Table of Contents
Introduction
The Meizu U20 was launched as part of Meizu’s budget-friendly smartphone lineup, designed to deliver premium features at a more affordable price point. One of the key highlights of this smartphone is its LCD touch display, which plays a crucial role in shaping the overall user experience. The Meizu U20’s screen is not only a gateway to interaction but also a critical aspect of its aesthetic appeal and functionality. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the details of the Meizu U20’s LCD touch display, analyzing its performance, quality, and durability. Whether you’re a current user, someone facing screen-related issues, or considering a screen replacement, this review will provide all the information you need.
1. Meizu U20 LCD Touch Display Specifications
Before delving into the performance and user experience of the display, it’s essential to understand the key specifications of the Meizu U20’s screen:
- Display Type: IPS LCD
- Size: 5.5 inches
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (~401 PPI pixel density)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Screen-to-Body Ratio: Approximately 71.8%
- Touchscreen: Capacitive touchscreen, supporting multitouch
The display on the Meizu U20 is a standard IPS LCD, which is known for providing wide viewing angles, decent color reproduction, and energy efficiency. The 5.5-inch size is relatively large and provides ample screen real estate for tasks such as browsing, video playback, and gaming. With a resolution of 1080p, the display offers a high pixel density of 401 PPI, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals. Let’s now take a closer look at the performance and usability of this display.
2. Visual Performance
Color Reproduction
The Meizu U20’s LCD touch display provides vibrant and accurate colors, especially considering its price range. The IPS LCD technology ensures that colors are well-balanced without oversaturation or unnatural hues. Whites appear clean, and blacks, although not as deep as those on AMOLED screens, are reasonably good for an LCD panel. Overall, the color reproduction is impressive for multimedia consumption such as watching videos or viewing photos.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
One of the areas where the Meizu U20’s screen could perform better is in brightness. While the display is perfectly usable indoors and in shaded areas, outdoor visibility in direct sunlight can be somewhat lacking. The brightness levels peak at a decent level but might require users to max out the brightness when using the device outdoors. For regular indoor use, however, the brightness levels are sufficient and contribute to a pleasant viewing experience.
Sharpness and Clarity
With a 1080p resolution and a 401 PPI pixel density, the Meizu U20 offers excellent clarity for a mid-range device. Text is sharp, icons and images appear crisp, and you won’t notice any pixelation unless you look extremely closely. This sharpness is particularly noticeable when reading text or viewing high-definition content. For regular usage, such as web browsing, texting, or using apps, the clarity of the screen remains top-notch.
Viewing Angles
The IPS LCD technology ensures good viewing angles, which is one of the strengths of the Meizu U20’s display. Even when viewing the screen from extreme angles, colors remain true, and there is minimal color shifting or distortion. This makes it ideal for watching videos with friends or family, as the display remains clear even when not viewed head-on.
3. Touch Responsiveness
The touchscreen performance of the Meizu U20 is another area where the device shines. The capacitive touchscreen is highly responsive and provides smooth feedback when navigating through the user interface or playing games. Multitouch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom or swiping between apps, work flawlessly, with no noticeable delay or input lag.
Smoothness in Daily Usage
In daily tasks such as scrolling through social media feeds, navigating menus, or typing, the touchscreen operates with precision and speed. There is no noticeable stuttering or lag when moving between screens, making the overall user experience fluid and responsive. For gaming, the touchscreen also responds well, even during fast-paced gameplay that requires rapid swipes or taps.
Gesture Support
The Meizu U20 supports a variety of gestures, such as double-tap to wake, swipe gestures, and more. These gestures are well-executed on the device, thanks to the accurate touchscreen response. Whether you’re using basic gestures to navigate through apps or more advanced multitouch actions, the screen remains highly responsive.
4. Durability of the Display
Durability is always a concern when it comes to smartphones, and the Meizu U20’s LCD touch display is no exception. The screen, like most modern smartphones, is made from durable glass, but it isn’t invincible. Accidental drops, scratches, and daily wear and tear can all take their toll on the display. Let’s examine how well the Meizu U20’s screen holds up under real-world conditions.
Scratch Resistance
The Meizu U20’s screen is reasonably resistant to minor scratches, but it is not on the same level as devices with Gorilla Glass protection. Without additional protective measures like a screen protector, the display can accumulate fine scratches over time, especially if exposed to rough surfaces or sharp objects like keys. For users looking to preserve the pristine condition of their screen, applying a tempered glass protector is highly recommended.
Impact Resistance
When it comes to surviving drops, the Meizu U20’s screen is susceptible to cracking if dropped from significant heights or onto hard surfaces. Users have reported varying levels of damage, with some experiencing minor cracks and others facing more extensive damage. Using a protective case is crucial for minimizing the risk of damage to the screen.
5. Screen Replacement for Meizu U20
For users who encounter issues such as a cracked screen, unresponsive touch, or display malfunctions, screen replacement is a viable option. The process of replacing the LCD touch display on the Meizu U20 can be carried out either through official service centers or third-party repair shops.
