The Meizu mblu 21 and Google Pixel 8a represent distinct approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The mblu 21 aims for affordability with a focus on core functionality, while the Pixel 8a leverages Google’s Tensor G3 chip and AI capabilities, offering a more premium experience despite its price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term software support, camera quality, and overall performance, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. While the Meizu mblu 21 offers a lower entry price, the Pixel 8a’s superior chipset and battery endurance justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 27 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP (16 MP eff.), f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0
7.5W wireless
Bypass charging |
| Type | 4900 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | M2416 | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | - | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Meizu mblu 21
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Potentially more durable build quality (speculation based on brand history).
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Pixel 8a.
- Inferior camera capabilities.
- Limited software support and updates.
Google Pixel 8a
- Powerful Google Tensor G3 chipset for smooth performance.
- Excellent camera with Google’s computational photography.
- Long-lasting battery life and versatile charging options.
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches.
- Higher price compared to the Meizu mblu 21.
- May not be as durable as some more rugged devices.
- Wireless charging is relatively slow at 7.5W.
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Meizu mblu 21. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the mblu 21’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 8a’s OLED panel likely offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of details on the mblu 21’s display resolution and refresh rate suggests a more basic implementation, potentially impacting visual clarity and smoothness.
Camera Comparison
While detailed camera specs for the Meizu mblu 21 are unavailable, the Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The Pixel 8a’s image processing leverages the Tensor G3’s AI capabilities to deliver consistently high-quality photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS or sensor size on the mblu 21 suggests a less sophisticated camera system. Pixel phones are known for their excellent dynamic range and accurate color reproduction, features likely absent or less refined on the Meizu device.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 8a’s Google Tensor G3, fabricated on a 4nm process, features a nona-core architecture with a high-performance Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Meizu mblu 21’s Unisoc T606 (12nm), an octa-core chip with older Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. The 4nm process of the Tensor G3 provides significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Tensor G3’s architecture is also optimized for Google’s AI features, offering advantages in image processing and voice recognition. Users requiring smooth multitasking, gaming, or AI-powered features will find the Pixel 8a far more capable.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 8a demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving 40:06 hours of total usage and 11:25 hours of active use. The 83-hour endurance rating (older data) further reinforces its longevity. While the Meizu mblu 21’s battery capacity is unknown, the less efficient Unisoc T606 chipset likely results in shorter battery life. The Pixel 8a also supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging, offering convenient charging options. The Meizu mblu 21’s charging capabilities are not specified, suggesting a slower and less versatile charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu mblu 21 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. You'll appreciate its simplicity and affordability. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize a smooth user experience, excellent camera capabilities, guaranteed software updates, and a phone that will remain usable for years to come. It's the better investment for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How will the Unisoc T606 in the Meizu mblu 21 handle demanding apps like video editing or graphically intensive games?
The Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, it will struggle with demanding applications. Expect significant slowdowns, stuttering, and potentially crashes when editing videos or playing graphically intensive games. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 is far better equipped for these tasks.
❓ Does the Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Tensor G3 is known to run warmer than some competing chips, but Google has implemented thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. While you may experience some warmth during extended gaming, it’s unlikely to cause significant performance throttling. The 4nm process helps with efficiency, and the Pixel 8a’s software optimizes performance to balance power and thermals.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect from Meizu for the mblu 21?
Meizu’s software support track record is less consistent than Google’s. Expect fewer Android version updates and security patches compared to the Pixel 8a, which is guaranteed to receive several years of updates directly from Google. This shorter support lifespan means the mblu 21 will become vulnerable to security threats sooner.
