The Meizu 16 and 16Xs represent an interesting inflection point in Meizu’s strategy. The 16 aimed for a no-compromise flagship experience, while the 16Xs sought to deliver a refined experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences – primarily the chipset – to determine which device best suits your needs in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu 16Xs offers a compelling balance of performance and value. While the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 provides a performance edge, the Snapdragon 675 in the 16Xs is surprisingly capable for everyday tasks and even moderate gaming, all while maintaining excellent efficiency. The 16Xs is the smarter buy for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, August. Released 2018, August | 2019, May. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 73.2 x 7.3 mm (5.93 x 2.88 x 0.29 in) | 152 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm (5.98 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2232 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Flyme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.55µm, dual pixel PDAF, 4-axis OIS
20 MP, f/2.6, 1/2.6", 1.0µm | - |
| Features | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, SBAS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 24W wired | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Carbon Black, Pearl White, Phantom Blue |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Meizu 16
- Superior processing power with the Snapdragon 845.
- Potentially better camera performance due to a more advanced ISP.
- Faster app loading and multitasking.
- Higher power consumption leading to shorter battery life.
- Likely a higher price point.
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Meizu 16Xs
- Excellent power efficiency with the Snapdragon 675.
- More affordable price point.
- Longer battery life for everyday use.
- Lower processing power compared to the Snapdragon 845.
- Potentially less capable camera system.
- May struggle with the most demanding games at maximum settings.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar design philosophy with minimal bezels, but detailed display specs are unavailable. Given Meizu’s history, we can assume both utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power driving the display, potentially impacting refresh rate smoothness. Without specific nit brightness data, it’s difficult to definitively state which offers a superior viewing experience in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given the market positioning, the Meizu 16 likely features a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The 675’s image signal processor (ISP) is capable, but the 845’s ISP offers more headroom for complex image processing and low-light performance. Without detailed sensor information, it’s reasonable to assume the Meizu 16 delivers superior image quality, particularly in challenging conditions.
Performance
The core divergence between these phones is the chipset. The Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845, built on a 10nm process, boasts a more powerful CPU with its 4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold cores compared to the 16Xs’ Snapdragon 675’s 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores. This translates to significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the 16. However, the 675, fabricated on an 11nm process, offers improved power efficiency. The 16Xs’ CPU architecture, while slower clocked, benefits from architectural improvements, closing the gap in real-world performance for less demanding tasks. Gamers will find the 845 capable of higher, more stable frame rates in demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 24W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. The actual battery capacity is unknown, but the Snapdragon 675’s superior power efficiency in the 16Xs will likely result in longer battery life during typical usage. The 10nm process of the SDM845 will consume more power under load, potentially requiring more frequent charging on the Meizu 16, especially with heavy gaming or video streaming.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 16 if you absolutely prioritize raw processing power for demanding applications like video editing or consistently high frame rates in graphically intensive games. Buy the Meizu 16Xs if you value a smooth, responsive experience for daily use, excellent battery life, and a more affordable price tag. The 16Xs is ideal for users who prioritize efficiency and longevity over peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Meizu 16Xs struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 675 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Meizu 16Xs can run Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some compromises in visual fidelity to maintain smooth gameplay. The Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 will provide a noticeably smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ Is the difference in app loading times between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 will load apps and switch between tasks more quickly than the 675 in the 16Xs. However, for typical usage like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference may not be dramatically noticeable for most users.
❓ How does the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 675 impact real-world battery life?
The Snapdragon 675's 11nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the 10nm process of the Snapdragon 845. This translates to several extra hours of battery life on the Meizu 16Xs, especially with moderate usage. You can expect to comfortably get through a full day of use on the 16Xs, while the 16 might require a top-up charge.
