Comparison Meizu M6 32 GB / 3 GB vs Meizu M5 32 GB / 3 GB

The ratio of the screen area to the total front panel area of the phone. Simply put, this spec describes how much of the front panel is occupied by the screen; the rest is the bezels.

This indicator is given exclusively for smartphones with touch screens — it is for them that it is most relevant. The larger the percentage of the body is occupied by the screen, the thinner are the bezels, the neater the smartphone looks and the more convenient it is to work with it with one hand. As for specific numbers, the average values are 80 – 85 %, the higher values allow us to talk about a thin bezel, and more than 90 % — about a “bezel less” design.

Separately, we note that this parameter has nothing to do with the aspect ratio of the screen. The aspect ratio describes only the display itself — its proportions, the ratio between the larger and smaller side of the rectangle.

The term "operating system" refers to all types of firmware — both full-fledged OS like iOS and Android, used in smartphones, and software shells for regular phones (non-smartphones). The main difference between these two is that a full-fledged OS initially has more extensive features, and also allows you to install and remove various applications — from games and social network apps to specialized tools like photo and video editors.

Among modern smartphones, two operating systems are most widely used — Android and iOS. Here is a more detailed description of each of them:

— Android. Free open source OS from Google. Used by all modern manufacturers except Apple; presented in many versions — in particular, 10 Q, 10 Go Edition, 11 R, 11 Go Edition, Android 12, Android 12 Go Edition, Android 13, Android 13 Go Edition, Android 14, Android 14 Go Edition, Android 15 are relevant today. This OS is notable primarily for its full-fledged multitasking and an extensive range of available applications — Android surpasses iOS in both;...on the other hand, in general, the quality of Android applications is somewhat lower due to the low requirements for them. Initially, Android has tight integration with Google services — the Google Play app and content store, Gmail mail, Google Drive cloud storage, etc.; however, exceptions to this rule are possible. Note that the latest versions of this OS can be found on the market both in its original form and in one of two specific editions:

• - Go edition. Modification of Android, designed for low-cost smartphones with "weak" hardware. Both the OS itself and standard applications (Assistant, Gmail, etc.) have been redesigned in this edition in such a way as to ensure reliable operation even with low performance. At the same time, the developers tried to preserve the features of full-fledged Android as much as possible — however, some specific fwatures in the Go Edition were still not available (for example, standard maps do not support turn-by-turn navigation, and compatibility with Wear OS on smartwatches is not provided).
• - HMS. Edition of Android, used in smartphones from Huawei. Due to US sanctions against China, this company cannot fully cooperate with Google — in particular, use Google services (Google Mobile Services — GMS) in its Android smartphones. As a replacement, HMS — Huawei Mobile Services were introduced. These services include Huawei ID, AppGallery, equivalents of Google's core services (assistant, browser, cloud storage, music/video, etc.), and app developer tools.

As for individual versions of Android, here are the main features of the options that are relevant nowadays:

