The Realme V3 and Meizu Note 9 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme V3 leverages the newer Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset, bringing 5G connectivity to the table, while the Meizu Note 9 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, a proven performer in its class. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and slightly better performance, the Realme V3 emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 720 chipset provides a noticeable uplift in processing power and 5G support, despite both phones sharing the same 18W charging. However, the Meizu Note 9 remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable device at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 10 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 153.1 x 74.4 x 8.7 mm (6.03 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Black, White, Starlight Blue |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Realme V3
- More powerful Dimensity 720 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Software support may be less consistent than Meizu
- Price may be slightly higher
Meizu Note 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Snapdragon 675 performance for everyday tasks
- Established brand with a dedicated user base
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Older chipset with less future-proofing
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Meizu provided display specs in the context data. Given the price bracket, both likely feature LCD panels with 1080p+ resolution. However, the Realme V3, being a newer device, *may* benefit from slightly improved color calibration and brightness. The absence of high refresh rates is expected in this segment, and both devices will likely have standard 60Hz panels. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role. The Dimensity 720 includes an ISP capable of handling higher resolution sensors and more advanced image processing algorithms. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Realme V3 *potentially* benefits from better low-light performance and dynamic range due to its more capable image signal processor. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone prioritizes optical image stabilization in this price range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme V3’s Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture than the Meizu Note 9’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 7nm process node generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing the Dimensity 720 to sustain peak performance for longer periods. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with similar clock speeds (2.0 GHz for the primary cores), the Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 720 offer a significant architectural advantage over the Kryo 460 Gold cores in the Snapdragon 675, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This benefits app launch times, multitasking, and gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 18W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but given the market segment, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Dimensity 720’s superior power efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer battery life for the Realme V3, especially during demanding tasks. However, real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns and software optimization.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V3 if you need 5G connectivity for faster data speeds and anticipate using demanding applications or games. Its Dimensity 720 chipset offers a performance advantage for multitasking and future software updates. Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prioritize a potentially lower price and a well-established, if less frequently updated, software experience. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and light gaming, but lacks the forward-looking features of the Realme V3.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme V3's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in my daily use?
The benefit of 5G depends heavily on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, especially for streaming and large file transfers. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the difference will be minimal.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu Note 9 still capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Dimensity 720 in the Realme V3 will offer a more consistent gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Meizu's Flyme OS?
Realme UI is known for its near-stock Android experience with some added customizations, while Flyme OS is more heavily customized and offers a unique user interface. Flyme OS has historically been less consistent with updates compared to Realme UI.
