Meizu (Chinese: 魅族; officially Meizu Technology Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese consumer electronics brand best known for its smartphones, mobile operating system Flyme, smart devices, and AI-powered ecosystem products. Founded in 2003 by entrepreneur Jack Wong (Huang Zhang), the company began as a manufacturer of premium MP3 and MP4 music players before entering the smartphone industry in 2008. Today, Meizu operates as part of the Xingji Meizu (DreamSmart) Group, backed by Geely Holding Group, with a strategic focus on smartphones, AI, smart vehicles, XR (extended reality), and connected ecosystems. [1]

Early Years (2003–2007)

Meizu was founded in March 2003 by Jack Wong in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. [2]

Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing high-quality MP3 players, competing with brands such as:

• Apple iPod

• iRiver

• Cowon

• Creative

The Meizu M6 MiniPlayer, released in 2006, became especially popular because of its premium audio quality, sleek design, and affordable price. During this period, Meizu earned a reputation among audio enthusiasts as one of China’s leading portable music brands. [8]

Entry into Smartphones

In 2008, Meizu shifted its focus to smartphones.

Its first smartphone, the Meizu M8, featured:

• Capacitive touchscreen

• Customized interface

• Multimedia focus

• Premium industrial design

Although it drew comparisons to the first iPhone, the M8 established Meizu as one of China’s earliest smartphone innovators. [8]

Growth Era (2010–2018)

Throughout the 2010s, Meizu released multiple successful smartphone series. [4]

MX Series

Designed for flagship performance.

Popular models included:

• MX2

• MX3

• MX4

• MX5

• MX6

PRO Series

Premium flagship phones featuring:

• Samsung AMOLED displays

• Hi-Fi audio chips

• High-end processors

• Metal construction

Examples:

• PRO 5

• PRO 6

• PRO 7

M Series

Budget and mid-range smartphones.

Popular models:

• M2 Note

• M3 Note

• M5 Note

• M6 Note

These devices became especially popular in Asia because they offered strong specifications at competitive prices. [4]

Acquisition by Geely

In 2022, Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding Group acquired a controlling stake in Meizu.

The acquisition aimed to integrate:

• Smartphones

• Smart cars

• AI

• XR devices

• Cross-device ecosystems

In 2023, Xingji Times and Meizu officially merged to form the Xingji Meizu Group (DreamSmart), signaling Meizu’s transition from an independent smartphone maker to a core part of Geely’s intelligent technology ecosystem. [2]

AI Era

In 2024, Meizu announced its “All in AI” strategy.

This initiative includes:

• AI-native smartphones

• Flyme AIOS

• AI assistants

• Smart glasses

• AI ecosystem integration

• Deep integration with Geely vehicles

The company has increasingly shifted its focus from traditional smartphones toward AI-powered hardware and software experiences. [3]

One of Meizu’s defining technologies is Flyme, its Android-based operating system.

Flyme emphasizes:

• Minimalist interface

• Smooth animations

• One-handed usability

• Privacy features

• Gesture navigation

• System optimization

Over the years, Flyme evolved into Flyme AIOS, incorporating AI features and expanding beyond phones to power connected devices and automotive systems. [5]

Meizu has introduced several notable technologies over the years:

mBack

A single multifunction home button capable of:

• Back gesture

• Home

• Fingerprint unlocking

It became one of the brand’s signature features.

Hi-Fi Audio

Many Meizu flagship phones included dedicated DAC chips from manufacturers such as ESS and Cirrus Logic, making them favorites among music enthusiasts.

Bezel-less Designs

Meizu experimented with ultra-thin bezels before punch-hole displays became mainstream.

Meizu Zero

Announced in 2019, the Meizu Zero was promoted as one of the world’s first “holeless” smartphones, featuring:

• No charging port

• No buttons

• No speaker grille

• Wireless charging

• eSIM

• Pressure-sensitive virtual buttons

Although it did not become a commercial success, it showcased Meizu’s willingness to experiment with unconventional hardware. [6]

Meizu currently develops products including:

• Smartphones

• Flyme AIOS

• Smartwatches

• Earbuds

• Chargers

• Smart accessories

• XR glasses

• Smart car operating systems (Flyme Auto)

• AI devices

• MX Series

• PRO Series

• M Series

• 15 Series

• 16 Series

• 17 Series

• 18 Series

• 20 Series

• 21 Series

• Lucky Series

• Note Series

According to Meizu, its design philosophy emphasizes:

• Simplicity

• Elegant software

• User-centered interaction

• Premium industrial design

• Seamless integration between hardware and software

Its recent branding highlights the concept of “Infinite Passion”, focusing on creating a connected ecosystem spanning mobile devices, AI, XR, and intelligent vehicles. [9]

Although Meizu has never matched the global market share of larger Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, OPPO, or vivo, it has earned a dedicated following for:

• Clean software experience

• High-quality industrial design

• Strong audio performance

• Experimental hardware concepts

• Attention to user interface design

Many technology enthusiasts regard Meizu as one of the pioneering companies that helped establish China’s modern smartphone industry. [10]

1. Meizu

2. The Xingji Meizu Group has been established, with Shen Ziyu appointed as Chairman and CEO

3. About Us – Meizu – Meizu

4. Review: Meizu M3 Note

5. 了解魅族

6. Meet the Chinese phone brands vying to be the next OnePlus

7. Brief History of Meizu company, from MP3 player to Smartphone – Gizmochina

8. About Us – Meizu

9. News – MEIZU Global