This has been a phone I have been very excited to try and today I finally got to undress the beast. Keep reading for my LeTV Le Max (LeTV X900) unboxing video and first impressions.
After months of using the budget LeTV Le1 and enjoying every minute of it, I was super excited to hear from LeTV when they told me to expect a LeTV Le Max to arrive. Due to customs issues it took a little longer than hoped, but the phablet finally arrived, and today I got to go hands with it once and for all.
The Le Max is the largest of the current 3 LeTV smartphones with a 6.3-inch 2K display. To be honest years of seeing huge Android phones and writing about monstrous phablets had numbed me to the size of a 6.3-inch phone but I was still in awe of the size when I came face to face with the LeTV Le Max for the first time.
A screen so large can certainly make use of some extra pixels and this might be one of those rare times a 2K panel actually makes sense. It is truly a gorgeous display everything simply looks amazing, but once again I find the screen isn’t visible when wearing polarized sunglasses. Not a huge issue unless you live in a sunny climate.
That large panel has black borders all around but they are very thin and measure only a few mm even along the edges of the gold unibody alloy chassis. Below the screen we find back lit hardware buttons and above there are the usual light and proximity sensors plus a 4MP ultra-pixel camera (similar to the IUNI U3).
A gold finish might not be to everyone’s taste, but I quite like the finish. It is a subtle colour that is closer to a champagne than a tacky gold finish. The rear has those iPhone 6 like lines on it. There is a LeTV logo at the bottom, fingerprint scanner closer to the top and a 20 mega-pixel camera and dual tone LED flash above that.
Being a unibody construction there is a SIM tray for access to the dual SIM cards on the right hand side, below which you will find the power button.
The volume rocker and 2 position notification switch (the same on or off as the LeTV Le1) are on the left.
Like the more affordable LeTV Le 1 there is a USB Type C between 2 speakers, and at the top a 3.5mm head phone jack and IR blaster.
Despite the huge size the LeTV Le Max is feels quite light-weight and easy to handle. The flip side to that is the lack of mass gives it a less substantial and quality feel when compared to the OnePlus Two. The battery is also quite tiny at only 3400mAh. In comparison the 5.5-inch 1080p OP2 has a 3300mAh battery and 5.5-inch 1080p ZUK Z1 has a 4100mAh battery.
LeTV Le Max Unboxing Video
LeTV Le Max first impressions
Although big I think I could happily handle the Le Max on a daily basis. I’ m impressed by the screen (although it is annoying I can’t see it with my sunglasses on) and it’s strange that EUI only shows 4 icons across that large panel when more would fit.
The build quality is very good and the gold finish is actually rather pleasing. The light-weight of the phone is going to be a pleasant surprise to anyone picking this huge handset, but I’d prefer some extra weight if it gave a more substantial feel and larger battery.
I can’t really comment on the performance of the phone yet as I haven’t really used it, but the camera is fast and focus is accurate. The 20 mega-pixel photos are snapped and saved away faster than the 13 mega-pixel images of the OnePlus 2 but it remains to be seen how the LeTV Le Max camera compares in quality.
My next step is to take the Le Max out with a couple of other phones for a camera shootout so keep your eye’s peeled for this coming soon. If you have any questions about the LeTV Le Max or any of the other Chinese Android phones we have please feel free to ask.
Thanks to LeTV for arranging this review phone.
Finally a decent size phone, can’t wait for the review of this beauty! Will really be interested in how this performs with the 810 inside, will it throttle?
Cool 🙂
Any news about availability outside China (EU for example)?
nope, seems that it’s not going to be on sale officially anytime soon
This is kinda expensive for a chinese handset – but i have the money for a western flagship so fk it
Is there any hope for this phone for Indian user?
Please review in detail about camera and battery performance ?
And also about the touch and finger print sensor response.
Oppomart has it listed for $599 but it is out of stock.
yep I saw that, weeks ago : they have actually nothing to sell.
shop.gizchina.com just sold it’s last one
Dude, what happened with the Ulefone Be Touch 2 giveaway? I’ve been waiting… :'(
its being handled by the shop.gizchina team winner was chosen a few days ago
So… You’re going to make an announcement or what?
For such a screen size, 2 hand is obligatory, but is making a call with one hand okay ?
