The Meizu M5 Note was a popular budget contender, but the M6 Note arrived aiming to refine the formula. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on the shift from MediaTek’s Helio P10 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 625, and how that impacts real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu M6 Note is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 625 offers a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the Helio P10 in the M5 Note, making it better suited for demanding tasks and longer usage times. While battery endurance is similar, the M6 Note’s chipset provides a smoother overall experience.
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, August. Released 2017, September | 2016, December. Released 2016, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154.6 x 75.2 x 8.4 mm (6.09 x 2.96 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 | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), Flyme 7.3 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Flyme 7.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
5 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Features | quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 24W wired | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Gray, Silver, Gold, Blue |
| Models | M6 Note, MZ-M6 Note | M5 Note, MZ-M5 Note |
| Price | About 170 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 | - |
GFXBench: 1.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu M6 Note
- More efficient Snapdragon 625 processor
- Improved sustained performance
- Potentially better camera image processing
- No significant display improvements over the M5 Note
- Limited information on camera specifications
Meizu M5 Note
- Excellent battery endurance (98h)
- Fast 24W charging
- Lower price point (likely, given its age)
- Less powerful and efficient Helio P10 processor
- Potential for throttling under heavy load
- Older chipset may lack software updates
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu M6 Note and M5 Note share the same display characteristics, boasting a contrast ratio of 754:1 (nominal) and 2.189 (sunlight). This suggests a similar viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the lack of specific information regarding panel type (IPS, AMOLED) or resolution prevents a deeper analysis of color accuracy and sharpness. The shared contrast ratio indicates a comparable level of black depth and overall image quality.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This makes a direct comparison difficult. However, given the M6 Note’s more modern chipset, it’s likely to benefit from improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Without further information, it’s reasonable to assume the M6 Note offers a slightly more refined camera experience, but the actual image quality will depend heavily on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The M6 Note utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, a 14nm processor with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This contrasts with the M5 Note’s MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10, built on a larger 28nm process and featuring a big.LITTLE architecture with 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Snapdragon 625’s smaller manufacturing node translates to significantly better power efficiency, reducing heat generation and improving sustained performance. While the Helio P10’s big.LITTLE design *can* offer benefits, the Snapdragon 625’s consistent performance across all cores provides a smoother user experience, especially in multitasking and gaming. The M6 Note will exhibit less throttling under load.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones achieve an endurance rating of 98 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite the chipset differences. Both also support 24W wired charging. However, the Snapdragon 625’s superior power efficiency in the M6 Note means it will consume less power during typical usage, potentially extending real-world battery life even if the endurance rating is the same. The 24W charging will deliver similar 0-100% times on both devices, but the M6 Note will likely maintain performance for longer during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M6 Note if you prioritize consistent performance for everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and appreciate a more efficient processor. This phone is ideal for users who want a reliable device that won’t struggle with multitasking or newer apps. Buy the Meizu M5 Note if you are on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic communication, light web browsing, and aren’t concerned with demanding applications. It remains a functional device for minimal smartphone use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P10 in the M5 Note struggle with modern apps and games?
Yes, the Helio P10 is a relatively older chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, you may experience lag and slowdowns when running demanding applications or playing graphically intensive games. The Snapdragon 625 in the M6 Note offers a much smoother experience for these use cases.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 625 in the M6 Note generate less heat than the Helio P10?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 625 is manufactured on a 14nm process, while the Helio P10 uses a 28nm process. The smaller node results in significantly lower power consumption and heat generation, meaning the M6 Note will be less prone to overheating and performance throttling during extended use.
❓ Is the camera quality significantly better on the M6 Note?
While specific camera specs are lacking for both devices, the M6 Note likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Snapdragon 625. This can lead to improvements in dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image clarity, though the difference may not be dramatic.
❓ Will I notice a difference in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, you will likely notice a smoother and more responsive experience on the M6 Note. The Snapdragon 625’s more efficient architecture and faster processing speeds will make everyday tasks feel snappier and less prone to lag compared to the M5 Note.
