Lenovo Legion Duel 2 vs. Xiaomi Black Shark 3: A Deep Dive for Mobile Gamers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the dedicated gamer prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Lenovo Legion Duel 2 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888, coupled with faster charging, provides a noticeable edge. However, the Black Shark 3 remains a compelling option for those seeking a balance of features and value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo Legion Duel 2 | Xiaomi Black Shark 3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2020, March 03. Released 2020, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 10 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 176 x 78.5 x 9.9 mm (6.93 x 3.09 x 0.39 in) | 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4 mm (6.64 x 3.04 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 259 g (9.14 oz) | 222 g (7.83 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) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.0 | |
| 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 | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.3, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ rec. | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@1920fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 44 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.65", 1.0µm, AF | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Two USB Type-C (2.0 & 3.1), OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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) | 65W wired, 100% in 38 min 30W wired (128/8 model) 18W magnetic wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 4720 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium White, Ultimate Black | Lightning Black, Armor Gray, Star Silver |
| Models | - | KLE-H0, KLE-A0 |
| Price | About 800 EUR | About 390 EUR |
Lenovo Legion Duel 2
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 888 processor
- Ultra-fast 90W charging
- Dual USB-C ports for versatile charging
- Potentially superior image processing
- Likely higher price point
- May run hotter under sustained load despite improved efficiency
Xiaomi Black Shark 3
- Physical gaming triggers for enhanced control
- Established gaming ecosystem and accessories
- Potentially lower price
- Effective cooling solutions
- Older Snapdragon 865 processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Less future-proof chipset
Display Comparison
While both devices target gamers, display details are limited in the provided data. However, the Legion Duel 2 benefits from the newer Snapdragon 888’s improved display engine, potentially enabling higher refresh rates and more efficient panel control. The Black Shark 3, while likely offering a high refresh rate, is constrained by the older chipset’s capabilities. Bezels are a key consideration for immersion, and the Duel 2’s design suggests a focus on maximizing screen real estate. Color accuracy is likely similar, given both target gaming, but the Duel 2’s newer processing power could allow for more sophisticated color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance isn’t the primary focus of gaming phones, and the provided data offers limited insight. Both devices likely feature capable main sensors, but the Legion Duel 2’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 888 offers improved image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of sensor size details makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the Duel 2’s newer chipset provides a processing advantage. We can assume both devices include standard features like HDR and scene recognition.
Performance
The Lenovo Legion Duel 2’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) represents a significant leap over the Xiaomi Black Shark 3’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+). The 5nm process node translates to improved thermal efficiency and higher transistor density, allowing for sustained peak performance. The Duel 2’s CPU configuration – Cortex-X1, A78, and A55 cores – offers a performance advantage over the Black Shark 3’s Cortex-A77, A77, and A55 setup. The Snapdragon 888’s Adreno 660 GPU also surpasses the 865’s Adreno 650. This means faster frame rates, higher graphical settings, and smoother gameplay on the Legion Duel 2, particularly in demanding titles. The Black Shark 3, however, benefits from Black Shark’s cooling solutions, which may mitigate some throttling, but it cannot overcome the fundamental architectural advantage of the Snapdragon 888.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Legion Duel 2’s 90W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 50% charge in just 12 minutes and 100% in 30 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime for gamers. The Black Shark 3’s 65W charging (38 minutes to 100%) is still fast, but noticeably slower. The 30W charging option on some Black Shark 3 models further extends charging times. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Duel 2 effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Duel 2 also offers dual USB-C ports, potentially allowing for simultaneous charging and gameplay.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Legion Duel 2 if you need uncompromising performance for demanding games, rapid charging to minimize downtime, and are willing to pay a premium for the latest chipset. Buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 if you prefer a more established gaming ecosystem with physical triggers, a wider range of accessories, and a potentially lower price, accepting a slight performance deficit.