Not too heavy or too big ?
its the first android i see with 20mpx sensor and ois, that should mean something… You know what type of sensor is using?
You must have forgotten the MPx Wars oh my its old
I read its using the Sony IMX230.
It’s… BIG. No way I would ever carry something like that with me. But it’s good looking.
So customs eventually freed you @letv1max. Nice.
yup, took ages but I finally got it
What about MX5 – do you have it already? I’m waiting to hear your comments regarding its’ camera.
yup also have it, will use them both over the weekend to get some photos
Be aware LeTV phone only for Chinese market. B20 is missing!!-
So if there is no Band 20 i can’t use in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Australia, or Saudi Arabia? All those countries (and many more) have networks that support the bands this phone offers. Guess it’s not just for the Chinese market afterall….
OK , so you here by officially garantee the LeTV phone also works fine in these countries , because you personally have tested it in these countries??
You personally guarantee it won’t work anywhere else but China because you have tested it in both China and those other countries?
See what I did there? I hate to break this to you but the world is a lot bigger than just Europe. If it has the required bands there is no reason it won’t work outside of China, it will even work in several major European cities.
I usually like big phones, but good lord this thing looks monstrous. Andi can you take a picture of this next to some other phones like the OnePlus 2 and a 5.7 inch if you have one?
The Mi Note is 5.7 inch – this thing is tiny compared to the p8 max THAT things screen is almost as big as the nexus 7 (although the bezels make it alot smaller ) But 6 inch is now rather a good phablet size – i remember when 5.1-5.2 displays were considered HUGE and blamed by apple users all around the world
lol , apple users ALWAYS whining
i personally am a fan of 6 inch phablets !
Right – nexus 6 still great
I was on a tech forum two days before the Iphone 6 sizes were announced and the sheep on there were all speculating, many of them said Apple fans know you dont need a big screen they will keep it the same size. Two days later on that same forum many of those same people were claiming it was revolutionary what Apple was doing with screen sizes….
exactly – the same happened with the fingerprint scanner – every isheep claimed that apple was the first ti bring it on the market even though the motorola atrix was released in 2011 or 2 months earlier htc released the one max
In the video I compare it to the OP2 and the Mi Note
Ahh the video wouldnt load for me last time, will check it out now.
6000 mAh would do the job
IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE 🙁
Finally a decent size phone, can’t wait for the review of this beauty! Will really be interested in how this performs with the 810 inside, will it throttle?
Cool 🙂
Any news about availability outside China (EU for example)?
nope, seems that it’s not going to be on sale officially anytime soon
Oppomart has it listed for $599 but it is out of stock.
yep I saw that, weeks ago : they have actually nothing to sell.
This is kinda expensive for a chinese handset – but i have the money for a western flagship so fk it
shop.gizchina.com just sold it’s last one
Is there any hope for this phone for Indian user?
Please review in detail about camera and battery performance ?
And also about the touch and finger print sensor response.
Dude, what happened with the Ulefone Be Touch 2 giveaway? I’ve been waiting… :'(
its being handled by the shop.gizchina team winner was chosen a few days ago
So… You’re going to make an announcement or what?
For such a screen size, 2 hand is obligatory, but is making a call with one hand okay ?
Not too heavy or too big ?
its the first android i see with 20mpx sensor and ois, that should mean something… You know what type of sensor is using?
You must have forgotten the MPx Wars oh my its old
I read its using the Sony IMX230.
It’s… BIG. No way I would ever carry something like that with me. But it’s good looking.
So customs eventually freed you @letv1max. Nice.
yup, took ages but I finally got it
What about MX5 – do you have it already? I’m waiting to hear your comments regarding its’ camera.
yup also have it, will use them both over the weekend to get some photos
Be aware LeTV phone only for Chinese market. B20 is missing!!-
So if there is no Band 20 i can’t use in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Australia, or Saudi Arabia? All those countries (and many more) have networks that support the bands this phone offers. Guess it’s not just for the Chinese market afterall….
OK , so you here by officially garantee the LeTV phone also works fine in these countries , because you personally have tested it in these countries??
You personally guarantee it won’t work anywhere else but China because you have tested it in both China and those other countries?
