The vivo Z5 and Meizu Note 9 represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a balanced experience, but they take different approaches to achieving it. The Z5 prioritizes raw processing power with the Snapdragon 712, while the Note 9 focuses on efficiency with the Snapdragon 675. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance in tasks like gaming and multitasking, the vivo Z5 is the better choice thanks to its Snapdragon 712. However, the Meizu Note 9 offers a more efficient chipset and a potentially longer battery life for everyday use, making it ideal for less demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, August | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 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, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora illusion, Bamboo Forest Night, Holographic illusion | Black, White, Starlight Blue |
| Models | V1921A, V1921T, 1921 | - |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 200 EUR |
vivo Z5
- Faster processor for demanding tasks
- Faster charging speeds (22.5W)
- Potentially better image processing
- Potentially lower battery life due to more powerful chipset
- May run warmer under heavy load
Meizu Note 9
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Potentially cooler operation
- Competitive price point
- Slower processor for demanding tasks
- Slower charging speeds (18W)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The choice between them will likely come down to color accuracy and peak brightness, which are unknown. Bezels are also likely comparable, typical of phones in this segment. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are unavailable beyond the chipsets. Assuming typical configurations for this price range, both phones likely feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 712 generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance in the Z5. However, software optimization plays a crucial role, and the Note 9 could potentially deliver competitive results. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible.
Performance
The vivo Z5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) offers a clear advantage over the Meizu Note 9’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm) in raw processing power. The 712’s Kryo 360 Gold cores run at 2.3 GHz, compared to the 675’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores. While the 675 benefits from a more efficient 11nm process, the 712’s higher clock speeds and architectural improvements translate to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. This difference will be most noticeable in graphically intensive games and demanding applications. The 10nm process of the SDM712, while older, still delivers sufficient performance without excessive heat generation.
Battery Life
The vivo Z5 features 22.5W wired charging, significantly faster than the Meizu Note 9’s 18W charging. This means the Z5 will charge from 0-100% considerably quicker. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 675 in the Note 9 could potentially offset the Z5’s faster charging with longer battery life during typical usage. The 22.5W charging on the Z5 is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5 if you frequently play mobile games, edit photos/videos, or generally need a phone that can handle demanding applications. Its Snapdragon 712 provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prioritize battery life, prefer a more streamlined user experience, and primarily use your phone for communication, social media, and light web browsing. The Snapdragon 675 offers excellent efficiency for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu Note 9 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG?
While the Snapdragon 675 is capable, it may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate in demanding games like PUBG. The vivo Z5’s Snapdragon 712 will provide a more consistent and higher-fidelity gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 22.5W charging on the vivo Z5 compared to the 18W charging on the Meizu Note 9?
The 22.5W charging on the Z5 will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge to be approximately 30-60 minutes faster on the Z5 compared to the Note 9, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z5 generate more heat than the Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu Note 9 during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 712 is more powerful and therefore *can* generate more heat under sustained load. However, vivo’s thermal management system will mitigate this. The Note 9 will likely remain cooler during extended gaming sessions or video recording.
