The Meizu U20 is a mid-range smartphone that was launched in 2016 as part of Meizu’s U-series. It came with a sleek design, solid build quality, and a capable set of hardware for its time. However, one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone is the firmware that powers it. Firmware serves as the backbone of a device, governing its performance, stability, and overall user experience. In this in-depth review, we will explore the firmware of the Meizu U20, discussing its features, advantages, potential issues, and how it has evolved over time.
Table of Contents
1. What is Firmware and Why is it Important?
Firmware refers to the permanent software programmed into a device’s hardware, which controls its essential functions. For smartphones like the Meizu U20, firmware consists of the operating system (OS) and other low-level software that helps the hardware and software components communicate. The firmware is responsible for managing the hardware’s interactions with apps, user commands, and other devices, and ensuring that all the phone’s components, such as the processor, camera, and sensors, work together efficiently.
Firmware updates are crucial for a smartphone’s performance because they:
- Fix bugs or glitches in the system.
- Enhance security by patching vulnerabilities.
- Improve performance and optimize battery usage.
- Introduce new features or updates to the existing OS.
- Enhance compatibility with new apps and services.
2. The Meizu U20 Firmware: An Overview
The Meizu U20 shipped with Flyme OS, a custom Android-based operating system developed by Meizu. Flyme OS has been praised for its minimalistic design, smooth performance, and custom features that set it apart from stock Android. At the time of its release, the Meizu U20 was running on Flyme OS 5, based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Later, it received updates to Flyme OS 6.
Flyme OS is known for its unique user interface, clean design, and a range of built-in apps that provide a more cohesive and user-friendly experience. It also features advanced multitasking capabilities, gesture navigation, and a robust security system, all of which enhance the functionality of the Meizu U20.
3. Flyme OS on the Meizu U20: Key Features
The firmware experience on the Meizu U20 is centered around Flyme OS, which has undergone several iterations since the phone’s launch. Below are some of the key features of Flyme OS on the Meizu U20:
User Interface (UI)
Flyme OS is known for its intuitive and visually appealing UI, which is a departure from the standard Android layout. Some of its key UI elements include:
- Simplified Navigation: Flyme OS eliminates the need for an app drawer, adopting a layout similar to iOS where all apps are displayed on the home screen.
- Customizable Themes: The OS allows users to choose from a wide range of themes, icons, and wallpapers to personalize their device.
- Gesture-Based Navigation: Flyme OS introduced several gesture controls, such as swiping up to access the multitasking menu or swiping down for notifications, making one-handed usage easier.
Performance and Optimization
Flyme OS is designed to optimize the hardware of the Meizu U20, ensuring smooth performance, even on mid-range hardware. It includes features such as:
- Smart Background Management: Flyme OS limits the number of background processes to improve battery life and reduce lag.
- App Freezing: The OS allows users to freeze unused apps, preventing them from consuming system resources when not in use.
- System Cleaner: Flyme OS includes a built-in system cleaner that helps free up storage by removing junk files and clearing cache.
Security Features
Flyme OS on the Meizu U20 comes with several security enhancements, including:
- App Permission Manager: Users can manage app permissions on a granular level, controlling what data apps can access.
- Privacy Mode: This feature allows users to create a separate, hidden workspace with its own apps, files, and settings.
- Fingerprint Lock: The Meizu U20 supports fingerprint authentication for unlocking the device and securing apps.
Multitasking
Flyme OS supports advanced multitasking features, such as split-screen mode, which allows users to run two apps simultaneously. This is particularly useful for larger screens, enabling more efficient use of the display.
Native Apps and Services
Flyme OS includes several native apps designed by Meizu to improve the overall user experience. These include:
- Flyme Cloud: A cloud service that offers storage for contacts, messages, and other data, with seamless synchronization across devices.
- File Explorer: A robust file manager that allows users to easily browse, manage, and organize their files.
- Music Player: The built-in music player offers advanced features such as offline lyrics, equalizer settings, and support for high-definition audio.
4. Firmware Updates: Keeping the Meizu U20 Up to Date
One of the challenges with owning an older device like the Meizu U20 is the frequency of firmware updates. While the phone launched with Flyme OS 5, Meizu did roll out updates to Flyme OS 6, bringing with it a host of new features and improvements. However, over time, firmware updates have become less frequent for the U20, especially as Meizu shifted focus to newer devices.
Flyme OS 6 Update
The Flyme OS 6 update was a significant upgrade for the Meizu U20, introducing several new features and optimizations:
- New User Interface: Flyme OS 6 brought a revamped design with smoother animations and more customization options.
- One Mind AI: This feature introduced artificial intelligence (AI) optimizations, which improved app launch times, enhanced battery management, and provided better multitasking performance.
- Security Enhancements: Flyme OS 6 included several security updates, such as improved encryption for user data and better app permission controls.
While these updates improved the overall experience of using the Meizu U20, many users have expressed frustration over the lack of subsequent updates, especially when it comes to newer versions of Android. The Meizu U20 never officially received an update to Android 7.0 Nougat or beyond, leaving some users feeling left behind in terms of software features and security patches.
Custom Firmware Options
For users looking to keep their Meizu U20 more up-to-date, custom ROMs are an option. Custom ROMs allow users to replace the official firmware with a community-developed version of Android, often bringing newer features and security updates to older devices.
