This fall, the Chinese company LeEco literally burst into the Russian market, starting an offensive with a powerful PR campaign: low prices for high technologies and unprecedented discounts, right away - its flagship store in Moscow and ambitious plans to become a kind of “Oriental Apple”. The main event, of course, was the amazingly affordable and powerful smartphones. Can a top-end gadget cost 2 times less than competitors with similar parameters? Let's see how the much-hyped Le Max2 .
The best Telegram channel about technology (possibly)
The best Telegram channel about technology (possibly)
Specifications (Le X820)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996, 2.15 GHz (4 cores)
- Video processor: Adreno 530
- Operating system: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow + EUI (5.8.016S)
- Display: 5.7″, Super IPS, 2560 x 1440 pixels, 450 nits, capacitive multi-touch
- RAM: 6 GB
- Internal memory: 64 GB
- Sim: 2 nano-sim cards
- Main camera: 21 MP (LED flash, autofocus, optical stabilization, F/2)
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV, supports Dolby Atmos technology, compatible with 24-bit/192 kHz audio format, has an active noise reduction system
- Connectivity: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac), Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Bluetooth 4.2
- Navigation: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
- Battery: 3100 mAh (lithium polymer, non-removable)
- Ports: USB Type-C
- Sensors: light, proximity, Hall, gyroscope, compass, fingerprint reading
- Other functions: Hands-free calling (built-in speaker), Voice dialing, Voice control, Airplane mode, Flashlight
- Dimensions: 156.18 x 77.6 x 7.99 mm
- Weight: 185 g
- Case materials: metal and plastic
- Color: gray, gold
- Cost at the time of testing: from 27,990 ₽
Equipment
LeEco packaged its flagship in a small black box made of matte cardboard with a silver dividing line and a laconic logo embossed in silver on the lid: there is something solemn and mysterious about it - you can only find out about the contents by looking inside.
Under the smartphone there is a black envelope with documentation and a paperclip for removing the SIM card slot. Also in the box is a transparent silicone bumper, a charger - plug and a microUSB-USB cable for the Type-C connector, as well as an adapter for headphones (Type-C - Mini Jack 3.5 mm).
Appearance
Until the characteristics caught my eye, the smartphone successfully “pretended” to be dirty lilac, but according to the documents it turned out to be gray - it looks like LeEco have invented a chameleon shade! Le Max2 was created without pretensions to originality or exoticism: a standard rectangular thin case made of matte aluminum with rounded corners, decorative elements - thin silver edging on the ribs and a small logo. Laconic utilitarian design.
The size is comparable to the average woman's palm - so that it covers it from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist. Despite its decent size, the phone fits comfortably in your hand and does not slip out. A transparent “bumper” protects against mechanical damage, but visually simplifies the appearance of the device. (A case is rarely found in the basic configuration of smartphones, so let’s say thank you to the caring LeEcovites!)
At the top end there is a lonely dot of an infrared sensor. As we remember, this model does not have the usual audio output for a headset. And she lost it even before the Apple phone!
Horizontally, the screen occupies the entire space of the front panel (edged with a 2 mm black frame), and at the top and bottom there are symmetrical 1.2 cm indentations for functional elements.
At the top in the middle there is a speaker “strip”, symmetrically on the left and right there is a light sensor and a front camera, respectively. To the left of the sensor is a notification indicator. It starts flashing red when the phone is low, and when charging, you can see by its color how full the battery is (red–yellow–green), so you don’t need to pick up and unlock the phone again.
There are 3 menu buttons at the bottom - in the middle is the traditional “Home” circle (the most important button is forward-backward-oh-that’s it!), on the left is the “Menu” square and on the right is the “Back” triangle. They are not engraved on the panel, but appear as luminous outlines, reacting to touch.
“Menu” is a truly convenient functional addition from LeEco: it displays a quick access menu, shows open windows and programs. In order to achieve this from traditional androids, you need to memorize a certain shamanic movement. The only thing is that the “Menu” is tempted to swap places with the “Back” button: intuitively the finger looks for it on the left, similar to turning a page back. The fact that the buttons are not physically marked on the panel makes it somewhat difficult to communicate with the gadget at first.
