The LeEco Le 2 and Le 2 Pro represent a fascinating period in smartphone history – ambitious hardware at disruptive prices. Both devices featured a then-novel deca-core processor, but significant differences in chipset choice and implementation create a clear performance hierarchy. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you understand which LeEco model delivers the best experience today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LeEco Le 2 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio X25 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Le 2’s Helio X20 and Snapdragon 652 variants, particularly in demanding tasks. While the Le 2 offers a potentially more efficient Snapdragon option, the Pro’s raw power and faster processing make it the better long-term investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, April. Released 2016, April | 2016, April. Released 2016, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.1 x 74.2 x 7.5 mm (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) | 151.1 x 74.2 x 7.5 mm (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 153 g (5.40 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 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Deca-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A72, 4x2 GHz Cortex-A53, 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53) | Deca-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A72, 4x2 GHz Cortex-A53, 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6797T Helio X25 (20 nm) | Mediatek MT6797 Helio X20 (20 nm)Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T880 MP4 | Mali-T880 MP4Adreno 510 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.6 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), EUI 5.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", PDAF | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Rose gold, gold, silver, grey |
| Models | - | Le X526, Le X620, Le X520, Le X527, X526 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 190 EUR |
LeEco Le 2 Pro
- Significantly faster processor (Helio X25)
- Faster charging (18W, QC2)
- Potentially better image processing
- Improved multitasking performance
- Potentially lower battery life
- Higher thermal throttling under sustained load
LeEco Le 2
- Potentially better battery life (Snapdragon 652 variant)
- More efficient processor (Snapdragon 652 variant)
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Significantly slower processor (Helio X20/Snapdragon 652)
- Slower charging speeds
- Less responsive UI
Display Comparison
Both the LeEco Le 2 and Le 2 Pro likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here is on processing power, not display fidelity. Bezels were relatively slim for the time, but neither device would compete with modern flagship designs. The Le 2 Pro's faster processor could contribute to smoother animations and faster UI responsiveness, indirectly enhancing the perceived display experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw firm conclusions. Both phones likely feature similar camera setups, but the Le 2 Pro’s more powerful processor could enable faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio X25 is likely more capable than that of the Helio X20 or Snapdragon 652, leading to improved image quality. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device are unlikely to offer significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The LeEco Le 2 Pro boasts the Mediatek MT6797T Helio X25, a 20nm deca-core processor with a faster CPU clock speed (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A72) compared to the LeEco Le 2’s Helio X20 (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A72). The Le 2 also has a Snapdragon 652 variant (28nm, 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53). The X25’s higher clock speeds translate to faster single-core and multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 652, while efficient, is significantly less powerful than either Helio X20 or X25. The X25’s architecture, while still deca-core, is less efficient than the Snapdragon 652, potentially leading to higher thermal throttling under sustained load. Users prioritizing gaming or video editing will see a clear benefit from the Le 2 Pro.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but the LeEco Le 2’s Snapdragon 652 variant benefits from a more efficient 28nm process. The Le 2 Pro’s Helio X25, built on a 20nm process, is less efficient. However, the Le 2 Pro supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0, allowing for a 50% charge in 30 minutes. This faster charging partially mitigates the potential battery life disadvantage. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Le 2 Pro’s faster processor will likely consume more power.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le 2 Pro if you prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, or demanding applications and are willing to potentially sacrifice some battery life. Buy the LeEco Le 2 if you value a potentially more balanced power consumption profile, especially if you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and if you find a model equipped with the Snapdragon 652.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LeEco Le 2 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG or Asphalt 9?
The LeEco Le 2 Pro’s Helio X25 chipset is capable of running these games, but expect to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Thermal throttling may become an issue during extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to performance drops. The LeEco Le 2, especially the Helio X20 variant, will struggle with these titles.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 652 version of the LeEco Le 2 a better choice for everyday use?
For users primarily focused on calling, texting, browsing, and social media, the Snapdragon 652 variant of the LeEco Le 2 offers a more balanced experience. Its improved power efficiency translates to longer battery life, and it’s less prone to overheating during typical usage. However, it lacks the performance headroom of the Le 2 Pro.
❓ How does the thermal management compare between the LeEco Le 2 Pro and LeEco Le 2?
The LeEco Le 2 Pro, with its more powerful Helio X25, is more likely to experience thermal throttling under sustained load. The LeEco Le 2, particularly the Snapdragon 652 version, will generally run cooler. This means the Le 2 Pro might reduce performance to prevent overheating during prolonged gaming or video recording.