See what I did there? I hate to break this to you but the world is a lot bigger than just Europe. If it has the required bands there is no reason it won’t work outside of China, it will even work in several major European cities.
I usually like big phones, but good lord this thing looks monstrous. Andi can you take a picture of this next to some other phones like the OnePlus 2 and a 5.7 inch if you have one?
The Mi Note is 5.7 inch – this thing is tiny compared to the p8 max THAT things screen is almost as big as the nexus 7 (although the bezels make it alot smaller ) But 6 inch is now rather a good phablet size – i remember when 5.1-5.2 displays were considered HUGE and blamed by apple users all around the world
lol , apple users ALWAYS whining
i personally am a fan of 6 inch phablets !
In the video I compare it to the OP2 and the Mi Note
Right – nexus 6 still great
Ahh the video wouldnt load for me last time, will check it out now.
I was on a tech forum two days before the Iphone 6 sizes were announced and the sheep on there were all speculating, many of them said Apple fans know you dont need a big screen they will keep it the same size. Two days later on that same forum many of those same people were claiming it was revolutionary what Apple was doing with screen sizes….
exactly – the same happened with the fingerprint scanner – every isheep claimed that apple was the first ti bring it on the market even though the motorola atrix was released in 2011 or 2 months earlier htc released the one max
6000 mAh would do the job
IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE 🙁
been using this for a little while now…I’ve found one problem…i’m playing Fallout Shelter and there’s a small button in the extreme corner of one of the screens that’s difficult to use…it seems like the extreme edges of the touch screen are a little unresponsive. it could just be the game’s fault though. it’s a little difficult to hold the phone without touching the “bezel-less” screen. (could be the cause of the problem)
I’ve never used the galaxy edge, but after using this phone I can’t imagine how it would be possible to use a curved screen. love these beautiful screens, but be careful what we ask for.
Nice but not 3500 RMB nice. 3000, maybe.
64gb was 3200 rmb.
As of August 29, 2015 you can still buy Le Max at: http://liaow.com/letv-le-max-128gb-gold.html Liaow.com go above and beyond the call of duty in their customer service.
My issues with the Le Max (current firmware dated 2015-08-26) so far:
1) Firmware that shipped with phone had no working video capture. Had to fix with experimental firmware dated 2015-08-19 (http://bbs.letv.com/zt/eui/le_max.html)
2) Connecting to data network is not automatic. Requires manual entry of APN for first setup.
3) Audio and input delay when dialing a number.
4) Keyboard layout not fully converted to English yet.
5) Various English language shortcomings (like dialogs) throughout EUI not specifically related to Chinese only apps.
6) No background data downloading when switching to other applications during multitasking. (switching focus to other apps cancels foreground downloads). This is a major issue for me.
7) Too many requests to agree to use Letv software when starting up apps for the first time (very unnecessary).
8) No English language experimental firmware feedback site.
9) Camera constantly tries to refocus sometimes on objects less than a foot away. (It’s behaving like it can’t see–feeling in the dark for something right in front of it).
10) Choppy frame rate in still picture mode (but not in HDR mode).
11) Default call recording software terrible (had to use third party software for decent quality).
12) Default “LeTV” “Color mode” setting in Display settings good for icons but not for video. Choosing “Natural” is the best option in absence of missing gamma correction option on my wishlist. With the “Natural” setting video is still too dark in areas regardless of any brightness setting.
To clarify issue number 1: the onscreen button for video capture was not working until after the firmware update.
Also, I’m still glad I bought the phone.
I’m impressed with the audio clarity through the headphones. I did not notice any hiss or noise. I like the screen. Also, the reviewer is wrong about the weight. I feel like if I drop it it then the screen will get damaged. Whereas with my old phone I have lost count the amount of times I dropped it with no great fear of damage to the screen. I thought Le Max is heavy for it’s volume.
