The Meizu M6 and M6 Note represent a common scenario in the budget smartphone market: a slightly upgraded model aiming to offer a compelling step up. While both phones share a similar aesthetic and price point, the core differences lie beneath the surface, specifically in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the Snapdragon 625 in the M6 Note impacts real-world performance and battery life compared to the Mediatek MT6750 powering the M6.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu M6 Note is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 625’s more efficient 14nm process and optimized CPU architecture deliver noticeably smoother performance and better battery life than the M6’s Mediatek MT6750, despite both supporting 24W charging. The performance gains justify the potential 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 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 | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| 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) | 148.2 x 72.8 x 8.3 mm (5.83 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), Flyme 7.3 | Android 7 (Nougat), Flyme 7.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | 8 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 3070 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Black, Electric Light Blue |
| Models | M6 Note, MZ-M6 Note | M6, MZ-MEIZU M6 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Meizu M6 Note
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 625
- Better power efficiency and battery life
- More capable ISP for improved camera performance
- Potentially higher price than the M6
- May not have significant camera improvements beyond processing
Meizu M6
- Lower price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- 24W fast charging
- Less powerful Mediatek MT6750 chipset
- Lower power efficiency and shorter battery life
- Potential for thermal throttling under load
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, but the chipset impacts the experience. The Snapdragon 625’s more efficient processing allows for smoother scrolling and animations. While neither phone is expected to have high peak brightness, the Snapdragon’s ISP may offer slightly better image processing for display output. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of the time.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the Snapdragon 625’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Mediatek MT6750’s. This translates to faster image processing, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions, the M6 Note will likely produce more refined images. The ISP also impacts video recording quality, potentially offering better stabilization and detail on the M6 Note.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu M6 Note’s Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, built on a 14nm process, significantly outperforms the M6’s Mediatek MT6750 (28nm). The Snapdragon 625 utilizes a uniform octa-core Cortex-A53 configuration at 2.0 GHz, while the MT6750 employs a big.LITTLE architecture with 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means the Snapdragon 625 consistently delivers higher single-core and multi-core performance. The 14nm process also translates to lower heat generation, reducing thermal throttling during prolonged use. Gamers and power users will see a tangible benefit from the M6 Note’s chipset.
Battery Life
Both phones support 24W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 625’s superior power efficiency gives the M6 Note a significant advantage in battery life. The 14nm process consumes less power than the MT6750’s 28nm process, resulting in longer standby times and more screen-on time. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the M6 Note will likely offer a more usable battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the M6.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M6 Note if you prioritize sustained performance for multitasking, moderate gaming, and all-day battery life. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Meizu M6 if you’re on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. The M6 offers acceptable performance for these scenarios, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Meizu M6 Note handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 625 in the M6 Note is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the M6's Mediatek MT6750, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Does the Mediatek MT6750 in the M6 get noticeably hot during extended use?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6750, built on a 28nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. This means that during prolonged gaming or video recording, the phone may heat up and reduce performance to prevent overheating. The M6 Note's Snapdragon 625, with its 14nm process, manages heat much more effectively.
❓ Is the 24W charging on both phones equally fast in practice?
While both phones support 24W charging, the M6 Note's more efficient power management may result in slightly faster overall charging times. This is because the Snapdragon 625 draws less power during charging, potentially allowing for a more consistent charging rate.