Meizu 21 vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon Power and Value

The Meizu 21 arrives as a fresh contender with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the OnePlus 12R continues to offer a compelling package based on the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two Android smartphones, focusing on performance, battery life, and charging capabilities to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and the latest technology, the Meizu 21 takes the lead thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the OnePlus 12R offers exceptional value with its robust 14:32h active use battery life and 100W charging, making it the better choice for those focused on longevity and quick top-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 21 OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 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, 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
Announced2023, November 302024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 30Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions156.7 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.17 x 2.96 x 0.31 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
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, Flyme 10.5Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple200 MP, f/1.7, 22mm (wide), 1/1.4", PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1" 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0"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@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1"16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-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
Charging80W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type4800 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Purple, Green, WhiteIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
Models-CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
PriceAbout 440 EUR€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Meizu 21

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for top-tier performance
  • Potentially more efficient CPU architecture
  • Likely focus on color accuracy and display quality

  • Battery life potentially lower due to more powerful processor
  • 80W charging is slower than OnePlus 12R's 100W
  • Software ecosystem less established than OnePlus

OnePlus 12R

  • Excellent 14:32h active use battery life
  • Ultra-fast 100W charging (0-100% in 26 minutes)
  • Bright 1181 nit display for outdoor visibility

  • Uses the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Performance is lower than the Meizu 21
  • May not offer the same level of display refinement

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a bright display, peaking at 1181 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Meizu 21’s display specifications are currently unavailable, Meizu typically focuses on color accuracy. The OnePlus 12R’s panel is likely a standard AMOLED, while the Meizu 21 may incorporate LTPO technology for variable refresh rates, potentially improving power efficiency. The OnePlus 12R’s brightness is a concrete advantage for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Meizu 21, a direct comparison is limited. However, the OnePlus 12R’s camera system is expected to be a solid performer, though likely not class-leading. The focus should be on the main sensor’s performance and image processing. The Meizu 21’s camera capabilities will be a key differentiator, and its success will depend on sensor size, aperture, and software optimization. We anticipate Meizu will emphasize image quality and color science.

Performance

The Meizu 21’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process, represents a significant leap over the OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (also 4nm). The Gen 3 features a new CPU architecture with a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, compared to the Gen 2’s 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3. This translates to faster single-core performance and improved efficiency. The Meizu 21’s CPU configuration (1+3+2+2) also differs from the OnePlus 12R’s (1+2+2+3), potentially impacting multi-core workloads. While both utilize 4nm fabrication, the architectural improvements in the Gen 3 should yield noticeable gains in demanding tasks and gaming.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R shines with its impressive 14:32h active use battery score, indicating excellent real-world endurance. While the Meizu 21’s battery capacity is unknown, the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could potentially consume more power. The OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging, capable of a full charge in just 26 minutes, is significantly faster than the Meizu 21’s 80W charging. This faster charging speed provides a substantial convenience advantage for OnePlus 12R users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 21 if you demand the absolute fastest Android experience and are willing to pay a premium for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's processing power. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prioritize all-day battery life, incredibly fast 100W charging, and a more established software ecosystem, all at a more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Meizu 21 noticeably outperform the 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R during everyday tasks?
While both chips are incredibly capable, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's architectural improvements and higher clock speeds will result in a smoother and more responsive experience, particularly in demanding applications like video editing or graphically intensive games. For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference will be less noticeable.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compare to the 80W charging on the Meizu 21 in terms of real-world convenience?
The OnePlus 12R's 100W charging is significantly faster, fully charging the device in just 26 minutes. The Meizu 21's 80W charging will take longer, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to a full charge. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core configuration (1+3+2+2 vs 1+2+2+3) between the Meizu 21 and OnePlus 12R significant for multitasking?
The core configuration impacts how the processor handles different types of workloads. The Meizu 21's configuration may offer slightly better performance in heavily threaded tasks, while the OnePlus 12R's might be more efficient in certain scenarios. However, the overall performance difference is likely to be minimal for most users.