The sub-10K smartphone category is filled with good phones. Amongst these, there are three phones which are really popular among the budget buyers — the Meizu M2 Note, Coolpad Note 3 and the Yu Yureka Plus, but, which is the best? To find out, we compare the three device to see which one stands out!
Before we begin, here is a quick look at the specifications of the three devices
Meizu M2 Note
Display: 5.5-inch, 1080p
SoC: MediaTek MT6753
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB
Camera: 13MP, 5MP
Battery: 3100 mAh
Price: Rs. 9,999
Best feature : Good display
Display: 5.5-inch, 720p
SoC: MediaTek MT6753
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 16GB
Camera: 13MP, 5MP
Battery: 3000 mAh
Price: Rs. 8,999
Best feature : Fingerprint sensor
Yu Yureka Plus
Display: 5.5-inch, 1080p
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 615
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB
Camera: 13MP, 5MP
Battery: 2500 mAh
Price: Rs. 8,999
Best feature: Good performance
Display
All three phones sport a 5.5-inch IPS displays. Of the three phones, only the Coolpad Note 3 has a 720p display. The other two phones offer a display resolution of 1920 x 1080p resolution. However, in our tests we found that the Meizu M2 Note with its IGZO panel is one of the best displays in this price category. It offers superb viewing angles and very good colour reproduction. There is just one problem with it, the touch of the display is not smooth when compared to the other two.
Winner: Meizu M2 Note
Build and Design
Plastic is the material of choice across this price category but there are exceptions like the InFocus M535 which offer an all metal build. However, out of three phones which we are comparing today, the Meizu M2 Note has the most ergonomic design. It has rounded edges which offers a better grip. While, the phone has a good build quality, the Coolpad Note 3 is better than the other two offering a metal band around the phone. It also has a metal sub-frame which makes it a sturdier option over the other two.
Design Winner: Meizu M2 Note
Build Winner: Coolpad Note 3
UI
The Coolpad Note 3 and the Meizu M2 Note both offer a custom UI layered over Android Lollipop. While both are good in their own right, we think the stock-like Cyanogen interface of the Yu Yureka Plus is the better representation of the Android experience.
Winner: Yu Yureka Plus
Performance
We have reviewed all three phones and the Yu Yureka Plus certainly offers the best performance in synthetic benchmarks as well as in day-to-day performance. Gaming on the phone is pretty smooth and offers a better experience over the other two phones.
Winner: Yu Yureka Plus
Camera
While all three phones offer a 13MP rear camera, albeit with different sensors, the Meizu M2 Note does a better job with it thanks to it's well implemented camera application. The images taken from the M2 Note offer accurate details and true-to-life colours. Photographs taken in low light conditions are equally good.
Winner: Meizu M2 Note
Battery Life
The 2500mAh battery that comes with the Yu Yureka Plus is the smallest of the lot and offers about 6.6 hours of use only. While the Meizu M2 Note is able to offer a respectable, 8 hours of use, the Coolpad Note 3 leaves the other two behind in the battery department as it offers almost 10 hours of screen-on time.
Winner: Coolpad Note 3
Conclusion
The Yu Yureka Plus and the Coolpad Note 3 have their high points, but considering all quantifiable parameters, the Meizu M2 Note is the best option among the three. The phone offers a brilliant display, commendable performance and a reliable camera. The Coolpad Note 3 comes a close second as it offers a good build and the best battery life out of the three. Also, the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor is certainly appreciated. Lastly, the Yu Yureka Plus is a very good performer and offers the best interface amongst the three, but it falls short on other counts.
Overall Winner: Meizu M2 Note