Leia Lume Pad 2 review: 3D technology without any additional devices

At Wccftech, we are asked by many companies to review products, and sometimes we come across something incredibly unique that is challenging to review. We were approached by Leia Inc., who have been working tirelessly to create 3D display technology for the past eight years. The company's upcoming device – Lume Pad 2 – allows users to view videos, movies and photos in three dimensions without using different devices or peripherals. This is done via the tablet, which is part of the experience. Let's jump right in and look at the Leia Lume Pad 2.

Author's note: The images transfer poorly to film when rendered in three dimensions or a stereoscopic format. Images may appear blurry as the camera cannot display a device that produces an altered perception of an image or video to a user's eyes. That said, this is one device where seeing it in person is much more exciting than photographs can't show. Keep that in mind during the review.

Leia Inc's Lume Pad 2: Accessible three-dimensional technology available to everyone, but for a price

Leia Lume Pad 2 has a Snapdragon 888 chipset with Qualcomm Kryo 680 octa-core processor. The graphics are powered by the Adreno 660, which displays quite well on the Qualcomm Hexagon 780 with Qualcomm All-Ways Aware display. Built-in is 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM, and for storage is 128 GB Flash UFS 3.1. It offers Face ID and a fingerprint sensor for added security. The battery is a lithium-ion 9270 mAh rechargeable battery that provides a high-speed charge of 33W+. The glass screen is made of high-strength Gorilla Glass and an anodized aluminum capsule to keep the interior safe.

The screen is an IPS LCD with 16M colors, multi-touch support and 2D and 3D light field modes supported by the device. The screen has a large 12.4-inch 2D resolution of 2560 x 1600 WQXGA at 16:10. 3D viewing is handled in landscape mode with tracked stereo and disappears when viewing the device in portrait mode. The field of view of the tracked 3D is 86° while the 2D viewing angle is 180°. The refresh rate is 120 Hz (but most videos from the user will be less than 60 Hz), and the 2D PPI is 244.

Leia Inc.'s light field technology divides the image into layers, so that the image or video appears in three dimensions, which is quite impressive. By viewing videos and images from up to three feet away, most media can display the power of Leia Inc.'s proprietary technology. The only downfall would happen with temperature affecting the device or poor rendering on a few images, which could be from a recent update.

Speaking of the tablet, the Lume Pad 2 is hefty in both construction and weight. Trying to shoot at the perfect angle with one hand is nearly impossible unless you're used to carrying a few pounds for several minutes while trying to line up the shot perfectly. For example, taking a selfie or a front-facing photo requires two hands to steady the tablet while the mix of cameras and AI work together to split the layers and focus the images at the same time. Fortunately for the user, the camera has a preview window that lets you see the individual layers, but warns you if you can't get a perfect shot to render in three dimensions. If there is too much contrast, the images cannot be distinguished, resulting in the image not being displayed in 3D. Having some experience in taking great photos comes in handy and far surpasses everyday phone photography from any Tom, Dick and Harry.

Several applications work specifically with the Lume Pad 2, most from the company and several games from third-party game developers. Additionally, a movie rental application only shows movies that are already pre-rendered in 3D. Users get two movies free for purchasing Lume Pad 2 – Gravity and Pacific Rim – with several other movie choices, albeit a somewhat small collection compared to 2D rental sites or services.

The applications provided by Leia Inc. for the Lume Pad 2 are

I had talked briefly earlier in this review about the temperature displayed with the Lume Pad 2. Near the cameras, the tablet gets warm, but not scalding to the touch. This is partly because the camera and system technology creates stereoscopic images and films. But even when you're not using the camera on the back of the device, the user-facing cameras are always on. This is where it causes the tablet to rise in temperature and will cause the software to appear buggy at times. I waited until the last update to review this device to give the development team enough time before the full release to fix any bugs and add any last minute tweaks or software before giving my final views. The heat has always been consistent with the Lume Pad 2, and the occasional failure of the cameras when the temperature rises is rare, but also at the exact times, leading this reviewer to believe that they are both affected by the increased temperatures.

Does this mean the Lume Pad 2 is terrible? No. It's a fantastic gateway to stereoscopic photography and video, while allowing regular users to experience something that only the big 3D TVs or cinemas of the past could offer. Three-dimensional technology has started to appear in more devices in recent months, with manufacturers like BOE making TVs that also don't require unique glasses to use. This glasses-free 3D technology seems to be making a resurgence in modern display technology. Together with artificial intelligence, it shows how far we have come in bringing many technological advances into the home.

Do I feel that stereoscopic technology, such as Leia Inc.'s lightfield technology, will remain in the market and eventually replace standard phones, tablets, TVs and more? The Lume Pad 2 is an expensive tablet, priced at $1,099 (with the protective cover costing an additional $49), which this writer feels only enthusiasts will pick up in the first place. When the market for this type of technology can become more common and affordable, as well as easier for filmmakers and developers to create stereoscopic media with fewer resources (technology and money), then I feel that the Lume Pad and its future generations will have a better access point in today's lifestyle . However, the technology will remain a luxury item for those willing to invest right now.

Users interested in the Lume Pad 2 from Leia Inc. can receive a free tablet stand ($99 retail value) if purchased by June 13, 2023, as part of the company's Father's Day celebration. Users can enter the code FADERSDAG23 at checkout to receive the free stand.

Leia Inc.'s Lume Pad 2 is an impressive Android tablet for users interested in viewing media in three dimensions through the company's revolutionary Lightfield technology. With some hardware issues, such as rising temperatures while in use and rare downtime of the technology, the Lume Pad 2 is a first-class gateway to stereoscopic devices.