Released around the same time, the LeEco Le Max 2 and Xiaomi Mi Max 2 represent different approaches to the large-screen phone market. The Le Max 2 aimed for near-flagship performance with the Snapdragon 820, while the Mi Max 2 prioritized exceptional battery life with the more efficient Snapdragon 625. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phablet holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Xiaomi Mi Max 2 is the better choice. Its significantly superior battery life (126h endurance vs 67h) and efficient Snapdragon 625 outweigh the Le Max 2’s raw processing power, which is often limited by thermal constraints.
| 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 / 1900 / 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, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, April. Released 2016, May | 2017, May. Released 2017, June |
| 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) | 174.1 x 88.7 x 7.6 mm (6.85 x 3.49 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~342 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 114.3 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.6 | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Gold, Matte Black |
| Models | Le X821, Le X829, Le X820, LEX820, LEX821, LEX829 | MDE40, MDI40 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.22 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -85.5dB |
Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -98.8dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 67h
|
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1444:1 (nominal), 2.567 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1294:1 (nominal), 2.561 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 74dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 77dB
|
Voice 78dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2063Basemark X: 33874 |
GeekBench: 2445 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 3.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LeEco Le Max 2
- Higher peak CPU performance for demanding tasks.
- Potentially better image processing due to the Snapdragon 820 ISP.
- Slightly higher nominal display contrast ratio.
- Significantly shorter battery life.
- Prone to thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Less efficient chipset.
Xiaomi Mi Max 2
- Exceptional battery life (126h endurance).
- Excellent power efficiency with the Snapdragon 625.
- More consistent performance without throttling.
- QC3 support for slightly faster charging.
- Lower peak CPU performance.
- Slightly lower nominal display contrast ratio.
- Less powerful GPU for demanding games.
Display Comparison
Both the LeEco Le Max 2 and Xiaomi Mi Max 2 feature large displays with similar contrast ratios – 1444:1 (nominal) and 2.567 (sunlight) for the LeEco, and 1294:1 (nominal) and 2.561 (sunlight) for the Xiaomi. The slight difference in contrast is negligible in real-world use. While panel technology isn't specified, both likely utilize IPS LCDs. The key takeaway is excellent outdoor visibility due to the high sunlight contrast, but neither display boasts the advanced features like high refresh rates or LTPO found in modern flagships.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Given the era, we can assume both feature capable cameras for their time, but likely fall short of modern standards. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Le Max 2, being positioned as a more premium device, *may* have had a slightly more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 820, potentially resulting in better dynamic range or low-light performance. However, this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LeEco Le Max 2’s Snapdragon 820, with its quad-core Kryo architecture (2x2.15 GHz & 2x1.6 GHz), offers significantly higher peak performance than the Xiaomi Mi Max 2’s Snapdragon 625 (octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). However, the 820 is known to run hotter under sustained load, potentially leading to throttling. The 625, built on the same 14nm process, prioritizes efficiency, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming without overheating. The Mi Max 2’s eight cores provide better multi-tasking capabilities for less demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Max 2 dominates in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 126 hours compared to the LeEco Le Max 2’s 67 hours. This massive difference is a direct result of the Snapdragon 625’s superior power efficiency. Both support 18W wired charging with Quick Charge (QC) technology – QC2 for the LeEco and QC3 for the Xiaomi. QC3 offers slightly faster charging speeds and improved efficiency, but the larger battery in the Mi Max 2 still takes longer to fully charge despite the QC3 support.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Max 2 if you absolutely need the highest possible peak performance for demanding tasks like video editing or emulation, and are willing to accept shorter battery life and potential thermal throttling. Buy the Xiaomi Mi Max 2 if you prioritize all-day battery life, smooth everyday performance, and a more consistent user experience, making it ideal for media consumption, casual gaming, and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LeEco Le Max 2 struggle with modern app demands?
Yes, the Snapdragon 820, while powerful for its time, will likely show its age with demanding modern apps and games. The Mi Max 2’s Snapdragon 625, while less powerful, is more efficient and will provide a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
❓ Is the difference in battery life between the two phones noticeable in daily use?
Absolutely. The Xiaomi Mi Max 2’s 126-hour endurance rating translates to significantly longer usage between charges. Users can expect to easily get through a full day of heavy use, while the LeEco Le Max 2 may require a midday top-up.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 820 in the LeEco Le Max 2 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 820 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. Expect thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, which will reduce performance and potentially lead to frame drops on the LeEco Le Max 2.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
Both phones offer excellent displays for media consumption. However, the Xiaomi Mi Max 2’s superior battery life makes it the better choice for extended video playback without needing to worry about running out of power.
