Meizu 18s vs Meizu 18: A Detailed Comparison

Meizu's return to the flagship scene brought us the 18 and 18s, both packing the Snapdragon 888. But are they identical? This comparison dives deep into the differences, helping you choose the best Meizu for your needs. We'll cover everything from display quality to charging speeds.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Meizu 18s edges out the 18 thanks to its slightly faster Snapdragon 888+ chipset and quicker charging. However, the differences are subtle, and the 18 remains a compelling option, especially if price is a significant factor. Both offer a premium Meizu experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Meizu 18s	Meizu 18

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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2021, September 22. Released 2021, September 23	2021, March 03. Released 2021, March 08
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	152.4 x 69.2 x 8.2 mm (6.00 x 2.72 x 0.32 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	162 g (5.71 oz)	162 g (5.71 oz)

Display
Resolution	1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)	1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)
Size	6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 420 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 420 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, Flyme 9.2	Android 11, Flyme 9

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple	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	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, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 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	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C	USB Type-C
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	36W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 33 min, 100% in 55 min	36W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 40% in 15 min, 100% in 50 min
Type	Li-Po 4000 mAh	Li-Po 4000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Light Blue, White, Aurora, Pink/Violet	Light Blue, White, Aurora
Price	About 490 EUR	About 560 EUR

Meizu 18s

Faster Snapdragon 888+ Chipset
Quicker Charging (36W)
Premium Build Quality
Excellent Display

Potentially Higher Price
Availability may be limited

Meizu 18

Flagship Performance (Snapdragon 888)
Excellent Display
Potentially Lower Price
Sleek Design

Slower Charging (36W)
Performance slightly behind 18s

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. While the panels are likely very similar in quality, the 18s might have slightly better color calibration due to potential software optimizations, but this is difficult to confirm without direct testing. Expect vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling on both.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are expected to feature a triple-camera setup, likely including a 64MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. Image quality should be comparable, with both phones capable of capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Software processing and low-light performance might differ slightly, but a definitive comparison requires extensive testing.

Performance

The key difference lies in the chipset. The 18s boasts the Snapdragon 888+, offering a modest performance boost over the standard 888 in the 18. This translates to slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, particularly in demanding games. However, both phones are more than capable of handling everyday tasks and most mobile games with ease.

Battery Life

The Meizu 18s has a clear advantage in charging speed, reaching 80% in 33 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes, compared to the 18's 40% in 15 minutes and 100% in 50 minutes. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000-4500mAh), so the 18s' faster charging makes it more convenient for users who need a quick top-up.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Meizu 18s? Users prioritizing the absolute best performance and faster charging will appreciate the 888+ chip. Who should buy the Meizu 18? Those seeking a flagship experience at a potentially lower price point, and who don't need the absolute peak performance, will find the 18 a great value.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 888+ in the 18s a significant upgrade?

It's a modest upgrade, offering around a 5-10% performance boost. You'll notice it more in demanding tasks like gaming, but for everyday use, the difference is less noticeable.

❓ Are the cameras on the Meizu 18 and 18s the same?

They are likely very similar, using comparable sensors and lenses. Software processing and image tuning might differ slightly, but a full camera comparison would require detailed testing.