Meizu 21 vs Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Flagships

The Meizu 21 and Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro represent a fascinating intersection of flagship power and competitive pricing. Both devices are built around Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, promising top-tier performance. However, key differences in charging speed and potential software optimization create a compelling head-to-head, particularly for users prioritizing speed and convenience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its 120W charging significantly reduces downtime, and while both share the same chipset, Xiaomi’s software track record suggests better sustained performance and thermal management. The Meizu 21 remains a compelling option, especially for brand loyalists.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu 21 Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 302023, November 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 30Available. Released 2023, November 29
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions156.7 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.17 x 2.96 x 0.31 in)160.9 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.33 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 4000 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 (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 13, Flyme 10.5Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRColor 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/1.6, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, (ultrawide)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1"16 MP, (wide)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+120W wired, PD3.0, QC3+, 100% in 18 min
Type4800 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Purple, Green, WhiteBlack, Silver, Blue/Green, Lamborgini Green, Lamborgini Yellow
Models-23117RK66C
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 430 EUR

Meizu 21

  • Potentially cleaner software experience
  • Meizu’s unique design aesthetic
  • 80W fast charging is still respectable

  • Slower charging compared to the K70 Pro
  • Potential for less optimized thermal management
  • Less established brand recognition

Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro

  • Ultra-fast 120W charging (18 minutes to full)
  • Likely better sustained performance due to software optimization
  • Strong brand reputation and wider availability

  • MIUI can be feature-heavy and potentially bloated
  • Image processing may be overly saturated for some users
  • Potentially less refined design compared to Meizu

Display Comparison

While display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED panels. The Redmi K70 Pro, given Xiaomi’s recent trends, may boast a slightly higher peak brightness for improved outdoor visibility. The absence of LTPO information suggests both may not dynamically adjust refresh rates as aggressively as some competitors, potentially impacting battery life. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting current flagship design trends.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent, but given the flagship positioning, both devices will likely feature multi-camera systems. The absence of specific sensor information makes direct comparison difficult. However, Xiaomi typically prioritizes high-resolution main sensors, potentially giving the K70 Pro an advantage in detail capture. Image processing styles will also differ; Meizu often aims for a more natural look, while Xiaomi’s MIUI tends towards more vibrant, saturated colors. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor is expected on both.

Performance

Both the Meizu 21 and Redmi K70 Pro utilize the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm). The CPU configuration is identical – 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This means raw processing power will be nearly indistinguishable. The key differentiator will be thermal management and sustained performance. Xiaomi’s larger scale and experience with the 8 Gen 3 may allow for more aggressive cooling solutions and software optimizations to prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x) is not specified, but will play a role in overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Redmi K70 Pro’s 120W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Meizu 21’s 80W. Xiaomi claims a full charge in 18 minutes, while the Meizu 21 will take considerably longer. Both support PD3.0/PPS and QC4+, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the K70 Pro effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery size. The faster charging is a clear win for users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu 21 if you prioritize a potentially more refined software experience and appreciate Meizu’s design language. It’s ideal for users who aren’t heavily reliant on ultra-fast charging and value a potentially cleaner Android skin. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro if you demand the fastest possible charging speeds, prioritize sustained gaming performance, and appreciate a feature-rich MIUI experience. It’s the better choice for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Redmi K70 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is powerful, it can generate heat under sustained load. Xiaomi’s experience with this chipset and potential for advanced cooling solutions (not specified in the provided data, but likely present) suggest they’ve optimized the K70 Pro to mitigate throttling and maintain stable performance during gaming. Software optimizations also play a crucial role in managing thermal output.
❓ Does the Meizu 21 support wireless charging, and if so, at what wattage?
The provided specifications do not mention wireless charging support for the Meizu 21. Given its focus on 80W wired charging, wireless charging may not be a priority feature. It's likely absent or offered at a lower wattage compared to the Redmi K70 Pro.
❓ How does MIUI on the Redmi K70 Pro compare to other Android skins in terms of bloatware?
MIUI has historically been criticized for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). However, Xiaomi has been actively reducing this in recent versions. While some pre-installed apps may still be present, they are generally uninstallable. The level of bloatware is subjective and depends on individual preferences, but MIUI offers extensive customization options to tailor the experience.