Meizu 16Xs vs. Google Pixel 5: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The Meizu 16Xs and Google Pixel 5 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The 16Xs, released in 2019, aimed for a balance of style and affordability, while the Pixel 5, also from 2020, prioritized a clean software experience and capable camera, alongside 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value today.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 5 is the superior choice. While the Meizu 16Xs offers a compelling price point, the Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765G provides a noticeable performance uplift, 5G support, and Google’s industry-leading software and camera experience. The Pixel 5’s wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also significant advantages.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 16Xs Google Pixel 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - GD1YQ
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - GTT9Q
Launch
Announced2019, May. Released 2019, June2020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, October 15
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions152 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm (5.98 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight165 g (5.82 oz)151 g (5.33 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2232 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 612Adreno 620
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), FlymeAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.7, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2 Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging24W wired18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4080 mAh
Misc
ColorsCarbon Black, Pearl White, Phantom BlueJust Black, Sorta Sage
Models-GD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 181.31 / $ 272.44 / £ 136.00
Pricing
128GB 8GB RAM-$ 194.84
RENEWED-$ 253.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 95h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Meizu 16Xs

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Sleek design (subjective)
  • 24W fast wired charging

  • Older Snapdragon 675 chipset
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Limited software support

Google Pixel 5

  • Snapdragon 765G with 5G
  • Excellent camera with Google’s software
  • Guaranteed software updates
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Slightly slower wired charging (18W)
  • Potentially higher price
  • May be harder to find new

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 5 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 699 nits, compared to the Meizu 16Xs (brightness data unavailable). This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. While the 16Xs’ panel characteristics are unknown, the Pixel 5’s OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The Pixel 5’s display is also likely to benefit from Google’s color calibration, ensuring accurate color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs for the Meizu 16Xs are limited, the Pixel 5 is renowned for its computational photography prowess. The Pixel 5 leverages Google’s image processing algorithms to deliver consistently excellent photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 5’s camera system focuses on software optimization rather than relying on high megapixel counts. The 16Xs likely features a more standard camera setup, potentially lacking the dynamic range and detail captured by the Pixel 5. The Pixel 5’s image processing excels in HDR and low-light scenarios, providing a more versatile camera experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a significant step up from the Meizu 16Xs’ Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Pixel 5’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers a more balanced and powerful processing experience than the 16Xs’ 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver. The 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the 16Xs. Both phones have 8GB of RAM, but the Pixel 5’s superior chipset will utilize it more effectively.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 95 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Pixel 5’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0 support, 12W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wired charging offer significantly more versatility than the Meizu 16Xs’ 24W wired charging. The Pixel 5’s wireless charging capabilities are particularly convenient, while reverse wireless charging can be used to top up accessories like earbuds. While the 16Xs charges faster with 24W, the Pixel 5’s charging ecosystem is more complete.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 16Xs if you prioritize a sleek design and are on a very tight budget, and don't require 5G connectivity or the latest software updates. It's a good option for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 5 if you value a smooth, responsive user experience, excellent camera quality, 5G capabilities, and guaranteed software support. It’s ideal for users who want a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without the flagship price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu 16Xs struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 675 can handle PUBG at medium settings, but may experience frame drops during intense action. Genshin Impact is likely to be playable only at the lowest settings, and even then, performance may be inconsistent. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5 offers a much smoother gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and more stable frame rates.
❓ How does the software support compare between the Meizu 16Xs and the Google Pixel 5?
This is a major differentiator. The Google Pixel 5 is guaranteed to receive timely Android updates and security patches directly from Google for several years. The Meizu 16Xs, however, has likely reached the end of its software support lifecycle, meaning it will no longer receive updates, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security threats and lacking new features.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Pixel 5 worth the extra cost if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Snapdragon 765G’s 5G modem future-proofs the Pixel 5. As 5G networks expand, you’ll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. Furthermore, the 765G is a more capable 4G modem than the 675, potentially offering improved 4G performance even in areas without 5G.