The LeEco Le Pro3 and Huawei P9 represent distinct approaches to the 2016 flagship market. The Le Pro3 aggressively targeted performance with a Snapdragon 821, while the P9 focused on camera prowess and refined design with Huawei’s Kirin 955. Today, both represent compelling budget options, but which one delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and value, the LeEco Le Pro3 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 821 offers a noticeable edge in processing power, making it better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Huawei P9’s camera system and potentially more refined software experience remain strong contenders.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | TD-SCDMA | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, October | 2016, April. Released 2016, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.4 x 73.9 x 7.5 mm (5.96 x 2.91 x 0.30 in) | 145 x 70.9 x 7 mm (5.71 x 2.79 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 144 g (5.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~423 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.9 cm2 (~72.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS-NEO LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x2.0 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Kirin 955 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.8 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), EMUI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM (EVA-L19/EVA-L09), 64GB 4GB RAM (EVA-L29) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Leica optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF | 12 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
12 MP B/W, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (EVA-L09 only) |
| 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, DLNA, 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, 44% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4070 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Ceramic White, Haze Gold, Rose Gold, Titanium Grey, Mystic Silver, Prestige Gold, Red, Blue |
| Models | LEX720, LEX727 | EVA-L09, EVA-L19, EVA-L29, EVA-AL10, EVA-TL00, EVA-AL00, EVA-DL00 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 340 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.43 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -97.3dB / Crosstalk -96.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 75h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1094:1 (nominal), 3.195 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 72dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2068Basemark X: 16942 |
LeEco Le Pro3
- Superior processing power with Snapdragon 821
- More efficient 14nm manufacturing process
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Missing detailed display specifications
- Less established brand reputation
- Unknown battery capacity
Huawei P9
- Strong camera reputation (dual-camera system)
- Documented 18W charging with 44% in 30 minutes
- 75h endurance rating suggests good battery life
- Less powerful Kirin 955 chipset
- Less efficient 16nm manufacturing process
- Potentially less smooth performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both the LeEco Le Pro3 and Huawei P9 share a contrast ratio of 1094:1 (nominal) and 3.195 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, detailed display specs for the Le Pro3 are missing. Given Huawei’s reputation, the P9 likely benefits from more accurate color calibration out of the box. The P9’s contrast ratio indicates a good quality IPS panel, but without knowing the Le Pro3’s panel type or resolution, a definitive judgment is difficult. The P9’s sunlight readability is a key strength.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for both. The Huawei P9, however, was marketed heavily for its dual-camera system (though details are missing here), suggesting a focus on image quality and potentially features like depth sensing. Without knowing the sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms employed by each phone, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The P9’s brand recognition in camera technology gives it a slight edge, assuming the dual-camera system functions as advertised.
Performance
The LeEco Le Pro3’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, built on a 14nm process, provides a significant architectural advantage over the Huawei P9’s Kirin 955 (16nm). The Snapdragon 821’s quad-core configuration (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x2.0 GHz Kryo) utilizes custom Kryo cores designed for efficiency and performance, while the Kirin 955 employs a more traditional octa-core setup (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The 16nm process of the Kirin 955 is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. This translates to a smoother experience for demanding games and applications on the Le Pro3.
Battery Life
Both the LeEco Le Pro3 and Huawei P9 support 18W wired charging, with the P9 claiming 44% charge in 30 minutes. Both devices have an endurance rating of 75h. While the P9’s charging speed is quantified, the Le Pro3’s is not. The P9’s endurance rating suggests efficient power management, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Without knowing the exact battery capacity of the Le Pro3, it’s difficult to assess which phone offers superior real-world battery life, but the P9’s documented charging speed and endurance rating are positive indicators.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Pro3 if you need a phone that can handle demanding applications, enjoys gaming, and prioritizes getting the most performance for your money. Buy the Huawei P9 if you value a strong camera experience, appreciate a more polished software interface, and prefer a device with a proven track record for battery endurance, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 821 in the LeEco Le Pro3 still capable of running modern apps and games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 821 remains a capable chipset even today. While it won't match the performance of the latest Snapdragon processors, it can handle most modern apps and games at reasonable settings. Its efficiency also contributes to better thermal management compared to the Kirin 955.
❓ Does the Huawei P9's dual-camera system offer a significant advantage over single-camera phones?
The Huawei P9’s dual-camera system, while innovative for its time, primarily focused on capturing more light and creating a depth effect. While it improves low-light performance and allows for simulated bokeh, the actual benefit depends on the specific implementation and software processing. It's a step up from basic single-camera phones, but not necessarily a game-changer.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates, given their age?
Neither the LeEco Le Pro3 nor the Huawei P9 are likely to receive significant software updates at this point. LeEco has largely exited the smartphone market, and Huawei’s support for older devices is limited. Expect minimal security patches, if any.
