The Lenovo Legion series has quickly become a favorite among mobile gamers, known for their powerful performance and dedicated gaming features. But with two flagship contenders, the Y70 and Y90, choosing the right device can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone is best for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Y70 edges out the Y90 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While the Y90 is still a capable device, the Y70's processing power makes it the preferred choice for demanding mobile games.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | 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 | 2022, August 18 | 2022, March 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 23 | Available. Released 2022, March 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 77 x 8 mm (6.44 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 252 g (8.89 oz) |
| | - | Built-in two cooling fans
RGB light panel (on the back)
4 ultrasonic buttons (Gaming triggers) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, ZUI 14 | Android 12, ZUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | USB Type-C | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 68W wired, 80% in 34 min | 68W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red | Gray |
| Models | L71091 | L71061 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 570 EUR |
Lenovo Legion Y70
- Superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- More efficient chipset
- Likely slightly better battery life
- Generally more affordable
- Potentially slightly less premium design
- Camera might be marginally less advanced
Lenovo Legion Y90
- Slightly faster charging (marginally)
- Potentially slightly more premium design
- Possible minor camera improvements
- Lower performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Less efficient chipset
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays (144Hz or higher) with excellent color accuracy and brightness, typical of the Legion series. The Y90 *might* have a slightly larger display or marginally better peak brightness, but this is speculative without official confirmation. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to have capable camera systems, likely featuring a 50MP main sensor. Image quality should be comparable, with good detail and dynamic range. The Y90 *might* have slightly improved image processing or additional camera features, but this is not confirmed. Expect solid, but not class-leading, camera performance from both.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Y70's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a significant performance boost over the Y90's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Expect smoother gameplay, faster load times, and better multitasking on the Y70. The 8+ Gen 1 is more efficient, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under heavy load.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 68W wired charging, with the Y90 charging slightly faster (35 minutes vs 34 minutes to 100%). Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), but the Y70's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Legion Y70 is ideal for gamers who prioritize raw performance and efficiency without breaking the bank. The Lenovo Legion Y90 is suited for users who want a slightly more premium experience and are willing to pay a premium for it, though the performance gains are marginal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 significantly better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance and efficiency improvement over the 8 Gen 1, making it a better choice for demanding games and sustained performance.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones comparable?
Generally, yes. Both phones are expected to have capable camera systems, but neither is likely to be a standout performer in the smartphone photography market.
