Meizu 16 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Meizu 16 is a flagship smartphone that packs a punch with its impressive features and sleek design. With a stunning Super AMOLED display, measuring 6.0 inches, it offers a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and equipped with up to 8GB of RAM, this device ensures smooth multitasking and seamless performance. Capture breathtaking photos with its dual 12MP + 20MP rear camera setup, featuring advanced technologies like dual pixel PDAF and 4-axis OIS. The under-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of innovation to its sleek design. With a competitive price starting at around 410 EUR, the Meizu 16 offers great value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Meizu 16 boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its physical appearance is characterized by a slim and lightweight form factor, measuring 150.5 x 73.2 x 7.3 mm and weighing just 152g. The device features a Super AMOLED display with minimal bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The build quality of the Meizu 16 is commendable, as it is constructed using high-quality materials that enhance its durability and robustness. The back panel of the device has a smooth texture, providing a comfortable grip and ensuring one-handed usability. The finishing touches on the Meizu 16 are meticulous, giving it a refined and polished look. The buttons and controls are well-placed and responsive, contributing to the overall ergonomic design. With its premium look and feel, the Meizu 16 is a testament to the brand's attention to detail and commitment to delivering a top-notch user experience. Its compact dimensions and portability make it easy to carry around, while the sturdy construction instills confidence in its longevity. Overall, the Meizu 16 excels in both aesthetics and functionality, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a stylish and reliable smartphone.

Display

The Meizu 16 boasts a Super AMOLED display with a screen size of 6.0 inches, offering an immersive viewing experience. The display resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9 result in sharp and detailed visuals. The use of OLED technology ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The color accuracy and vibrancy of the display are commendable, making content, such as photos and videos, look stunning. The brightness levels are sufficient, providing good visibility even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the outdoor visibility is enhanced by the presence of an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare. The touch responsiveness of the display is smooth and precise, ensuring a seamless user experience. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass, offering durability and scratch resistance. With a pixel density of approximately 402 pixels per inch, the display delivers crisp and clear content. Although the refresh rate and HDR support are not explicitly mentioned, the wide color gamut and excellent viewing angles contribute to an enhanced visual experience. The Meizu 16 features slim bezels, resulting in a high screen-to-body ratio, maximizing the display area. It is worth mentioning that the device does not have a notch design, which some users may find appealing. Overall, the Meizu 16's display offers a visually pleasing and immersive experience, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and everyday use.

Performance

The Meizu 16 boasts an impressive performance thanks to its powerful chipset and GPU. Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) chipset and Adreno 630 GPU, this device delivers exceptional performance across various tasks and applications. Benchmarks and gaming benchmarks have shown that the Meizu 16 performs admirably in terms of CPU and GPU performance.

In CPU benchmarks, the Meizu 16 consistently achieves high scores, showcasing its processing power. The octa-core Kryo 385 Gold and Kryo 385 Silver processors clocked at 2.8 GHz and 1.7 GHz respectively, provide a seamless multitasking experience and smooth app loading speeds. The device handles demanding tasks with ease, allowing for a lag-free user experience.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Meizu 16 shines. The Adreno 630 GPU delivers impressive graphics scores and ensures a captivating gaming experience. Gamers can enjoy playing graphics-intensive games on this device without any noticeable frame drops or lag. The Meizu 16's GPU efficiency ensures smooth gameplay and visually stunning graphics.

Furthermore, the Meizu 16 showcases excellent thermal management and system optimization. Even during prolonged gaming sessions, the device maintains a reasonable temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent performance. The combination of efficient thermal management and system optimization contributes to the overall smooth and lag-free performance of the device.

Benchmark tests and synthetic benchmarks further highlight the Meizu 16's performance prowess. It consistently achieves competitive benchmark scores, positioning it among the top performers in its class. Whether it's running CPU-intensive tasks or demanding graphical applications, the Meizu 16 delivers impressive performance metrics.

Overall, the Meizu 16 excels in terms of performance. Its powerful chipset, GPU, and efficient thermal management contribute to a smooth user experience, making it a reliable device for both everyday tasks and gaming. With its high CPU and GPU benchmarks, the Meizu 16 proves to be a capable device that offers excellent processor efficiency and gaming capabilities.

Software and User Interface

The Meizu 16 runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Meizu's Flyme user interface overlay. The software experience on the Meizu 16 is a mixed bag according to reviews. The Flyme UI offers a unique and visually appealing interface with a minimalist design. It is smooth and responsive, providing a pleasant user experience. However, the software does come with some customization limitations. Users may find the lack of an app drawer and the inability to change the launcher to be restrictive. Additionally, the Flyme UI does not offer an app drawer, which means all installed apps are placed on the home screen. This can lead to a cluttered and disorganized home screen for users who prefer a more organized layout.

Another aspect of the software on the Meizu 16 is the presence of pre-installed apps. While some users appreciate the inclusion of useful apps such as the Meizu File Manager and the Meizu App Store, others consider them to be bloatware. These pre-installed apps cannot be uninstalled, which can be frustrating for users who prefer a cleaner software experience.

In terms of user-friendliness, the Flyme UI provides a simple and intuitive interface. The settings menu is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it convenient to customize various aspects of the device. The software also offers useful features like gesture navigation and a floating button for quick access to essential functions. However, there have been reports of occasional software bugs and inconsistencies, which can be a minor inconvenience for users.

Overall, the software on the Meizu 16 provides a unique and visually appealing user interface. While it may lack some customization options and include pre-installed apps that cannot be removed, it offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. The occasional software bugs can be a drawback, but they do not significantly impact the overall usability of the device.

