OnePlus 6T McLaren vs. Meizu Note 16: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus 6T McLaren, released as a premium variant of the 6T, represents a peak in Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 era. The Meizu Note 16, utilizing the Unisoc T8200, aims to deliver a competitive experience at a potentially lower price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on how their chipsets and charging capabilities impact real-world usage.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and a smoother experience with demanding applications, the OnePlus 6T McLaren is the clear winner. However, the Meizu Note 16 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking efficient 40W charging and a potentially more affordable price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Meizu Note 16 OnePlus 6T McLaren
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, May 132018, December 11. Released 2018, December 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 16Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions167.6 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.60 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm (6.20 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.41 inches, 100.9 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 1050 nits (peak)Optic AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetUnisoc T8200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 630
OSFlyme AIOS 2Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, OxygenOS 10
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 10GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP, f/2.416 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS 20 MP (16 MP effective), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm, PDAF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.016 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 -Dirac HD sound
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging40W wired, QC3+30W wired, 50% in 20 min
Type6600 mAhLi-Po 3700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, RedSpeed Orange
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 700 EUR
Tests
Performance- AnTuTu: 292716 (v7) GeekBench: 9005 (v4.4)

Meizu Note 16

  • Faster 40W wired charging with QC3+ support
  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • Efficient 6nm Unisoc T8200 chipset

  • Significantly lower CPU and GPU performance
  • Likely less advanced camera capabilities
  • Potentially limited software support

OnePlus 6T McLaren

  • Superior CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 845
  • Advanced image processing capabilities
  • Likely better build quality and software support

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price
  • 10nm process less efficient than 6nm

Display Comparison

While specific display details are unavailable for the Meizu Note 16, both phones likely feature AMOLED panels common in their respective price brackets. The OnePlus 6T McLaren benefits from the Snapdragon 845's image signal processor, potentially leading to slightly more accurate color reproduction. The 10nm process of the Snapdragon 845 also contributes to better thermal management during sustained display usage, preventing potential brightness throttling. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both devices, reflecting design trends of the time.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 845’s image signal processor (ISP) in the OnePlus 6T McLaren offers advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The OnePlus 6T McLaren likely features optical image stabilization (OIS) on its main sensor, a feature often found in flagship devices, providing sharper images and smoother video recording. The Meizu Note 16’s camera performance will likely be adequate for everyday photography, but may struggle in challenging lighting conditions compared to the OnePlus.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 6T McLaren’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm) boasts a Kryo 385 CPU configuration with peak clock speeds of 2.8 GHz, offering significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Meizu Note 16’s Unisoc T8200 (6nm). The Snapdragon 845’s Adreno 630 GPU also provides a substantial advantage in graphics processing. While the Unisoc T8200’s 6nm process is more efficient, the architectural advantages of the Snapdragon 845 translate to a more responsive and capable user experience, particularly for gaming and demanding applications. The 6nm node on the Unisoc T8200 will likely result in lower power consumption during less intensive tasks.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 6T McLaren offers 30W wired charging with a claimed 50% charge in 20 minutes. The Meizu Note 16, however, takes the lead with 40W wired charging and QC3+ support. While the OnePlus 6T McLaren’s battery capacity is unknown, the faster charging speed of the Meizu Note 16 is a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The Unisoc T8200’s 6nm process may contribute to slightly better battery life during light usage, but the Snapdragon 845’s optimizations could offset this difference during more demanding tasks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Meizu Note 16 if you need a phone with exceptionally fast 40W wired charging and are comfortable with a chipset that prioritizes efficiency over peak performance. This phone is ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate gaming. Buy the OnePlus 6T McLaren if you prefer a significantly more powerful processor for demanding games, multitasking, and future-proofing, and are willing to accept slightly slower charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T8200 in the Meizu Note 16 capable of running demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
While the Unisoc T8200 can run these games, expect lower graphics settings and potentially frame rate drops compared to the Snapdragon 845 in the OnePlus 6T McLaren. The T8200 is better suited for less graphically intensive titles or playing at lower settings to maintain a smooth experience.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Meizu Note 16 compare to other phones with 40W charging?
The Meizu Note 16's 40W charging is competitive with other phones offering similar wattage. Expect a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on battery capacity. The inclusion of QC3+ further optimizes the charging process for compatible chargers.
❓ Will the OnePlus 6T McLaren still receive software updates in 2024?
Official software support from OnePlus for the 6T McLaren has likely ended. However, the active Android custom ROM community provides options for users who wish to continue receiving security updates and new features.