WhatsApp
Looking to upgrade your headlights but not sure which bulb delivers real performance? In this review, we take a deep dive into the all-new S3MAX LED headlight bulb and put it to the test against standard halogen bulbs and popular 45W LED bulbs on the market.
We’ll compare their lux ratings and light efficiency, check how stable their power output really is, and see how the S3MAX performs in real-world conditions.
If you’re tired of weak, scattered light or unstable brightness, this review will show you why the S3MAX might just be the upgrade your car truly needs.
Quick Overview of S3MAX LED Bulb
S3MAX is the upgraded model of S3 LED headlight bulbs especially in terms of brightness. With an upgraded 8 pcs 55MIL flip chip, S3Max LED headlight bulbs delivers a brightness of 45W 5000LM each bulb.
It’s obvious to find that S3MAX is shaped like a bullet, which symbolizes speed, precision, and power, reflecting S3Max LED headlight bulb that delivers focused brightness, streamlined performance, and efficient heat control.
Basic Specification of S3Max
|
Power |
45W 5000LM/Bulb |
|
Operating Voltage |
13.5V |
|
Current |
1.85A |
|
Chip |
8 pcs 55MIL Flip Chip |
|
Cooling |
6063 Aluminum + Fan |
|
Installation |
Plug-n-Play |
|
Warranty |
2 Years |
|
Available Model |
H1, H3, H7, H8/9/H11, 9005, 9006, 9012, 5202, 880/881, H4, H13, 9004, 9007 |
Why It Stands Out?
◾ Perfect light beam pattern
◾ Wide beam coverage
◾ Mini size, plug-n-play installation
◾ 120LM/W maximul light efficiency
◾ Linear decoding, fit 98% vehicles
Who It's For
◾ Drivers looking for easy-to-install LED headlight bulbs
◾ Anyone who wants comfortable brightness without glare
◾ Those who prefer moderate wattage to avoid straining their vehicle’s electrical system
◾ B2B buyers who need LED headlight bulbs at stable quality and competitive pricing
Lux Comparison: S3MAX vs. Halogen vs. 45W LED
Comparison Setup
To accurately evaluate the brightness and beam uniformity of each headlight bulb, we performed a controlled lux testing procedure under the following conditions:
🔹 Environment: All testing was conducted indoors to eliminate interference from ambient light and ensure consistent results.
🔹 Distance for Lux Testing: The projector lens was positioned exactly 4 meters (13.1 feet) away from the wall or lux measuring surface.
🔹 Measurement Positions: Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Center
🔹 Tools Used:
- Lux meters:measure light intensity (lux) at each position.
- A projector lens:simulate OEM projector headlights
- Automotive Bulb Demo Kit:provided stable 12V power and supported various bulb socket types for quick and safe testing.
🔹 Test subjects:
- 45W NAOEVO S3MAX LED Headlight Bulb
- 45W Ordinary LED Headlight Bulb
- 55W OEM Halogen Bulb
Test Procedure:
1. Test Environment Setup: All bulbs were tested in the same headlight housing at a fixed distance of 5 meters from a white wall in a darkroom.
2. Installation & Positioning: Each bulb was installed into the same projector. The headlight assembly was mounted at the same height and angle for all three tests to ensure consistent aim.
3. Measurement & Recording: Turn on each bulb, use a lux meter to measure the brightness at five positions of the beam pattern—top, bottom, left, right, and center—and record the results.
Measured Results: Lux Levels Compared
In this lux comparison, we tested the NAOEVO S3MAX LED bulb, a standard halogen bulb, and a common 45W LED bulb to see how they stack up in real-world brightness.
Using a projector lens and lux meter at a 4-meter distance, we measured light intensity at five key points — center, top, bottom, left, and right — to evaluate both peak brightness and beam spread.
Here is the test result:
Lux Comparison: S3MAX vs. Halogen vs. 45W LED
Position | 45W S3MAX | 45W Ordinary LED | 55W OEM Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | 3852 | 2887 | 797 |
Center | 3443 | 2589 | 949 |
Bottom | 853 | 450 | 216 |
Left | 648 | 467 | 103 |
Right | 303 | 106 | 66 |
Conclusion: S3MAX Outshines the Rest
The S3MAX LED bulb clearly delivers superior brightness and beam coverage compared to both the standard 45W LED and the OEM 55W halogen.
