The Meizu 16 and 16s Pro represent a fascinating period for the brand – a focus on compact flagships with premium build quality. While both share a similar aesthetic, the 16s Pro introduces a significant chipset upgrade. This comparison dissects the differences between the Snapdragon 845-powered 16 and the Snapdragon 855+-equipped 16s Pro, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and sustained gaming, the Meizu 16s Pro is the clear winner. The Snapdragon 855+ offers a noticeable uplift in CPU and GPU capabilities. However, the Meizu 16 remains a compelling option for those seeking a smooth, efficient experience at a potentially lower price point.
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm (5.98 x 2.89 x 0.30 in) | 150.5 x 73.2 x 7.3 mm (5.93 x 2.88 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2232 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 8 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Flyme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | 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 | Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-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@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 20MP, f/2.2 | 20 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, SBAS, QZSS |
| 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-Po 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3010 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Forest, Dream Unicorn, Black Mirror, White story | Black, White |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 410 EUR |
Meizu 16s Pro
- Significantly faster processor and GPU
- Improved thermal management for sustained performance
- Enhanced image processing capabilities
- Potentially higher price
- May not offer a drastically different experience for casual users
Meizu 16
- Excellent performance for everyday tasks
- Good power efficiency
- Potentially more affordable
- Noticeably slower processor and GPU compared to the 16s Pro
- May struggle with demanding games at maximum settings
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar AMOLED panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage aren't provided. The focus here isn't on display tech, but on the processing power needed to drive graphically intensive content *on* that display. The 16s Pro’s superior GPU will translate to smoother frame rates in games and faster rendering of complex visuals.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Snapdragon 855+ in the 16s Pro will likely enhance image processing capabilities, resulting in faster capture times, improved noise reduction, and potentially better dynamic range. The 855+’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, allowing for more sophisticated computational photography techniques. It's reasonable to assume the 16s Pro would handle complex scenes and low-light conditions more effectively.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 16s Pro’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) represents a significant leap over the Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm). The 855+ boasts a higher clock speed (2.96 GHz Kryo 485 vs 2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold) and a more efficient manufacturing process. This translates to approximately 15-20% better CPU performance and a 25-30% GPU performance increase. The 7nm process also contributes to improved thermal management, reducing throttling during prolonged intensive tasks. While both use octa-core configurations, the architectural improvements in the Kryo 485 cores of the 855+ are substantial.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 24W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Snapdragon 855+’s improved efficiency could offset any potential difference in battery capacity (which isn't specified). The 7nm process allows the 16s Pro to deliver more performance per watt, potentially extending battery life during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 16s Pro if you demand the highest possible Android performance for demanding games, multitasking, or future-proofing. Its Snapdragon 855+ provides a tangible advantage. Buy the Meizu 16 if you prioritize a balance of performance and efficiency, and are content with excellent, but not bleeding-edge, speed. It’s ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Meizu 16s Pro handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact at high settings without significant frame drops?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855+ in the 16s Pro is well-equipped to handle Genshin Impact and similar titles at high settings. The improved GPU and thermal management will minimize throttling, providing a smoother and more consistent gaming experience compared to the Meizu 16.
❓ Is the performance difference between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming?
While both phones will handle everyday tasks smoothly, the 16s Pro will feel snappier and more responsive, especially when multitasking or switching between apps. The difference won't be dramatic, but it will be perceptible to users accustomed to high-performance devices.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the 16s Pro generate significantly more heat than the Snapdragon 845 in the 16 during extended use?
Despite being a more powerful chip, the Snapdragon 855+’s 7nm process is more efficient, meaning it generates less heat for the same level of performance. The 16s Pro is likely to manage heat better than the 16 during prolonged intensive tasks, reducing the risk of throttling.
