In the ever-competitive midrange smartphone market, the Meizu 21 Note stands out with an impressive array of high-end features that are often reserved for flagship devices. At its price point, this phone is aimed at users who want premium specs without breaking the bank.
If you're a tech enthusiast looking for cutting-edge performance, or someone who enjoys multimedia and gaming, the Meizu 21 Note promises to deliver. However, if the absence of expandable storage and 3.5 mm headphone jack is a deal-breaker for you, you might want to look elsewhere.
Let's dive into the detailed specifications and features that make the Meizu 21 Note a compelling choice in its segment.
Body and Build Quality
The Meizu 21 Note strikes a balance between elegance and durability. It measures 162.4×76.9×8.2 mm and weighs 205 grams, making it substantial yet manageable. The phone's construction offers a blend of premium feel and robustness. Available in classic Black and White, it appeals to those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 162.4 mm (6.39″), W: 76.9 mm (3.03″), D: 8.2 mm (0.32″) |
| Mass | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Material | Glass front; plastic back; aluminum frame |
| Colors | Black, White |
Those dimensions make the Meizu 21 Note a substantial device, but not overly bulky. It will fit in most pockets, but its size might make it a bit cumbersome in tighter jeans. For those who carry their phones in bags, the added weight is minimal and shouldn’t be an issue. The 8.2 mm thickness strikes a good balance between slimness and durability, providing a solid grip without feeling too thick.
At 205 grams, the this phone is on the heavier side compared to some of its midrange competitors. While this weight gives it a premium feel, it might be noticeable during prolonged one-handed use. However, the balanced weight distribution helps in maintaining comfort during long sessions.
The Meizu 21 Note combines a glass front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. The plastic back is lightweight and can absorb shocks better than glass, reducing the risk of shattering. However, it may not feel as premium as glass or metal and can be prone to scratches. On the upside, it’s less likely to crack or break upon impact.
The aluminum frame adds rigidity and strength to the device, preventing it from bending and providing a solid feel. It also enhances the overall look, giving the phone a sleek, metallic edge. Compared to plastic, aluminum is more durable and looks more sophisticated, but it can dent and scratch more easily than steel or titanium.
The Meizu 21 Note comes in two classic colors: Black and White. Each color has its own personality and appeal:
- Black: This color suits professionals and users who prefer a sleek, understated look. It’s classic, versatile, and less likely to show smudges and dirt. Black often appeals to those who want their device to have a sophisticated, business-like appearance.
- White: The white variant is fresh and modern, appealing to users who want their device to stand out with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It might show dirt and smudges more easily than black, but it offers a bright and stylish look that many find appealing.
In summary, the Meizu 21 Note’s design balances durability, aesthetic appeal, and comfort. While its weight and size might be slightly on the larger side, they contribute to a solid and premium feel in hand. The combination of a plastic back and aluminum frame offers a mix of durability and sleek design, catering to both practical and stylistic needs. Overall, the Meizu 21 Note's body and build make it a well-rounded device for a variety of users, offering both functionality and style.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
With an IP65 rating, the Meizu 21 Note is dust-tight and can withstand water jets, enhancing its durability and making it suitable for use in various environments without worrying about dust or splashes.
The first digit of the rating, 6, indicates the highest level of protection against dust. Your device is practically impervious to the finest dust particles, ensuring its internal components remain free from unwanted guests.
The second digit, 5, denotes protection against water jets. This means your Meizu 21 Note can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it resistant to rain, splashes, and the occasional clumsy beverage spill. However, submersion in water is not recommended.
While an IP65 rating is robust, it's always wise to add an extra layer of defense, especially if you're planning an adventure or you're just accident-prone. Here are some practical tips:
- Protective Case: Invest in a reliable protective case. Not only does it add an extra buffer against accidental drops, but it also guards against environmental elements that might challenge the IP65 rating.
- Screen Protector: A durable screen protector is a wise choice. It not only shields your display from scratches but can also act as an additional barrier against water ingress. It's the guardian angel for your touchscreen.
- Common-Sense Caution: Despite the IP65 rating, avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme conditions. If you're headed to the beach or a dusty construction site, consider keeping your phone in a secure pocket or pouch when not in use.
Remember, while the IP65 rating offers a commendable level of protection, it's not a blank check for reckless behavior. Adding a case and a screen protector is like giving your Meizu 21 Note a suit of armor - extra insurance for your tech investment. After all, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving your tech marvel!