◾ Center Brightness: S3MAX produces 3443 lux, outperforming the halogen (949 lux) by over 3.6 times, and beating the ordinary LED by 33%.
◾ Top Area: With 3852 lux, S3MAX offers exceptional high-beam reach, perfect for long-distance visibility.
◾ Overall Spread: S3MAX maintains significantly higher lux at all beam positions — especially on the bottom, left, and right, ensuring a wider, more uniform light pattern with fewer dark zones.
◾ Halogen’s Weak Points: The halogen bulb shows the lowest lux across all positions, confirming its outdated performance.
Light Efficiency Comparison: S3MAX vs. Halogen vs. 45W LED
Comparison Setup
🔹 Environment: All testing was conducted indoors to eliminate interference from ambient light and ensure consistent results.
🔹 Test Duration: 5 Minutes
🔹 Tools Used: Automotive Bulb Demo Kit
🔹 Test Subjects:
- 45W NAOEVO S3MAX LED Headlight Bulb
- 45W Ordinary LED Headlight Bulb
- 55W OEM Halogen Bulb
Test Procedure:
1. Initial Measurement: Power on each bulb at a stable 13.5V input and record its starting lumen output and wattage.
2. 5-Minute Runtime: Allow the bulbs to operate continuously for 5 minutes to simulate real-world heating conditions.
3. Stability Recording: After 5 minutes, measure and record the lumen output and wattage again.
4. Light Efficiency Calculation: Calculate the luminous efficacy (lumens per watt) for each bulb based on the 5-minute readings.
Measured Results: Light Efficiency Compared
To test the light efficiency of S3MAX, halogen, and 45W LED headlight bulbs, we powered each at 13.5V and measured their initial lumen output and wattage.
After running for 5 minutes, we recorded the stabilized values and calculated their luminous efficacy (lumens per watt). This method reflects real-world heat impact on performance and helps identify which bulb delivers more light per unit of power.
Here is the test result:
Light Efficiency Comparison: S3MAX vs. Halogen vs. 45W LED
Parameter | 45W S3MAX | 45W Ordinary LED | 55W OEM Halogen |
Power Consumption (W) | |||
Initial Power | 44.1 W | 43.1 W | 52.4 W |
Stable Power | 43.3 W | 40.6 W | 51.9 W |
Lumen Output (LM) | |||
Initial Lumen | 5323 LM | 3573 LM | 978 LM |
Stable Lumen | 4196 LM | 2869 LM | 939 LM |
Light Efficiency (LM/W) | |||
Initial Light Efficiency | 120.7 LM/W | 82.9 LM/W | 18.66 LM/W |
Stable Light Efficiency | 96.9 LM/W | 70.66 LM/W | 18.09 LM/W |
Conclusion: S3MAX Outshines the Rest!
The data clearly shows that the 45W S3MAX LED bulb offers superior performance compared to both the 45W ordinary LED and the 55W OEM halogen bulb.
Brightness: the S3MAX is 5.7 times brighter than the halogen bulb and 1.38 times brighter than the ordinary 45W LED bulb.
Light Efficiency: The S3MAX achieves a stable light efficiency of 96.85 lumens per watt (LM/W), significantly outperforming the ordinary LED’s 71.01 LM/W and the halogen’s mere 18.1 LM/W. Even though the S3MAX’s power consumption is similar to the other LED bulb, its lumen output is much higher — delivering over 4,000 lumens steadily, compared to just under 3,000 lumens for the ordinary LED and less than 1,000 lumens for the halogen.
Overall, the 45W S3MAX is a top-tier choice for drivers looking for much brighter, more efficient lighting without increasing power consumption. It combines exceptional brightness with remarkable efficiency, making it a clear upgrade over traditional halogen and standard LED bulbs.
Real-World Beam Intensity: S3MAX vs. 45W LED
In the previous section, we’ve showed the lux testing on wall, helping you understand the beam pattern and brightness distribution, it doesn’t fully reflect how the light performs on the road.
After all, headlight bulbs are made to be used in real driving conditions — not just tested indoors. That’s why we installed each bulb into an actual headlight assembly and measured lux at different positions on the road. This test gives a more accurate view of how far, wide, and clearly each bulb can light up your path while driving.
