The LeEco Le Pro3 and Lenovo Vibe Z K910 represent interesting points in Qualcomm's Snapdragon evolution. The Vibe Z K910, with its Snapdragon 800, was a flagship in its time, but the Le Pro3, utilizing the Snapdragon 821, benefits from significant architectural improvements and process node advancements. This comparison examines how these differences translate to real-world performance and value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the LeEco Le Pro3 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 821’s 14nm process and Kryo cores deliver superior performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 800’s 28nm process, resulting in a smoother user experience and better battery life despite similar battery capacities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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 | LTE 850 / 1800 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, October | 2013, November. Released 2013, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.4 x 73.9 x 7.5 mm (5.96 x 2.91 x 0.30 in) | 149.1 x 77 x 7.9 mm (5.87 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 145.2 g (5.11 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 (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x2.0 GHz Kryo) | Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI 5.8 | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 648 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 33 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 4070 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rose gold, gold, silver, gray | Silver, Titanium |
| Models | LEX720, LEX727 | K910L |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 480 EUR |
LeEco Le Pro3
- More efficient Snapdragon 821 processor
- Faster charging with QC3
- Likely better camera performance due to newer ISP
- LeEco's brand support is limited
- Potential software update issues
Lenovo Vibe Z K910
- Potentially lower price point
- Classic flagship design
- Nostalgia factor for collectors
- Less efficient Snapdragon 800 processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Prone to throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Le Pro3 launched later, it likely benefits from improved color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness. The Snapdragon 800-era Vibe Z K910 would have been constrained by the display technology available at the time, likely lacking features like high refresh rates or HDR support. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 800 likely meant more heat generated, potentially impacting display performance under load.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the Le Pro3, being a newer device, likely incorporates more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a more capable image sensor. The Snapdragon 821’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced than the 800’s, allowing for better noise reduction and dynamic range. It’s reasonable to assume the Le Pro3 would deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LeEco Le Pro3’s Snapdragon 821, built on a 14nm process, represents a substantial leap over the Lenovo Vibe Z K910’s Snapdragon 800 (28nm). The 821’s Kryo cores offer improved performance and efficiency compared to the Krait 400 cores in the 800. The 821’s quad-core configuration (2x2.35 GHz & 2x2.0 GHz) is designed for a balance of power and efficiency, while the 800’s 2.2 GHz quad-core setup is less refined. This translates to better multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Le Pro3. The larger process node of the 800 also means it will throttle more aggressively under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 821’s 14nm process significantly improves power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 800’s 28nm process. The Le Pro3 also features Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) with 18W wired charging, offering faster charging speeds than what was typical with the Vibe Z K910. This means the Le Pro3 will likely offer longer battery life and quicker top-ups, even with a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le Pro3 if you prioritize sustained performance, better power efficiency, and a more modern processor architecture. It’s ideal for users who want a capable phone for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the Lenovo Vibe Z K910 if you are a collector of older flagship devices, or if you find a significantly lower price point that makes it a disposable secondary device, understanding its limitations in modern usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Vibe Z K910 struggle with modern apps and games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 800, while capable in its time, will likely struggle with demanding modern applications and games. The older architecture and 28nm process lead to performance bottlenecks and significant throttling, resulting in a less-than-ideal user experience. The Le Pro3’s Snapdragon 821 is much better equipped to handle current software.
❓ Is the LeEco Le Pro3 still receiving software updates?
No, LeEco has largely ceased providing software updates for the Le Pro3. This means it may be vulnerable to security risks and lack the latest features. However, the Android community has created custom ROMs that can address these issues, offering a viable alternative for advanced users.
❓ How much does thermal throttling affect the Lenovo Vibe Z K910 during extended gaming sessions?
Thermal throttling is a significant concern with the Lenovo Vibe Z K910. The Snapdragon 800’s 28nm process generates considerable heat, and the phone’s cooling system is likely inadequate to dissipate it effectively. This results in reduced performance and frame rate drops during prolonged gaming sessions.
