The Meizu M5c and Xiaomi Redmi 5A represent a critical segment of the smartphone market: ultra-affordable devices aimed at first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary phone. Both launched around the same time, targeting similar price points, but diverge in their core hardware choices, specifically their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A emerges as the better choice. While the Meizu M5c is a capable device, the Snapdragon 425’s architecture provides a small but noticeable edge in everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May. Released 2017, June | 2017, November. Released 2017, December |
| 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) | 140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm (5.53 x 2.76 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~296 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.0 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP1 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 6 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro (digital), proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Gold, Pink | Gold, Dark Gray, Rose Gold, Blue |
| Models | M5c, MZ-M5c | MCG3B, MCI3B |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
GeekBench: 1285 (v4.4) | - |
Meizu M5c
- Potentially lower price point.
- Meizu’s Flyme OS offers a unique user experience.
- Compact form factor (likely).
- Mediatek MT6737 chipset offers slightly lower performance.
- Potentially less app compatibility compared to Snapdragon.
Xiaomi Redmi 5A
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 provides smoother performance.
- Generally better app compatibility.
- More refined software experience (likely).
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI can be resource-intensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting the design trends of the time. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 425 generally offers better image processing capabilities than Mediatek’s equivalent in the MT6737. This means the Redmi 5A is likely to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution secondary cameras (often 2MP) on phones in this segment suggests these are primarily for depth sensing or gimmicky features and shouldn’t be considered a significant factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Meizu M5c features the Mediatek MT6737, while the Redmi 5A uses the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425. Both are quad-core Cortex-A53 processors clocked at 1.3 GHz and 1.4 GHz respectively. The slight clock speed advantage of the Snapdragon 425, combined with Qualcomm’s generally more optimized drivers and CPU architecture, translates to a marginally faster experience. While both are adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing, the Snapdragon 425 will handle multitasking and app loading slightly more efficiently. Both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, meaning thermal efficiency isn’t a major differentiator.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar hardware and target market, they likely feature batteries in the 2600-3000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but is expected to be slow – likely 5W or 10W. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The Snapdragon 425’s slightly better power efficiency might translate to a small advantage in battery longevity for the Redmi 5A.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M5c if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with Meizu’s Flyme OS, which offers a distinct user interface. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 5A if you prefer Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform for its generally better app compatibility and smoother performance, especially if you plan on using the phone for more than basic communication and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 5A handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 425 in the Redmi 5A is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it provides a usable and responsive experience for these common applications.
❓ Is the Meizu M5c a good option for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
The Meizu M5c is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user. Its lower price point makes it accessible, and the Mediatek MT6737 chipset is sufficient for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing. However, be aware that performance will be limited compared to more modern smartphones.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Both phones will struggle with demanding modern mobile games. While simple 2D games will run adequately, graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will likely be unplayable or require extremely low settings with significant frame rate drops. The Snapdragon 425 in the Redmi 5A will offer a slightly better experience, but don't expect a smooth gaming experience.
