The LeEco Le Pro3 series offered compelling value in its time, but the choice between the Elite and AI Edition hinges on a fundamental difference: the processor. The Elite utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820, while the AI Edition opts for MediaTek’s Helio X23 (and a rarer X27 variant). This comparison dissects the architectural differences and real-world implications of these two distinct approaches to mobile processing.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the LeEco Le Pro3 Elite with the Snapdragon 820 is the better choice. While the Helio X23/X27 boasts a higher core count, its 20nm process and architectural inefficiencies lead to greater heat generation and ultimately, lower sustained performance in demanding tasks.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, March. Released 2017, March | 2017, April. Released 2017, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.4 x 73.9 x 7.5 mm (5.96 x 2.91 x 0.30 in) | 152.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm (6.00 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 168 g (5.93 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 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Deca-core x2.3 GHz - StandardDeca-core x2.6 GHz - Eco Edition |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6797D Helio X23 (20 nm) - StandardMediatek MT6797X Helio X27 (20 nm) - Eco Edition |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.8 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM (Standard), 64GB 4GB RAM (Eco) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF | 13 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, 1/3.2", 1.4µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, QC3 | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4070 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Rose gold, gold, black |
| Models | LEX722 | LEX653, LEX651, LEX650, LEX657 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 280 EUR |
LeEco Le Pro3 Elite
- More efficient Snapdragon 820 processor
- Better sustained performance due to thermal management
- Potentially superior ISP for image processing
- Quad-core CPU may struggle with heavily multi-threaded tasks
- Older chipset technology
LeEco Le Pro 3 AI Edition
- Higher core count for theoretical multi-tasking
- Potentially faster peak performance (Helio X27)
- AI-focused software features (potentially)
- Less efficient 20nm process leads to higher heat
- Thermal throttling under sustained load
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Both devices likely share similar display characteristics, given their positioning. However, detailed specs are unavailable. The focus here is on the chipset, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Expect a 1080p panel, typical of the era, and the user experience will be largely dictated by software optimization rather than panel prowess.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary differentiator based on available data. Both phones likely feature similar camera sensors and image processing capabilities. The focus of the AI Edition’s name suggests potential software enhancements to the camera, but without specific details, it’s difficult to quantify the difference. The Snapdragon 820’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered more advanced, potentially offering slightly better image quality and faster processing speeds, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset architecture. The Snapdragon 820’s quad-core Kryo setup (2x2.15 GHz + 2x1.6 GHz) is built on a 14nm process, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. In contrast, the Helio X23 (and X27) employs a deca-core configuration (2.3 GHz standard, 2.6 GHz Eco Edition) on a less efficient 20nm process. While the X23/X27 *appears* more powerful on paper, the 20nm node generates more heat, leading to thermal throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon 820’s Kryo cores, designed by Qualcomm, offer superior IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and better thermal management, resulting in smoother, more consistent performance in demanding applications like gaming and video editing. The Eco Edition of the X27 attempts to mitigate this with a slightly lower clock speed.
Battery Life
Both devices support 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility. Battery capacity is not specified, but the Snapdragon 820’s superior efficiency translates to better battery life in real-world usage. The Helio X23/X27, due to its less efficient 20nm process, will drain the battery faster under similar workloads. While both can likely achieve a full charge in a similar timeframe with 18W charging, the Elite will provide more usable screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Pro3 Elite if you need a phone that can reliably handle everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and video playback without significant thermal throttling. It’s the safer bet for longevity and consistent performance. Buy the LeEco Le Pro 3 AI Edition if you prioritize theoretical multi-core performance and are willing to accept potential compromises in thermal management and sustained performance, particularly if you find a model with the Helio X27.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio X23 in the AI Edition overheat during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Helio X23's 20nm process is prone to overheating under sustained load, such as prolonged gaming. This will likely result in thermal throttling, reducing performance and potentially causing stuttering or frame drops. The Snapdragon 820 in the Elite handles heat much more effectively.
❓ Does the deca-core processor in the AI Edition actually make a noticeable difference in everyday tasks?
While the deca-core processor sounds impressive, most everyday tasks (browsing, social media, video playback) are not heavily multi-threaded. The Snapdragon 820's superior single-core performance and efficiency will likely provide a smoother and more responsive experience in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 'AI Edition' software actually different, and does it improve the user experience?
The specific AI-focused software features of the AI Edition are not well-documented. Any benefits are likely to be minor and may not significantly impact the overall user experience. The software experience is more likely to be determined by LeEco's custom UI and Android version.