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display of the Meizu 21 Note is a visual delight, supporting 1 billion colors and HDR10+. The adaptive 144 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making it ideal for gaming and media consumption. The display's brightness peaks at an astonishing 5000 nits, ensuring visibility even under direct sunlight.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.78″ (172 mm) diagonal |
| Type | LTPO OLED, 144 Hz (adaptive) |
| Resolution (px) | 1264×2780, about 450 PPI |
| Brightness | Typical: 800 nits; HBM: 1600 nits; Peak: 5000 nits |
| Features | 1 billion colors, HDR10+, 2160 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming |
The display of the Meizu 21 Note is undoubtedly one of its standout features, offering a host of high-end specifications that elevate the user experience to new heights. LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED is a cutting-edge display technology that combines the benefits of OLED with power efficiency improvements.
LTPO panels can dynamically adjust their refresh rates based on the content being displayed. This means the Meizu 21 Note can smoothly switch between different refresh rates (up to 144 Hz) to optimize power consumption and performance. By lowering the refresh rate during static content display (such as reading or viewing images), LTPO displays can significantly reduce power consumption, enhancing battery life. And like all OLED displays, LTPO OLEDs offer deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios. This leads to a more immersive viewing experience.
The 144 Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth animations and transitions, making everything from scrolling through social media to playing high-frame-rate games incredibly fluid. The adaptive nature of this refresh rate allows the display to adjust dynamically, ensuring the best balance between performance and battery life.
The Meizu 21 Note's resolution of 1264×2780 pixels translates to a pixel density of around 450 pixels per inch (PPI). This ensures exceptionally sharp and detailed visuals, with text, images, and videos appearing crisp and clear. The high resolution is particularly beneficial for tasks like reading fine text, watching high-definition videos, and enjoying detailed gaming graphics.
The 800 nits typical brightness is sufficient for most indoor settings, providing clear and vivid visuals without straining the eyes. HBM (High Brightness Mode) kicks in during bright outdoor conditions, raising the brightness level up to 1600 nits, ensuring that the screen remains readable even under direct sunlight. And the astonishing 5000 nits peak brightness is a feature often seen in high-end displays, designed for brief moments to enhance HDR content. It makes HDR videos and photos truly pop with incredible contrast and detail, providing an immersive viewing experience.
The Meizu 21 Note's display supports a wide color gamut, capable of displaying up to 1 billion colors. This means that colors are rendered more accurately and vibrantly, providing a more realistic and rich visual experience. This is particularly beneficial for photographers, videographers, and anyone who appreciates true-to-life color reproduction.
And the HDR10+ support enhances the contrast and color range of the display, allowing for brighter highlights and deeper blacks. This results in a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience, particularly noticeable in HDR-compatible content such as movies and games.
Finally, like all of us, your eyes deserve a spa day. And the Meizu 21 Note delivers. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming at 2160 Hz is the techy way of saying your display adjusts its brightness in a way that's gentle on your eyes. No more headaches or eye strain after those long Netflix binges.
In conclusion, The Meizu 21 Note's display is a remarkable feature that sets it apart in the midrange segment. The LTPO OLED technology ensures both outstanding visual quality and power efficiency, while the 144 Hz adaptive refresh rate offers a seamless user experience. With a high resolution of 1264×2780 pixels, the display delivers sharp and detailed images. Whether you're gaming, watching HDR videos, or simply browsing, the Meizu 21 Note's display promises to deliver an exceptional visual experience.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
The Meizu 21 Note is equipped with comprehensive network support, including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds convenience for users managing multiple numbers or traveling frequently.
Chipset: Performance
Under the hood, the Meizu 21 Note is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a powerhouse known for its efficiency and performance. The octa-core CPU, comprising a mix of four types of cores, handles everything from demanding applications to multitasking with ease. The Adreno 740 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, making it a great choice for gamers. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 + 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 + 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
The Meizu 21 Note is equipped with a formidable hardware trio: the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, an octa-core CPU, and the Adreno 740 GPU. These components collectively ensure that the phone delivers high performance, efficiency, and excellent graphics capabilities.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is one of the latest and most powerful mobile chipsets from Qualcomm. Built on a 4-nm process, it offers significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. This advanced fabrication process allows for more transistors on the chip, leading to better performance and lower power consumption.
The CPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is designed with an octa-core configuration, incorporating different types of cores to handle various tasks efficiently:
- 1×Cortex-X3 (3.2 GHz): The Cortex-X3 core is the powerhouse of the CPU, designed for peak performance. It handles the most demanding tasks, such as high-end gaming, intensive multitasking, and complex computational workloads. Its higher clock speed and advanced architecture provide maximum performance when required.
- 2×Cortex-A715 (2.8 GHz): These cores are optimized for sustained performance and efficiency. They handle moderately demanding tasks that require consistent performance, such as running apps, web browsing, and streaming. The Cortex-A715 is designed to balance performance with power efficiency, making it ideal for everyday tasks that don't require the full power of the Cortex-X3.
- 2×Cortex-A710 (2.8 GHz): Although these cores also run at 2.8 GHz, the Cortex-A710 cores are optimized for legacy software compatibility and power efficiency. They offer a bridge between high performance and efficient processing, ensuring that even older applications run smoothly without consuming excessive power.
- 3×Cortex-A510 (2.0 GHz): These are the efficiency cores, designed for low-power tasks. They handle background processes, system-level functions, and light applications. By taking on these less demanding tasks, the Cortex-A510 cores help extend battery life and free up the more powerful cores for intensive tasks.
The Adreno 740 GPU is the graphics powerhouse in the Meizu 21 Note. Known for its high performance and efficiency, it brings several advantages. It excels in rendering high-quality graphics with smooth frame rates, making it ideal for gaming. It supports advanced graphical features like ray tracing, ensuring a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
The Adreno 740 enhances video playback and photo editing, supporting high-resolution displays and advanced image processing. It also ensures smooth performance in graphically intensive applications and AR/VR experiences. And despite its powerful performance, the Adreno 740 is designed to be energy-efficient, helping to extend battery life during intensive graphical tasks.
The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the octa-core CPU, and the Adreno 740 GPU in the Meizu 21 Note ensures a top-tier performance across various applications. The CPU's hybrid architecture, with its mix of high-performance, balanced, and efficient cores, provides the flexibility to handle a wide range of tasks efficiently.
Overall, these hardware components make the Meizu 21 Note a powerful and versatile device, capable of delivering smooth performance, impressive graphics, and excellent power efficiency for both everyday use and demanding applications.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage Type | UFS |
| Memory Card Slot | No |
| Internal Storage Variants | 256 GB, 512 GB |
The Meizu 21 Note offers two memory configurations: 16 GB of RAM paired with either 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS internal storage. While there is no expandable storage option, the ample internal storage should suffice for most users' needs, whether for apps, media, or files.
Cameras
The dual-camera setup on the Meizu 21 Note is designed to impress. The primary 50 MP wide-angle lens ensures sharp, stable shots even in challenging conditions. The secondary 13 MP ultrawide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos.
On the front, the 16 MP selfie camera is equipped for crisp selfies and video calls. It supports HDR and can record video, ensuring quality results for social media enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Rear Camera
The Meizu 21 Note is equipped with a dual-camera system designed to cater to both photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. This setup promises versatility, quality, and advanced features that enhance the overall camera experience. Let's dive into the specifics of the main camera system, detailing the roles of each lens and the features that make it stand out. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), 13 MP (ultrawide) |
| Focal Length | 24 mm, 16 mm |
| Aperture | f/17, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.56″, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, AF |
| Image Stabilization | OIS, N/A |
| Field of View | N/A, 122° |
| Video Recording | 8K, 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS |
| Other Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The primary lens is the go-to for most photography needs, offering a high resolution of 50 megapixels for detailed and crisp images. With a wide aperture of f/1.7, it excels in low-light conditions by allowing more light to hit the sensor. The 24 mm focal length is perfect for everyday photography, capturing a good amount of the scene while providing natural-looking photos.
The accompanying ultrawide lens captures expansive scenes with its 122° field of view, making it ideal for landscape photography, architecture, and group shots. Its 13 MP resolution ensures good detail, while the f/2.4 aperture, although narrower than the primary lens, is sufficient for daylight photography.
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) ensures quick and accurate focusing by using phase detection technology. It’s particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
The autofocus feature sported in the ultrawide lens allows it to quickly lock onto subjects, ensuring sharp images even when composing wide shots.
