The LeEco Le Max 2, a 2016 flagship, and the Lenovo K8 Note, released in 2017, represent different approaches to delivering value. We're revisiting these devices to see how they stack up in 2024, focusing on performance, battery, and display – crucial factors for today's users. This comparison is particularly relevant as both phones can be found at extremely competitive prices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a balance of performance and longevity, the LeEco Le Max 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 820 chipset, despite its age, offers a more refined and efficient experience than the power-hungry Helio X23 in the K8 Note, coupled with a superior display contrast ratio.
| 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 - X821 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 - X821 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, April. Released 2016, May | 2017, August. Released 2017, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156.8 x 77.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 154.5 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.08 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| | - | Splash Resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Deca-core 2.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6797D Helio X23 (20 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.6 | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.7, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 378 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 25 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Fine Gold, Venom Black |
| Models | Le X821, Le X829, Le X820, LEX820, LEX821, LEX829 | K8 Note, XT1902-3 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -85.5dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 67h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1444:1 (nominal), 2.567 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 74dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 77dB
| - |
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2063Basemark X: 33874 | - |
LeEco Le Max 2
- More efficient Snapdragon 820 processor
- Superior display contrast ratio
- Faster 18W Quick Charge 2.0 charging
- Older device, potential software support issues
- LeEco brand reputation concerns
Lenovo K8 Note
- Deca-core processor (marketing appeal)
- Potentially lower price point
- Wider availability of replacement parts
- Less efficient Helio X23 processor
- Likely shorter battery life
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
The LeEco Le Max 2 boasts a display with a nominal contrast ratio of 1444:1, peaking at 2567:1 in sunlight, indicating superior visibility in bright conditions and richer blacks. While the K8 Note’s display specs are unavailable, the Le Max 2’s contrast ratio suggests a more vibrant and visually appealing experience. The difference in contrast is significant; a higher ratio translates to a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for video content. This is a key advantage for users who consume a lot of media on their phones.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Given the LeEco Le Max 2 was positioned as a flagship, it likely features a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 820, potentially resulting in better image quality and processing speed. The K8 Note’s camera performance is likely more dependent on software optimization, and without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities relative to the Le Max 2. The absence of detailed camera specs highlights the importance of real-world testing for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The LeEco Le Max 2’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, built on a 14nm process, features a quad-core configuration (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) designed for efficient performance. In contrast, the Lenovo K8 Note utilizes the MediaTek MT6797D Helio X23, a 20nm deca-core processor running at 2.3 GHz. While the K8 Note has more cores, the Snapdragon 820’s Kryo cores and smaller manufacturing process generally translate to better single-core performance and thermal management. The 20nm process of the Helio X23 is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation and throttling under sustained load, impacting long-term performance.
Battery Life
The LeEco Le Max 2 achieves an endurance rating of 67 hours, indicating strong battery life. The K8 Note’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 15W charging, while adequate, is slower than the Le Max 2’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 2.0 support. The Snapdragon 820’s 14nm process contributes to better power efficiency, allowing the Le Max 2 to extract more usage from its battery. While charging speed isn’t everything, the Le Max 2’s faster charging and more efficient processor give it an edge in overall battery experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Max 2 if you prioritize sustained performance for demanding apps and games, and value a display with excellent contrast for media consumption. Buy the Lenovo K8 Note if you prefer a deca-core processor on paper and are willing to trade some performance efficiency for potentially lower upfront cost, understanding that battery life will likely be shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 820 in the LeEco Le Max 2 still capable of handling modern apps and games?
Despite being a few years old, the Snapdragon 820 remains a capable performer. It can handle most modern apps and games at medium to high settings, though demanding titles may require some graphical compromises. Its efficiency is a key advantage over the Helio X23 in sustained performance scenarios.
❓ Does the Helio X23 in the Lenovo K8 Note overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio X23, built on a 20nm process, is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets. Prolonged gaming or intensive tasks are likely to cause noticeable heating, potentially leading to performance throttling to prevent damage. This can result in a less consistent gaming experience.
❓ What are the potential software support concerns with the LeEco Le Max 2?
LeEco has a history of inconsistent software support. While the Le Max 2 originally launched with Android 6.0, updates have been limited. Users may need to rely on custom ROMs for the latest Android features and security patches, which requires technical expertise.