The bottom edge traditionally houses a USB port; this model has the newfangled Type-C. However, it is really convenient: there is no chance of getting caught on the wrong side. And yes, this is the only connector in the device. Headphones or the jack from a monopod must be connected via an adapter. The main thing is not to lose this little white wire. There are 5 “dots” of speakers located symmetrically on the sides.
On the rear panel, in the center at the top, after the antenna strip, there is the main 21-megapixel camera - a protruding pancake 1.5x1.5 cm. On the right is an LED flash. Under the camera is a small round-mirror fingerprint sensor. At the bottom “side” there is a laconic silver LeEco symbol and small letters of the mandatory marking.
The left edge was given for a slot for two nano-SIM cards. You can open it with a paperclip key or, if you’ve got it, any suitable “point”: girls often use earrings. The small tray for SIM cards is completely removed and snaps into place with a neat click.
On the right edge, opposite the slot, there is a long silver “Volume” button, and below it is “Power”. Together they stretch almost to the middle of the side, so when you place your smartphone on a selfie stick, you risk accidentally turning it off.
Design
The LeEco Le Max 2 smartphone is made entirely of metal, which gives it a premium feel and makes it pleasant to the touch. Only small plastic inserts are present in the upper and lower parts of the rear panel, which were done to improve the quality of signal reception. They are thin and visually divide the body into three parts, separated by gray stripes. The solution is not new; we have already seen it in many devices in 2017 from well-known and not so well-known manufacturers. When you look at the backdrop at an angle, the plastic inserts become especially noticeable. Their color is slightly different from the rest of the body.
While reviewing the LeEco Le Max 2 x820, we noticed that the color of the case may change depending on the lighting. Officially, only gold and silver cases are available for sale in Russia, but when ordering from Aliexpress, the choice will be much greater.
The display is surrounded by a fairly thin frame, painted in a dark color, due to which it is not visible on the locked screen. But when you work with a smartphone, the frames immediately catch your eye. Without them everything would be much better.
A speaker was installed above the screen, on either side of which sensors, an event light indicator, a front camera and sensors are symmetrically located.
The top edge is occupied by an infrared port and it’s very good that it’s there. Despite the simplicity of the technology, it is of great benefit in everyday life, opening up the possibility of remote control of various equipment from your LeEco Le Max 2.
Below the screen we see touch-sensitive navigation keys, which are brightly backlit for easy operation of the phone in the dark.
On the left there is a tray in which you can put two Nano SIM cards.
On the right is a volume rocker and a key responsible for controlling screen power.
A USB-C port is located in the center at the bottom edge, and a single external speaker and the main microphone are symmetrically installed on either side of it.
Our Letv LeEco Le Max 2 review shows that the smartphone turned out to be quite large and massive - a kind of payment for using a large display. But at the same time, it remains quite comfortable for everyone to use - it lies confidently in the hand and you don’t have to be afraid that it will slip out. The corners are rounded, the lid is matte. But it will be convenient to work with it only with both hands, unless, of course, you touch the mode in which the working area of the screen is limited.
The build quality corresponds to the flagship level; we were not able to identify any defects. The parts sit tightly in place, the Le Max 2 lid does not press through, even when significant pressure is applied to it.
Display
The large 5.7-inch display (2560 x 1440 pixels) is truly impressive: still 515 pixels per inch. The capacitive multi-touch responds easily and smoothly, responding with unobtrusive vibration on occasion. The screen is made on an IPS matrix and supports up to 10 simultaneous touches. In the sun, the display, of course, glares slightly, but there is no need to break your eyes: the maximum brightness is enough for comfortable use on a sunny day. There is also “Adaptive Brightness Adjustment” - with this function, the phone itself changes the brightness level depending on the current lighting.
