Lenovo has established itself as a serious contender in the gaming smartphone market. The Legion 2 Pro and the newer Legion Y90 both pack impressive specs, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Y90 edges out the 2 Pro thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and slightly more advanced cooling system. However, the 2 Pro's significantly faster charging and potentially more mature software experience make it a compelling alternative, especially at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2022, March 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, March 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 176 x 78.5 x 9.9 mm (6.93 x 3.09 x 0.39 in) | 177 x 78.4 x 10.1 mm (6.97 x 3.09 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 259 g (9.14 oz) | 252 g (8.89 oz) |
| | Built-in two cooling fans
RGB light panel (on the back)
6 pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers):
4 ultrasonic buttons (top), 2 capacitive sliding buttons (back) | Built-in two cooling fans
RGB light panel (on the back)
4 ultrasonic buttons (Gaming triggers) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 11, Legion OS | Android 12, ZUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 640GB 18GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1
640GB (512GB UFS + 128GB SSD) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.32", 1.0µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.32", 1.0µm, PDAF
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ rec. | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 44 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.65", 1.0µm, AF | 16 MP |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Two USB Type-C (2.0 & 3.1), OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 90W wired (dual USB-C ports), 50% in 12 min, 100% in 30 min
65W wired (single USB-C port) | 68W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium White, Ultimate Black | Gray |
| Models | L70081 | L71061 |
| Price | About 880 EUR | About 570 EUR |
Lenovo Legion 2 Pro
- Blazing-fast 90W charging
- Mature software experience
- Excellent cooling system
- Powerful Snapdragon 888
- Older chipset compared to Y90
- Slightly less vibrant display (potentially)
Lenovo Legion Y90
- Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Advanced cooling system
- Potentially improved display
- Sleek design
- Slower charging speed (68W)
- Potentially less refined software (being newer)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays, likely around 144Hz, offering smooth visuals for gaming. The Y90 likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to the newer panel technology, but both should provide excellent viewing experiences. Expect similar resolution (likely FHD+).
Camera Comparison
While neither phone is primarily known for its camera, the Y90 likely has a slightly improved camera system due to the newer Snapdragon chipset and potentially updated sensors. Expect similar camera features like night mode and portrait mode. Both likely feature a main sensor around 64MP.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Y90 offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 888 in the 2 Pro, particularly in demanding games and multitasking. The Y90's advanced cooling system should also help maintain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. However, the 888 is still a very capable chip.
Battery Life
The Legion 2 Pro boasts significantly faster charging (90W) compared to the Y90's 68W. While both offer large battery capacities (likely around 5000mAh), the 2 Pro will recharge much quicker. Battery life under heavy gaming load should be comparable, though the Y90's more efficient chipset might offer a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Legion 2 Pro is ideal for gamers who prioritize blazing-fast charging and a potentially more refined software experience. The Legion Y90 is the better choice for those seeking the absolute latest performance and cutting-edge cooling, willing to trade off some charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Legion Y90 worth the upgrade from the Legion 2 Pro?
If you prioritize the absolute best performance and cutting-edge cooling, the Y90 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if fast charging and a more established software experience are more important, the 2 Pro remains a strong contender.
❓ How does the cooling system of the Y90 compare to the 2 Pro?
The Y90 features an improved cooling system with a larger vapor chamber and more heat pipes, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling compared to the 2 Pro.
