The LeEco Le Max and Le Max 2 represent a fascinating snapshot in smartphone evolution. Released relatively close together, they showcase the rapid advancements Qualcomm was making with its Snapdragon processors. This comparison dissects the differences between the Snapdragon 810-powered Le Max and the Snapdragon 820-equipped Le Max 2, focusing on real-world impact for the user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LeEco Le Max 2 is the clear winner. The Snapdragon 820’s 14nm process and Kryo cores deliver substantially improved performance and thermal management compared to the 20nm Snapdragon 810 in the Le Max, making it a smoother and more reliable daily driver.
| 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 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - X821 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 - X821 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, January | 2016, April. Released 2016, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.1 x 83.5 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.29 x 0.35 in) | 156.8 x 77.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~464 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.33 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57) | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 (20 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 430 | Adreno 530 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| 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", AF, OIS | 21 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 4 MP, f/2.0, 1/3", 2µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C (MHL2 TV-out) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | 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 | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Type | Li-Po 3400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Silver | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray |
| Models | - | Le X821, Le X829, Le X820, LEX820, LEX821, LEX829 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 350 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
- Potentially lower price point (depending on current market)
- Large display for media consumption
- 18W wired charging
- Snapdragon 810 prone to thermal throttling
- Less efficient CPU architecture
- Likely slower app loading times
LeEco Le Max 2
- Significantly improved performance with Snapdragon 820
- More efficient CPU architecture for better battery life
- Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 support for faster charging
- Improved ISP for potentially better camera performance
- Generally higher price than the Le Max
- Similar display specs to the Le Max
Display Comparison
Both the LeEco Le Max and Le Max 2 share the same nominal contrast ratio of 1444:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.567:1, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel type, resolution, or brightness. Given the Le Max 2’s positioning as a slight upgrade, it’s reasonable to assume it may have benefitted from minor display calibration improvements, but without further data, this remains speculative. The shared contrast ratios indicate a similar viewing experience in terms of color depth and black levels.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the context data provides no specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given LeEco’s marketing at the time, it’s likely both phones featured capable cameras for their price point. However, the Snapdragon 820 in the Le Max 2 includes an improved image signal processor (ISP), which would likely result in faster image processing, better low-light performance, and potentially more accurate color reproduction compared to the 810 in the Le Max. Without detailed camera specs, a definitive comparison is impossible, but the 820’s ISP gives the Le Max 2 a likely advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the LeEco Le Max utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810, built on a 20nm process, while the Le Max 2 boasts the MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, fabricated on a more efficient 14nm process. This process node shrink is critical; the 820’s smaller transistors consume less power and generate less heat. Furthermore, the CPU architecture differs significantly. The 810 employs a big.LITTLE configuration with Cortex-A57 and A53 cores, known for potential thermal throttling under sustained load. The 820, however, features custom Kryo cores designed for a balance of performance and efficiency. This translates to a more consistent and responsive experience in the Le Max 2, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 67 hours. However, this metric doesn’t tell the whole story. The Snapdragon 820’s superior power efficiency means the Le Max 2 will likely achieve that 67-hour rating with more consistent performance. The Le Max, with its less efficient Snapdragon 810, might experience performance throttling as the battery depletes to conserve power. Additionally, the Le Max 2 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 (QC2), enabling faster wired charging at 18W, while the Le Max only supports standard 18W charging. This means the Le Max 2 can replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Max if you are on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a large-screen phone for basic tasks like media consumption and light social media. The Le Max’s lower price point might be attractive, but be prepared for potential performance limitations. Buy the LeEco Le Max 2 if you prioritize responsiveness, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable overall user experience. The Snapdragon 820 provides a noticeable upgrade in performance and efficiency, justifying the price difference for power users and gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 810 in the LeEco Le Max known to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 810 is notorious for thermal throttling. Its 20nm process and Cortex-A57 cores generate significant heat under sustained load, leading to reduced performance to prevent overheating. While casual gaming might be fine, demanding titles will likely experience frame drops and stuttering on the LeEco Le Max.
❓ Does the LeEco Le Max 2's Quick Charge 2.0 support work with any USB charger, or do I need a specific adapter?
While QC2.0 is backwards compatible with standard USB chargers, you'll only achieve the faster charging speeds with a charger that specifically supports the Quick Charge protocol. Using a standard charger will still charge the Le Max 2, but at a slower rate.
❓ Given both phones have a 67h endurance rating, why is the Le Max 2 still considered better for battery life?
The endurance rating is a standardized test, but it doesn't account for real-world usage patterns. The Snapdragon 820's superior efficiency means it consumes less power for the same tasks, allowing the Le Max 2 to maintain performance for longer throughout the battery cycle, unlike the Le Max which may throttle to conserve power.
