Released in a similar timeframe, the Meizu 16s Pro and LG V50S ThinQ 5G represent distinct approaches to the 2019 flagship experience. The Meizu prioritizes a clean design and raw performance, while the LG V50S adds 5G connectivity and multimedia features. Both are powered by the Snapdragon 855 series, but subtle differences in chipset and features create a compelling comparison for users seeking a high-performance Android device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw speed and a streamlined experience, the Meizu 16s Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ offers a slight performance edge, and its focus on core functionality delivers a smoother, more responsive experience. However, the LG V50S ThinQ 5G’s 5G capabilities and wireless charging provide valuable features for specific use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 41 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, October. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm (5.98 x 2.89 x 0.30 in) | 159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2232 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | OLED, HDR10 |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 8 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm |
| Features | Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
20MP, f/2.6, (telephoto), 1/2.8", 1.0µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Tuned by Meridian Audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 24W wired | 21W wired, PD, QC3
9W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Forest, Dream Unicorn, Black Mirror, White story | Aurora Black |
| Models | - | LM-V510N |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 1100 EUR |
Meizu 16s Pro
- Faster Snapdragon 855+ processor
- Potentially more compact design
- Faster wired charging (24W)
- No wireless charging
- Limited information on camera specs
LG V50S ThinQ 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Wireless charging support (9W)
- Versatile charging options (PD, QC3)
- Slightly slower processor (Snapdragon 855)
- Potentially larger and heavier design
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels (data not provided), the core difference lies elsewhere. The Meizu 16s Pro’s focus on a minimalist design suggests a higher screen-to-body ratio, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. The LG V50S ThinQ 5G, being a larger phone, may prioritize screen size over maximizing the ratio. Neither device’s specifications detail refresh rates, but both would have been considered standard for flagship devices of the time. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but both would likely target the high end of the market.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the LG V50S ThinQ 5G likely prioritizes versatility with multiple lenses, potentially including an ultra-wide angle lens. The Meizu 16s Pro, focusing on a more streamlined experience, may emphasize the quality of its primary sensor. Image processing styles will also differ; LG typically aims for vibrant, saturated colors, while Meizu often favors a more natural look. The absence of detailed aperture data makes it impossible to assess low-light performance accurately.
Performance
The Meizu 16s Pro’s Snapdragon 855+ chipset is the key differentiator here. While both chips are based on the 7nm process, the ‘+’ variant boasts slightly higher clock speeds – 2.96 GHz for the prime core versus 2.84 GHz on the LG V50S ThinQ 5G. This translates to a measurable, though not massive, performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. Both phones share the same CPU core configuration (1x2.x GHz Kryo 485 + 3x2.x GHz Kryo 485 + 4x1.x GHz Kryo 485), meaning the performance gap is primarily due to clock speed. The impact on gaming will be noticeable, with the Meizu 16s Pro potentially sustaining higher frame rates for longer periods. Thermal management will be crucial; the 855+ is known to run warmer, and the Meizu’s design will dictate how effectively it dissipates heat.
Battery Life
The LG V50S ThinQ 5G offers both 21W wired charging with Quick Charge and Power Delivery, alongside 9W wireless charging. This provides greater flexibility for users. The Meizu 16s Pro’s 24W wired charging is faster, potentially offering a quicker 0-100% charge time. However, the lack of wireless charging is a significant omission for some users. Battery capacity is not specified, but the LG V50S ThinQ 5G’s larger size suggests a potentially larger battery, offsetting the slightly slower wired charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 16s Pro if you need a phone that prioritizes speed and responsiveness for demanding tasks like gaming and app switching, and value a clean software experience. Buy the LG V50S ThinQ 5G if you want 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, require wireless charging convenience, or frequently consume multimedia content and benefit from the LG’s audio enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the LG V50S ThinQ 5G throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to experience some throttling under prolonged heavy load. The LG V50S ThinQ 5G’s thermal design will play a crucial role in mitigating this. While not as efficient as newer chipsets, the V50S ThinQ 5G’s larger chassis may provide more space for heat dissipation compared to more compact devices.
❓ Does the Meizu 16s Pro support any form of fast charging beyond the 24W wired option?
Based on available information, the Meizu 16s Pro only supports 24W wired charging. It does not offer wireless charging or support for other fast charging protocols like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. This limits charging flexibility compared to the LG V50S ThinQ 5G.
❓ How significant is the real-world performance difference between the Snapdragon 855+ and the Snapdragon 855 in everyday tasks?
For typical everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video playback, the performance difference between the two chipsets will be minimal and likely unnoticeable. The Snapdragon 855+’s advantage becomes more apparent in demanding applications like graphically intensive games and video editing.
