The Meizu 16 and Note 9 represent distinct approaches within Meizu’s lineup. The Note 9 aimed for accessible value, while the Meizu 16 positioned itself as a more premium, flagship-lite experience. This comparison dissects the core differences – from their chipsets to charging speeds – to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu 16 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Note 9’s Snapdragon 675, making it better suited for demanding tasks and future-proofing. While the Note 9 offers good value, the 16’s extra power justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153.1 x 74.4 x 8.7 mm (6.03 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) | 150.5 x 73.2 x 7.3 mm (5.93 x 2.88 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 7.2 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Flyme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 12 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.55µm, dual pixel PDAF, 4-axis OIS
20 MP, f/2.6, 1/2.6", 1.0µm |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama | Laser AF, Six-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, SBAS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3010 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Starlight Blue | Black, White |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 410 EUR |
Meizu Note 9
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset
- Good value for everyday tasks
- Significantly slower performance compared to the 16
- Less capable camera system
- Slower charging speeds
Meizu 16
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 845
- Faster 24W wired charging
- Likely better camera quality
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May run slightly warmer during intensive tasks
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided, the Meizu 16, being the higher-tier device, likely features a superior panel. The focus on a near bezel-less design in the 16 suggests a higher screen-to-body ratio. The Note 9, targeting a budget-conscious audience, likely utilizes a more cost-effective LCD panel. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely higher on the 16, enhancing the viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, we can infer that the Meizu 16 likely features a more capable camera system. Flagship devices typically prioritize larger sensors and wider apertures for improved low-light performance. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the 16’s image processing algorithms are likely more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and detail. The Note 9’s camera is likely adequate for casual photography, but the 16 will appeal to users who prioritize image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 16’s Snapdragon 845, built on a 10nm process, boasts significantly higher clock speeds (up to 2.8 GHz) compared to the Note 9’s Snapdragon 675 (2.0 GHz). This translates to a roughly 30-40% performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and a substantial boost in GPU performance. The 845’s Adreno 630 GPU will handle graphically demanding games with higher frame rates and settings than the 675’s Adreno 508. The 10nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but the Meizu 16’s 24W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Note 9’s 18W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time it takes to replenish the battery, offering greater convenience. While a larger battery capacity on the Note 9 could offset the slower charging, the 16’s faster charging is a more impactful benefit for most users, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prioritize affordability and efficient battery life for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It’s ideal for users who don’t need the absolute fastest performance. Buy the Meizu 16 if you demand smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive gaming experience. This is the phone for users who want a near-flagship experience without the flagship price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Note 9 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 675 can run these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Note 9 may experience occasional frame drops during intense scenes, whereas the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 will provide a much more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 24W charging on the Meizu 16 compared to the 18W charging on the Note 9 in real-world use?
The 24W charging on the Meizu 16 will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge to take approximately 1.5-2 hours, while the Note 9 could take closer to 2.5-3 hours. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 845 and 675 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference won't be dramatic. However, the Snapdragon 845 in the Meizu 16 will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, opening multiple tabs, or scrolling through content-heavy websites. The 845’s extra processing power ensures a smoother overall user experience.
