Meizu 20 Classic vs. iQOO Z7: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Meizu 20 Classic and vivo iQOO Z7 (China) represent distinct approaches to the competitive smartphone market. The Meizu aims for a premium experience with a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the iQOO Z7 focuses on delivering strong performance and blazing-fast charging at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device aligns with your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Meizu 20 Classic is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, the iQOO Z7’s 120W charging and more affordable price make it a compelling option for those prioritizing speed and value.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z7 (China) Meizu 20 Classic
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2023, March 202023, October 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, March 24Available. Released 2023, October 31
Body
Dimensions164.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)157.9 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.22 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight201.5 g (7.13 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 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)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 740
OSAndroid 13, OriginOS 3Android 13, Flyme 10
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaRing-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.4, 16mm, 122˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps8K, 4K, 1080p; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired67W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, OrangeGray, Silver, Green
ModelsV2270A-
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 400 EUR

vivo iQOO Z7 (China)

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • More affordable price point
  • Solid Snapdragon 782G performance for everyday tasks

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Potentially lower-quality display and camera system

Meizu 20 Classic

  • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Superior thermal efficiency
  • Likely higher-quality display and camera
  • Faster charging standard compatibility (PD3 PPS, QC4+)

  • Higher price tag
  • Slower 67W charging compared to the iQOO Z7

Display Comparison

While display specifications aren't provided, the Meizu 20 Classic, as a flagship, likely features a higher-quality panel with potentially LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to better battery life. The iQOO Z7, positioned in a lower segment, may utilize a standard AMOLED panel. Bezels are expected to be slimmer on the Meizu, enhancing the premium feel. Color accuracy is also likely superior on the Meizu, given its flagship status.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the Meizu 20 Classic, being a flagship, is expected to feature a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The lens aperture is also likely wider, allowing more light to reach the sensor. The iQOO Z7 likely employs a more cost-effective camera system, potentially sacrificing some image quality in challenging conditions. Image processing algorithms will also differ, with the Meizu likely offering more sophisticated features and a more natural look.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu 20 Classic’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant leap over the iQOO Z7’s Snapdragon 782G (6nm). The 8 Gen 2 boasts a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2GHz, alongside newer Cortex-A715 and A710 cores, offering substantially higher CPU and GPU performance. The 4nm process node also translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The iQOO Z7’s Cortex-A78 cores, while capable, are a generation behind and operate on a less efficient 6nm process. This means the Meizu will handle demanding games and applications with greater ease and maintain higher frame rates for longer periods. The Meizu will also benefit from faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

The iQOO Z7’s 120W wired charging is its standout feature, promising incredibly fast top-ups. While the Meizu 20 Classic offers 67W charging with PD3 PPS and QC4+ support, it’s significantly slower. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s superior efficiency may offset the battery capacity difference (assuming similar capacities). The iQOO Z7 will likely go from 0-100% in under 30 minutes, while the Meizu will take closer to an hour. The Meizu’s charging standards (PD3 PPS, QC4+) offer broader compatibility with various chargers.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Z7 (China) if you need incredibly fast charging and prioritize value for money, accepting a performance trade-off. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and enjoy mobile gaming at medium settings. Buy the Meizu 20 Classic if you demand top-tier performance for demanding tasks like video editing, high-end gaming, and want a more refined, flagship-level experience, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 782G in the iQOO Z7 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 782G is capable, Genshin Impact and similar titles will likely require reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios. The Meizu 20 Classic’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will handle these games at maximum settings with ease.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Meizu 20 Classic slow compared to the iQOO Z7's 120W?
Yes, 67W is considerably slower than 120W. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency means the Meizu 20 Classic may not require as frequent charging, mitigating the slower charging speed. Expect a full charge in around 60-75 minutes with the Meizu, versus under 30 minutes with the iQOO Z7.
❓ Will the iQOO Z7 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 782G is a relatively efficient chip, but prolonged gaming can lead to some thermal throttling. The iQOO Z7 likely incorporates cooling solutions, but it won't match the thermal management capabilities of the Meizu 20 Classic with its more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.