Meizu 17 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Androids

The Samsung Galaxy S23 represents the current generation of compact flagship Android phones, while the Meizu 17 Pro, though released in 2020, remains a compelling option, particularly as its price has dropped. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and display quality to determine which offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency, coupled with a brighter display and longer software support. However, the Meizu 17 Pro remains a viable option for budget-conscious users prioritizing a unique design and still-capable performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 17 Pro Samsung Galaxy S23
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA1, 7, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2020, May 08. Released 2020, May 112023, February 01
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, February 17
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back, ceramic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions160 x 77.2 x 8.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.33 in)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm (5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight219 g (7.72 oz)168 g (5.93 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~425 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.1 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1750 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10, Flyme 8.1Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1 - 128GB only UFS 4.0
Main Camera
Features5-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single-12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF
Triple64 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)50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, HDR10+
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging30W wired, QC3, 45% in 30 min 27W wireless25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Ion 3900 mAh
Misc
ColorsMint, Black, WhitePhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime
Models-SM-S911B, SM-S911B/DS, SM-S911U, SM-S911U1, SM-S911W, SM-S911N, SM-S9110, SM-S911E, SM-S911E/DS
PriceAbout 560 EUR$ 237.95 / C$ 336.75 / £ 255.00 / € 322.41 / ₹ 49,990
SAR-0.95 W/kg (head)     0.88 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.96 W/kg (head)     1.30 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 101h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.0 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1231075 (v9) GeekBench: 4950 (v5.1) GFXBench: 110fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Meizu 17 Pro

  • Unique and distinctive design
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Capable Snapdragon 865 performance

  • Older chipset with lower efficiency
  • Potentially shorter software support
  • Less information available on camera specs

Samsung Galaxy S23

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Brighter and more efficient display
  • Guaranteed software updates
  • Excellent camera performance

  • Higher price point
  • May lack the unique design appeal of the Meizu 17 Pro
  • Charging speed is not class-leading

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1198 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the Meizu 17 Pro. While the Meizu 17 Pro’s display quality is likely excellent, the S23’s higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks. The S23’s panel likely benefits from newer display technology, potentially including LTPO for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to improved power efficiency, a feature not confirmed on the Meizu 17 Pro.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are equipped with capable camera systems, but details on the Meizu 17 Pro’s camera are limited. The Galaxy S23’s camera system is known for its excellent image processing and video capabilities. While sensor sizes and apertures aren’t specified for the Meizu 17 Pro, the S23 likely benefits from newer image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensors, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The S23’s video recording capabilities are also likely superior, offering features like 8K recording and advanced stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a substantial leap over the Meizu 17 Pro’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+). The 8 Gen 2’s Cortex-X3 prime core, clocked at 3.36 GHz, offers a significant performance advantage over the 865’s Cortex-A77. Furthermore, the 4nm process node of the 8 Gen 2 provides superior thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The S23’s newer CPU architecture (Cortex-A715/A710/A510) also contributes to improved performance per watt. While the 865 is still capable, the S23 offers a demonstrably smoother and more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S23 achieves an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and an active use score of 11:27h, indicating excellent battery life. The Meizu 17 Pro offers 30W wired charging (45% in 30 minutes) and 27W wireless charging, while the S23 provides 25W wired (50% in 30 minutes) and 15W wireless (Qi) charging, plus 4.5W reverse wireless. The S23’s faster 0-50% charge time, combined with its superior endurance rating, suggests a more convenient and long-lasting battery experience. The efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 contribute significantly to the S23’s battery performance.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 17 Pro if you prioritize a distinctive design, are comfortable with a potentially shorter software support lifecycle, and want a flagship experience at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you demand the latest performance, a brighter and more modern display, guaranteed software updates, and a more refined camera experience, even at a higher cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the Meizu 17 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 865 is still a capable chipset, it will likely exhibit more thermal throttling and lower sustained performance in demanding games like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering during extended gaming sessions on the Meizu 17 Pro.
❓ How does the software update situation differ between the Meizu 17 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is guaranteed to receive several years of Android OS updates and security patches, ensuring long-term software support. The Meizu 17 Pro, being an older device, has likely reached the end of its major software update cycle, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security risks over time.
❓ Is the 27W wireless charging on the Meizu 17 Pro significantly faster than the 15W wireless charging on the Galaxy S23?
While 27W is higher than 15W, the real-world difference in wireless charging speed may not be dramatic. The S23’s overall efficiency and optimized charging algorithms could partially offset the wattage difference. Both phones offer convenient wireless charging options, but neither is particularly fast compared to some competitors.