The Meizu Note 8 and Note 9 represent successive iterations in Meizu’s budget-focused Note series. While both aim to deliver a compelling smartphone experience without breaking the bank, a key difference lies in their underlying chipsets. The Note 9’s Snapdragon 675 promises a substantial performance leap over the Note 8’s Snapdragon 632, but this comes with trade-offs. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Meizu Note 9 is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 675 delivers noticeably faster performance for gaming and multitasking, making it a more future-proof option. While the Note 8 boasts faster 24W charging, the Note 9’s improved processing power outweighs this advantage for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - China |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2018, October. Released 2018, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153.1 x 74.4 x 8.7 mm (6.03 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) | 153.6 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.05 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 168 g (5.93 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 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 7.2 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), Flyme 7.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Starlight Blue | Black, Blue, Red, Pink |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Meizu Note 9
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 675)
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Slower charging speed (18W vs 24W)
- Potentially higher price point
Meizu Note 8
- Faster charging speed (24W)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 632)
- Less efficient chipset, potentially shorter battery life under load
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games
Display Comparison
Neither Meizu nor available documentation specifies display details beyond size. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The core difference lies within the processing power driving the display. The Snapdragon 675’s more powerful GPU will translate to smoother animations and potentially better graphics rendering, even if the panels themselves are similar. The absence of high refresh rate support on either device means the GPU advantage is primarily felt in graphically intensive applications.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature similar sensor configurations geared towards the budget market. The Snapdragon 675’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 632’s, potentially leading to better image processing, improved dynamic range, and faster image capture speeds on the Note 9. While the megapixel count may be similar, the Note 9’s ISP will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a more powerful ISP also enables more advanced features like improved HDR and potentially better video stabilization.
Performance
The most significant difference between these two phones is the chipset. The Meizu Note 9’s Snapdragon 675, built on an 11nm process, represents a substantial upgrade over the Note 8’s Snapdragon 632 (14nm). The 675’s Kryo 460 cores – a mix of 2x2.0 GHz Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Silver – offer a more efficient and powerful architecture than the 632’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Silver configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The smaller 11nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during prolonged use. Users who frequently play mobile games or run demanding applications will see a clear benefit from the Note 9.
Battery Life
The Meizu Note 9 features 18W wired charging, while the Note 8 supports 24W. This means the Note 8 will charge faster from 0-100%, a key advantage for users who prioritize minimizing downtime. However, the Snapdragon 675 in the Note 9 is more power-efficient than the 632. This improved efficiency could offset the slower charging speed in real-world usage, potentially resulting in comparable or even better overall battery life, depending on usage patterns. The 11nm process node contributes significantly to this efficiency gain.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prioritize smooth performance for demanding apps, gaming, and future software updates. Its Snapdragon 675 chipset provides a tangible upgrade in responsiveness. Buy the Meizu Note 8 if rapid charging is your absolute top priority and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. The 24W charging will minimize downtime, but be prepared for slower overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Note 9 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a playable frame rate. While it won't deliver the same experience as a flagship chipset, it provides a significant improvement over the Snapdragon 632 in the Note 8, offering a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Meizu Note 8 compared to the Note 9 in real-world use?
The Note 8’s 24W charging can potentially shave off around 30-45 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Note 9’s 18W charging. However, the Note 9’s more efficient processor may reduce the frequency of needing a full charge, mitigating the difference in charging speed for many users.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 675 offer any benefits for video recording?
Yes, the Snapdragon 675’s improved ISP supports better video stabilization and potentially higher-quality video recording, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It may also offer features like slow-motion video recording at higher frame rates.