The tactile sensations from the work are very pleasant, the finger glides easily, barely touching the surface. The oleophobic coating works: it is impossible to protect against fingerprints 100%, but they do not appear as greasy, irritating stains. I ran my sleeve across the screen once just to keep it organized - and it already shines like new!
Autonomy
LeEco Le Max 2 (X820) is equipped with a 3100 mAh battery. Despite the large QHD screen, the smartphone demonstrates relatively good battery life. If you are not the biggest fan of games, then LeEco Le Max 2 (X820) will last you all day (not the maximum screen brightness, mobile Internet, social networks, instant messengers, some music and video). At maximum brightness, the smartphone can play HD video for up to 8 hours.
Support for Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0 fast charging is declared, so the battery is filled from 0 to 100% in about an hour and a half.
Camera
The flagship model received a decent 21-megapixel main camera (which is comparable to a semi-professional DSLR) with a fast F/2 lens. However, they still need to be managed wisely.
In automatic mode, the camera takes pictures flawlessly only in good lighting conditions. In the dark, it focuses on the light source and strives to overexpose the picture, or even flash a flash onto a close object for complete happiness. In short, it is far from the “smart” iPhone camera, which seems to come complete with the mythical “make it beautiful” button. This is what she filmed in automatic mode on an autumn night and at a Jason Derulo concert. The outdoors was difficult, but the phone coped well with the club illumination.
If you are interested in photography, then by rummaging through the settings, you will find a way to get the desired picture. You can automatically neutralize the noisy flash, then select ISO - from 100 to 3200 - for a manageable light-to-noise ratio. Adjustable exposure can also help make it lighter or darker: from -2 to 2. White balance is also manually selectable if desired: AWB, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Day and Cloudy. Alas, there is no Kelvin scale. Because it's fat. Contrast, saturation and sharpness can also be adjusted - the pictures will become brighter and richer.
Here are also night shots, but the camera was adjusted manually:
When you call up the camera settings from below, a faded line of “perversions” pops out for every taste: HDR mode, night photography (with a long shutter speed), square-Instagram cropping, mysterious “smoothing”, giving the pictures a slight “blur” - apparently to hide it in a portrait skin imperfections. At the end of the list is a “scene”: by clicking on the icon, you open a menu of standard “soap” modes: “Landscape”, “Beach”, “Portrait” and the mysterious “Snow”. In the lower corner of the camera window, to the right of the shutter button, there is a mysterious circle with three parallel lines inside: 9 simple filters are hidden there for those who are disgusted by natural colors. When selected correctly, they give photographs an unobtrusive touch of creativity and retouch the documentary prose of life.
We filmed snow in the “Snow” mode, but we couldn’t understand for sure what the Chinese meant by this.
The main camera of the Le Max2 worked best outdoors in daylight. There was no particular need to bother with the settings. The main complaint is that in automatic mode the image appears red, but if you set the “Landscape” mode, the palette approaches natural.
Focusing is usually done at random, but somehow slowly and thoroughly. There is a high probability that he will miss unexpected and rapid moments with his slowness. At a distance closer than 10 cm, autofocus begins to struggle and be willful, buzzes and does not always provide sharpness at the selected point - macro is for the patient. Manufacturers say that this is a software problem, not a hardware problem, so it will be fixed in the next update.
Naturally, the camera takes panoramic shots in a separate mode.
Le Max2 also writes video: with a maximum resolution of 30 frames/s. It is possible to focus without problems when shooting only in good lighting conditions; in the twilight the camera does not find anything to “catch onto”. The footage can be edited immediately - the built-in capabilities allow simple manipulations.
Creative operators craving an epic experience will enjoy the dedicated SLO-MO mode! For comparison: we filmed from the same point for the same 15 seconds, and at the end we got about a minute of video without sound, the picture became noticeably darker.
The front camera with a modest 8 megapixels works without any particular complaints: you can take a decent photo of yourself (thanks to the built-in filters and the 5-step anti-aliasing function) and chat in a video chat with proper image quality. Fine.