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps reduce blur from handshakes and movements, especially in low-light scenarios. It stabilizes the image by physically moving the lens or sensor, ensuring sharp and clear photos.
Gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) uses electronic adjustments to compensate for camera shake during video recording. By utilizing data from the phone’s gyroscope, it stabilizes the footage, resulting in smoother videos. This is especially useful for handheld recording, action shots, or recording while moving.
The Ring-LED flash provides uniform lighting, reducing harsh shadows and evenly illuminating the subject. It’s beneficial for close-up shots and low-light conditions, ensuring better photo quality than a standard single LED flash.
Panorama mode allows you to capture wide, sweeping landscapes or large group photos by stitching together multiple shots into a single panoramic image. It’s particularly useful for scenic photography and can create stunningly wide images that capture the entire view.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances photos by balancing the light and dark areas, ensuring details are preserved in both shadows and highlights. This results in more dynamic and visually appealing photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions where there are significant contrasts between bright and dark areas.
In conclusion, the main camera setup of the Meizu 21 Note is thoughtfully designed to provide you with a versatile and high-quality photography experience. The combination of a 50 MP primary lens and a 13 MP ultrawide lens covers a wide range of photographic scenarios, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual user, the Meizu 21 Note’s main camera system offers the tools you need to capture stunning images and videos with ease.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 MP (wide) |
| Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Other Features | HDR |
Battery Life and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 5500 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 65 W, PD 3.0 PPS, QC 4+ |
The Meizu 21 Note houses a robust 5500 mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance for all-day use. The 65 W wired charging support, along with PD 3.0 PPS and QC 4+, means the device can be rapidly recharged, minimizing downtime.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Meizu 21 Note |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
Connectivity
In the connectivity department, the Meizu 21 Note offers a comprehensive range of options. With support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, it covers all the bases, ensuring you can connect to any Wi-Fi network, old or new. But it doesn't stop there - it's tri-band, meaning it operates on three different frequency bands, reducing congestion and ensuring a smoother internet experience.
The Meizu 21 Note boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, aptX HD for superior audio quality, and LHDC (Low-latency High-Definition audio Codec), your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Low-latency High-Definition audio Codec (LHDC) is an audio codec that is used in Bluetooth technology to enhance the quality of wireless audio transmission. LHDC supports high-resolution audio, allowing for the transmission of audio data at higher bitrates (up to 900 kbps) than standard Bluetooth codecs, and at a sample rate of up to 96 kHz. This results in better audio quality with more detail and clarity.
One of the key advantages of LHDC is its low latency. Low latency is crucial for applications where synchronization between audio and video is essential, such as when watching videos or playing games. LHDC helps reduce the delay between audio transmission and reception, providing a more synchronized and immersive experience.
LHDC utilizes advanced compression algorithms to efficiently transmit high-quality audio over Bluetooth without compromising on data integrity. This contributes to a balance between audio quality and efficient use of wireless bandwidth.
The inclusion of LHDC in the Meizu 21 Note's Bluetooth specs indicates a commitment to delivering a high-quality wireless audio experience for users who prioritize superior sound reproduction and low-latency performance in their audio devices. Whether you're streaming music or engaging in other audio-related activities, LHDC helps ensure that the Bluetooth audio experience is of the highest standard.
This phone is a true global traveler, supporting various positioning systems, including GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC.
The Meizu 21 Note features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
The Meizu 21 Note also sports infrared port.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.
Sensors
The Meizu 21 Note comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, ultrasonic type in the Meizu 21 Note.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
In conclusion, the Meizu 21 Note packs an impressive suite of features for its midrange price point. The standout 144 Hz OLED display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and versatile dual-camera system make it a strong contender in its segment. While the lack of expandable storage and a headphone jack might be downsides for some, the overall package offers excellent value.
At its price point, the Meizu 21 Note delivers a premium experience typically reserved for higher-priced devices. Whether you're a gamer, a media consumer, or a tech enthusiast, this phone provides performance and features that justify its price, making it a worthy consideration in the midrange smartphone market.
Feature (top) image credit: Meizu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Meizu 21 Note release date?
The Meizu 21 Note has been announced on the 16th May, 2024. It is expected to release on the 21st May, 2024.
What is Meizu 21 Note price?
The Meizu 21 Note is priced CNY 2599 (about USD 360) for the 16 GB / 256 GB variant, and CNY 2799 (about USD 387) for the 16 GB / 512 GB variant.