Meizu 18s vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Choices

The Meizu 18s and Google Pixel 6 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the flagship smartphone space. The Meizu 18s, released in 2021, offers a compact form factor and raw Snapdragon power, while the Pixel 6 Pro, launched around the same time, prioritizes computational photography and Google’s custom Tensor chip. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6 Pro emerges as the stronger overall choice. Its superior camera system, powered by the Google Tensor chip, and longer software support outweigh the Meizu 18s’s compact size and slightly faster charging. However, users prioritizing a smaller phone and unadulterated Android performance will find the Meizu 18s compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 18s Google Pixel 6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 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 - GLUOG, G8VOU
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G8VOU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GLUOG
Launch
Announced2021, September 22. Released 2021, September 232021, October 19
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, October 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions152.4 x 69.2 x 8.2 mm (6.00 x 2.72 x 0.32 in)163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)210 g (7.41 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 420 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, Flyme 9.2Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Triple64 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", 1.0µm50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 104mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging36W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 33 min, 100% in 55 min23W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Ion 5003 mAh
Misc
ColorsLight Blue, White, Aurora, Pink/VioletCloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black
Models-GLUOG, G8VOU, GF5KQ
PriceAbout 490 EUR€ 199.99 / $ 204.99 / £ 275.00 / ₹ 29,699
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 84h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 585485 (v8), 719815 (v9) GeekBench: 2831 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39 fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Meizu 18s

  • Compact and pocketable design
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888+ processor
  • Faster wired charging (36W)

  • Limited camera capabilities compared to Pixel 6 Pro
  • Lack of wireless charging
  • Software support may be shorter

Google Pixel 6 Pro

  • Exceptional camera system with Google Tensor AI
  • Long-term software support from Google
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Larger and less pocketable design
  • Slower wired charging (23W)
  • Google's software customizations may not appeal to all

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6 Pro boasts a larger display and a measured peak brightness of 846 nits, offering excellent visibility outdoors. While the Meizu 18s’s display specs aren’t provided, its smaller form factor suggests a more intimate viewing experience. The Pixel 6 Pro’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) indicates a true OLED panel, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The absence of refresh rate information for the Meizu 18s is a drawback, as the Pixel 6 Pro likely benefits from a smoother scrolling experience with its variable refresh rate.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system is its standout feature, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 6 Pro’s image processing capabilities, powered by the Tensor chip, are renowned for their dynamic range and detail. The Meizu 18s likely offers a competent camera experience, but it won’t match the Pixel 6 Pro’s ability to consistently capture stunning images in challenging conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS and lens apertures on the Meizu 18s makes a detailed comparison impossible, but the Pixel 6 Pro’s focus on computational photography gives it a clear advantage.

Performance

Both phones utilize a 5nm process, but the chipsets differ significantly. The Meizu 18s features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ 5G, with a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. The Pixel 6 Pro employs Google’s Tensor chip, featuring a dual Cortex-X1 setup at 2.80 GHz. While clock speed isn’t everything, the Snapdragon 888+ is known for its strong sustained performance and gaming capabilities. The Tensor chip prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The Pixel 6 Pro’s CPU architecture, with two X1 cores, could offer advantages in multi-threaded workloads, but the Meizu 18s likely holds an edge in raw graphical power. Both utilize Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, but RAM speed (LPDDR5 vs LPDDR5x) isn't specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 84 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for the Meizu 18s). However, charging speeds differ significantly. The Meizu 18s supports 36W wired charging, reaching 80% in 33 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes. The Pixel 6 Pro offers slower 23W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes) but compensates with 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging – features absent on the Meizu 18s. The Pixel 6 Pro’s wireless charging capabilities provide added convenience, while the Meizu 18s’s faster wired charging offers quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 18s if you need a truly compact flagship experience, value a clean, near-stock Android build without Google’s heavy AI processing, and prioritize raw CPU/GPU performance for demanding tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro if you prefer a larger display, a class-leading camera system with advanced computational photography features, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip isn't known for raw thermal performance like the Snapdragon 888+, Google has implemented thermal management strategies to mitigate overheating. Reports suggest some throttling during extended gaming, but it's generally well-controlled and doesn't lead to significant performance drops. The Pixel 6 Pro's larger chassis also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ How does the Meizu 18s's Flyme OS compare to the stock Android experience on the Pixel 6 Pro?
Flyme OS, Meizu's custom Android skin, offers a cleaner look than some other heavily modified UIs, but it still deviates from stock Android. The Pixel 6 Pro provides a pure Android experience with guaranteed timely updates directly from Google. Users who prefer minimal bloatware and a consistent software experience will likely favor the Pixel 6 Pro.
❓ Is the 36W charging on the Meizu 18s significantly faster in real-world use compared to the Pixel 6 Pro's 23W?
Yes, the Meizu 18s's 36W charging is noticeably faster, reaching 80% in 33 minutes. While the Pixel 6 Pro's 23W charging takes longer, the convenience of 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offers a different type of usability.