• - Android 10. Version released in September 2019. This version introduced an expanded set of full-screen gestures (with the possibility of optimization in individual applications — in particular, disabling gestures on certain areas of the screen to avoid conflicts), a "dark" screen mode at the system level, a number of important security updates (including a separate encryption standard for weak devices that do not support the AES format at the hardware level), full support for 5G communications and improved capabilities for working with augmented reality. In addition, a number of solutions have been implemented to optimize the experience on foldable smartphones with a flexible screen.
• - Android 11. Another major update, released in the fall of 2020. The main updates touched messages and notifications. So, a separate section "Conversations" for messages was created in notifications, it also became possible to display various correspondence in the form of a "bubble" on top of any running application (Bubbles feature). Do Not Disturb mode has been expanded — now you can add exceptions to it for individual correspondence. Other important innovations include a system tool for recording screen video, a single control centre for smart home components, quick switching between playback devices (phone speaker, wireless headphones, Smart TV, etc.), native support for Android Auto, as well as expanded the ability to control the access of individual applications to certain data.
• - Android 12. A popular operating system released in 2021. The new concept of Material You is based on discreet colour palettes and minimalistic two-dimensional objects with advanced animation. The system theme now adapts to the colour scheme of user's desktop wallpaper (Monet feature), and instead of round settings icons in the notification bar, rectangular dice with rounded edges are now used. The designers also reworked the animation of flipping through desktops, plugging in a charger, and so on. In smartphones running Android 12, instead of precise geolocation, you can select approximate location information, and icons have appeared in the notification bar that signal the inclusion of a camera or microphone when using certain applications. The Privacy Dashboard option reveals information about which programs have accessed the camera and microphone. The NFC on mobile devices can henceforth be used as a virtual key for a car (Car Key). Another innovation in the system is the call to Google Assistant by long pressing the power button of the smartphone.
• -Android 13. A popular operating system for mobile devices, the 13th version of which was released in 2022. There were no major innovations in Android 13, but the OS brought a number of useful features and changes. In particular, the Material You workspace design concept can now pick primary colors from installed wallpapers or themes and apply them to the display of icons throughout the system. Privacy of user data has been taken to a new level of quality - in Android 13, you can configure individual permissions and select specific images from the Gallery that the application is granted access to. For each program, the user is free to choose a standard interface language. The system has also become more energy efficient, with improvements to the clipboard and barcode scanner.
• -Android 13 Go. A light version of the Android 13 operating system, designed for installation on low-powered smartphones. A distinctive feature of the OS is the presence of a special algorithm that optimizes the computing power of the smartphone. Also, the system lacks some hardware-demanding functions. Android 13 Go introduced the design concept of the Material You interface, which allows you to adapt the color scheme of the menu to match the installed wallpaper. From the full-fledged Android 13 system, the Go version borrowed the function of issuing permissions to applications to send notifications and the ability to change the language for specific programs.
• - Android 14. Operating system for mobile devices, released in 2023. There are, frankly, few system changes in the 14th version of the Android OS, and its main emphasis is on flexible customization of the interface. Among the innovations, it is important to mention the function of displaying notifications using the flash or display: for each application, you can now set a flashlight blinking pattern, and in the case of the screen, select the color palette of notifications. Also in the operating system, we implemented a useful ability to adjust the capture of screenshots, added a widget to display the battery charge and a list of active connections, and introduced an option for cloning applications in a systemic way. System fonts in the OS can be enlarged up to 200% of the standard size, while the scaling is implemented non-linearly - first of all, it is used for small text. Among other things, there are improved energy efficiency of the system and cosmetic changes in the interface in the manner of more rounded elements.
• - Android 14 Go. A streamlined version of Android 14 for budget smartphones with limited hardware resources. The Go Edition distribution includes simplified standard apps while providing basic Android functionality with minimal impact on performance and energy consumption. Despite its "lightweight" nature, Android 14 Go supports enhanced notifications, new controls, and privacy settings that debuted in the full 14th edition of Google’s OS. However, smartphones running the Go version are not compatible with Wear OS smartwatches — a point to consider.
• - Android 15. Android 15 was released in 2024. Notable new features include native support for satellite communication (for contacting emergency services or sending SOS signals), the ability to record and share only a specific app window (rather than the entire screen), updated hardware extensions for camera control, expanded message management, and flexible volume control. The system also includes traditional improvements in security features and enhanced energy efficiency.

— iOS. Apple's own operating system, used only in the gadgets of this manufacturer. The main advantages of iOS over Android are, first of all, careful optimization for specific devices (which allows you to achieve good performance with relatively modest amounts of RAM), general usability and safety, as well as high quality applications. In addition, iOS updates are released regularly and are available for all devices (with the exception of frankly outdated ones that no longer can handle new versions of the system). On the other hand, this OS does not support multitasking and is as closed to the user as possible: in particular, applications can only be installed from the original store, there is no access to the file system, memory cards are not supported.

— HarmonyOS. Huawei's Universal Operating System, also known as Hongmeng. It is used in a wide range of devices: appliances from the smart home ecosystem, smartwatches, smartphones and tablets. Harmony OS is a kind of add-on on top of Android without Google services. The app store for Harmony OS devices is called AppGallery.

— FlymeOS. A modified version of the Android operating system used as a software shell for Meizu smartphones. The OneMind engine is responsible for the stability of the OS. There is no application menu in Flyme OS, and all program icons are scattered across desktops. Distinctive features of the shell include advanced tools for working with files, the Aicy voice assistant, flexible adjustment of the mEngine vibration signal, Family Guardian parental control options, a structured gallery with a convenient visual editor.

— Proprietary. This term most often means the basic firmware installed in a regular phone (not a smartphone), usually, a push-button one. Such firmware has a more modest set of pre-installed programs than full-fledged OS; expanding this set is at best possible with Java-based universal mobile applications, and often additional applications are not supported at all. However, this cannot be called a disadvantage due to the specifics of the use of traditional phones.

