The Meizu 15 and 15 Lite represent a fascinating point in smartphone history – a time when flagship features began trickling down to more affordable price points. Both devices aimed to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag, but significant internal differences dictate which phone is the better choice for different users. This comparison dives deep into those differences, focusing on performance, battery, and camera capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu 15 offers a more compelling package. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the 15 Lite’s Snapdragon 626, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both boast similar battery endurance ratings, the 15’s faster 24W charging is a significant convenience factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, April. Released 2018, May | 2018, April. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143.6 x 72.4 x 7.5 mm (5.65 x 2.85 x 0.30 in) | 143 x 72 x 7.3 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.46 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.46 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8953-Pro Snapdragon 626 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), Flyme 7 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), Flyme 7.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.3", 1.55 µm, dual pixel PDAF, 4-axis OIS
20 MP, 1/2.8", 1.0 µm, AF, portraits only |
| Features | Six-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1.4 µm, dual pixel PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Red | Ink, Yakin, Indigo, White |
| Models | 15 Lite | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.9dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 77h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.082 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 77dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 80dB
|
| Performance |
GeekBench: 4464 (v4.4) |
AnTuTu: 128680 (v7)
GeekBench: 5770 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 9.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu 15 Lite
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life (77h endurance)
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful Snapdragon 626 processor
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely inferior camera performance
Meizu 15
- Faster Snapdragon 660 processor for smoother performance
- Faster 24W wired charging
- Potentially superior camera system
- Better thermal management
- Higher price compared to the 15 Lite
- Similar battery endurance rating to the 15 Lite
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu 15 and 15 Lite share the same 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) and a 4.082 sunlight contrast ratio, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, detailed panel specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the market positioning, it’s likely both utilize AMOLED panels, but the 15 may benefit from slightly better color calibration due to its higher tier status. The identical contrast ratios suggest a similar viewing experience in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the 15’s position as the flagship, it likely features a more advanced camera system with potentially larger sensors and better image stabilization. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the 15 is probable, leading to sharper images and smoother video recording, especially in low-light conditions. The 15’s image processing algorithms are also likely more refined, resulting in more accurate colors and better dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 15 Lite utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8953-Pro Snapdragon 626, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.2 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Meizu 15, however, steps up to the Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660, featuring a more sophisticated octa-core configuration with Kryo 260 Gold (2.2 GHz) and Kryo 260 Silver (1.8 GHz) cores. This architectural difference translates to a significant performance advantage for the 15, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The 660’s more efficient core design also contributes to better thermal management under sustained load. While both are built on a 14nm process, the 660’s architecture is demonstrably more powerful.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Meizu 15 and 15 Lite achieve an endurance rating of 77 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Meizu 15 boasts 24W wired charging, significantly faster than the 15 Lite’s 18W charging. This means the 15 can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the 15 is a tangible benefit, even if overall endurance is similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 15 Lite if you prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It’s a solid choice for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. Buy the Meizu 15 if you value performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, especially if you enjoy mobile gaming or frequently use demanding applications. The extra investment is worthwhile for those seeking a smoother, more capable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Meizu 15 still capable of handling modern mobile games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 660 remains a capable chipset for most mobile games, even in 2024. While it won't deliver the highest frame rates at maximum settings in the most demanding titles, it can comfortably handle popular games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with stable performance.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between 18W and 24W on the Meizu 15 and 15 Lite?
The difference is noticeable. 24W charging on the Meizu 15 will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the battery compared to the 15 Lite’s 18W charging. Expect a faster top-up, especially useful for users who frequently need to quickly recharge their devices.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, should I prioritize the Meizu 15 Lite to save money?
If your primary concern is battery life and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the 15 Lite is a viable option. However, the 15’s faster charging and superior performance make it a better long-term investment for most users, even with the slightly higher price.
