Meizu C9 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 C9 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features at an affordable price. With its sleek design and compact size, it fits perfectly in your hand. The 5.45-inch IGZO IPS LCD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making your multimedia experience truly enjoyable. Powered by an Unisoc SC9832E chipset and Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, this device ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. The 13MP rear camera captures stunning photos, while the 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies. With a 3000mAh removable battery, you can stay connected all day long. Available in black and blue, the Meizu C9 is a great choice for those looking for a feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The Meizu C9 boasts a compact and sleek design that is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed for comfortable use. With dimensions of 146.2 x 71.2 x 9.7 mm and weighing just 150g, it is lightweight and easily portable. The device features a 5.45-inch IGZO IPS LCD display with thin bezels, offering a good screen-to-body ratio of approximately 73.6%. The screen resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels provides a decent pixel density of around 295 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The back panel of the Meizu C9 is made of durable materials, giving it a sturdy and robust feel. The construction and build quality are commendable, making it a reliable device. The device is available in black and blue colors, adding to its sleek and premium look. The finishing touches on the Meizu C9 are well-done, giving it a polished appearance. The placement of buttons and controls is convenient, allowing for easy access and one-handed usability. The device also offers a good grip, further enhancing its ergonomics. Overall, the Meizu C9 impresses with its form factor, lightweight design, and durable build, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a premium look and feel.

Display

The Meizu C9 features a 5.45-inch IGZO IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. The screen size and resolution provide a decent viewing experience for everyday use. The LCD technology ensures good color accuracy and vibrancy, allowing for a visually pleasing display. The brightness levels are satisfactory, ensuring good visibility even in outdoor conditions. The touch responsiveness of the screen is smooth and accurate, providing a seamless user experience.

In terms of display protection, the Meizu C9 does not mention the presence of any specific protective layer such as Gorilla Glass. However, it is advisable to use a screen protector to safeguard the display from scratches and accidental damage. The pixel density of the display is around 295 pixels per inch, which is adequate for a device in this price range.

The Meizu C9 does not mention any specific features like HDR, wide color gamut, or anti-reflective coating. It also does not have a notch design and has noticeable bezels around the screen, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of around 73.6%. The device does not offer an always-on display feature or a blue light filter for reducing eye strain. However, it does have adaptive brightness, which adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Overall, the display of the Meizu C9 is suitable for everyday use, providing decent color accuracy, brightness levels, and touch responsiveness. However, it lacks some advanced features and protective measures found in higher-end devices.

Performance

The Meizu C9, released in December 2018, offers a decent performance for its price range. Powered by the Unisoc SC9832E chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the device provides smooth user experience and lag-free performance for everyday tasks. It also comes with a Mali-820MP1 GPU, which ensures satisfactory gaming capabilities and graphics scores.

In terms of CPU performance, the Meizu C9 performs adequately for its price point. It handles multitasking well, allowing users to switch between apps without significant slowdowns. The processor's efficiency, coupled with system optimization, contributes to app loading speeds and overall smooth operation.

When it comes to gaming performance, the Meizu C9 offers a satisfactory experience for casual mobile gamers. The Mali-820MP1 GPU performs decently, enabling users to play popular games without major issues. While it may not handle demanding, graphics-intensive games at the highest settings, it still provides a satisfactory gaming experience for its price range.

In benchmark tests, the Meizu C9 performs reasonably well. Synthetic benchmarks indicate its overall performance metrics, including CPU and GPU efficiency. While it may not achieve top-tier scores, it delivers a commendable performance considering its affordable price tag.

The Meizu C9 also boasts efficient thermal management, ensuring that the device remains cool during prolonged use. This is particularly important for gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks, as it helps to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.

Overall, the Meizu C9 offers a respectable performance considering its budget-friendly nature. Its chipset and GPU deliver satisfactory results in both everyday tasks and gaming experiences. While it may not compete with higher-end devices in terms of raw power, it provides a smooth and lag-free user experience, making it a suitable choice for users seeking an affordable smartphone with decent performance capabilities.

Software and User Interface

The Meizu C9 runs on the Android 8.0 (Oreo) operating system, with the Flyme UI customization on top. This combination offers a familiar and user-friendly interface to navigate through the device. The operating system provides a smooth and responsive performance, allowing users to seamlessly switch between apps and perform tasks efficiently.

One of the advantages of the Meizu C9's software is the absence of excessive pre-installed apps or bloatware. This ensures that users have more storage space and can personalize their device according to their preferences. The device comes with a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand the internal storage if needed.

The Flyme UI customization adds a touch of uniqueness to the user experience. It offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate through the various settings and features. The customization also includes additional features and optimizations to enhance the overall performance of the device.

The Meizu C9's software also includes essential features such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enable various functionalities like screen rotation, automatic brightness adjustment, and accurate positioning. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for seamless internet connectivity and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless file sharing and connecting to other devices.

