Meizu 20 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

The smartphone landscape is dominated by giants, and today we're pitting two formidable contenders against each other: the Meizu 20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Both boast impressive specs and premium features, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive in and find out.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins overall due to its superior camera system, longer software support, and established ecosystem. However, the Meizu 20 Pro offers blazing-fast charging and a competitive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 experience at a potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 20 Pro Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 7, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2023, March 302023, February 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 20Available. Released 2023, February 17
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.2 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight209 g (7.37 oz)234 g (8.25 oz)
 IP54IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) Stylus (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~515 ppi density)1440 x 3088 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~500 ppi density)
Size6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1800 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1750 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, Flyme 10Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 4.0 - 512GBUFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Quad-200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 10 MP, f/4.9, 230mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Single-12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, OIS 50 MP f/1.9, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 129˚ (ultrawide)-
Video8K, 4K, 1080p; gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, HDR10+
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
VideoYes4K@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
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), 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) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+ 50W wireless45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Gold, SilverPhantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender, Graphite, Sky Blue, Lime, Red, BMW M Edition
Models-SM-S918B, SM-S918B/DS, SM-S918U, SM-S918U1, SM-S918W, SM-S918N, SM-S9180, SM-S918E, SM-S918E/DS
PriceAbout 530 EUR€ 549.90 / $ 454.99 / £ 433.00
SAR-1.12 W/kg (head)     0.92 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.96 W/kg (head)     1.40 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 126h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1241531 (v9) GeekBench: 4927 (v5.1) GFXBench: 67fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Meizu 20 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 80W wired charging
  • Competitive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Unique design and build quality (likely)
  • Potentially more affordable

  • Less established brand
  • Camera likely not as good as S23 Ultra
  • Software support potentially shorter
  • Battery capacity unknown

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • Exceptional camera system
  • Long-term software support
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Robust feature set
  • Established ecosystem

  • Higher price
  • Slower charging speeds (45W wired)
  • Large and bulky design

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's display is undeniably a highlight, boasting a peak brightness of 1274 nits and an infinite contrast ratio. While the Meizu 20 Pro's display is likely excellent, Meizu typically doesn't publish such high brightness figures. Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology also provides vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The S23 Ultra's larger size also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

This is where the S23 Ultra truly shines. Its versatile camera system, featuring multiple lenses and advanced image processing, consistently delivers exceptional photo and video quality. While the Meizu 20 Pro's camera is expected to be good, it's unlikely to match the S23 Ultra's capabilities, especially in low-light conditions or when zooming.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but Samsung's implementation (SM8550-AC) has a slightly higher CPU clock speed (3.36 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). In real-world usage, the difference is likely minimal, with both devices offering flagship-level performance for gaming and multitasking. However, Samsung's software optimization and thermal management might provide a slight edge during sustained heavy loads.

Battery Life

The S23 Ultra demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving 13:24h of active use and an endurance rating of 126h. The Meizu 20 Pro's battery capacity is unknown, but its 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging offer a significant advantage in terms of speed. However, the S23 Ultra's longevity likely surpasses the Meizu.

Buying Guide

The Meizu 20 Pro is ideal for users seeking a powerful Android experience with fast charging and a unique design, particularly those comfortable with a smaller brand. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is perfect for power users who prioritize camera quality, long-term software updates, and a robust feature set within a well-established ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Meizu 20 Pro worth considering if I'm on a budget?
Potentially, yes. If you prioritize performance and fast charging over camera quality and brand recognition, the Meizu 20 Pro could offer excellent value, assuming it's priced competitively.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs One UI, a feature-rich and customizable Android skin. The Meizu 20 Pro likely runs Flyme OS, which is known for its minimalist design and unique features, but may have less app availability or polish compared to One UI.