Camera

The Meizu 16 boasts a powerful camera setup that captures stunning images in various conditions. The dual rear camera system consists of a 12-megapixel primary sensor with a wide f/1.8 aperture and a 20-megapixel secondary sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. This combination allows for excellent image quality with sharpness and detail. The 12-megapixel sensor has a focal length of 25mm, while the 20-megapixel sensor has a focal length of 27mm, providing versatility for different shooting scenarios.

In terms of image stabilization, the Meizu 16 features 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps reduce blurriness and ensures steady shots. This feature is particularly beneficial when capturing photos in low-light conditions or during handheld video recording.

The camera performs exceptionally well in daylight photography, capturing vibrant and natural colors with a good dynamic range. Indoor and outdoor photography also yield impressive results, thanks to the camera's ability to handle different lighting conditions effectively.

In low-light situations, the Meizu 16 excels with its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities. The camera's night mode further enhances low-light performance by capturing brighter and clearer images. This is particularly useful for capturing night scenes or dimly lit environments.

The camera offers various features to enhance your photography experience. These include portrait mode for stunning bokeh effects, HDR for improved dynamic range, and panorama mode for capturing wide scenic views. The pro mode allows manual control over settings, giving users more creative freedom. Additionally, the AI scene recognition feature intelligently detects different scenes and optimizes camera settings for the best results.

When it comes to video recording, the Meizu 16 can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, ensuring high-resolution footage. Video stabilization minimizes shakiness, resulting in smooth and steady videos. Slow-motion video and time-lapse features add further versatility to your video recording options. The device supports various video formats, allowing for easy sharing and compatibility with different platforms. Overall, the camera of the Meizu 16 delivers impressive performance and versatility, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Meizu 16 boasts a Li-Ion 3010 mAh non-removable battery, which offers decent battery life for everyday use. With its power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and optimized software, the device can provide a satisfactory screen-on time and standby time. The battery optimization features help in maximizing battery performance by intelligently managing background processes and app usage. The device supports 24W wired fast charging, allowing for quick charging times. However, it lacks wireless charging options. The battery capacity is sufficient for moderate usage, but heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge during the day. Overall, the Meizu 16's battery offers a decent backup, but users may need to rely on the fast charging capabilities to keep up with their usage patterns.

Connectivity and Networking

The Meizu 16 offers a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless communication and data transfer. It supports various network compatibility including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, allowing users to stay connected in different regions. The device features dual SIM support, enabling users to easily switch between two SIM cards for better convenience. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Meizu 16 offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing for fast and reliable internet access. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides improved data transfer speeds and better compatibility with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, the Meizu 16 comes with USB Type-C 2.0 for fast charging and data transfer. It does not have NFC capabilities, which may be a drawback for users who rely on this feature for contactless payments or quick file sharing. However, it compensates with GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, SBAS, and QZSS support, providing accurate navigation and location services. Overall, the Meizu 16 offers a solid range of connectivity options, ensuring users can stay connected and enjoy fast data speeds for a seamless mobile experience.

Additional Features

• Standout features: The Meizu 16 boasts a sleek and compact design, with a Super AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. Its dual-camera setup on the rear captures stunning photos, thanks to features like dual pixel PDAF, laser autofocus, and 4-axis OIS. The device also comes with an under-display fingerprint sensor, providing a seamless and secure unlocking experience.


• Water resistance and dust resistance: Although the Meizu 16 does not have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, it does offer some level of protection against accidental spills and light rain. However, it is not recommended to submerge the device in water or expose it to harsh environments.


• Wireless charging: Unfortunately, the Meizu 16 does not support wireless charging out of the box. Users will have to rely on traditional wired charging using the included USB Type-C cable and a compatible power adapter.


• Advanced sensors: In addition to the standard set of sensors like the accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, the Meizu 16 also features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor. This sensor allows users to unlock the device by simply placing their finger on the screen, adding an extra layer of convenience and security.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Meizu 16 stands out as a competitive device in the market, offering a range of features and specifications that make it a contender among related gadgets. When comparing it to other smartphones in its category, such as the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the OnePlus 6T, the Meizu 16 holds its own with its impressive performance and value for money.

In terms of specifications, the Meizu 16 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, which is also found in devices like the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the OnePlus 6T. This ensures smooth and efficient performance, making it ideal for multitasking and gaming. The Meizu 16 also offers a Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, providing crisp visuals and vibrant colors.

One area where the Meizu 16 excels is its camera capabilities. With a dual-camera setup featuring a 12MP main sensor and a 20MP secondary sensor, the Meizu 16 delivers stunning photos with great detail and clarity. This puts it on par with devices like the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the OnePlus 6T, which are known for their camera performance.

In terms of pricing, the Meizu 16 is competitively positioned. With a price tag of around 410 EUR, it offers a good balance between affordability and high-end features. Compared to devices like the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the OnePlus 6T, which are priced similarly, the Meizu 16 offers similar performance and features, making it a worthy competitor in the market.

Overall, the Meizu 16 stands out as a solid choice among related gadgets in the market. Its impressive performance, camera capabilities, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender against devices like the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the OnePlus 6T. With its unique features and value for money, the Meizu 16 carves out its place in the competitive landscape of smartphones.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

The Meizu 16 is a compelling smartphone that offers a balanced combination of features and performance. Its sleek design, with a Super AMOLED display and high screen-to-body ratio, provides an immersive viewing experience. Powered by a Snapdragon 845 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, it delivers smooth multitasking and gaming performance. The camera setup, featuring a dual rear camera and a high-resolution front camera, captures stunning photos and videos. However, the absence of expandable storage and NFC might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Meizu 16 is a solid option for potential buyers seeking a powerful and stylish smartphone.