The Meizu M5c and M5 represent Meizu's attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. While both phones share a similar aesthetic and price point, significant internal differences dictate their performance and suitability for different users. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu M5 is the superior choice. Its octa-core MT6750 chipset delivers noticeably better performance than the M5c’s quad-core MT6737, making it more capable for multitasking and demanding applications. While battery life is identical, the M5’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May. Released 2017, June | 2016, October. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 144 x 70.5 x 8.3 mm (5.67 x 2.78 x 0.33 in) | 147.3 x 72.8 x 8.2 mm (5.80 x 2.87 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 138 g (4.87 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP1 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 6 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 6.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro (digital), proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3070 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Gold, Pink | Mint Green, Glacier White, Champanage Gold, Sapphire Blue, Matte Black |
| Models | M5c, MZ-M5c | M5, MZ-MEIZU_M5, M611H |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -92.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 76h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1060:1 (nominal), 2.710 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 63dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 1285 (v4.4) |
GFXBench: 3.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu M5c
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Decent battery life for basic usage.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the M5.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Camera performance likely subpar.
Meizu M5
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Better suited for multitasking and gaming.
- Potentially improved camera image processing.
- Slightly higher price than the M5c.
- Battery life is not significantly better.
- Still limited in terms of advanced features.
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu M5c and M5 feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1060:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.710. This suggests a similar viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the context data lacks specifics on resolution, panel type (IPS vs. TFT), and color gamut coverage. Given the price bracket, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels, but the M5 likely benefits from slightly better color calibration due to its more powerful image processing capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the context data provides no details on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. In this price range, camera performance is typically a weak point. It’s reasonable to assume the M5 benefits from slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in sharper images and more accurate colors. However, expecting flagship-level camera quality from either device is unrealistic.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Meizu M5c utilizes the Mediatek MT6737, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The M5, on the other hand, boasts the Mediatek MT6750, an octa-core processor featuring a combination of four 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This configuration provides a significant performance advantage to the M5, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The M5’s ability to handle more simultaneous processes translates to smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the architectural advantage of the MT6750 is undeniable.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Meizu M5c and M5 share an identical endurance rating of 76 hours. This suggests that despite the M5’s more powerful processor, its power efficiency is comparable to the M5c. This is likely due to similar battery capacities (not specified in the data) and optimized software. While the M5’s processor can draw more power when under load, it doesn’t appear to significantly impact overall battery life in typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M5c if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Meizu M5 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, especially if you plan on playing games, using multiple apps simultaneously, or require a phone that will remain usable for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Meizu M5 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek MT6750 in the Meizu M5 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The M5c’s MT6737 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the MT6737 and MT6750 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The M5 will feel significantly smoother when switching between apps, browsing the web, and performing other common tasks. The M5c may exhibit lag and slowdowns with even moderate usage.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
The context data doesn't specify storage type or expandability. However, given the price point, both likely use eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is probable, but not confirmed.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two devices?
Both phones likely ran Flyme OS based on Android at the time of release. The M5’s more powerful processor should provide a smoother and more responsive software experience overall.
