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Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the Sony Xperia X Performance goes up against the Meizu MX6. Here we have two all-metal designs…one is distinctively Sony in looks and the other has more of an iPhone look to it right down to the antenna lines. The Performance has a US and international variant while the MX6 is designed for China, but will work in the US on AT&T and T-Mobile 3G, but no LTE channels. The Meizu MX6 is such an excellent device for only $350 we had to see how it compares to the $600 Sony Xperia Performance. Let’s look at just what these two devices have in common, if anything, and then we will take a closer look at each one in hopes that we can determine a winner of this comparison.
The Performance and MX6 do have a few things in common – the MX6 does have a larger display, so the physical dimensions are larger, although the smaller, Performance weighs about 10 grams heavier. They both have an IPS LCD display, and they both use a Full HD display resolution. They both have an excellent processor and GPU, but they are from different manufacturers. They pack different amounts of RAM, but there is a 32GB variant on both – only the Performance has expandable storage. The camera areas are quite different, but they both take excellent photos. They both use a non-removable battery with rapid charge capabilities. The international version of the Performance includes a fingerprint sensor, as does all Meizu MX6’s – technically, there is no US version. They have some of the usual suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth (v4.2 in the Performance and v4.1 in the MX6), GPS, and a USB port (MicroUSB v2.0 on the Performance and the newer Type-C reversible in the MX6) for charging the device and data transfer.
Please take a careful look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each device in greater depth and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
Sony Xperia X Performance
Sony went from a metal and glass design to an all-metal one on the new Xperia X series, but they look surprisingly alike. Sony’s basic rectangle design is still there, as are the large top and bottom bezels, and Sony’s usual FHD display. While it does have a good feel in your hand, the metal Sony selected for the project looks and felt a bit like plastic. Let’s see just how the Xperia X Performance model stands up to the Meizu MX6.
The Xperia X Performance sports a small 5.0-inch IPS LCD FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 441 pixels-per-inch (PPI.) Sony pulled no punches this year and went with the 64-bit Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with dual cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and dual cores clocked at 2.15 GHz along with the Adreno 530 GPU to handle the most intense graphics. It is packing 3GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal memory, which is expandable to 200GB via a microSD card.
Sony uses its 23MP sensor for its main camera, along with an aperture of f/2.0, a 24mm lens, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF,) and LED flash – but still, refuses to use OIS. Sony made significant changes with the front-facing camera (FFC) by increasing it from a mere 5.1MP to 13MP and then gave it an aperture of f/2.0 and 22mm lens for great selfies and video chats. A 2700mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities supplies the power.
The Sony Xperia X Performance does have a few features, not mentioned that the Meizu MX6 does not offer. The Performance is IP68 certified against dust and water, and it keeps its excellent dual stereo front-facing speakers. Although there is no fingerprint sensor in the US version, the international version should work on limited US networks – check with your carrier. The Xperia X Performance measures 143.7 x 70.4 x 8.7 mm and weighs in at 164.4 grams. The colors are White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold, and Rose Gold and the Xperia X Performance will cost you about $600.
Meizu MX6
Meizu is one of China’s most popular smartphone makers, and it is easy to see why – Meizu builds a solid device with a nice look and feel to it, especially if you like that ‘iPhone 7 look.’ The front is glass, wrapped in a metal frame, metal back, and even the antenna lines are at the top, and bottom of the device, a la iPhone 7 – just remember that the Meizu MX6 came out before the iPhone 7. Does the $350 Meizu MX6 have what it takes to compete against the $600 Sony Xperia Performance?
The Meizu MX6 sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with an FHD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 403 PPI. Meizu used to use Exynos processors but turned to a MediaTek MT6797 Helio X20 deca-core processor, with two cores clocked at 2.3GHz, a quad-core clocked at 1.9GHz, and a quad-core clocked at 1.4GHz. It uses a Mali-T880 MP4 GPU for graphics and packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of non-expandable memory. An excellent processor, but a shame that the memory cannot be expanded.
The MX6 uses a 12MP sensor as its primary camera along with a f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and a dual-tone LED flash. In our review, overall it took great photos. It uses a 5MP FFC with the same f/2.0 aperture for selfies and video chatting. A 3060mAh battery with rapid charge capabilities supplies the power.
The MX6 comes running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box with Meizu’s Flyme UI on top. The MX6 measures 153.6 x 75.2 x 7.3mm and weighs in at 155 grams. One thing to remember – this device is not built for the US market, but will run on 3G on either AT&T or T-Mobile. There is no NFC so you will not be able to use the MX6 for mobile payments of any sort. Available colors are Gray, Silver, Champagne Gold, and Rose Gold, and it will cost you about $350.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
This is one of the toughest comparisons to pick a winner – I put the Meizu MX6 up only because it is such a great value at only $350. You are getting a larger display, as good a processor, more RAM, bigger battery, and the newer Type-C connector. What you are losing out on is 4G LTE in the US, no NFC, and no expandable memory.
The Sony Xperia X Performance does have IP68 water resistance, dual front-facing speakers, and NFC, but only the international version has a fingerprint sensor. You have a smaller display, less RAM, and the older style microUSB port.
Both devices have good and bad points and a $250 difference in pricing. Picking either device will have to be based on what your needs are in a smartphone. If you live out where 4G LTE service is impossible to get, then the MX6 may be a great bargain for you. If you live in town and want 4G LTE speed, then the Performance might suit you better.
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