If you have a selfie stick, then we warn you: not every other person’s monopod can “digest” this nationalist smartphone. If the button does not work, there is no need to be scared: the mistrustful gadget can be “tamed” using a simple free application like Selfishop Art Camera.
The capabilities for basic image processing in this smartphone are modest (it clearly shifts the responsibility to Instagram): cropping, adjusting exposure, adding a simple filter. It's worth downloading an app right away.
LeEco Le Max 2 cameras
A review of the camera of the LeEco Le Max 2 64gb smartphone showed that the manufacturer chose an IMX230 sensor with a resolution of 21 megapixels as the main one. There is phase focusing and optical stabilization. The aperture is f/2.0. The camera is built into a large platform, which rises noticeably above the rest of the body. A two-section flash is installed just below. Photos are saved with a maximum resolution of 5312x3984 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3.
In daytime conditions, the camera performed well - autofocus quickly focuses on the subject without making any mistakes. White balance is determined correctly. With the onset of darkness, the camera takes worse pictures, but overall the quality is not bad. The only thing is that there is no manual mode, which will never be superfluous especially for those who are interested in mobile photography.
Example photo on LeEco Le Max 2
The video is recorded in 4K at 30 FPS, and slow motion is recorded in 720p. The video recording quality is excellent, but the sound is average.
Conclusion
A review of the LeTco LeTV Le Max 2 32gb phone shows that it successfully combines top-end hardware, high build quality and an affordable price. It copes well with games and any tasks that you may encounter during use. The all-metal body has thoughtful ergonomics, and the smartphone’s performance will last for at least several more years.
Advantages:
- Large screen with high resolution;
- Excellent performance;
- Photographic capabilities;
- Fast charging;
- Build quality of the case.
Flaws:
- Weak autonomy;
- Lack of microSD slot;
- No 3.5mm audio jack.
Where can I buy?
Following the links you can buy a smartphone at the best prices:
Aliexpress GearBest Banggood
LeEco Le Pro 3 is a great option for the price
LeEco Cool1 is an affordable smartphone with impressive specifications and photographic capabilities
OS and interface
The manufacturer has thoroughly adapted Android 6.0 Marshmallow to its own ideas about what is convenient and beautiful, spending significantly more effort on processing than most of its fellow countrymen. The design of icons and the desktop in standard mode is extremely simple, concise and emphatically functional. If your soul asks for something interesting, then you can first choose a desktop design option from the basic ones.
In the proprietary operating system LeEco EUI 5.8.018S there is no menu of installed applications, the notification and reboot menu has been redone, and the quick access menu has even received a separate key. The basic package includes all sorts of simple “clerical stuff”, such as notes, a calculator, a voice recorder, your own email program and even a compass. In addition to Google Chrome, your own browser is installed (the purple round bar that comes after calls and SMS). Prudently and without annoying excesses. Then everyone fills out the desktop on Google Play themselves.
There is immediately a standard package of Google services and 3 pre-installed programs: “Phone Manager” (monitors the memory and quickly cleans up garbage), a partner weather widget and a specific “Remote something there” - a proprietary application that turns a smartphone into a control panel for LeTV and other equipment (from electric vehicles to microwaves). The function is popular in China, but our user is just starting to learn it.
Among the required services, there is a blue “My LeEco” icon nestled comfortably, and in the system settings there is LeCloud’s own cloud storage. Just the other day, the Le Ree club appeared on the menu and, of course, a polite invitation to join.
The company adopted Apple’s strategy, planning to create its own “LeRee Ecosystem” with the “Platform + Content + Devices + Applications” scheme. This "cozy" concept is intended to gently guide the user's choice to expand the LeEco product fleet. The “office” has a number of agreements with content producers: with the first update, partner applications were automatically downloaded, which can be used under special conditions.
The system allows you to arrange application icons in a user-friendly order, change the font size and desktop scaling, and even disable unnecessary touch control buttons.
