Meizu Blue 20 vs Meizu 17: A Detailed Comparison of Chipsets, Performance, and Value

The Meizu Blue 20 represents a shift for the brand, opting for a Unisoc chipset while the Meizu 17 relied on the established Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. This comparison dissects the implications of this change, examining performance, battery efficiency, and overall user experience to determine which device offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and established software support, the Meizu 17 remains the superior choice due to its Snapdragon 865. However, the Meizu Blue 20 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a more modern design and are willing to accept a slight performance trade-off for potentially better efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu Blue 20 Meizu 17
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bandsSA/NSA41, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2024, July 172020, May 08. Released 2020, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JulyDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions8.3 mm thickness160 x 77.2 x 8.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm26.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T765 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 650
OSFlyme AIOSAndroid 10, Flyme 8.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, AF (interpolated to 50 MP) Secondary unspecified camera-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR5-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP (interpolated to 8 MP)20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCUnspecifiedYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-30W wired, QC3, 45% in 30 min
Type5010 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, PurpleGreen, Gray, Aurora White
Price-About 530 EUR

Meizu Blue 20

  • Potentially more efficient 6nm Unisoc T765 chipset
  • Modern design language (assumed)
  • Likely more affordable price point

  • Lower peak performance compared to Snapdragon 865
  • Less established software support for Unisoc chipset
  • Limited information available on camera capabilities

Meizu 17

  • Powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset for demanding tasks
  • Proven performance and stability
  • 30W fast charging with QC3 support

  • Older chipset generation
  • Potentially less power efficient than newer chipsets
  • May be more expensive than the Blue 20

Display Comparison

Detailed display specifications are unavailable for the Blue 20. However, given its market positioning, it likely features an AMOLED panel. The Meizu 17 boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display. The Snapdragon 865's Adreno 650 GPU will drive higher frame rates in graphically intensive games on the Meizu 17's display. The 7nm+ process of the Snapdragon 865 also contributes to more efficient display power consumption compared to the 6nm Unisoc T765, potentially extending screen-on time.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the Blue 20 are limited. The Meizu 17’s camera system, while not explicitly detailed in the provided data, is known to feature a capable main sensor and OIS. The Snapdragon 865’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) provides superior image processing capabilities, enabling faster autofocus, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance compared to the Unisoc T765’s ISP. Without specific sensor details for the Blue 20, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Snapdragon 865’s processing power gives the Meizu 17 a clear advantage in image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 17’s Snapdragon 865, built on a 7nm+ process, features a powerful Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, alongside three more A77 cores and four A55 cores. This configuration delivers significantly higher peak performance than the Meizu Blue 20’s Unisoc T765. The T765, while utilizing a 6nm process, employs two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.3 GHz and six A55 cores at 2.1 GHz. While the 6nm node offers efficiency gains, the architectural advantage of the Snapdragon 865’s cores translates to superior multi-core and single-core performance, particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing and high-end gaming. The Snapdragon 865 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized software and driver support.

Battery Life

The Meizu 17 supports 30W wired charging with QC3, reaching 45% charge in 30 minutes. Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, the Snapdragon 865’s 7nm+ process generally offers better power efficiency than the Unisoc T765’s 6nm process, meaning the Meizu 17 could potentially achieve longer battery life despite having a similar capacity. The 30W charging on the Meizu 17 provides a quick top-up, while the Blue 20’s charging speed is not specified, potentially making it slower to recharge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu Blue 20 if you prioritize a sleek, modern design and are comfortable with a chipset that may require more software optimization. It's ideal for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the Meizu 17 if you demand consistent, high-end performance for demanding applications and gaming, and value the proven stability of the Snapdragon 865 platform. It's the better choice for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T765 in the Meizu Blue 20 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Unisoc T765 is a capable chipset, but it won't deliver the same level of performance as the Snapdragon 865 in demanding games. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve smooth frame rates in titles like Genshin Impact. The Meizu 17, with its Adreno 650 GPU, will provide a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How does the software support compare between the Meizu Blue 20 and the Meizu 17?
The Meizu 17 benefits from Qualcomm's mature software ecosystem and driver support, ensuring better optimization and stability. Unisoc chipsets, while improving, generally have less extensive software support, potentially leading to occasional bugs or compatibility issues. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize a seamless software experience.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Meizu 17 still considered fast charging in 2024?
While 30W isn't the fastest charging available today, it's still a respectable charging speed and will provide a significant top-up in a short amount of time. The Meizu 17's QC3 support ensures compatibility with a wide range of chargers. The Blue 20's charging speed is unknown, but if it's slower than 30W, it will take longer to fully recharge.