Meizu 21 vs. vivo X100 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Flagships
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around capability and future-proofing, the vivo X100 Ultra emerges as the stronger contender. Its superior battery life (12:55h active use), faster and more versatile charging (including 30W wireless), and brighter display justify the potential price premium.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Meizu 21 | vivo X100 Ultra |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, November 30 | 2024, May 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 30 | Available. Released 2024, May 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.17 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 229 g (8.08 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Adreno 750 |
| OS | Android 13, Flyme 10.5 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, OriginOS 5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, panorama, HDR, 3D LUT import |
| Triple | 200 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, 23mm (wide), 1/0.98", 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, gimbal OIS 200 MP, f/2.7, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 3.4:1 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1" | 50 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+ | 80W wired, PD, PPS, QC, UFCS 30W wireless Reverse wired Reverse wireless |
| Type | 4800 mAh | Si/C Li-Ion 5500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Green, White | Titanium, White, Grey |
| Models | - | V2366GA, V2366HA |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 980 EUR |
Meizu 21
- Potentially more compact design (based on Meizu’s history)
- Streamlined software experience (typical of Meizu)
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
- Lacks wireless charging
- Limited battery life information
- Camera specifications unknown
vivo X100 Ultra
- Exceptional battery life (12:55h active use)
- Fast 80W wired and 30W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging capability
- Potentially larger and heavier form factor
- May command a higher price
- Software experience may be less minimalist
Display Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature high-quality displays, but the vivo X100 Ultra boasts a measured peak brightness of 1801 nits, significantly exceeding what’s typically found in flagship phones. This translates to superior readability under direct sunlight. While the Meizu 21’s display specifications aren’t detailed, it’s likely to offer excellent color accuracy, but may fall short of the X100 Ultra’s peak brightness. The absence of LTPO information for the Meizu 21 means it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates as efficiently as the X100 Ultra, potentially impacting battery life.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications for the Meizu 21 are currently unavailable. The vivo X100 Ultra is expected to feature a cutting-edge camera system, likely including a large main sensor (potentially 1-inch or larger) with optical image stabilization (OIS). The X100 Ultra’s image processing algorithms are known for their vibrant and detailed results. Without specific details on the Meizu 21’s camera hardware, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities, but it will need a strong sensor and image processing pipeline to compete with the X100 Ultra.
Performance
Both the Meizu 21 and vivo X100 Ultra utilize the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), featuring an identical CPU configuration: 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This ensures comparable raw processing power. However, sustained performance will hinge on thermal management. The X100 Ultra’s larger chassis potentially allows for a more robust cooling system, mitigating thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM specifications are currently unknown for both devices, but LPDDR5x is expected, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The vivo X100 Ultra demonstrates a clear advantage in battery performance, achieving 12 hours and 55 minutes of active use. Both devices support 80W wired charging with PD3 PPS and QC4+ compatibility, but the X100 Ultra adds UFCS support for potentially faster charging with compatible adapters. Crucially, the X100 Ultra also includes 30W wireless charging and both reverse wired and wireless charging capabilities, offering unparalleled versatility. The Meizu 21 lacks wireless charging, limiting its convenience for users accustomed to this feature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu 21 if you prioritize a potentially more compact form factor (based on brand history) and a streamlined software experience. Buy the vivo X100 Ultra if you demand maximum battery endurance, the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging, and a display that excels in outdoor visibility. The X100 Ultra caters to power users and those who rely heavily on their smartphone throughout the day.