The smartphone landscape is increasingly segmented. The Meizu Note 21 represents a focus on affordability and efficiency, while the OnePlus 12R aims to deliver near-flagship performance at a competitive price. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, helping you determine which best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus 12R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 100W charging significantly outperform the Meizu Note 21. However, the Note 21 offers a compelling option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize efficiency over raw power.
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 13 | 2024, January 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, February 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | - | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels*, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits | LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Flyme OS | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, AF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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/6/7, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 100W wired, 100% in 26 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ivory, Diamond Black, Gulf Blue | Iron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune |
| Models | - | CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611 |
| Price | - | € 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) |
Meizu Note 21
- More affordable price point
- Potentially better power efficiency due to less powerful chipset
- Simpler user experience (likely)
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow charging speed (18W)
- Inferior display quality (likely)
OnePlus 12R
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Ultra-fast 100W charging
- Bright and vibrant display (1181 nits)
- Higher price tag
- Potentially more heat generation under heavy load
- Larger size and weight (likely)
Display Comparison
The OnePlus 12R boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1181 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Meizu Note 21. This translates to superior visibility outdoors. While the Note 21’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the 12R’s brightness advantage is substantial. We expect the 12R to have a higher contrast ratio and potentially better color accuracy, making it the better choice for media consumption. The absence of refresh rate data for the Note 21 further favors the 12R, which likely features a smoother experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Meizu Note 21, a direct comparison is limited. However, given its price point, we can assume a more basic camera system. The OnePlus 12R, while not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typically features a more robust camera setup in its class. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) also contributes to superior image processing capabilities, offering better dynamic range and low-light performance. We anticipate the 12R to deliver more consistent and higher-quality photos and videos.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is vast. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a flagship-tier chipset featuring a 1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 prime core, alongside high-performance Cortex-A715 and A710 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Meizu Note 21’s Unisoc T606 (12nm), which utilizes older Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The 12R will handle demanding games and applications with ease, while the Note 21 will likely struggle with graphically intensive tasks. The 12R’s likely LPDDR5x RAM further enhances performance.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 12R excels in charging speed with its 100W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes. The Meizu Note 21’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While the Note 21’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the 12R’s active use score of 14:32h demonstrates excellent battery life despite its powerful chipset. The faster charging of the 12R mitigates any potential concerns about battery drain, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Note 21 if you need a reliable, everyday smartphone with decent battery life and aren't demanding of intensive tasks like high-end gaming or video editing. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prioritize smooth performance in demanding applications, fast charging, and a brighter, more vibrant display, and are willing to spend a bit more for those features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Meizu Note 21 capable of running popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T606 can run these games, expect significantly reduced graphics settings and potential frame rate drops compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for competitive or graphically demanding titles.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R affect the long-term battery health?
OnePlus employs charging algorithms designed to mitigate the impact of fast charging on battery health. While all batteries degrade over time, the 12R's charging system prioritizes battery longevity by reducing charging speed as the battery approaches full capacity.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is efficient, but can generate heat under sustained load. The OnePlus 12R incorporates thermal management solutions to prevent overheating and throttling, but some warmth is expected during prolonged gaming. It's less likely to throttle than devices with less efficient chipsets.
❓ What type of display technology does the OnePlus 12R use (e.g., AMOLED, IPS)?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, OnePlus typically utilizes AMOLED displays in its R-series phones. This would contribute to the high brightness and vibrant colors observed in the 12R.
