Released around the same time, the LeEco Le S3 and Xiaomi Mi A1 (also known as the Mi 5X) represented compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market. Both aimed to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they took different approaches to achieve this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offered the better overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and software experience, the Xiaomi Mi A1 is the stronger choice. While the LeEco Le S3 boasts a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration, the Mi A1’s more efficient Snapdragon 625 and Android One program provide a smoother, longer-lasting, and more secure user experience.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, October. Released 2016, November | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.1 x 74.2 x 7.5 mm (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) | 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.12 x 2.98 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 510 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), eUI | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.6, 50mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, PDAF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3080 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, Rose Gold | Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Red |
| Models | LEX626, Le X522, Le X626 | MDG2, MDI2 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.75 W/kg (head) 0.76 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.0dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 87h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1570:1 (nominal), 2.689 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 74dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 90dB |
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 4292 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 3.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LeEco Le S3
- Faster charging with QC3 support (18W)
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance due to Cortex-A72 cores
- May offer slightly better multi-tasking performance
- Less power-efficient Snapdragon 652 chipset
- Likely to experience more thermal throttling under sustained load
- Software support may be limited compared to Android One
Xiaomi Mi A1 (Mi 5X)
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset (14nm)
- Android One program guarantees timely updates and a clean UI
- Better sustained performance due to improved thermal management
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- CPU cores are all Cortex-A53, potentially limiting peak performance
- May not be as responsive for very demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar display profile, boasting a contrast ratio of 1570:1 (nominal) and 2.689 (sunlight). This suggests comparable visibility in bright outdoor conditions. However, detailed panel specifications like peak brightness (in nits) and color gamut coverage are missing. Without this data, it’s difficult to definitively say which display is superior. The shared contrast ratio indicates a similar level of black depth and color vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without information on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization (OIS), a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Mi A1 likely focused on software optimization within the Android One framework, potentially leading to more consistent image processing. The absence of details on secondary cameras (like depth sensors) makes it difficult to assess their capabilities. We can assume both phones offered adequate, but not class-leading, camera performance for their price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LeEco Le S3 utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652, built on a 28nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with a combination of Cortex-A53 (1.4 GHz) and Cortex-A72 (1.8 GHz) cores. The Xiaomi Mi A1, conversely, employs the Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, fabricated on a more efficient 14nm process, with eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the Le S3’s A72 cores offer higher peak performance, the 625’s 14nm process results in significantly better power efficiency. This translates to less heat generation and sustained performance, a crucial advantage for everyday use and gaming. The Mi A1’s consistent performance will likely be more noticeable than the Le S3’s occasional bursts of speed.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 87 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, this is a holistic metric. The LeEco Le S3 supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, offering faster charging speeds. The Xiaomi Mi A1 is limited to 10W wired charging. This means the Le S3 can replenish its battery more quickly, a significant convenience factor. Despite the same endurance rating, the Snapdragon 625’s efficiency in the Mi A1 means it will likely drain slower under similar usage conditions, providing more usable screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the LeEco Le S3 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for occasional demanding tasks and faster charging is a must-have. Its Snapdragon 652 offers a theoretical edge in multi-core workloads. Buy the Xiaomi Mi A1 (Mi 5X) if you value long-term battery life, a clean and regularly updated Android experience through the Android One program, and a more efficient chipset that minimizes thermal throttling during sustained use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 652 in the LeEco Le S3 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 652, built on a 28nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it offers higher peak performance than the 625, it generates more heat, potentially leading to reduced frame rates and performance dips during extended gaming sessions. The Mi A1’s 625 is better suited for longer gaming without significant performance loss.
❓ How does the Android One program on the Xiaomi Mi A1 benefit the user compared to LeEco’s custom UI?
The Android One program guarantees at least two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches directly from Google. This ensures the Mi A1 receives the latest features and security enhancements promptly. LeEco’s custom UI, while potentially offering additional features, often suffers from delayed updates and potential bloatware, impacting long-term software support and user experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 18W significant in real-world usage?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 on the LeEco Le S3 can significantly reduce charging times, especially from lower battery percentages. While the Mi A1’s 10W charging isn’t slow, it will take considerably longer to fully recharge the battery, making the Le S3 more convenient for users who frequently need a quick power boost.
