Meizu 18s vs. Meizu 17 Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu 18s is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 888+ delivers a noticeable performance uplift, and the 36W charging significantly reduces charging times. While the 17 Pro remains a capable device, the 18s offers a more future-proof and convenient experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Meizu 17 Pro | Meizu 18s |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 08. Released 2020, May 11 | 2021, September 22. Released 2021, September 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic back, ceramic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.2 x 8.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 152.4 x 69.2 x 8.2 mm (6.00 x 2.72 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 219 g (7.72 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 420 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 10, Flyme 8.1 | Android 11, Flyme 9.2 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | 5-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 79mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF 32 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 129˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth) | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP f/2.4, 79mm (telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, QC3, 45% in 30 min 27W wireless | 36W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 33 min, 100% in 55 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mint, Black, White | Light Blue, White, Aurora, Pink/Violet |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 490 EUR |
Meizu 17 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Still a very capable performer for most tasks
- Mature software experience
- Slower charging speeds
- Less powerful processor compared to the 18s
- May show its age with demanding applications
Meizu 18s
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 888+ processor
- Much faster 36W charging with PD3.0
- Improved power efficiency with 5nm process
- Likely higher price tag
- Potential for more heat generation under sustained load (though mitigated by 5nm)
- May require software updates to fully optimize performance
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy aren't provided. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 888+ in the 18s will contribute to smoother animations and faster response times, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive applications. While both likely support high refresh rates, the 888+'s improved GPU will ensure a consistently fluid experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Snapdragon 888+ in the 18s will undoubtedly enhance image processing capabilities, leading to faster capture times, improved noise reduction, and potentially better dynamic range. The 888+'s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is a generation ahead, offering more advanced features and algorithms. While sensor size and lens apertures are unknown, the 18s benefits from a more powerful platform to extract the most from its camera hardware.
Performance
The jump from the Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) in the Meizu 17 Pro to the Snapdragon 888+ (5nm) in the 18s is substantial. The 888+ utilizes the newer Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, compared to the 865’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-A77. This architectural shift, combined with the smaller 5nm process, translates to a significant performance increase in CPU-bound tasks and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance. The 18s will handle demanding games and applications with greater ease and sustained performance due to improved thermal efficiency.
Battery Life
While battery capacities aren't specified, the charging speed difference is significant. The Meizu 17 Pro supports 30W wired charging, reaching 45% in 30 minutes. The 18s, with its 36W wired charging and PD3.0 support, achieves 80% in 33 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes. This faster charging is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The 5nm process of the 888+ also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any battery capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 17 Pro if you prioritize value and can find it at a substantial discount. It remains a very capable phone for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the Meizu 18s if you demand the best possible performance for demanding applications, gaming, or content creation, and appreciate the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds. The 18s is for those who want a modern flagship experience without compromise.