Distinguishing LEGO and other building toys
In the world of building toys, there are many different brands and product lines. However, LEGO always holds a special position, becoming a "legend" that both children and adults know. So how is LEGO different from other building sets on the market? Let's analyze with BuBuBrick!
Brand and trust
LEGO was founded in 1932 in Denmark, starting out as a small wood workshop but has now become the world's largest toy corporation. With the philosophy "Only the best is enough", LEGO has built a global reputation over the past 90 years. Meanwhile, many other brands such as Lepin, Sluban or Xingbao have only appeared in recent decades, mainly serving the low-cost segment. It is this long history that makes people always trust and choose LEGO.
High quality and precision
LEGO is famous for its high-quality ABS plastic material: durable, safe and almost undeformed over time. The precision in production is extremely impressive, with an error of only about 1/20,000 of a brick, to the point that LEGO bricks created 40 years ago can still fit perfectly into current products.
While LEGO offers a smooth building experience – the Technic line is best described as having smooth-running motorized vehicles – many cheap sets are often loose or too tight, break easily, and have uneven wheels, which significantly reduces the fun of building.
(Image taken from Tips&Bricks page)
Identify genuine LEGO
Embossed “LEGO” logo: LEGO is always meticulous in printing/embossing letters. LEGO on many product details (nail heads) stud on bricks, inside of cylinders, accessories, some parts of minifigure…). This is an important identifying mark that counterfeit products often do not have, or are printed faintly, crookedly, or unevenly.
Materials & finishes: Durable ABS plastic, smooth surface, no burrs, tight but soft joints, uniform color.
plastic smell: Genuine LEGO does not have a strong plastic smell.
Minifigure – the first part through the ages:
a) Solid stud (1978–1989): The top of the head has no hole, this is the first generation of modern minifigures.
b) Blocked open stud (about 1990s): There is a hole but it is blocked by a cross bar, so it does not go all the way through.
c) Hollow Stud (2000s to present): Has holes but they are shallow and do not penetrate to the bottom. Inside there is a core to increase durability.
d) Vented Stud: Introduced in 2016, there is an air vent in the hole to prevent suffocation if swallowed by children.
Note: other brands no “LEGO” logo On studs, the minifigure face print is easily smudged, has excess plastic details, poor fit, and may smell like plastic.
(Image taken from Tips&Bricks page)
Assembly experience & safety
LEGO always comes with detailed instructions and visual illustrations. Even children as young as 5-6 years old can assemble it themselves without much help.
The bricks are carefully processed, the surface and edges are rounded, not sharp, completely safe to use. LEGO has also passed strict tests according to European and American safety standards.
On the contrary, many other puzzles do not meet international standards. Some cheap products also have a strong plastic smell, the color fades easily, and pose a potential health risk to young children.
Collectible Value & Global Community
LEGO is not just a toy, but also a passion for adults (Adult Fans of LEGO). Many LEGO sets have become rare collectibles, typically the Millennium Falcon Ultimate Collector's Series (Star Wars), which is worth up to thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
Every year, a series of LEGO tournaments, exhibitions and festivals take place around the world, bringing together millions of participants, creating a close-knit, creative and international community.
In contrast, other building sets often depreciate quickly, are less valued as collectibles, and do not have the large, globally spread community that LEGO does.
Price – noticeable difference
LEGO is generally priced higher than average: on average a LEGO brick costs around 3,000 – 5,000 VND (per set). Large sets such as LEGO Technic good Creator Expert can range from several million to several tens of millions of dong.
Meanwhile, many other cheaper puzzle sets from 30–70%, suitable for those on a limited budget.
👉 Despite the high price, LEGO offers long-term value: both a toy for children, an aesthetic display, and even a valuable collectible and investment over time.
