Introduction
The Meizu U20, launched in 2016, features an intriguing blend of design and performance, targeted at budget-conscious consumers who seek reliable functionality without compromising too much on specifications. Central to the U20’s performance is its processor, which plays a vital role in its overall usability, gaming capabilities, and multitasking efficiency. In this review, we will delve deep into the specifications, performance, real-world usage, and comparison with its peers to provide a thorough understanding of the Meizu U20 processor.
Specifications Overview
The Meizu U20 is powered by the MediaTek MT6755 (also known as Helio P10) processor. This octa-core chip is built on a 28nm process and comprises four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.0 GHz. Alongside this processor, the U20 comes equipped with Mali-T860 GPU, which enhances graphical performance for gaming and multimedia tasks.
- Processor: MediaTek MT6755 (Helio P10)
- Cores: Octa-core (4 x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 + 4 x 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
- GPU: Mali-T860
- RAM: Available in 2GB and 3GB options
- Storage: 16GB or 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
This combination provides a decent entry-level performance suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Performance Analysis
General Performance
In terms of general performance, the Meizu U20 holds its ground well for a device in its price range. The Helio P10 processor delivers smooth operations for day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media usage, and standard applications. The multitasking capabilities are reasonable, especially with the 3GB RAM variant, which allows users to switch between apps without significant lag.
However, users should note that the performance can dip when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. While the octa-core setup is designed to handle multitasking efficiently, the 28nm architecture does mean that the processor isn’t as power-efficient as more modern chips, which may lead to thermal throttling under heavy loads.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the Meizu U20 can handle light to moderate games quite effectively. Titles like “Candy Crush” and “Subway Surfers” run smoothly, and more demanding games like “Asphalt 8” can be played with reasonable graphics settings. However, users should temper their expectations for graphically intensive games like “PUBG Mobile” or “Call of Duty Mobile,” where performance can be choppy on higher settings.
The Mali-T860 GPU does offer decent graphical capabilities, but it’s not top-of-the-line. Users may experience frame drops during intense gaming sessions, and prolonged gameplay can lead to overheating, impacting overall performance.
Benchmark Performance
In synthetic benchmark tests, the Meizu U20 scores reasonably well, often placing it in the mid-range category of smartphones. In Geekbench tests, the single-core performance typically hovers around 600-700 points, while multi-core scores can reach up to 3000 points. These scores are consistent with other devices powered by the same Helio P10 processor, making it a reliable performer in its class.
User Experience
Software Interface
The Meizu U20 runs on Flyme OS, which is based on Android. The UI is sleek and user-friendly, with a minimalist design that emphasizes ease of navigation. The OS has several customization options, allowing users to tailor their experience to their preferences.
However, one downside is that Flyme OS can sometimes feel heavy on resources, potentially slowing down the device. This is especially noticeable when using many widgets or live wallpapers. Regular software updates have helped optimize the performance over time, but users should be mindful of the potential for lag when customizing heavily.
Battery Life
The U20 is equipped with a 3260 mAh battery, which offers respectable endurance. With moderate usage—including browsing, social media, and light gaming—users can expect a full day of battery life. However, heavy gaming or extensive multitasking can lead to quicker battery drain. The device does support fast charging, which is a plus, allowing users to recharge in a relatively short time.
Build Quality and Design
The Meizu U20 boasts a premium design with a metal body and 2.5D curved glass, giving it an attractive appearance. The build quality feels solid, and the device is comfortable to hold, although it can be slightly slippery. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, and the fingerprint sensor located on the front works reliably for quick unlocking.
The display is a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD, which delivers vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. While it may not match the quality of flagship devices, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience for video consumption and casual gaming.
Comparison with Competitors
In its price segment, the Meizu U20 faces competition from devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and the Lenovo K5 Note, both of which also feature MediaTek processors.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: The Redmi Note 3 is equipped with a Snapdragon 650 processor, which generally outperforms the Helio P10 in benchmarks and real-world scenarios. The Redmi Note 3 also offers a larger battery, providing better longevity during heavy use.
- Lenovo K5 Note: The K5 Note, powered by the MediaTek Helio P10 as well, has similar performance metrics. However, it excels in audio quality with its dual speaker setup, which may be a significant factor for multimedia users.
While the U20 offers good performance for its price, potential buyers may find better alternatives with more robust performance metrics in direct competition.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Attractive design with a premium build quality.
- User-friendly Flyme OS with customization options.
- Good battery life for moderate usage.
Cons:
- Performance dips under heavy multitasking or gaming.
- Lag can occur with heavy customization in the UI.
- Limited capabilities for high-end gaming experiences.
- Competes with devices offering better processors in the same price range.
Conclusion
The Meizu U20 processor, while not groundbreaking, provides satisfactory performance for users seeking an affordable smartphone option. With its MediaTek MT6755 chip, the U20 can handle daily tasks efficiently and perform decently in moderate gaming scenarios. The overall package, including build quality and software experience, makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.
However, those looking for cutting-edge performance or serious gaming capabilities may need to explore alternatives in the same price range. Overall, the Meizu U20 is a solid entry-level device that fulfills its purpose well, appealing primarily to users who prioritize value over high-end specifications.