The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Meizu M10, featuring the older Mediatek Helio P25, faces off against the newer Realme C33 2023, powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best value for budget-conscious users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C33 2023 is the better choice. While the Meizu M10 offers a familiar Mediatek platform, the Realme C33’s more efficient Unisoc Tiger T612, built on a smaller 12nm process, translates to better battery life and sustained performance despite similar CPU core counts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6757T Helio P25 (16 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T880MP2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 8 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.2
2 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Purplish Red, Sea Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Meizu M10
- Familiar Mediatek Helio P25 platform
- Potentially wider software support (depending on region)
- Established chipset with known performance characteristics
- Less power-efficient 16nm process
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Likely shorter battery life compared to the Realme C33
Realme C33 2023
- More efficient 12nm Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Better single-core performance for smoother multitasking
- 10W charging included
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support in some regions
- Entry-level chipset, not ideal for demanding games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price bracket, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and brightness are absent. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is likely similar. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, prioritizing affordability over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. We can assume both will include a primary sensor and potentially depth or macro lenses. The image processing capabilities of the Unisoc T612 might offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the Helio P25’s ISP, but this is speculative without sample images. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Meizu M10’s Mediatek Helio P25 (16nm) uses a big.LITTLE architecture with 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) employs a more modern configuration: 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T612 offer significantly better single-core performance than the A53 cores in the P25, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process of the T612 also contributes to improved power efficiency, mitigating the impact of the higher clock speeds. While both are octa-core, the architectural improvements in the T612 give the Realme C33 a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The Realme C33 2023’s 10W charging is a standard for this segment. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the Unisoc Tiger T612’s 12nm process gives it a significant edge in power efficiency. This means the Realme C33 2023 will likely deliver longer battery life on a single charge, even if the battery capacities are similar. The Helio P25’s 16nm process is less efficient, leading to faster battery drain during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu M10 if you prioritize a known chipset architecture and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Its Helio P25 is a well-understood platform, and may have wider software support in some regions. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you value battery efficiency and a more modern chipset design. The Unisoc Tiger T612 offers a more refined experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, and the 10W charging is a standard for this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. The Helio P25 in the Meizu M10 will have similar limitations.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 2023 slow compared to other phones?
10W charging is standard for smartphones in this price range. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge the device from 0%. Faster charging is typically found on more expensive models.
❓ Does the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 receive regular software updates?
Software update support for Unisoc chipsets can vary by manufacturer and region. Realme generally provides updates, but the frequency and duration of support may be less than for devices with Qualcomm or Mediatek chipsets. Check Realme's official website for specific update policies.