Strange I never had any of these issues purchased recently with older Firmware. I had asked them to upload International ROM along with Google Play store at the time of Shipping. May be you have purchased with Chineese ROM.
been using this for a little while now…I’ve found one problem…i’m playing Fallout Shelter and there’s a small button in the extreme corner of one of the screens that’s difficult to use…it seems like the extreme edges of the touch screen are a little unresponsive. it could just be the game’s fault though. it’s a little difficult to hold the phone without touching the “bezel-less” screen. (could be the cause of the problem)
I’ve never used the galaxy edge, but after using this phone I can’t imagine how it would be possible to use a curved screen. love these beautiful screens, but be careful what we ask for.
as i read the beginning i thought: “6.3 inch and 2k? wow. better have a biiiiig battery…”
then, as i continued i couldn’t help but laugh: “3400mah??? that would not be sufficient for 5″, 2k… or 6,3″ FHD. how come they thought it might be enough for 6,3″, 2k?” well, we’ll see in the review. 😀
Imagine trying to use this phone in the gym when running or doing weights! I think carrying this phone itself is like you been to the gym!
Nice but not 3500 RMB nice. 3000, maybe.
64gb was 3200 rmb.
As of August 29, 2015 you can still buy Le Max at: http://liaow.com/letv-le-max-128gb-gold.html Liaow.com go above and beyond the call of duty in their customer service.
My issues with the Le Max (current firmware dated 2015-08-26) so far:
1) Firmware that shipped with phone had no working video capture. Had to fix with experimental firmware dated 2015-08-19 (http://bbs.letv.com/zt/eui/le_max.html)
2) Connecting to data network is not automatic. Requires manual entry of APN for first setup.
3) Audio and input delay when dialing a number.
4) Keyboard layout not fully converted to English yet.
5) Various English language shortcomings (like dialogs) throughout EUI not specifically related to Chinese only apps.
6) No background data downloading when switching to other applications during multitasking. (switching focus to other apps cancels foreground downloads). This is a major issue for me.
7) Too many requests to agree to use Letv software when starting up apps for the first time (very unnecessary).
8) No English language experimental firmware feedback site.
9) Camera constantly tries to refocus sometimes on objects less than a foot away. (It’s behaving like it can’t see–feeling in the dark for something right in front of it).
10) Choppy frame rate in still picture mode (but not in HDR mode).
11) Default call recording software terrible (had to use third party software for decent quality).
12) Default “LeTV” “Color mode” setting in Display settings good for icons but not for video. Choosing “Natural” is the best option in absence of missing gamma correction option on my wishlist. With the “Natural” setting video is still too dark in areas regardless of any brightness setting.
To clarify issue number 1: the onscreen button for video capture was not working until after the firmware update.
Also, I’m still glad I bought the phone.
I’m impressed with the audio clarity through the headphones. I did not notice any hiss or noise. I like the screen. Also, the reviewer is wrong about the weight. I feel like if I drop it it then the screen will get damaged. Whereas with my old phone I have lost count the amount of times I dropped it with no great fear of damage to the screen. I thought Le Max is heavy for it’s volume.
Strange I never had any of these issues purchased recently with older Firmware. I had asked them to upload International ROM along with Google Play store at the time of Shipping. May be you have purchased with Chineese ROM.
as i read the beginning i thought: “6.3 inch and 2k? wow. better have a biiiiig battery…”
then, as i continued i couldn’t help but laugh: “3400mah??? that would not be sufficient for 5″, 2k… or 6,3″ FHD. how come they thought it might be enough for 6,3″, 2k?” well, we’ll see in the review. 😀
funny thing…after reading this, I went to put on my sunglasses and looked at the screen. I tried two different pairs of polarized glasses and had no problems. I did have a phone in the past that I couldn’t see the screen…might have been my Meizu MX2, (same sunglasses).
Weird for me I can’t see the Le Max in sun with my Oakleys but the OP2 isn’t a problem
Letv x600 has the same issue?
Imagine trying to use this phone in the gym when running or doing weights! I think carrying this phone itself is like you been to the gym!
I must ask, how do people carry these “monsters” around, I’m used to having my phone in left front pocket on my pants and my keys in the right pocket. But I can’t imagine putting something of this size in any kind of pocket. If it’s not one of those leg pockets on some kind of cargo pants so please tell me the secret 😉
I had the Lumia 1520 which is pretty much the same size which fit perfectly in my front pocket without any visual cues it was there.
Loose fit jeans is all I wear though
At one point I was carrying a 7″ tablet as well but that was noticeable
funny thing…after reading this, I went to put on my sunglasses and looked at the screen. I tried two different pairs of polarized glasses and had no problems. I did have a phone in the past that I couldn’t see the screen…might have been my Meizu MX2, (same sunglasses).