Ergonomics
The LeEco Le Max2 is a large phone, measuring 156.8 x 77.6 x 8 mm, and it weighs a fair amount, but that's a price to pay for a large display. If you wanted a giant, you’ll get it, but despite its massiveness, it’s quite comfortable. If you grab the flat sides with your fingers, the metal smartphone does not slip out of your palm. You just have to work with it with both hands, otherwise you won’t be able to handle it. However, the manufacturer also took care of the convenience of one-handed operation by adding a mode with a reduced menu.
The flagship is assembled to a solid “A” level – you can’t complain. The body parts fit neatly, the back surface does not press when pressed, and the buttons work clearly. In short, the phone is large, but of high quality - it’s perfect for connoisseurs of the XXL format.
Iron
The Le Max2 is ruled by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 processor with a clock frequency of 2150 MHz - a worthy filling for a representative of the top segment. RAM is currently maximum 6 GB. The device feels great in multitasking mode: constantly open social networks, mail, a droning navigator, a mobile cinema and several parallel toys - no question! It’s difficult to overload this machine without a creative approach...
The Adreno 530 video processor will handle even resource-intensive 3D games, not to mention regular ones. However, in the process, the smartphone quickly turns into a hand warmer: the temperature of the device rises rapidly, but is kept within digestible limits and does not in any way affect the quality of work.
64 GB of internal memory will objectively last for a long time. But a slot for MicroSD is deliberately not provided in order to encourage customers to use cloud storage.
Performance
LeEco Le Max 2 specifications are based on a 4-core Snapdragon 820 processor with a frequency of up to 2.15 GHz. At the time the smartphone was released, it was top-end and now, a year later, it copes with even demanding games, allowing you to run them at maximum graphics. Its capabilities are complemented by the Adreno 530 graphics accelerator, operating at a frequency of 624 MHz. They didn’t skimp on the amount of RAM, which is already 6 GB. Built-in – 64 GB, but be prepared for the fact that you won’t be able to expand the volume; there is no slot for microSD in the device.
Synthetics:
LeEco Le Max 2 x820 64gb review showed that while there are no tasks that can fully reveal the potential of the gadget, it successfully copes with everything. All games run at maximum graphics, the interface flies. It is expected that the filling will remain relevant for several more years. When playing for long periods of time, the phone gets noticeably warm on the back, but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable to hold.
The external speaker plays loudly and clearly, and you can even hear light bass in it. But those who like to listen to music on headphones are in for an unpleasant surprise - there is no 3.5 mm audio jack, so you have to use an adapter. The sound in the headset is high-quality, and in addition you can use many presets.
Fingerprint scanner
This smartphone has a fingerprint scanner, which is mandatory for a modern flagship - ultrasonic, fast and unpretentious: according to the manufacturer, it copes with oily, wet and steamy fingers.
If you are not paranoid about a worldwide conspiracy, total surveillance and theft of personal data, then this method of protecting your device from “curious barbarians” is ideal for you. Now there is no need to keep combinations of characters and numbers in your head: your index finger fits comfortably on the scanner and “uncorks” the device with lightning speed. In addition to blocking, the fingerprint scanner is used to control cameras, the player, and some programs and applications (for example, banking).
Old-fashioned code is installed without fail: complex equipment has a habit of glitching out of the blue. For example, our test subject was not always satisfied with the accuracy of “hitting” the scanner and in 30% of cases it opened on the second or third attempt, and had difficulty recognizing fingers that were numb in the cold. It’s also difficult to unlock a smartphone with noticeably wet hands, but it doesn’t care about oil.
Connection
Le Max2 does not forget about the main purpose of the phone - to keep in touch. All sorts of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, Glonass and Beidou - all this is available by default in a device of this level. Perhaps the only thing worthy of special attention is the support for the new VoLTE technology, which is called the fourth generation network: it can significantly improve voice transmission in 4G LTE networks. In Russia it is still at the launch stage and is not available from all operators.
The smartphone works with two SIM cards using the Dual SIM Dual Standby system - the user designates one card as the main one. There is no need to swap cards: in both slots they will work in 4G.