Overall, the software of the Meizu C9 provides a user-friendly interface, efficient performance, and essential features without unnecessary bloatware. The Android 8.0 operating system, coupled with the Flyme UI customization, offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize simplicity and efficiency in their smartphone usage.

Camera

The Meizu C9 is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, allowing for decent image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera performs well in daylight photography, capturing natural colors and good sharpness. It also offers a panorama mode, which enables users to capture wide-angle shots with ease. With features like LED flash and autofocus, it ensures clear and focused images. The camera supports video recording at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second, providing smooth and detailed videos. However, it lacks advanced features like 4K video recording and video stabilization, limiting its capabilities in terms of video quality and smoothness. In low-light situations, the camera struggles a bit, as the sensor size and low-light sensitivity are not optimal, resulting in some noise and reduced dynamic range. The absence of a dedicated night mode further affects the low-light performance. Overall, while the Meizu C9's camera is satisfactory for everyday photography needs, it may not be the best choice for those seeking advanced camera features or exceptional low-light performance.

Battery Life

The Meizu C9 is equipped with a Li-Ion 3000 mAh removable battery, which offers a decent battery capacity for its price range. The battery life of the device is satisfactory, providing a good balance between screen-on time and standby time. While it may not have advanced charging technologies like fast charging or wireless charging options, the device still manages to offer a reliable and efficient charging experience through its microUSB 2.0 port. The battery optimization features of the Meizu C9 ensure that power efficiency is maximized, allowing users to make the most out of their device without worrying about excessive battery drain. Overall, the battery performance of the Meizu C9 is commendable, providing users with a reliable battery backup and longevity.

Connectivity and Networking

The Meizu C9 offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network compatibility, ensuring a reliable connection wherever you are. The device features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing you to connect to wireless networks for internet access. Bluetooth 4.1 is also available, enabling you to connect to other devices and accessories wirelessly. GPS and GLONASS are included for accurate navigation, ensuring you never get lost. The Meizu C9 does not have NFC capabilities, so contactless payments and file transfers are not possible. It also lacks a USB-C port, relying on a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This is convenient for those who travel frequently or need to separate personal and work numbers. Overall, the Meizu C9 provides a range of connectivity options to suit your needs, although it may not have the latest features like 5G or wireless charging.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Meizu C9 offers a range of standout features that make it a compelling choice. With its bright and vibrant display, the C9 provides an immersive viewing experience. The device also comes with a good rear camera that captures detailed and sharp images. Additionally, the C9 supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to conveniently manage their personal and professional contacts on one device.



• Water and Dust Resistance: Unfortunately, the Meizu C9 does not come with any water or dust resistance capabilities. This means that users should exercise caution when using the device in wet or dusty environments to avoid any damage.



• Wireless Charging: The Meizu C9 does not support wireless charging. Users will need to rely on traditional charging methods using the included microUSB cable.



• Advanced Sensors: The C9 is equipped with a range of sensors including an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors allow for enhanced functionality and improved user experience, such as automatic screen rotation and proximity-based features.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Meizu C9 is a budget smartphone that offers decent features at an affordable price. When comparing it with related gadgets in the market, it stands out as a competitive option in its price range.

One of its competitors is the Xiaomi Redmi Go, which shares similar specifications and price point. Both devices come with a compact size and lightweight design, making them ideal for one-handed usage. However, the Meizu C9 offers a slightly larger display at 5.45 inches compared to the 5-inch screen of the Redmi Go. Additionally, the Meizu C9 comes with a higher resolution display, providing a sharper visual experience.

In terms of performance, the Meizu C9 is equipped with a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, which is comparable to other smartphones in this price range. However, it may struggle with intensive multitasking and resource-heavy applications. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Go also features a quad-core processor but has only 1GB of RAM, which may result in slightly slower performance.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Meizu C9 sports a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, allowing users to capture decent photos and selfies. While it may not offer the same level of image quality as flagship devices, it delivers satisfactory results for everyday use. The Xiaomi Redmi Go, on the other hand, features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, which is a slight downgrade compared to the Meizu C9.

In terms of pricing, the Meizu C9 is positioned as an affordable option, priced at around 90 EUR. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Meizu C9 offers a good balance of features and affordability. While it may not have the same level of performance and camera capabilities as higher-end smartphones, it provides decent value for money in its price range.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Meizu C9 offers a decent package for its affordable price. With its bright and vibrant display, good rear camera, and solid build quality, it is a worthy option for budget-conscious buyers. The phone's compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold and carry around. However, it is important to note that the phone's performance might not be as snappy as higher-end devices, as it is equipped with a lower-end chipset and limited RAM. Additionally, the absence of certain features like NFC and a fingerprint sensor may be a downside for some users. Nevertheless, considering its price point, the Meizu C9 is a reliable choice for those looking for a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank.