Released in different eras of the mid-range market, the Meizu Note 16 and Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) represent distinct approaches to delivering value. The Note 16, arriving later, leverages a more modern chipset, while the A9 (2018) prioritized battery endurance and a well-rounded feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Meizu Note 16 is the better choice. Its Unisoc T8200 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a performance edge over the older Snapdragon 660 in the Galaxy A9. However, the A9’s 88-hour endurance rating remains a compelling advantage for heavy users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 13 | 2018, October. Released 2018, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 16 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.60 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 162.5 x 77 x 7.8 mm (6.40 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 217 g (7.65 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1050 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T8200 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Flyme AIOS 2 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 24 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm, PDAF
10 MP f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.9", 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 24 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, QC3+ | 18W wired |
| Type | 6600 mAh | Li-Ion 3800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red | Caviar Black, Lemonade Blue, Bubblegum Pink |
| Models | - | SM-A920F, SM-A9200, SM-A920N, SM-A920X |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -93.8dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 88h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.220 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 77dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 140500 (v7)
GeekBench: 5763 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu Note 16
- Faster charging with 40W support
- More modern chipset (Unisoc T8200) for better performance
- Potentially better thermal management due to 6nm process
- Battery life is unknown and may be lower than the A9
- Camera specifications are not detailed
Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018)
- Exceptional battery life with 88-hour endurance rating
- Likely superior display quality with Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology
- Potentially more refined camera system
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 660) with lower performance
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu Note 16 and Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, rated at 4.220 in sunlight, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel technology (AMOLED vs. LCD) or resolution. Given Samsung’s history, the A9 likely utilizes a Super AMOLED panel, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the Note 16’s panel type remains unknown. Without further data, a definitive display quality assessment is impossible, but Samsung’s display expertise gives it a potential edge.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Galaxy A9 (2018) likely features a more refined camera system, leveraging Samsung’s image processing algorithms. The Note 16’s camera performance is likely adequate, but may not match the A9’s in low-light conditions or dynamic range. The absence of details makes a conclusive assessment impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu Note 16’s Unisoc T8200, fabricated on a 6nm process, boasts a more modern architecture (Cortex-A76 and A55 cores) compared to the Samsung Galaxy A9’s 14nm Snapdragon 660 (Kryo 260 cores). The 6nm node translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A76 cores in the Unisoc chip are generally more powerful than the Kryo 260 Gold cores. This suggests the Note 16 will offer a snappier experience in demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) shines with an impressive endurance rating of 88 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Meizu Note 16’s battery capacity is unknown, its 40W wired charging (with QC3+ support) significantly surpasses the A9’s 18W charging. This means the Note 16 can replenish its battery much faster, even if its overall capacity is smaller. The A9 prioritizes longevity, while the Note 16 focuses on quick top-ups. The choice depends on user habits – frequent charging vs. extended use between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Note 16 if you need a phone with quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly faster 40W charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently game or stream content. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) if you prioritize all-day battery life and a consistently reliable experience, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. It’s a solid choice for users who primarily use their phone for communication, social media, and light tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T8200 in the Meizu Note 16 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Unisoc T8200’s 6nm process should provide better thermal efficiency than the Snapdragon 660’s 14nm process. This means it’s less likely to overheat and experience significant performance throttling during prolonged gaming, but real-world performance will depend on the phone’s cooling solution.
❓ Is the 88-hour battery life of the Galaxy A9 (2018) realistic for typical usage?
The 88-hour endurance rating is based on Samsung’s testing methodology, which includes a mix of usage scenarios. Real-world battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns, screen brightness, and network conditions. However, it consistently demonstrates excellent battery performance, even under heavy use.
❓ Can the Meizu Note 16 fully charge from 0% to 100% in under an hour with the 40W charger?
Yes, the 40W charging with QC3+ support should allow the Meizu Note 16 to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 45-60 minutes, significantly faster than the Galaxy A9’s 18W charging.