Note that you can find devices with other operating systems, in addition to those described above. However, for the most part, these are either outdated models or devices with rare and uncommon types of firmware.

The most popular nowadays are chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek, CPUs from Unisoc are slightly less common. Qualcomm has several processors of each series, namely Snapdragon 778G, Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 870, Snapdragon 888, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. And Mediatek has a low cost series MediaTek Helio P and a line of advanced chipsets MediaTek Dimensity (Dimensity 1000, Dimensity 7000, Dimensity 8000, Dimensity 9000).

Knowing the name of the CPU model installed in the smartphone, you can find detailed data on a particula...r CPU and evaluate its level and general capabilities. This is especially true in light of the fact that these capabilities depend not only on the number of cores and clock speed, but also on the specific nuances of the design.

The test results are specified either by a younger model in a line or a particular model, made for a better understanding performance of phone models if you compare phones against these parameters. For example, the 128 GB model has test results, and the 256 GB model has no information on the network, and in both models you will see the same value that will give an understanding of the overall performance of the device. But if the editorial office has information for each model individually, then each model will have its test results filled out, and the model with bigger RAM will have bigger values.

The result shown by a device when undergoing a performance test (benchmark) in AnTuTu Benchmark.

AnTuTu Benchmark is a comprehensive test designed specifically for mobile devices, primarily smartphones and tablets. It evaluates the efficiency of the processor, memory, graphics, and input/output systems, providing a clear impression of the system's capabilities. The higher the performance, the more points are awarded. Smartphones that score over 900K points are considered high-performance according to the AnTuTu ranking.

Like any benchmark, this test does not provide absolute precision: the same device can show different results, usually with deviations within 5-7%. These deviations depend on various factors unrelated to the system itself, such as the device's load from third-party programs and the ambient temperature during testing. Therefore, significant differences between two models can only be noted when the gap in their scores exceeds this margin of error.

The result shown by a device when undergoing a performance test (benchmark) in Geekbench.

Geekbench is a specialized benchmark designed for processors. Since version 4.0, it also includes tests for graphics processors, and by the end of 2019, version 5 of the benchmark was released. Typically, the specifications for portable gadgets include data specifically for the CPU. During testing, Geekbench simulates workloads that occur during real-world tasks, evaluating both single-core performance and the efficiency of multi-core operations. This provides a solid overview of the processor's capabilities in everyday use. Additionally, Geekbench is cross-platform, allowing for comparisons between the CPUs of different devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs). In reference materials, only the multi-core test results for the processor are usually provided.

The resolution and maximum frame rate provided by the phone's main camera when recording Full HD (1080p) video at normal speed, without slow motion (if available).

The standard resolution for this format is 1920x1080; but there are other resolution options, though they are almost never found on mobile phones. Note that this can be either the maximum resolution or one of the relatively simple options in addition to more advanced standards (such as UltraHD 4K). At the same time, Full HD is considered a decent resolution by modern standards, and at the same time, it can be supported even by fairly simple and inexpensive smartphones.

As for the frame rate, there are actually two options: — Full HD 30 fps and Full HD 60 fps. A higher frame rate allows you to achieve very smooth dynamic scenes — even fast-moving objects are seen as clearly as possible, with almost no blurring. However, 30 fps also have its advantages — it allows you to reduce the size of videos shot. Therefore, in smartphones with 60fps support, it may be possible to reduce the frame rate to 30 fps. Speeds above 60 fps are used for shooting slow-motion video (slow-mo); see "Slow-mo" for more on this.

Resolution of the main lens of the front camera installed in the phone. For models with several lenses (see "Front camera" — "Number of lenses"), the main one is the one responsible for the main part of the shooting and does not have a pronounced specialization (auxiliary, ultra-wide-angle, etc.).

Initially, the front cameras were intended for video communication, but nowadays, for many users their only function is still taking a selfie. Therefore, although the resolution of such cameras is generally lower than that of the rear ones, however, among them there are also very solid indicators — 8 MP, 13 MP, and in specialized "selfie smartphones" — 16 MP, 20 MP, 24 MP, 32 MP and higher. Lower values — 5 MP, as well as 2 MP — are typical mainly for low cost and frankly outdated devices.

