Meizu has long been recognized as a manufacturer that strikes a balance between cutting-edge technology and affordable pricing. The Meizu Note 21 Pro is their latest flagship, targeting users who want flagship performance without paying premium prices. Packed with top-tier hardware, a brilliant display, and impressive camera technology, this smartphone promises to deliver on multiple fronts. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Meizu Note 21 Pro stand out.
Design and Build Quality
Design is one of the first things that attract users to a smartphone, and the Meizu Note 21 Pro doesn’t disappoint. With a minimalistic yet striking aesthetic, the phone is a masterpiece in craftsmanship.
Sleek and Premium Build
The Meizu Note 21 Pro features a seamless design with an aluminum frame and a glass back that gives it a premium feel. The phone is available in a variety of colors, including Midnight Black, Pearl White, and Sky Blue. The curved edges and slim profile make it easy to hold, and despite its large display, the phone doesn’t feel too bulky.
Dimensions and Weight
The device is well-proportioned, striking a balance between a large screen and compact form factor. With a thickness of only 8mm and weighing 186 grams, it’s remarkably light for a phone of its size, contributing to its portability and ease of use.
Display Technology
The display is often the focal point of any smartphone experience, and the Meizu Note 21 Pro truly excels in this department.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED |
| Size | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1500 nits |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 92% |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ |
AMOLED Excellence
The Meizu Note 21 Pro is equipped with a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display. Known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible contrast, the AMOLED screen provides an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or browsing the web, the display delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors with crisp clarity.
120Hz Refresh Rate
The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate ensures that the display is ultra-responsive. Scrolling through apps, web pages, and playing high-frame-rate games feels smooth and fluid. Combined with HDR10+ support, users can enjoy content with higher dynamic range, making it a perfect phone for media consumption.
Performance and Hardware
When it comes to performance, the Meizu Note 21 Pro doesn’t hold back. It is designed for power users who require a smartphone capable of handling intensive tasks without breaking a sweat.
Processor and RAM
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X |
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (up to 1TB via microSD) |
At the heart of the Meizu Note 21 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which offers blazing-fast performance for both everyday tasks and high-performance gaming. Coupled with the Adreno 740 GPU, the device is optimized for gaming, enabling it to handle graphically demanding titles with ease.
The Meizu Note 21 Pro comes with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. Users can switch between apps, run multiple programs in the background, and enjoy intensive apps like video editing or 3D rendering without any slowdowns. Storage options range from 256GB to 512GB of UFS 4.0, which offers lightning-fast read and write speeds. Additionally, expandable storage of up to 1TB ensures that users never run out of space.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will appreciate the advanced cooling system inside the Meizu Note 21 Pro. It features a vapor chamber cooling mechanism, which helps maintain optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions. Combined with the 120Hz refresh rate and responsive touch controls, the device offers a top-tier gaming experience.
Camera Capabilities
Meizu has paid particular attention to the camera setup of the Note 21 Pro, ensuring it can compete with some of the best smartphones on the market.
Rear Camera Setup
| Camera Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 16 MP, f/2.2, 120° field of view |
| Telephoto Lens | 12 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Depth Sensor | 5 MP |
| Flash | Dual-LED, dual-tone flash |
Front Camera
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Selfie Camera | 32 MP, f/2.0, HDR support |
The 108MP primary camera is the star of the show, capturing detailed images with brilliant color reproduction and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures that shots are crisp and free of blurriness. The ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view allows users to capture expansive landscapes, while the 12MP telephoto lens delivers 3x optical zoom, perfect for taking close-up shots without sacrificing detail.
Night Mode and AI Enhancements
Night photography has also been enhanced with Meizu’s AI-driven night mode, which improves low-light performance by reducing noise and increasing clarity. The front-facing 32MP selfie camera delivers detailed and vibrant selfies, with HDR support ensuring great performance even in backlit conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a key consideration for any smartphone user, and the Meizu Note 21 Pro offers a well-rounded solution for power management.
| Battery Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 80W wired charging, 50W wireless charging |
| Reverse Charging | 10W reverse wireless charging |
Long-lasting Battery Life
The Meizu Note 21 Pro is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which offers all-day performance under normal usage. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or using the phone for productivity, the device will easily last through the day.
Fast Charging Capabilities
The 80W fast charging feature allows the phone to charge from 0 to 100% in less than 40 minutes, a boon for users always on the go. The phone also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, giving users the ability to power other devices, such as earbuds or smartwatches, with ease.
Software and User Experience
Meizu’s custom operating system, Flyme OS 11, based on Android 14, brings a clean, efficient, and user-friendly interface. Flyme OS has always been recognized for its minimalistic yet functional approach to software, and the latest iteration continues to refine this experience.
Key Features of Flyme OS 11:
- Gestures and Navigation: The system offers fluid gesture-based navigation, making interactions smooth and intuitive.
- Customization: The OS allows users to customize everything from themes to app icons and fonts, letting users truly make their phone unique.
- Privacy and Security: Flyme OS 11 places a strong emphasis on user privacy, with features like an advanced app permissions manager, system-wide encryption, and a privacy dashboard for enhanced control.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Meizu Note 21 Pro comes equipped with a wide range of connectivity options and additional features that enhance its versatility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 5G Support | Yes (Dual 5G standby) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Type-C | USB 3.2, OTG support |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, Dolby Atmos |
Audio Experience
With stereo speakers and support for Hi-Res audio, the Meizu Note 21 Pro offers an exceptional audio experience, whether listening through the speakers or using headphones. The Dolby Atmos integration further enhances sound quality, offering 3D audio for an immersive experience.
Price and Availability
The Meizu Note 21 Pro is competitively priced, making it accessible to a wide audience. With various models based on RAM and storage configurations, pricing is as follows:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: $699
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: $799
Availability is global, with the device being launched in key markets across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Comparison with Competitors
The mid-premium smartphone market is crowded with options, but how does the Meizu Note 21 Pro stack up against its competitors?
| Phone | Processor | Display | Camera | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meizu Note 21 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | 108MP Triple Camera | 5000mAh, 80W fast | $699 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | Exynos 2200 | 6.1” AMOLED, 120Hz | 50MP Triple Camera | 3700mAh, 25W fast | $799 |
| OnePlus 10 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | 48MP Triple Camera | 5000mAh, 65W fast | $899 |
| Google Pixel 6 Pro | Google Tensor | 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | 50MP Triple Camera | 5003mAh, 30W fast | $899 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures top-tier performance.
- Gorgeous 6.7” AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- 108MP camera with versatile photography options.
- Excellent battery life with 80W fast charging.
- Sleek, premium design.
Cons:
- Lacks official IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
- No dedicated telephoto lens for zoom enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
The Meizu Note 21 Pro is a formidable contender in the mid-premium smartphone market. With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, stunning display, versatile camera setup, and long battery life, it checks all the boxes for users seeking a high-performance smartphone without the flagship price tag. Its sleek design and feature-rich Flyme OS 11 ensure that it delivers not just on performance but also in user experience. While it faces stiff competition, its combination of price, performance, and features makes it a strong option for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone in 2024.
