The Meizu M2 Note has established itself as one of the most well-rounded and appealing large-screen Android smartphones for those seeking phablet features at the best price . Although the brand is relatively unknown in the West, this device has won over users worldwide by offering mid-to-high-end features at an accessible price, making it a serious alternative to devices like the Moto G, Honor, Alcatel Idol, and Huawei P8 Lite, among others.
An overview of the Meizu M2 Note: Why is it so affordable?
The Meizu M2 Note bursts onto the market with a very clear philosophy: to bring top-notch features to the average user without breaking the bank. To understand its attractive price, one must look at the rise of Chinese brands in the European market, the reduction of intermediaries, and the focus on more economical yet well-finished materials, such as polycarbonate. This combination allows Meizu to offer a reliable and robust product while maintaining low costs, crucial for competing in the fiercely competitive mid-range market.
Design, materials and construction: functionality with a youthful touch
The Meizu M2 Note's design stands out thanks to its unibody polycarbonate casing , available in fresh colors like blue, white, gray, and pink. Its appearance inevitably evokes devices like the iPhone 5c or Nokia's Lumia series, featuring smooth lines and rounded edges that make it easy to grip. Despite the use of plastic, the finish is solid and conveys a sense of compactness. The choice of these materials is deliberate, as it allows the device to keep the weight down to around 149 grams , which is especially important for a 5,5-inch phablet.
The use of a central, multi-function physical button is striking , a hallmark of Meizu, allowing users to perform actions like going back or returning to the home screen with different types of presses. Although it takes some getting used to at first, it becomes practical and speeds up navigation. The button layout is unusual in the Android world: all the physical buttons (volume and power) are grouped on the left side, while the right side is reserved for the SIM and microSD card tray. This configuration contributes to both the clean aesthetics and ergonomics.
On the back is the main camera module (13 MP) next to the dual LED flash, and at the bottom is the main speaker. The unibody design makes it impossible to remove the battery, but in return, the device offers greater robustness and less creaking or vibration.
IGZO Full HD display: a quality visual experience
One of the Meizu M2 Note's strongest points is its screen: a 5,5-inch IGZO panel developed by Sharp, with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a pixel density of 403 pixels per inch . IGZO technology, less common in Europe but well-known in Asian markets, offers advantages over traditional IPS panels, such as improved sharpness , vibrant colors , and greater energy efficiency . This translates into clear images, crisp text, and precise touch response, without excessive battery consumption despite the screen size.
The maximum brightness allows for easy outdoor use, the viewing angles are wide, and reflections, while present, aren't excessive. The only area where it could be improved is the anti-fingerprint coating, which could be more effective at preventing the screen from getting dirty easily.
Performance and hardware: balanced power for everyday use
At the heart of the Meizu M2 Note is a 64-bit octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor (Cortex A53 at 1,3 GHz), accompanied by a Mali-T720 MP3 GPU and 2 GB of RAM . This combination ensures smooth performance in most scenarios : web browsing, social media, multimedia playback, and casual gaming. In benchmark tests like Antutu, the device scores over 31.000 points , placing it above rivals like the 2 GB RAM Moto G and close to other more expensive smartphones.
Its internal storage starts at 16 GB (around 10-11 GB available to the user), expandable via microSD cards up to 128 GB, allowing for ample space for apps, photos, videos, and music. This is crucial nowadays, as many apps and games take up increasingly more space.
The Meizu M2 Note is a dual SIM phone , making it easy to use two phone lines on the same device or combine SIM and microSD cards as needed. In terms of connectivity, it offers 4G/LTE (bands 1800, 1900, 2100, and 2600 MHz), Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n , Bluetooth 4.0 LE , GPS , and FM radio support (not always available on all ROMs).
User Experience: Flyme OS and Personalization
One of Meizu's most distinguishing features is its Flyme OS customization layer , built on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop. Flyme OS radically transforms the traditional Android interface, eliminating the app drawer and opting for a home screen organization similar to iOS. It also includes a wide catalog of customizable themes , icons, wallpapers, and transitions, allowing users to give their device a unique look.
Among the special features are:
- Double tap to wake up the screen, avoiding having to press the physical button.
- On-screen gestures to launch applications or perform quick actions.
- Advanced permissions management to control the privacy of each app.
- Security tool to clean junk files and optimize performance.
- Configurable virtual button on screen, capable of assuming different functions depending on the gesture: double tap, side swipes, long press, etc.
Flyme OS also introduces its own App Center for installing applications, though it also allows you to install the Google Play Store and other Google services after a simple setup. It's worth noting that some pre-installed Chinese apps may be unnecessary for Western users, but they can be easily hidden or uninstalled.
Cameras: photography and video in the mid-range
In terms of photography, the Meizu M2 Note features a 13-megapixel rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, dual LED flash with different tones, and fast focusing technology. It allows you to take good-quality photos in favorable lighting conditions, with vibrant colors and a decent level of detail for its price range. In low-light scenarios, as is common with many phones in this category, noise increases and quality decreases, although performance remains among the best in its class. The 5-megapixel front camera with an f/2.0 aperture is sufficient for selfies, video calls, and social media.
