The LeEco Le 2 and BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 represent vastly different approaches to mobile technology. The Le 2, released in 2016, aimed to deliver flagship-level performance at a mid-range price with its deca-core processor. Conversely, the BlackBerry 9900, a 2011 release, prioritized secure communication and a physical keyboard experience, embodying BlackBerry’s legacy in the business world. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, revealing which device holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the LeEco Le 2 is the more practical choice. Its Mediatek Helio X20 chipset, despite its age, offers significantly more processing power than the BlackBerry 9900’s QC 8655, enabling smoother multitasking and app performance. However, the BlackBerry’s build quality and keyboard remain compelling for specific users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, April. Released 2016, April | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.1 x 74.2 x 7.5 mm (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) | 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm (4.53 x 2.60 x 0.41 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 640 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 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) | 1.2 GHz QC 8655 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6797 Helio X20 (20 nm)Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-T880 MP4Adreno 510 | - |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), EUI 5.6 | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, A-GPS, BlackBerry Maps |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2, 50% in 30 min | - |
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 307 h (2G) / Up to 307 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 6 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, grey | Black, White |
| Models | Le X526, Le X620, Le X520, Le X527, X526 | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB
|
LeEco Le 2
- Significantly more powerful processor for multitasking.
- Faster charging capabilities with QC2 support.
- Likely better camera performance due to newer technology.
- Build quality may not match the BlackBerry’s premium feel.
- Software support is likely discontinued.
BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900
- Physical keyboard for efficient typing.
- Secure BlackBerry OS and communication features.
- Durable build quality and classic design.
- Outdated processor struggles with modern apps.
- Limited app availability and functionality.
- Slow charging and potentially limited battery life.
Display Comparison
The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 boasts a contrast ratio of 1304:1, a respectable figure for its time, but lacks detailed specifications regarding resolution or panel technology. The LeEco Le 2’s display specifications are absent, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its 2016 release, it likely features an IPS LCD panel. The BlackBerry’s smaller screen size (assumed, based on its physical keyboard) likely contributes to a higher pixel density, but the LeEco Le 2 likely offers a larger viewing area. The absence of data on the LeEco’s display makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the BlackBerry’s contrast ratio is a known quantity.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature cameras capable of photo and video capture, but detailed specifications are scarce. The BlackBerry 9900’s camera quality was adequate for its time, but likely lacks the image processing capabilities of modern smartphones. The LeEco Le 2, benefiting from later advancements in camera technology, likely offers superior image quality, though the specific sensor size and aperture are unknown. Without further data, it’s reasonable to assume the LeEco Le 2 provides a more versatile and capable camera experience, even if it doesn’t rival flagship-level cameras.
Performance
The LeEco Le 2’s Mediatek Helio X20 is a deca-core processor built on a 20nm process, featuring a heterogeneous architecture with Cortex-A72 and A53 cores clocked at varying speeds. This contrasts sharply with the BlackBerry 9900’s 1.2 GHz Qualcomm QC 8655, a single-core processor. The Helio X20’s multi-core design provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks and multitasking. While the 28nm Snapdragon 652 variant of the LeEco Le 2 is also listed, the Helio X20 represents the higher-performance option. The QC 8655, designed for basic smartphone functions, struggles with modern app demands. The LeEco Le 2’s architecture allows for more efficient task allocation, benefiting users who frequently switch between applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the LeEco Le 2’s 18W wired charging with QC2 support offers a significant advantage over the BlackBerry 9900, which likely relies on slower charging methods. The LeEco Le 2’s ability to reach 50% charge in 30 minutes provides a practical benefit for users who need a quick power boost. While the BlackBerry 9900 may offer better standby time due to its simpler operating system, the LeEco Le 2’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le 2 if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps and multitasking, even if it means sacrificing the premium build quality and keyboard experience. It’s a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing performance. Buy the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 if you value a physical keyboard for efficient typing, secure communication, and a classic, durable design, understanding that its processing power is limited by today’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio X20 in the LeEco Le 2 still capable of running modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Helio X20, while not a flagship processor by today's standards, is generally capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open or demanding tasks. Expect some lag and potential compatibility issues with newer, resource-intensive applications.
❓ Can I still find replacement parts or battery for the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900?
Finding replacement parts for the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 is becoming increasingly difficult. While some third-party sellers may offer batteries and screens, availability is limited and quality can vary. Repairing the device may require specialized skills and sourcing parts from online marketplaces.
❓ Does the LeEco Le 2 support Google Play Services, and can I install apps from the Google Play Store?
The LeEco Le 2 originally shipped with LeEco's eUI, which did not fully support Google Play Services. However, custom ROMs are available that allow users to install and use the Google Play Store and associated services. Installing a custom ROM requires technical expertise and may void any remaining warranty.
