The Meizu M5c and M5 Note represent two points in Meizu’s early budget smartphone strategy. The M5c aimed for affordability, while the M5 Note sought to deliver a more robust experience. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on how their internal components translate to real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu M5 Note is the superior choice. Its octa-core Helio P10 chipset provides a significantly faster and smoother experience than the M5c’s quad-core MT6737, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. While both offer similar battery endurance, the M5 Note’s faster charging is a notable advantage.
| 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 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May. Released 2017, June | 2016, December. Released 2016, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 70.5 x 8.3 mm (5.67 x 2.78 x 0.33 in) | 153.6 x 75.8 x 8.2 mm (6.05 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP1 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 6 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 7.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Gold, Pink | Gray, Silver, Gold, Blue |
| Models | M5c, MZ-M5c | M5 Note, MZ-M5 Note |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 98h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 754:1 (nominal), 2.189 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 86dB |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 1285 (v4.4) |
GFXBench: 1.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu M5c
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Similar battery endurance to the M5 Note
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Likely slower charging speeds
Meizu M5 Note
- Faster and more powerful processor
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- 24W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Higher price compared to the M5c
- Similar battery endurance to the M5c
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
Both the M5c and M5 Note share the same nominal contrast ratio of 754:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.189, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on resolution and panel type. Given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The M5 Note’s slightly higher price point *could* indicate a marginally better panel quality, but without further data, this remains speculative. The shared contrast ratios suggest a similar viewing experience in varying lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. In this segment, the M5 Note likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio P10 chipset, potentially leading to better image quality and faster processing times. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to assess the true camera performance, but the chipset advantage favors the M5 Note. The absence of any mention of OIS or large sensors suggests both cameras are geared towards casual photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The M5c’s MediaTek MT6737, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, is designed for basic functionality. The M5 Note’s MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53), offers a substantial performance boost. The Helio P10’s architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and smoother operation of demanding apps. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the additional cores and higher clock speeds of the Helio P10 translate to a noticeably faster user experience. This difference is particularly evident when switching between apps or playing graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 98 hours. This suggests similar battery life despite the M5 Note’s more powerful processor. The Helio P10’s efficiency improvements likely offset the increased power draw. However, the M5 Note boasts 24W wired charging, a significant advantage over the M5c’s likely slower charging speed (spec not provided). This means the M5 Note can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime and providing greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M5c if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Meizu M5 Note if you value performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for users who enjoy occasional gaming, streaming video, or running multiple apps simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Meizu M5 Note’s Helio P10 chipset capable of handling modern mobile games?
While the Helio P10 isn’t a high-end gaming processor, it’s capable of running many popular mobile games at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends, but don’t anticipate maxing out graphics settings. The M5c’s MT6737 would struggle with these titles.
❓ How does the difference in CPU cores affect everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The M5 Note’s octa-core processor allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. When browsing the web or using social media, you’ll notice less lag and a more responsive experience compared to the M5c’s quad-core processor. This is especially noticeable when switching between multiple apps.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, does the M5 Note’s faster charging make a significant difference?
Yes, the 24W fast charging on the M5 Note is a substantial advantage. While both phones last roughly the same amount of time on a single charge, the M5 Note can be fully recharged much quicker, minimizing downtime and providing greater convenience. This is particularly useful for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
