Meizu 21 Note vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Performance and Value

The Meizu 21 Note and OnePlus 12R represent compelling options in a crowded smartphone market, both leveraging the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. However, they diverge in key areas like charging technology and battery optimization, creating a clear distinction for potential buyers. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 12R emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly faster 100W charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes, coupled with a measured 14:32 hour active use battery score, provides a tangible advantage over the Meizu 21 Note’s 65W charging. While both share the same processor, the OnePlus 12R’s battery performance makes it the more practical daily driver.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 21 Note OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, May 162024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 21Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions162.4 x 76.9 x 8.2 mm (6.39 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
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 (1x3.2 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-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 740
OSFlyme OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 16mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video8K, 4K, 1080p; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavICGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type5500 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
Models-CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
PriceAbout 330 EUR€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Meizu 21 Note

  • Potentially refined Flyme OS software experience (subjective)
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides flagship-level performance
  • 65W charging is still relatively fast

  • Slower charging speed compared to OnePlus 12R
  • Battery life data unavailable, potentially inferior to OnePlus 12R
  • Limited information on display specifications

OnePlus 12R

  • 100W SuperVOOC charging for incredibly fast top-ups
  • Excellent 14:32 hour active use battery life
  • High peak display brightness (1181 nits)

  • OxygenOS can be polarizing for some users
  • Software updates may be less frequent than some competitors
  • Camera specifications are currently unknown

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 1181 nits, which translates to better visibility under direct sunlight compared to the Meizu 21 Note (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the OnePlus 12R’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use. Details regarding refresh rate and panel technology (LTPO) are missing for the Meizu 21 Note, potentially indicating a less power-efficient display solution.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications for the Meizu 21 Note are currently unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. The OnePlus 12R’s camera setup is also not detailed in the provided data. Without information on sensor sizes, lens apertures, or optical image stabilization (OIS), it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will offer competent camera systems, but the absence of specifics prevents a meaningful analysis. We can expect both to leverage the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP for image processing.

Performance

Both the Meizu 21 Note and OnePlus 12R are powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510). This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. However, the OnePlus 12R’s larger battery capacity and potentially more sophisticated thermal management system (details unavailable for Meizu 21 Note) could allow it to sustain peak performance for longer periods during demanding tasks like gaming. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR5x is expected on both devices, contributing to fast data transfer speeds.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R distinguishes itself with its 100W wired charging capability, achieving a full charge in a remarkable 26 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Meizu 21 Note’s 65W charging. Furthermore, the OnePlus 12R demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving 14:32 hours of active use. While the Meizu 21 Note’s battery capacity is unknown, the slower charging speed and lack of active use data suggest it may fall short in endurance compared to the OnePlus 12R. The OnePlus 12R’s support for PD3 PPS and QC4+ ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 21 Note if you prioritize a potentially more refined software experience (based on Meizu’s Flyme OS, though this is subjective and requires further user testing) and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you value rapid charging, extended battery life, and a proven track record of software stability and updates, making it ideal for power users and those constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
OnePlus has implemented heat management technologies within the 12R to mitigate thermal buildup during 100W charging. While some warmth is expected, the system is designed to prevent overheating and maintain battery health. The 100W charging is also intelligently managed to optimize charging speed based on battery level and temperature.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera information for the Meizu 21 Note a significant concern?
Yes, the absence of camera specifications is a notable drawback. Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or OIS capabilities, it’s difficult to assess the Meizu 21 Note’s photographic performance. Potential buyers should seek out independent reviews and sample images before making a decision.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in both phones handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Both the Meizu 21 Note and OnePlus 12R, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, are capable of running Genshin Impact at high settings. However, sustained performance will depend on the device’s thermal management system. The OnePlus 12R’s larger battery and potentially better cooling could allow for longer gaming sessions without significant throttling.