The Meizu 16 and Note 9 represent distinct approaches within Meizu's lineup. The 16 aimed for a flagship experience with a powerful processor, while the Note 9 prioritized efficiency and affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and demanding tasks, the Meizu 16 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 845. However, the Meizu Note 9 offers excellent value and all-day battery life for everyday use, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 73.2 x 7.3 mm (5.93 x 2.88 x 0.29 in) | 153.1 x 74.4 x 8.7 mm (6.03 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| 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 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 24W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Starlight Blue |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Meizu 16
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Superior gaming performance
- Faster 24W wired charging
- Likely shorter battery life
- Potentially higher price
Meizu Note 9
- Excellent battery life due to efficient chipset
- More affordable price point
- Smooth performance for everyday tasks
- Slower processor for demanding applications
- Less powerful GPU for gaming
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided, the Meizu 16, positioned as a flagship, likely features a higher-quality panel with potentially better color accuracy and peak brightness compared to the Note 9. The Note 9, being a mid-range device, would likely prioritize cost-effectiveness in its display choices. Bezels are also likely slimmer on the 16, contributing to a more premium feel. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume the 16 offers a more visually immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, given the Meizu 16’s flagship status, it likely features a larger sensor and a more sophisticated image processing pipeline. The 675 in the Note 9 is capable, but the 845’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the 16 offers faster processing and potentially better low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is more probable on the 16, further enhancing image quality. We can assume the 16 will deliver more detailed and dynamic photos, especially in challenging conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845, built on a 10nm process, delivers significantly higher performance than the Note 9’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 845’s Kryo 385 Gold cores clock at 2.8GHz, compared to the 675’s 2.0GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 845 also boasts a more powerful Adreno 630 GPU, providing a superior gaming experience. While the 675’s 11nm process is more efficient, the 845’s architectural advantages outweigh this benefit in terms of raw power. Users who play graphically intensive games or edit videos will see a substantial performance difference with the Meizu 16.
Battery Life
The Meizu Note 9’s 11nm Snapdragon 675 offers better power efficiency than the 10nm Snapdragon 845 in the 16. While the Meizu 16 has 24W wired charging, the Note 9’s 18W charging, combined with its more efficient chipset, likely translates to longer battery life during typical usage. The 16’s faster charging will reduce downtime, but the Note 9 will likely require fewer charges throughout the day. The trade-off is speed versus longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 16 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games, video editing, or multitasking without slowdowns. Its superior processing power and faster charging are ideal for power users. Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prioritize battery life, affordability, and a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming. It’s the smarter choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Note 9 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 675 can run these games, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845 provides a much more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Meizu 16 compared to the Note 9 in real-world use?
The Meizu 16’s 24W charging can top up the battery significantly faster than the Note 9’s 18W. Expect a noticeable difference in 0-50% charging times, but the difference will be less pronounced when charging from 50-100%.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 likely to throttle under sustained load, like during long gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 845 is known to throttle under prolonged heavy load, but the Meizu 16’s thermal design may mitigate this to some extent. Expect some performance degradation after extended gaming, but it shouldn't be a major issue for most users.
❓ Does the Meizu Note 9 support fast charging protocols beyond its 18W standard?
While not explicitly stated, the Note 9 likely supports Quick Charge 3.0, a common standard for Snapdragon 675-powered devices. However, using a compatible charger is necessary to achieve faster charging speeds.
