Smartphone Meizu M3, released in 2016, has long remained one of the most popular budget devices on the market due to its metal body and attractive design. However, when it comes to software, many owners have a logical question: was it installed initially and are there prospects for updating it to more modern versions. This is critical for compatibility with new applications and data security. what Android is on Meizu M3 installed initially and are there any prospects for updating it to more modern versions? This is critical for compatibility with new applications and data security.
Initially, the device went on sale with the Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system, on top of which a proprietary shell was installed Flyme OS 5. Over time, the manufacturer released an update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the Flyme 6 shell, which became the final official point of development for this model. Understanding the current software version is necessary to solve performance problems and install compatible software.
Owners are often faced with a situation where popular instant messengers or banking applications require a higher version of the system than the one installed on their gadget. In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical characteristics of the platform, ways to check the current build and real possibilities for customizing the system by experienced users.
The official version of the operating system and features of Flyme
The base operating system for Meizu M3 is Android 5.1, however, users do not interact with “pure” Android, but with a deeply redesigned shell Flyme. The Chinese manufacturer is known for its unique approach to the interface, where many system functions are integrated directly into the launcher, which sometimes makes it difficult to determine the actual version of the system kernel. At the start of sales, the device worked on the base Flyme 5.1.2.0A.
Later, Meizu released a global update that raised the Android version to 6.0. This update brought with it not only new security features, but also improved power management, which was critical for the 2870 mAh battery. The shell has been updated to a version Flyme 6that has a flatter design and new control gestures.
⚠️ Attention: Official support for the device ended several years ago. Attempts to find new official firmware on the manufacturer’s website are pointless, since the update servers for this model are no longer updated.
It is important to distinguish between the global version of the firmware and the Chinese one. The global version (Global ROM) has built-in Google Play services, while the Chinese version requires manual installation of Google frameworks. The version of Android in both cases may be the same, but the set of pre-installed software will differ significantly, affecting the available memory space.
How exactly find out the Android version and build on the device
To get comprehensive information about the current state of your smartphone's software, it is not enough just to look at the lock screen. You need to go to the system settings menu. Go to section Settings, then scroll down to item About phone. This is where all the technical documentation of your copy is hidden.
In the "About phone" menu you will see several lines with technical information. We are interested in the fields "Android Version" and "Flyme Version". Users often confuse the Flyme build number with the Android version, which leads to errors when searching for instructions or firmware on the Internet. Write down this data before any manipulations.
For deeper diagnostics, you can use the engineering menu or third-party utilities. For example, the application CPU-Z or AIDA64 will show not only the OS version, but also detailed information about the processor MediaTek MT6750that controls the operation of the system. This helps to understand whether the device can handle heavy tasks.
| Parameter | Value for Meizu M3 (Global) | Value for Meizu M3 (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Base OS | Android 5.1 / 6.0 | Android 5.1 / 6.0 |
| Shell | Flyme OS 5 / 6 | Flyme OS 5 / 6 |
| Google Services | Preinstalled | Absent (requires installation) |
| Interface language | Multilingual (including Russian) | Chinese + English |
If the settings indicate the version of Flyme 5.x, but you want the six functions, check for updates in the "System update" section, but remember that the servers may no longer respond.
Update options: official and custom
The official update path for Meizu M3 has been exhausted on version Android 6.0. The company has not released security patches for this model after 2017-2018. This means that you can’t count on getting Android 7, 8 or higher through the standard menu Settings → System update here. The system will inform you that you have the latest available version installed.
However, the community of enthusiasts is not asleep. For the processors MediaTekon which this smartphone is based, there are ports for custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Resurrection Remix. These firmwares allow you to install Android 7.1 Nougat or even Android 8.1 Oreo, significantly extending the life of the device and opening access to new applications.
The process of installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery TWRP. This is a complex procedure that carries risks. Wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick” that shows no signs of life. In addition, the operation of the camera and some sensors on custom assemblies may be unstable.