Keep in mind that the resolution of the sensor itself determines only the detail of the images and does not affect the overall quality of photos and videos; on the other hand, a higher number of megapixels often means a more advanced camera, with a number of technical features designed to provide high quality images. Therefore, on the one hand, it makes sense for lovers of high-quality selfies to look for...front modules with a higher resolution; on the other hand, cameras with the same resolution can differ significantly in the final quality of the photos and videos. So if the ability to take a selfie is crucial for you, you should look not only at the number of megapixels, but also at the actual examples of pictures from a particular camera (for example, in reviews).

Communication standards supported by the mobile phone. In the modern world, several standards related to different generations are actively used: GSM, 3G, 4G (LTE), 5G (including fast mobile internet), CDMA. They vary in both specs and prevalence in different countries:

— GSM. The earliest of the communication standards found in modern telephones. Belongs to the second generation (2G). Allows you to make voice calls with acceptable sound quality, as well as transfer data at speeds up to 474 Kbps (using EDGE technology). Nowadays, GSM is considered completely obsolete, it has been almost universally replaced by more advanced standards of the next generations (3G, 4G, etc.). However, 2G support is found in most modern devices — not so much because of practical necessity, but because of technical features. The fact is that almost all communication standards that are relevant nowadays are add-ons over GSM, and modules for working with these standards are almost guaranteed to be compatible with GSM as well.

— 3G. In a broad sense, the 3G category (third generation communications) includes several standards. However, in the east european mobile phone market, this term refers specifically to the connection of the UMTS format. This standard is a development of GSM, such networks are often deployed on the basis of ready-made networks of the 2nd generation and c...an also serve GSM phones without problems. Specifically, UMTS provides data transfer rates from 2 to 70 Mbps, depending on additional technologies implemented by a particular operator. This is already comparable to fixed Internet access; so, despite the spread of newer standards, 3G communication and phones for it are still quite popular — especially since such devices are compatible with 4G and 5G networks.

— 4G (LTE). Communication 4 generations based on the LTE standard; other 4G standards are not used in mobile phones. LTE is a further development of 3G (UMTS), deployed on the basis of the same technical base, but operates at higher speeds — up to 173 Mbps, which is comparable to a full-fledged broadband Internet connection. LTE networks are commercially operated in many countries of the world, but not in all; therefore, before buying a 4G-compatible phone, it's a good idea to check if it will be possible to use all its features in your area.

— 5G. Further, after 4G, the development of mobile communication standards. In the official specifications of this generation, a peak speed of 20 Gbps for reception and 10 Gbps for transmission, guaranteed speed (at high network load) of 100 and 50 Mb/s, respectively, as well as a number of solutions aimed at improving reliability and overall connection quality. A set of such solutions includes, in particular, multi-element antenna arrays (Massive MIMO) and beamforming technologies (Beamforming) at base stations, as well as the possibility of direct communication between subscriber devices. With all this, this standard allows to reduce energy consumption in comparison with its predecessors.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the rumors about the dangers of 5G communications for health. According to modern scientific data, such a connection does not pose a danger to the human body, and the rumors mentioned are conspiracy theories that are not supported by any weighty arguments.

— CDMA. CDMA networks are known to users primarily by the activities of cell phone networks that provide the opportunity to receive a mobile phone with a direct city number. At one time, these networks competed with GSM and more advanced standards based on it, but as mobile communications developed and became cheaper, CDMA operators for the most part curtailed their activities in the voice communications market and switched to mobile Internet access services. It is worth noting here that the EV-DO Rev.A and Rev.B data transmission technologies available in CDMA networks are capable of providing connection speeds at the level of third-generation networks (up to 3.1 Mbps in the first case and up to 14.7 Mbps in the second), so in some places these services were promoted under the 3G label. However, this connection should not be confused with UMTS-based 3G (see above) — these are two fundamentally different standards that are incompatible with each other. Roughly speaking, if we are talking about 3G in a mobile phone, usually, we mean UMTS, but 3G modems more often use CDMA (EV-DO).

It is worth noting that the GSM, 3G and 4G standards (in that order) are, in fact, stages in the development of mobile networks of the same type. In fact, this means that a phone with support for a later standard, by definition, supports earlier ones — for example, a device with LTE is able to work with both GSM and 3G.

You also need to remember that different ranges can be used within the same standard, and not all of them can be supported in a mobile device. However phones officially sold in a certain country are usually optimized for local networks, and there should be no problems with them. But if the device is planned to be imported from another country, and it was not intended for the local market, it makes sense to first clarify the compatibility by bands. Otherwise, a situation may arise when the device simply “does not see” the network, although formally it will be compatible with a certain communication standard.