The Meizu 16 and 16Xs represent a fascinating period for the brand – a push for near-flagship experiences at varying price points. While both share a similar aesthetic and focus on a clean software experience, the core difference lies in their chipsets. The Meizu 16 boasted a Snapdragon 845, a former flagship, while the 16Xs opted for the more efficient, but less powerful, Snapdragon 675. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users in 2024, the Meizu 16 offers a superior experience. The Snapdragon 845 provides a significant performance uplift for demanding tasks and gaming, justifying its position as the stronger overall device, despite the 16Xs' slightly more modern design. However, the 16Xs remains a viable option for budget-conscious users prioritizing efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, LTE | 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, May. Released 2019, June | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 152 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm (5.98 x 2.93 x 0.33 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 | 165 g (5.82 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 (~84.7% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Flyme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-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 | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3010 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Pearl White, Phantom Blue | Black, White |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 410 EUR |
Meizu 16Xs
- More efficient Snapdragon 675 chipset
- Potentially longer battery life
- Slightly more modern design (subjective)
- Significantly lower performance than the Snapdragon 845
- Less capable GPU for gaming
- Potentially inferior camera performance
Meizu 16
- Powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset for smooth performance
- Superior GPU for demanding games
- Likely better camera image quality
- Less power efficient than the Snapdragon 675
- Shorter battery life compared to the 16Xs
- Older design (subjective)
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu 16 and 16Xs feature AMOLED displays, but detailed specifications like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. However, given the flagship positioning of the Meizu 16, it likely boasts a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. The 16Xs, while still offering a vibrant AMOLED experience, prioritizes efficiency. The similar form factors suggest comparable bezel sizes, focusing on maximizing screen real estate. The absence of high refresh rate panels on either device is a notable omission by today's standards.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, the Meizu 16, being the higher-end model, likely incorporates a more capable primary sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 845’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more advanced than the 675’s, resulting in improved dynamic range and low-light performance. While both phones likely feature similar camera features, the 16’s hardware advantage should translate to superior image quality, particularly in challenging conditions. The inclusion of OIS on the Meizu 16 would further enhance its photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm) features a Kryo 385 CPU with 4 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz, offering significantly higher peak performance than the Meizu 16Xs’ Snapdragon 675 (11nm) with its 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the 16. While the 675’s 11nm process is more efficient, the 845’s architectural advantages and higher clock speeds provide a substantial performance edge. The 845 also benefits from a more powerful Adreno 630 GPU, crucial for graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both devices share a 24W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 675’s greater power efficiency in the 16Xs will likely result in longer battery life during typical usage. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the 16Xs’ more efficient chipset will offset any potential capacity differences. Users prioritizing all-day battery life will likely find the 16Xs more appealing, while those willing to compromise on runtime for performance will prefer the 16.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 16Xs if you prioritize battery life and a slightly more refined design, and your usage primarily revolves around everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. You're willing to trade raw power for longer runtimes and a potentially lower price. Buy the Meizu 16 if you demand smoother performance in demanding games, faster app loading times, and a more future-proof experience, even if it means slightly shorter battery life. You value performance above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu 16Xs struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 675 will likely struggle to deliver a consistently smooth experience in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates, whereas the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 will handle these games with more ease.
❓ Is the 24W charging speed sufficient for both phones, or does the larger battery of the Meizu 16 take longer to charge?
While both phones support 24W charging, the Meizu 16Xs will likely charge faster due to its more efficient chipset and potentially smaller battery capacity. The 16's Snapdragon 845 consumes more power during charging, potentially extending the 0-100% time slightly.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Meizu 16 and 16Xs?
Both phones ran Flyme OS, Meizu's custom Android skin. While updates may vary depending on the model and region, the core software experience should be similar, focusing on a clean and minimalist interface. However, the 845's processing power in the 16 will result in smoother animations and faster app switching within the OS.
