vivo S5 vs Meizu 16s Pro: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The vivo S5 and Meizu 16s Pro represent interesting points in the smartphone landscape. The S5 aimed for a balance of features and affordability, while the 16s Pro, though older, packed flagship-level hardware. This comparison dissects the core differences between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 powering the S5 and the Snapdragon 855+ in the 16s Pro, helping you determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Meizu 16s Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ offers a substantial leap in processing power and GPU performance over the vivo S5’s Snapdragon 712. However, the S5 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize efficiency and a more modern design.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S5 Meizu 16s Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, November. Released 2019, November2019, August. Released 2019, August
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions157.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)151.9 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm (5.98 x 2.89 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)166 g (5.86 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2232 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 616Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaSix-LED dual-tone flash, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 20MP, f/2.6, (telephoto), 1/2.8", 1.0µm, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm20MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging22.5W wired24W wired
Type4100 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3600 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsIcelandic Blue, Phantom Blue, Star BlackTwilight Forest, Dream Unicorn, Black Mirror, White story
ModelsV1932A-
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 340 EUR

vivo S5

  • More power-efficient chipset (Snapdragon 712)
  • Likely more affordable price point
  • Potentially more modern design aesthetic

  • Significantly lower performance compared to the 855+
  • Less capable GPU for gaming and demanding apps
  • May struggle with future software updates

Meizu 16s Pro

  • Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 855+
  • Superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks
  • More future-proof due to powerful hardware

  • Less power-efficient chipset
  • Potentially higher price (even used)
  • Older device, potentially limited software support

Display Comparison

While specific display details (resolution, panel type) are missing, the core difference lies in the processing power needed to drive them. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels, common for the era. However, the Snapdragon 855+ in the Meizu 16s Pro has a significantly more powerful GPU, enabling smoother rendering of high-resolution content and higher refresh rates if supported. The S5’s SD712 would struggle to maintain consistent performance with demanding display settings.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the processing power of the Snapdragon 855+ in the Meizu 16s Pro allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The 855+’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is significantly more capable than the one found in the Snapdragon 712, enabling faster image capture and more complex computational photography features. The S5 would likely rely more on software optimization to compensate for its less powerful hardware.

Performance

The heart of the difference is the chipset. The Meizu 16s Pro’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo S5’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm). The 855+ features a Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.96 GHz, compared to the S5’s Kryo 360 Gold at 2.3 GHz. This translates to a roughly 35-40% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks and a 25-30% boost in GPU performance. The 7nm process node of the 855+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The S5’s 10nm process, while efficient, simply can’t compete with the raw power of the 855+.

Battery Life

Both phones offer relatively fast wired charging at 22.5W and 24W respectively. The slight advantage of the Meizu 16s Pro’s 24W charging is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable in real-world usage. Battery capacity is not specified, but the more efficient Snapdragon 855+ could potentially offset a smaller battery size compared to the S5. However, the S5’s Snapdragon 712 is inherently more power-efficient at idle and during less demanding tasks, potentially leading to longer standby times.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S5 if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on battery efficiency and a more contemporary aesthetic. It’s ideal for casual users, social media enthusiasts, and those who don’t demand the absolute highest performance. Buy the Meizu 16s Pro if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and a smoother overall experience. It’s the better choice for power users, mobile gamers, and anyone who wants a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo S5 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 712 will likely struggle to run these games at high settings consistently. You’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a playable experience. The Snapdragon 855+ in the Meizu 16s Pro is far better equipped to handle these titles at higher settings.
❓ Is the Meizu 16s Pro still a good buy in [current year], considering its age?
Despite being an older device, the Meizu 16s Pro remains a viable option, especially if you prioritize performance. The Snapdragon 855+ is still a capable chipset. However, consider the potential for limited software updates and battery degradation due to age.
❓ How much of a difference will I notice in everyday tasks like browsing and social media between these two phones?
For basic tasks, the difference won't be dramatic. Both phones will handle browsing and social media smoothly. However, the Meizu 16s Pro will feel noticeably snappier and more responsive when multitasking or switching between apps due to its more powerful processor and likely more RAM.