Some popular custom ROM options for the Meizu U20 include:
- LineageOS: One of the most popular custom ROMs, offering a near-stock Android experience with regular updates and improved performance.
- Resurrection Remix: Known for its extensive customization options and features not found in stock Android.
- AOSP Extended: A ROM based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), offering a clean, bloatware-free experience with additional features.
5. Common Firmware Issues on the Meizu U20
Like many smartphones, the Meizu U20 is not without its firmware-related issues. Some of the common problems that users have reported include:
Battery Drain
Despite the optimizations in Flyme OS, some users have experienced issues with excessive battery drain, particularly after installing certain firmware updates. This is often due to background processes consuming more resources than necessary.
Slow Performance
As the Meizu U20 ages, some users have noticed a decline in performance, particularly when running newer apps or more resource-intensive games. While firmware updates can help optimize performance, the lack of newer updates has left some users feeling that their device is slowing down.
App Compatibility
With the Meizu U20 stuck on an older version of Android, some apps have become incompatible with the device. As developers update their apps to support newer versions of Android, users may find that certain apps no longer work as expected.
Fingerprint Sensor Issues
Some users have reported issues with the fingerprint sensor not working reliably after certain firmware updates. This can be frustrating for users who rely on biometric security to unlock their devices.
Connectivity Problems
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues have been reported by some users, particularly after firmware updates. These problems can often be resolved by performing a factory reset or reinstalling the firmware, but they can still be inconvenient.
6. How to Install and Update Firmware on the Meizu U20
For users who want to manually update their firmware or install custom ROMs, it’s important to understand the process of flashing firmware on the Meizu U20. Flashing firmware involves replacing the existing operating system with a new version, whether it’s an official update or a custom ROM.
Official Firmware Updates
To install an official firmware update on the Meizu U20, follow these steps:
- Check for Updates: Go to Settings > About phone > System updates. If an update is available, you can download and install it directly from this menu.
- Download the Update: If you’re unable to find the update in the system settings, you can download the firmware manually from Meizu’s official website or a trusted source.
- Install the Firmware: Once the firmware is downloaded, transfer it to your phone’s internal storage. Open the System Update app, locate the firmware file, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
Installing Custom Firmware (Custom ROMs)
Installing custom firmware on the Meizu U20 requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom recovery such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Unlock the Bootloader: To install a custom ROM, the first step is unlocking the bootloader of your Meizu U20. Keep in mind that this process may void the warranty, and it can wipe all the data on your phone. The process typically involves using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands from a PC.
- Enable Developer Options by tapping the build number in the phone’s settings multiple times.
- In Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to a PC and use the ADB command to unlock the bootloader:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
- Install Custom Recovery: Once the bootloader is unlocked, you’ll need to install a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). TWRP is a powerful recovery tool that allows users to install custom firmware and make full system backups.
- Download the TWRP image for the Meizu U20 from a trusted source.
- Use ADB and Fastboot to install TWRP:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot
- Download and Flash the Custom ROM: After installing TWRP, download the desired custom ROM (such as LineageOS or Resurrection Remix) and place it in the phone’s internal storage.
- Boot into TWRP by turning off the phone and pressing the Power + Volume Up buttons simultaneously.
- In TWRP, wipe the data and system partitions to prepare the device for the new ROM.
- Install the ROM by selecting the zip file in the storage and following the on-screen instructions.
- Optionally, flash Google Apps (GApps) if the ROM doesn’t include them by default.
- Reboot and Enjoy: Once the installation is complete, reboot your phone, and it should boot into the custom ROM.
It’s important to note that flashing custom firmware carries some risks, including the potential for bricking your device if not done correctly. Users should always ensure they have backups of their data before proceeding and follow instructions carefully.
7. Pros and Cons of Meizu U20 Firmware
As with any firmware, there are both strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the Meizu U20’s firmware and its associated updates.
Pros:
- Smooth and Intuitive UI: Flyme OS provides a clean and minimalistic user interface that is easy to navigate and user-friendly.
- Customization: Users can customize their device through themes, gestures, and privacy settings. Flyme OS is highly customizable compared to stock Android.
- Performance Optimization: Flyme OS offers features like background app management and system cleaning tools to ensure the U20 runs smoothly, despite its mid-range hardware.
- Security: Flyme OS offers advanced security features like app permissions and privacy mode to keep user data safe.
Cons:
- Limited Android Updates: The Meizu U20 did not receive significant Android version updates, and it remained stuck on older versions of Android, limiting its access to newer apps and features.
- Battery Optimization Issues: Some users have reported battery drain issues after firmware updates, especially with background apps consuming more power than expected.
- App Compatibility: Due to the outdated Android version, some apps may no longer be compatible with the device, limiting the phone’s functionality.
- Slow Performance Over Time: As newer apps and services demand more resources, the Meizu U20 may struggle with performance due to its hardware limitations, exacerbated by the lack of newer firmware optimizations.
Conclusion
The firmware of the Meizu U20 played a significant role in shaping the phone’s overall user experience, offering a smooth and intuitive Flyme OS interface with many useful features. However, the lack of consistent firmware updates over time has limited the device’s longevity, especially as newer apps and services become incompatible. For users who value software support and performance optimization, moving on to a more recent device may be the best option. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Meizu U20 firmware remains a testament to the importance of robust, long-term software support in the rapidly evolving smartphone market.