Risks of custom firmware
When installing unofficial software, you lose the warranty (if it was still valid), and also put the data on the device at risk. Functions that depend on hardware encryption or specific Meizu drivers may stop working correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Before flashing the firmware, be sure to make a complete backup of all contacts, photos and messages. The flashing process completely clears the internal memory of the device.
Application compatibility problems on the old version
The most pressing problem for owners Meizu M3 with Android 6.0 is the gradual loss of support from developers of popular applications. Many services, especially banking and instant messengers, increase the minimum requirements for the operating system version to Android 8.0 and higher. This creates a situation where the phone is physically functional, but functionally limited.
For example, the latest versions of YouTube or Telegram may require a newer API than Android 6 provides. In such cases, users are forced to look for older versions of APK files or use lightweight versions of applications such as YouTube Go or Telegram X (if they support an older OS).
- 📉 Banking applications: Many banks stop supporting Android below version 7-8 due to data encryption security concerns.
- 📱 Social networks: Major clients Instagram or Facebook may be slow or not launch, requiring use browser version.
- 🎮 Games: Modern heavy games may not be installed from Google Play due to a mismatch with the version of DirectX or OpenGL supported by the old Android.
However, for basic tasks - calls, SMS, listening to music and navigation - the current version of the system is still sufficient. Optimization Flyme allows even on old hardware to ensure smooth operation of simple interfaces, if you do not overload the system with background processes.
If applications that are critical for you do not work on Android 6.0, the only solution is to search for their old versions on third-party resources or switch to custom firmware.
Performance optimization based on Android 5.1-6.0
In order Meizu M3 to work as quickly as possible on the existing version of Android, you need to configure the system correctly. The Flyme shell has built-in tools for cleaning memory and managing startup, which should not be neglected. Regularly clearing the cache helps to avoid interface slowdowns.
Go to the application Security (green icon with a shield) built into the system. There you will find the Memory Cleanup tool. Regular use of this function frees RAM from frozen processes. Also, in the battery settings, you should disable autorun for those applications that you do not use regularly.
Another effective method is to disable interface animation. Go to Settings, find the section For developers (if it is hidden, click on the build number 7 times in the "About phone" menu). Reduce window animation scales, transitions, and animator durations to 0.5x or disable them completely. This will visually speed up the operation of the smartphone.
☑️ Daily optimization of Meizu M3
Is it worth using Meizu M3 in 2026-2026
Use Meizu M3 in modern realities has its limitations. If you plan to use it as your main device for working with documents, online banking and active social networks, then the outdated Android 6.0 will be a serious obstacle. Data security on an unsupported system also raises questions, since vulnerabilities are not patched.
However, the smartphone is perfect as a second phone for calls, a device for a child (with strict restrictions on installing games), or as a media player for music and offline video. The metal body and high-quality screen still look decent, and battery life on light tasks remains at an acceptable level.
If you purchased this phone on the secondary market, make sure that the previous owner did not install Chinese firmware without Google services if you need them. Restoring the global version may require flashing, which can be a difficult task for an inexperienced user. In any case, the price of such a device is now symbolic.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used Meizu M3, be sure to check the link to the previous owner’s Flyme account. Resetting the settings will not remove the activation lock, and the phone will become useless.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the Meizu M3 to Android 10 or 11?
Officially - no, support has ended at Android 6.0. Unofficially, there are ports of LineageOS up to Android 8.1, but stable and fully working firmware based on Android 10+ for the MediaTek MT6750 processor in this model practically does not exist due to the lack of open drivers.
Why does not the system update arrive over the air?
Update servers for this model may be disabled by the manufacturer, or your phone is already on the latest available version (Flyme 6). Also, the check may not work if a custom recovery is installed or system files have been changed.
How to remove Chinese applications from the global version?
Most pre-installed applications can be deleted in the standard way by long pressing the icon. System apps that are not uninstalled will require root access and a utility like System App Remover, but this may break the Flyme shell.
Is it safe to use banking apps on Android 6?
It's risky. Many banks block logins on outdated OS versions. If the application works, remember that the system does not receive security updates, which makes the data vulnerable to modern viruses and attacks.