Comparison Setup
🔹 Test Environment: Empty road or open lot at night with no ambient light interference
🔹 Vehicle: Same vehicle and headlight assembly used for all bulbs
🔹 Bulbs Tested: 45W S3MAX LED, 45W ordinary LED
🔹 Installation: Each bulb was properly installed and aligned in the headlight housing
🔹 Lux Meter Position: Measured at fixed road points in front of the vehicle
Test Procedure:
1. Turn on one bulb type, wait for brightness to stabilize
2. Use a digital lux meter to measure the brightness at specified points: near, right, left, middle (A), middle (B), far.
3. Repeat the same process for all three bulbs under identical conditions
4. Record and compare the lux readings to assess real-world beam intensity and visibility
Measured Results: Real-World Beam Lux Compared
Real-World Beam Intensity: S3MAX vs. 45W LED
Test Position (Lux) | 45W S3MAX | 45W Ordinary LED |
|---|---|---|
Near | 902 | 397 |
Left | 392 | 229 |
Right | 388 | 243 |
Middle (A) | 242 | 144 |
Middle (B) | 137 | 84 |
Far | 79 | 47 |
Conclusion: S3MAX Outshines the Rest!
At the near field, S3MAX reaches 902 lux, more than double the ordinary LED’s 397 lux. This indicates that NAOEVO S3MAX delivers significantly stronger foreground illumination, helping drivers see obstacles, road markings, or pedestrians more clearly and react faster in short-range driving situations.
NAOEVO S3MAX LED emits higher lux levels on both the left (392 vs. 229) and right (388 vs. 243) sides compared to ordinary 45W LED headlamp. This shows that S3MAX offers a wider and more evenly distributed beam pattern.
Even at longer distances, such as the far point, S3MAX maintains better brightness (79 lux vs. 47 lux), showing it has superior throw. Drivers use S3MAX LED headlight can see further down the road, giving them more time to detect and respond to distant objects or hazards.
The Secret Behind The Success Of S3Max LED Headlight Bulb
Reasonable Chip Layout
NAOEVO S3Max LED headlight bulbs feature 8 pieces of 45MIL flip chips, precisely aligned in a rectangular layout. This advanced chip arrangement delivers a wide and uniform beam pattern, allowing drivers to clearly see both sides of the road as well as any obstacles ahead—ensuring safer and more confident night driving.
What sets S3Max apart is NAOEVO’s self-developed flip chip technology, engineered for a focused light output and efficient heat dissipation. This not only enhances brightness and clarity but also guarantees long-lasting, stable performance under real road conditions.
Same Lighting Position As The Halogen
The thickness of the light-emitting gap directly impacts the beam pattern. The thinner it is, the more precise and focused the light output. That’s exactly what sets the S3MAX apart. With a 1.5mm ultra-thin light-emitting gap, perfectly aligned with the halogen focal point, S3MAX delivers a sharp, well-defined cutoff line.
Curious about what else influences the beam pattern? Check out our post: What Makes the Perfect Beam Pattern in an LED Headlight Bulb? It breaks down everything you need to know.
Advanced Linear Technology
As one of the first brands to focus on the research and development of linear decoding technology, NAOEVO has successfully brought this innovation into automotive lighting—S3MAX is the proof.
Linear decoding eliminates components that typically generate magnetic interference, reducing electrical noise and ensuring strong compatibility with sensitive vehicle systems like CANBUS. This allows S3MAX to achieve a truly compact, all-in-one design—no bulky external driver needed.
What’s more, linear technology minimizes energy loss by avoiding complex voltage conversions, allowing more power to go directly to lighting. That’s why S3MAX delivers higher light efficiency compared to many other LED headlight bulbs on the market.
Want to know more details about linear decoding technology? Dive into our detailed post: How NAOEVO’s Linear Technology Transforms LED Headlights
Final Words
After real on-car testing and side-by-side comparison, it’s clear that the NAOEVO S3MAX stands out not just on paper—but on the road. With the same 45W power as many common LED bulbs, it delivers significantly higher brightness, a more complete beam pattern, and wider, more even coverage than both halogen and typical LED alternatives. Whether you’re upgrading from halogen or switching from another LED, the S3MAX offers a smarter, safer, and more effective lighting solution—without increasing wattage or compromising compatibility. If you’re looking for a true performance upgrade with long-term reliability, S3MAX is the LED headlight bulb that truly makes a difference.
English 
Español