Meizu Note 21 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Clash of Price and Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a polished experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and long-term software support, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the clear winner. However, the Meizu Note 21 Pro offers remarkable value for budget-conscious gamers and users who prioritize a clean Android experience without breaking the bank.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Meizu Note 21 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66 - A3106 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3106 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 13 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | - | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) |
| Weight | - | 221 g (7.80 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Ceramic Shield glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) |
| OS | Flyme OS | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, AF 2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Single | 13 MP | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update 4.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4441 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Bay Blue, Sandstone, Marble | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
| Models | - | A2849, A3105, A3106, A3108, iPhone16,2 |
| Price | - | € 758.79 / $ 579.87 / £ 628.29 |
| SAR | - | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Meizu Note 21 Pro
- Significantly lower price point
- Clean Android experience
- Capable gaming performance for the price
- Inferior camera system
- Slower processor and graphics
- Slower charging speeds
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Exceptional camera quality
- Blazing-fast performance
- Long battery life and fast charging
- High price tag
- Ecosystem lock-in
- Less customization options compared to Android
Display Comparison
The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1787 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Meizu Note 21 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s unlikely to match the iPhone’s brightness. The iPhone’s likely use of LTPO technology allows for adaptive refresh rates, conserving battery life, a feature not confirmed on the Meizu. The iPhone’s superior panel technology and brightness will benefit users who consume a lot of outdoor content.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera system is a major strength, offering advanced features like ProRes video recording and sophisticated computational photography. While the Meizu Note 21 Pro’s camera capabilities are not detailed, it’s unlikely to compete with the iPhone’s image quality and versatility. The iPhone’s larger sensor and advanced image processing algorithms will result in better low-light performance and more dynamic range. The iPhone’s video capabilities are also significantly more advanced, making it the preferred choice for content creators.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Apple A17 Pro, fabricated on a 3nm process, is in a different league than the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). The A17 Pro’s hexa-core architecture (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) delivers significantly faster processing speeds and superior graphics performance. The Helio G99’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is adequate for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but will struggle with demanding titles and multitasking compared to the iPhone. The A17 Pro’s advanced GPU will provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 16:01h and an endurance rating of 118h. The Meizu Note 21 Pro’s 30W wired charging is relatively slow compared to the iPhone’s faster charging capabilities (50% in 30 min). The iPhone also supports 15W wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi2 (with iOS 17.2), offering convenient charging options. While the Meizu’s battery capacity is unknown, the iPhone’s superior efficiency and optimized software likely translate to longer real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Note 21 Pro if you need a capable gaming phone on a tight budget, value a near-stock Android experience, and don't require the latest and greatest in camera technology or long-term software updates. Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if you prefer a premium build quality, a best-in-class camera system, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and guaranteed software support for years to come.