Meizu Note 21 Pro: In-Depth Look at Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs - Is This Flagship Phone a Smart Choice?
The Meizu Note 21 Pro enters the competitive smartphone market with a focus on high-end features, stylish design, and powerful performance—all at a relatively accessible price point. Boasting a large AMOLED display, advanced camera system, and efficient processor, the Note 21 Pro aims to provide an excellent user experience. However, no device is perfect, and the Meizu Note 21 Pro has its share of reported issues. This comprehensive review will explore these problems, potential solutions, and whether the Note 21 Pro is a worthy purchase.
Key Specifications of the Meizu Note 21 Pro
- Model: Meizu Note 21 Pro
- Operating System: Flyme OS (based on Android 13)
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200 (5G-capable)
- Memory and Storage: Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 108MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor; 32MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 67W wired fast charging, 33W wireless charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
1. Battery Life and Charging Concerns
With a 5,000mAh battery and support for 67W fast charging, the Meizu Note 21 Pro is designed to deliver solid battery life and quick refueling. However, users report several issues related to battery and charging:
Battery Drain During Intensive Use: The powerful Dimensity 9200 processor and 120Hz display can lead to higher battery consumption, especially with resource-intensive apps or extended gaming sessions.
Overheating During Charging: Some users find that the device heats up considerably while using the 67W fast charging feature, particularly if the phone is in use during charging.
"I love how quickly it charges, but I noticed the phone gets really warm if I use it while charging," shared one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Use 60Hz Mode: Setting the refresh rate to 60Hz for everyday tasks can help extend battery life.
- Avoid Heavy Use While Charging: Reducing device activity while charging can prevent excessive heating.
- Power-Saving Mode: Enabling power-saving mode in the settings may help conserve battery during the day.
2. Display Quality and Issues
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is a highlight of the Meizu Note 21 Pro, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. However, some users report display-related issues that could affect usability.
Screen Tint at Lower Brightness: A few users observe a slight greenish or bluish tint when the screen brightness is low, which is more noticeable on darker backgrounds.
Touch Responsiveness: Some users report occasional touch lag, particularly at the screen's edges, which can interfere with tasks requiring precise input.
Potential Solutions:
- Adjust Brightness: Increasing the brightness slightly can help reduce noticeable screen tint.
- Use Dark Mode: Enabling dark mode can help reduce strain on the display and potentially minimize issues with color consistency.
- Regular Software Updates: Checking for software updates is essential, as display issues are sometimes fixed in system updates.
3. Performance and Overheating Issues
With the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and up to 12GB of RAM, the Note 21 Pro is designed for smooth, high-performance experiences. However, some users have experienced performance and overheating issues during extended use.
Device Overheating During Gaming: Extended gaming sessions or resource-heavy apps can cause the device to heat up, which may lead to performance throttling.
Lag During Multitasking: While rare, some users report slight lag when running several applications at once or during rapid app switching.
"I use my phone a lot for gaming, and while it performs well, it gets noticeably hot after about 30 minutes," said one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Use Game Mode: Enabling Game Mode can optimize performance by allocating resources efficiently.
- Take Breaks During Intensive Use: Allowing the phone to cool down periodically can prevent overheating and improve overall performance.
- Clear Background Apps: Closing unnecessary background apps can free up memory and improve responsiveness.
4. Camera Performance and Issues
Equipped with a 108MP primary camera, the Meizu Note 21 Pro boasts an impressive camera setup, promising high-quality photos in various conditions. However, some users report limitations with the camera experience.
Low-Light Performance: While the primary camera performs well in good lighting, low-light photos can appear grainy or lacking in detail, especially with the ultra-wide lens.
Slow Shutter Speed: Some users notice a delay between pressing the shutter button and the actual capture, which can result in blurry photos, particularly in low-light or action shots.
Focus Issues: Autofocus may occasionally struggle in close-up shots, requiring users to adjust manually to achieve clear images.
Potential Solutions:
- Use Night Mode: Enabling Night Mode for low-light shots can improve detail and reduce noise in photos.
- Clear Cache for Camera App: Regularly clearing the Camera app’s cache in settings may improve performance and reduce lag.
- Consider Third-Party Camera Apps: A third-party camera app may provide additional control over focus and exposure settings for better photo quality.
5. Software and UI Bugs
Running Flyme OS based on Android 13, the Note 21 Pro offers a unique user experience with a range of customization options. However, some users have encountered software issues that impact the smoothness of the experience.
Occasional Freezes and Reboots: A few users report random freezes or unexpected reboots, which can interrupt usage and indicate a need for software optimizations.
Notification Delays: Some apps, particularly messaging apps, may experience notification delays, possibly due to Flyme OS’s aggressive background management.
Delayed Updates: While Meizu provides periodic updates, the rollout schedule may vary by region, leaving some users waiting longer for bug fixes.
Potential Solutions:
- Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly checking for system updates can help resolve software bugs and improve stability.
- Adjust Battery Optimization Settings: Disabling battery optimization for important apps may ensure that notifications arrive on time.
- Restart Device Regularly: Periodically restarting the device can help clear memory and prevent minor issues.
6. Connectivity Problems
The Meizu Note 21 Pro supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 for robust connectivity options. However, some users report connectivity issues, particularly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Drops: Some users experience Wi-Fi disconnections or inconsistent speeds, which can disrupt online activities.
Bluetooth Stability Issues: Users report unstable Bluetooth connections, especially with wireless headphones, where audio may cut in and out during playback.
GPS Inaccuracy: A few users mention GPS signal fluctuations that can impact navigation accuracy.
Potential Solutions:
- Reset Network Settings: Resetting network settings can often resolve connectivity problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Briefly enabling and disabling Airplane Mode can reset connectivity without needing a full restart.
- Enable High-Accuracy GPS Mode: Activating high-accuracy mode in location settings can help improve GPS performance.
Conclusion: Is the Meizu Note 21 Pro Worth Buying?
The Meizu Note 21 Pro stands out as a competitively priced smartphone with impressive specs, including a high-resolution camera, a vibrant display, and robust processing power. It’s well-suited for users who prioritize an attractive display, capable camera setup, and fast performance for a range of tasks. However, some drawbacks—such as battery drain with high usage, display issues, and occasional software bugs—may affect the user experience.
Is it worth buying?
The Meizu Note 21 Pro is a compelling option for those looking for a feature-rich phone without breaking the bank. However, if software stability, consistent battery performance, or reliable connectivity are top priorities, users may find better value in alternatives from brands with a reputation for more frequent software updates and stability.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering alternatives in a similar price range, here are a few devices worth exploring:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ - Offers a similar display quality, faster charging, and a competitive camera setup, making it a solid alternative to the Note 21 Pro.
- Realme GT Neo 3T - Known for its gaming performance and responsive display, the GT Neo 3T offers a comparable experience with smoother software.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 - With Samsung’s reliable software updates, better low-light camera performance, and stable user interface, the Galaxy A54 provides a well-rounded experience.
Final Recommendation: The Meizu Note 21 Pro provides a good balance of performance, camera quality, and display features. It’s a suitable choice for users who appreciate Meizu’s design and customization options, but for those who prioritize smoother software experiences, alternatives from Samsung or Xiaomi might offer more consistent support.