Meizu's camera app is very intuitive, gesture-based, and offers quick access to manual modes and options, although some advanced users might find the professional mode a bit slower. Available modes include panorama, beauty, burst, HDR, and high-definition video. It's also possible to record Full HD video from both the main and front cameras.
Autonomy: long-lasting battery for demanding users
Another highlight is its battery capacity : 3.100 mAh, non-removable but optimized by the efficiency of the IGZO display and the processor. In daily use, the Meizu M2 Note can easily achieve up to two days of battery life with moderate use, or exceed 4-5 hours of screen-on time with intensive data and multimedia use. This makes it an ideal option for those who need portability without constantly worrying about the charger.
Connectivity, storage, and expansion: options for every taste
The phone offers comprehensive connectivity to meet current needs: LTE (4G), dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS support, a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, and a 3,5 mm headphone jack. Storage options include 16 GB and 32 GB versions, both expandable up to 128 GB via microSD.
Benchmark and performance against the competition
In synthetic benchmarks, the Meizu M2 Note performs exceptionally well against direct competitors in the mid-range segment, exceeding 30.000 points in Antutu and 16.000 in Quadrant , placing it above the Moto G (second or third generation) and on par with the Alcatel Idol 3 or BQ Aquaris E5 4G. In everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, audio/video playback, and multitasking, performance is smooth, with barely noticeable lag except in 3D games with maximum graphics settings, where some GPU limitations can be observed.
- Antutu (64-bit): about 31.000 points
- Quadrant: about 16.000 points
- Vellamo Chrome Browser: more than 2.300 points
Customization and accessory options
The Flyme OS ecosystem allows for extensive customization of the device, choosing from themes, icons, wallpapers, and transition effects . Furthermore, the Meizu M2 Note is compatible with universal cases, covers, and screen protectors designed for 5,5-inch devices, making it easy to find affordable, high-quality accessories at any specialized online store.
Video review: see the Meizu M2 Note in action
If you want to learn more about the functionality, interface, and real-world performance of the Meizu M2 Note, we invite you to watch our video review on the Todoandroides YouTube channel. In it, you can see the system's responsiveness, screen quality, and sample photos and videos.
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Differences between the Meizu M2 Note and other competing models
The Meizu M2 Note positions itself as a more economical but equally capable option compared to other phablets in the mid-range segment, differing in the following areas:
- IGZO Full HD display very rare in its price range, with differential energy efficiency.
- Multifunction physical button central and unique touch gestures.
- Advanced customization y Flyme OS, with exclusive security and privacy features.
- Better autonomy/performance ratio, even surpassing the battery life of some higher-end phones.
- Very tight price maintaining quality materials and finishes.
Price and availability: Where to buy the Meizu M2 Note?
The Meizu M2 Note can be found in various online stores and international marketplaces. Its price usually varies depending on the retailer, storage capacity, and any special offers, but it's typically under €150-€170 , including shipping in most cases. It's commonly available in colors like blue (as shown in our videos and reviews), white, gray, or pink.
- In stores like Gearbest, Amazon, eBay or direct import proxies from Asia.
Before buying, it is advisable to compare prices and verify band compatibility to ensure full functionality on European networks and warranty support.
The reception of this terminal among users is generally very favorable, highlighting above all:
- Outstanding quality/price ratioIt's hard to find another such comprehensive alternative for a similar price.
- Large, clear display, ideal for websites, videos and games.
- Long duration battery, perfect for those who use their mobile phone a lot outside the home.
- Possibility of expansion via microSD and dual SIM, giving great flexibility.
- Quality rear camera (Samsung sensor), very competent under good lighting.
- Personalization and advanced security thanks to Flyme OS.
Among its points for improvement, some users mention:
- Absence of NFC and FM radio in all ROMs.
- Plastic finishes which, although functional, may not appeal to those most demanding in premium materials.
- Flyme OS interface requires some learning curve if you come from pure Android.
- Some pre-installed Chinese apps that can be eliminated, but are surprising at first.
- Low-light camera quality Improvable but acceptable for the price range.
Who is the Meizu M2 Note aimed at?
This smartphone is perfect for:
- Users looking for a large screen and autonomy to consume multimedia content.
- People who need dual SIM to combine work and personal use or travel.
- Who prioritizes price without sacrificing smooth performance and competent cameras.
- Those who value customization and configuration options advanced features in the operating system.
It's not the ideal phone for those looking for premium metal finishes or maximum power for extreme gaming, but it is for the vast majority of average and advanced users looking for a balanced, reliable and affordable phablet.
The Meizu M2 Note remains one of the best options for those who want an affordable, well-built Android phablet with comprehensive features. Its excellent combination of screen, processor, battery, camera, and customization options positions it as one of the smartphones with the best price-to-performance ratio on the market, making it a highly recommended purchase for those who value balance and functionality without sacrificing modern technology. If you're looking for a large, reliable, and powerful phone without breaking the bank, the Meizu M2 Note is definitely worth considering.