Cost of Replacement
The cost of replacing the Meizu U20’s LCD touch display can vary depending on whether you opt for official replacement parts or use third-party services. Official screen replacements tend to be more expensive, as they use original parts and maintain the phone’s warranty. Third-party services, while cheaper, may use non-original components, which could affect the display’s performance or lead to compatibility issues.
DIY Screen Replacement
For tech-savvy users, it’s possible to attempt a DIY screen replacement by purchasing an LCD touch screen assembly kit online. However, this process is not recommended for inexperienced users, as it involves disassembling the phone and delicate parts such as the battery and motherboard. Incorrect handling during the replacement process could lead to further damage.
6. Common Issues with Meizu U20 LCD Touch Display
Despite the Meizu U20 offering a reasonably good LCD touch display, there are some common issues that users have reported over time:
Touchscreen Not Responding
One of the most common issues is the touchscreen becoming unresponsive or laggy. This can occur due to software glitches, hardware issues, or excessive debris on the screen. Restarting the phone or cleaning the screen can resolve minor issues, but more severe cases may require a software update or screen replacement.
Screen Flickering
Screen flickering is another problem that some users have encountered. Flickering can be caused by loose connections inside the phone, software bugs, or a faulty display. If the issue persists, users may need to take the device to a repair shop for diagnosis.
Ghost Touches
Ghost touches, where the phone registers touch inputs that weren’t made by the user, can be frustrating. This is often caused by hardware defects or screen damage. In some cases, the issue can be resolved through recalibration, but more severe cases may require a screen replacement.
7. Comparisons with Competing Smartphones
When comparing the Meizu U20’s LCD touch display to that of its competitors, several factors come into play. Smartphones in a similar price range, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note series or Huawei’s mid-range offerings, also feature IPS LCD displays with comparable resolutions. However, differences in color accuracy, brightness, and durability can set these devices apart.
For instance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, a direct competitor of the Meizu U20, offers similar display quality but tends to have better brightness and outdoor visibility. On the other hand, the Meizu U20’s touch responsiveness and viewing angles give it a slight edge in user experience for tasks like gaming and media consumption.
8. Final Verdict on Meizu U20’s LCD Touch Display
The Meizu U20’s LCD touch display delivers solid performance for a mid-range device. Its color reproduction, sharpness, and touch responsiveness make it a pleasure to use for everyday tasks, whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games. However, the display’s brightness could be better, especially for outdoor usage, and its durability is a concern for users prone to dropping their phones.
For those experiencing issues with the screen or facing the unfortunate situation of a cracked display, replacement is a viable option, though it’s important to weigh the cost of repair against the phone’s overall value. While the display is a standout feature of the Meizu U20, it is important to note that, in 2024, there are more modern devices available that offer even better displays and overall performance for a similar price range.
However, for those looking at the Meizu U20 today, the device’s LCD touch display still holds up reasonably well for general tasks. The overall experience is pleasant for users who prioritize a clean and responsive interface, especially if they’re not using the device outdoors frequently or in brightly lit environments where the brightness limitations are more noticeable.
9. Pros and Cons of the Meizu U20’s LCD Touch Display
Pros:
- Color Reproduction: The IPS LCD screen provides vibrant and well-balanced colors, making media consumption enjoyable.
- Sharpness and Clarity: With a 1080p resolution and a 401 PPI pixel density, the display is sharp enough for most users, delivering clear text and detailed images.
- Touch Responsiveness: The capacitive touchscreen is highly responsive, offering smooth performance in multitouch gestures and gaming scenarios.
- Wide Viewing Angles: Thanks to the IPS technology, the screen maintains its color accuracy and clarity even at extreme angles.
- Reasonable Replacement Costs: Compared to flagship devices, replacing the LCD touch screen on the Meizu U20 is more affordable, especially through third-party services.
Cons:
- Brightness Levels: Outdoor visibility is limited, making it difficult to use the phone in direct sunlight or bright environments.
- Durability: While the screen is resistant to minor scratches, it’s not as durable as more premium smartphones, making it prone to cracks from accidental drops.
- Ghost Touches and Screen Flickering: Some users have reported issues like ghost touches and screen flickering, which could lead to frustration over time.
- Screen Replacement Availability: Although screen replacements are available, the quality of third-party replacements can vary, and official parts can be costly.
Conclusion
The Meizu U20 offers a decent LCD touch display for its class, providing sharp visuals, accurate colors, and responsive touch functionality. While it’s not without its flaws — such as limited outdoor visibility and concerns about durability — it remains a solid choice for general usage and media consumption. In today’s market, however, there are more advanced options available, and users may want to consider upgrading to newer models that offer improved screen technology, such as AMOLED displays.
For users who are happy with their Meizu U20 and want to keep using it, protecting the screen with a tempered glass protector and investing in a sturdy phone case are recommended to prolong the display’s lifespan. Additionally, if any issues arise, seeking out a reputable service center for repairs is essential to maintaining the phone’s usability.
In the end, the Meizu U20’s display may not be cutting-edge in 2024, but for users who still own this device, it provides a reliable and functional screen for everyday tasks. With proper care and maintenance, it can continue to serve well, though the allure of modern screens with richer features may eventually tempt users to explore newer options.