Weird for me I can’t see the Le Max in sun with my Oakleys but the OP2 isn’t a problem
Letv x600 has the same issue?
I must ask, how do people carry these “monsters” around, I’m used to having my phone in left front pocket on my pants and my keys in the right pocket. But I can’t imagine putting something of this size in any kind of pocket. If it’s not one of those leg pockets on some kind of cargo pants so please tell me the secret 😉
I had the Lumia 1520 which is pretty much the same size which fit perfectly in my front pocket without any visual cues it was there.
Loose fit jeans is all I wear though
At one point I was carrying a 7″ tablet as well but that was noticeable
How bright does the screen get ?
I heard it only goes up to 450 nits which is fairly low
This is my main concern with this device.
My old LG G3 goes up to 570 nits and I can barely view it outdoors
LG G3 also goes up to 450 nits. It is not so low. My phone is going up to 400 and I’m living in a sunny place, and it’s enough for me. Anyway, most of people never use 100% brightness to save battery.
Sweet thanks for the reply !
Im hoping its good not that it matters now as ive already ordered it.
How bright does the screen get ?
I heard it only goes up to 450 nits which is fairly low
This is my main concern with this device.
My old LG G3 goes up to 570 nits and I can barely view it outdoors
LG G3 also goes up to 450 nits. It is not so low. My phone is going up to 400 and I’m living in a sunny place, and it’s enough for me. Anyway, most of people never use 100% brightness to save battery.
Sweet thanks for the reply !
Im hoping its good not that it matters now as ive already ordered it.
Hi there.. How to update this phone???.. No option for that in phone setting..!!! Moreover from 2stereo speakers which are located down only one is working..!!!
Hi there.. How to update this phone???.. No option for that in phone setting..!!! Moreover from 2stereo speakers which are located down only one is working..!!!
G’day Andi! Can we expect a detailed review on this? So far I’m struggling to find anything in English… Italian, Spanish… Chinese even… but not English! hahah! I’m keen to find out the real world battery life etc.
I have this for the past two weeks or so….So far so good! I had international ROM which did not have all Chineese apps. While upgrading I had to inherit all of those Chineese Letv apps but upgrade is going smooth. Sometimes I have WiFi issues but largely unaffected by it since I have two SIMs one of which is having 3G connection so there is no big issue. Battery is average if you use it extensively. Camera is ok, Sound is average again. Overall, a good attempt by the Chineese manufacturer trying to offer premium mobile. Service, Support could be an issue since in my place (India) there is no one providing service for this mobile! It is a very long shot for a new OEM but it is really price for all these short comings! I don’t do gaming so, I am not facing any heat issues as well.
G’day Andi! Can we expect a detailed review on this? So far I’m struggling to find anything in English… Italian, Spanish… Chinese even… but not English! hahah! I’m keen to find out the real world battery life etc.
I have this for the past two weeks or so….So far so good! I had international ROM which did not have all Chineese apps. While upgrading I had to inherit all of those Chineese Letv apps but upgrade is going smooth. Sometimes I have WiFi issues but largely unaffected by it since I have two SIMs one of which is having 3G connection so there is no big issue. Battery is average if you use it extensively. Camera is ok, Sound is average again. Overall, a good attempt by the Chineese manufacturer trying to offer premium mobile. Service, Support could be an issue since in my place (India) there is no one providing service for this mobile! It is a very long shot for a new OEM but it is really price for all these short comings! I don’t do gaming so, I am not facing any heat issues as well.
Ok, so i bought the letv max and now i have found out thst the left speaker on the bottom of thr phone is not working.. any fixes for that? Is there anything i can do to fix it?
Ok, so i bought the letv max and now i have found out thst the left speaker on the bottom of thr phone is not working.. any fixes for that? Is there anything i can do to fix it?
I am Really Fan of phone photography, can not find the camera setting for this phone.
Anyone can tell me minimum iso for this phone? Second things is how many second max for exposure time?
Appreciate if someone can answer my question.
I am Really Fan of phone photography, can not find the camera setting for this phone.
Anyone can tell me minimum iso for this phone? Second things is how many second max for exposure time?
Appreciate if someone can answer my question.