Meizu 18s vs OnePlus 9 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon 888 Flagships

The Meizu 18s and OnePlus 9 Pro represent different approaches to the 2021 flagship experience. The Meizu 18s aimed for a more compact, refined experience, while the OnePlus 9 Pro doubled down on camera capabilities and fast charging. Both are powered by the Snapdragon 888 family, but key differences in their implementation and feature sets create distinct user experiences.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more well-rounded package. Its significantly faster 65W wired and 50W wireless charging, coupled with a comparable endurance rating, outweighs the Meizu 18s’s slightly faster CPU clock speed. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera system also provides greater versatility.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 18s OnePlus 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 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 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2021, September 22. Released 2021, September 232021, March 23
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, March 30
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions152.4 x 69.2 x 8.2 mm (6.00 x 2.72 x 0.32 in)163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 420 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-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
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, Flyme 9.2Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
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", 1.0µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging36W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 33 min, 100% in 55 min65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsLight Blue, White, Aurora, Pink/VioletMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
Models-LE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 490 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 86h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -24.1 LUFS (Very good)

Meizu 18s

  • More compact form factor for easier one-handed use.
  • Slightly faster CPU clock speed with the Snapdragon 888+.
  • Clean and minimalist software experience (based on Meizu’s Flyme OS).

  • Significantly slower charging speeds (36W wired, no wireless).
  • Less detailed camera specifications and potentially lower image quality.
  • Limited availability compared to OnePlus.

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Much faster charging: 65W wired (29 min) and 50W wireless (43 min).
  • More versatile camera system with Hasselblad color calibration.
  • Larger, brighter display for a more immersive experience.

  • Larger size may be less comfortable for some users.
  • Snapdragon 888 may throttle slightly more under sustained load.
  • OxygenOS, while generally clean, has seen increased integration with Oppo's ColorOS.

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a larger display and a measured peak brightness of 859 nits, suggesting a more visible outdoor experience compared to the Meizu 18s (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize high-refresh-rate panels, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s larger size allows for a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of detailed display specs for the Meizu 18s makes a precise comparison difficult, but its focus on compactness likely means a smaller panel with potentially lower peak brightness.

Camera Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera system is a key differentiator. While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s sensor details are more readily available, suggesting a more sophisticated setup. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s Hasselblad partnership likely influences image processing, aiming for more natural color reproduction. The Meizu 18s’s camera specs are less detailed, making a direct comparison challenging. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s larger sensor size (details unavailable) and optical image stabilization (OIS) likely result in better low-light performance and smoother video recording.

Performance

Both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 series, but the Meizu 18s features the Snapdragon 888+ 5G, clocked slightly higher at 3.0 GHz versus the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 2.84 GHz. This difference, while measurable, translates to marginal real-world performance gains. Both CPUs share the same core configuration (1x Cortex-X1, 3x Cortex-A78, 4x Cortex-A55). The OnePlus 9 Pro benefits from potentially more aggressive thermal management due to its larger chassis, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. Both devices utilize 5G connectivity, but the 888+ in the Meizu 18s may offer slightly improved modem performance.

Battery Life

Both the Meizu 18s and OnePlus 9 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 86 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing charging capabilities. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus 9 Pro supports 65W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 29 minutes, and 50W wireless charging in 43 minutes. The Meizu 18s, with its 36W wired charging, takes 55 minutes for a full charge. This difference is significant for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The OnePlus 9 Pro also offers 5W reverse wireless charging, a feature absent on the Meizu 18s.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 18s if you prioritize a compact form factor and a clean software experience, and are willing to trade off charging speed and camera versatility. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you value fast charging (both wired and wireless), a more feature-rich camera system, and a larger display, even if it means a larger device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro experience significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s larger chassis and potentially more robust cooling system help mitigate throttling. However, users may still experience some performance reduction after prolonged gaming, especially with graphically demanding titles. The Meizu 18s, despite having the 888+, may throttle similarly due to its smaller form factor.
❓ How does the 50W wireless charging on the OnePlus 9 Pro compare to other wireless charging solutions?
50W wireless charging is exceptionally fast, significantly outpacing the 15W or 25W wireless charging found on many other flagship phones. It allows for a full charge in approximately 43 minutes, making it a viable alternative to wired charging for many users. The Meizu 18s lacks wireless charging entirely.
❓ Is the camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro worth the price premium over the Meizu 18s for photography enthusiasts?
For photography enthusiasts, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera system is a significant upgrade. The Hasselblad partnership, larger sensors, and advanced image processing algorithms deliver superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Meizu 18s’s camera is likely capable, but lacks the same level of refinement and versatility.