Just for fun, we put the smartphone in the microwave, like in the movie Snowden, and tried to call: the signal passed through. Now only a lead box will protect you from eavesdropping.
Autonomous operation
For a device with a large screen, and even with such a high resolution, the capacity of the non-replaceable battery of 3100 mAh is small, so with very active use you have to charge the smartphone twice a day. On average, there are about 3.5 hours of active screen time per day, taking into account the use of social networks, mobile Internet, 10–20 minutes of calls and two hours of listening to music. Did you want a very high resolution screen? Then get ready for increased load on the system. The smartphone, at maximum screen brightness, plays video non-stop for 9 hours and 15 minutes, and an hour of play consumes about 30% of the battery charge.
LeEco Le Max2 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology. It takes a little over 1.5 hours to restore the battery to full charge, and in half an hour at the outlet it is replenished to 55%.
To optimize energy consumption through the built-in application, you can use various tricks. In sleep mode, the phone turns off GPS, Wi-Fi and data transfer. The energy-saving mode is useful if the battery is down to 20%, and the operating time needs to be extended - then geolocation functions, data transfer and the processor work in a limited mode.
Sound
The audio system of LeMax 2 is excellent: standard MP3, AAC, WAV and support for Dolby Atmos technology to the delight of audiophiles. At maximum volume, the phone's speakers scream at the same level as a 2.5 W portable USB speaker, and your fingers begin to feel the power of the sound waves. At the same time, the sound is clear, without disgusting wheezing.
We didn’t see any objective reasons not to make a separate audio connector - there’s plenty of space! The small tail of the adapter does not solve the problem completely: for example, if the device is connected to a network or power bank, you will have to give up wired headphones. If you look at the “political” background of this technical solution, it turns out that LeEco has its own LeMe wireless Bluetooth headphones with an original design.
By luck, we ended up with them for personal use. LeMe played with different devices, but it was when paired with a “native” smartphone that they suddenly produced a wow effect, producing surprisingly clear and spacious sound. However!
The speaker for conversations is made to a high standard: it withstood tests in a subway car with dignity.
Very powerful
As far as hardware goes, it's a top-end Qualcomm 820 processor, 6/64 GB of memory and 144 thousand points in the Antutu benchmark. The phone does not have a slot for a memory card, so you will have to fit into a limited capacity. Why in such a healthy case there was no place for microSD, I don’t know, they probably didn’t want to.
The Chinese love to compare themselves with Apple, apparently LeEco also decided to go this route. Games do not lag at all, in WOT Blitz it produces 57-60fps at maximum graphics settings, the menu flies, everything is very fast. There is no overheating, this is not the infamous Snapdragon 810, which turned the phone into a pocket heater.
Let's sum it up
Le Max2 from LeEco is a truly affordable flagship. They are pleasant and convenient to use in everyday life: making calls, surfing the Internet, communicating on social networks and instant messengers, conducting business correspondence, using numerous applications, playing, reading, listening to music. A vigorous and resilient “workhorse” for those who need functionality, not show-off.
There are two main disadvantages here : a mediocre camera and a single connector without a separate audio jack. In the first case, understanding the intricacies of exposure and composition will save you. Or not caring. And the second inconvenience only reminds us that the future belongs to wireless technologies.
Suspiciously low prices, discounts and other goodies from Chinese guests cause surprise and distrust among domestic consumers. There really is a catch here, but not where many people think. Everything is fine with the phones.
LeEco has become a leader in the fierce competition of its native market and is now confidently moving to the West. They have far-reaching plans and a proven strategy. Affordable smartphones are the springboard from which LeEco will develop its “LeRee Ecosystem”. Do you remember: “Platform + Content + Devices + Applications”? We have noticed more than once that LeEco devices are jealous of “family ties”: they are designed for team play and do not get along well with “strangers”. By selling inexpensive smartphones, the Chinese are not showing off, creating an “attraction of unprecedented generosity,” but are building a base for conquering the market.
