-world usage, likely due to Qualcomm’s superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities within the Snapdragon 625. Without detailed specs, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the Redmi Note 4 likely offers more consistent image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LeEco Le 1s utilizes the MediaTek MT6795 Helio X10, a 28nm octa-core processor clocked at 2.2 GHz. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, conversely, employs the Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, fabricated on a more efficient 14nm process and clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the Helio X10 boasts a higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 625’s smaller manufacturing node translates to significantly lower power consumption and heat generation. This means the Redmi Note 4 can sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling, offering a smoother experience in demanding applications and games. Both CPUs utilize Cortex-A53 cores, meaning the architectural differences are minimal; the process node is the key differentiator.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, this metric doesn't tell the whole story. The Snapdragon 625’s 14nm process is far more power-efficient than the Helio X10’s 28nm process. This means the Redmi Note 4 can deliver similar endurance with potentially a smaller battery capacity, or longer endurance with a comparable battery size. The Redmi Note 4 also benefits from Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology, offering faster charging speeds than the LeEco Le 1s, which likely relies on slower charging standards.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le 1s if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life and warmer operation. It might appeal to users who frequently perform CPU-intensive tasks and don't mind frequent charging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 if you value all-day battery life, consistent performance under load, and a more efficient overall experience. This is the better choice for everyday users, media consumers, and casual gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LeEco Le 1s struggle with modern app performance?
The Helio X10, while capable in its time, will likely exhibit noticeable slowdowns and lag when running demanding modern applications. The Snapdragon 625 in the Redmi Note 4 handles these tasks more gracefully due to its superior efficiency and sustained performance.
❓ Is the difference in battery life between these phones significant in real-world use?
Yes, despite both phones having a 119-hour endurance rating, the Redmi Note 4 will likely last longer on a single charge. The Snapdragon 625’s 14nm process consumes significantly less power, allowing for more screen-on time and standby time.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 4 support software updates beyond Android 7?
The Redmi Note 4 originally shipped with Android 6.0 and received updates up to Android 7.1.2. Official support has ended, but a vibrant custom ROM community exists for those seeking newer Android versions.
❓ Is the LeEco Le 1s still a viable option in 2024?
While functional, the LeEco Le 1s is showing its age. Limited software support and the less efficient Helio X10 chipset make it a less appealing option compared to newer, more affordable smartphones.
