The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, but the Meizu mblu 21 and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE represent distinct approaches to value. The mblu 21 aims for affordability with a focus on essential features, while the S24 FE attempts to deliver a near-flagship experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you decide which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and long-term reliability, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the clear winner. Its Exynos 2400e chipset and superior battery endurance outweigh the mblu 21’s lower price. However, the mblu 21 offers a compelling option for those on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 27 | 2024, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November | Available. Released 2024, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· eSIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | 10-core (1x3.1 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xclipse 940 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.4, 75mm (telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 10 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| 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 |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band or tri-band (market/region dependent), Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 25W wired, PD, QC2, 50% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wireless |
| Type | 4900 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Blue, Graphite, Gray, Mint, Yellow |
| Models | M2416 | SM-S721B, SM-S721B/DS, SM-S721U1, SM-S721U, SM-S721W, SM-S7210, SM-S721N |
| Price | - | $ 249.74 / C$ 498.99 / £ 335.00 / € 387.00 / ₹ 34,180 |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.86 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 42:00h endurance, 2000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Meizu mblu 21
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially more compact form factor (speculation)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Underpowered Unisoc T606 chipset
- Likely inferior display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
- Unknown battery performance
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Powerful Exynos 2400e chipset
- Bright and vibrant display (1372 nits)
- Excellent battery life (42h endurance)
- Fast charging (25W wired, 15W wireless)
- Higher price tag
- Exynos chip can be prone to throttling under sustained load (though the 'e' variant is improved)
- Software updates may be slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1372 nits, making it far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While the mblu 21’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls considerably short of this peak brightness. The S24 FE’s panel likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, offering superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving, but the S24 FE’s higher brightness is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Meizu mblu 21, a direct comparison is limited. However, given its price point, it’s unlikely to compete with the S24 FE’s camera capabilities. The S24 FE likely features a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Exynos 2400e, enabling better dynamic range and noise reduction. While the S24 FE may not have a groundbreaking camera system, it will consistently deliver more detailed and vibrant photos than the mblu 21, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the S24 FE is also a significant advantage for capturing sharp images and stable videos.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s Exynos 2400e, built on a 4nm process, features a 10-core CPU configuration with clock speeds up to 3.1 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Meizu mblu 21’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) and its octa-core CPU peaking at 1.6 GHz. The 4nm node of the Exynos 2400e translates to significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during demanding tasks. The S24 FE will handle multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive applications with ease, while the mblu 21 will likely struggle with anything beyond basic usage.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE excels in battery performance, offering a measured endurance of 42 hours and an active use score of 11 hours and 48 minutes. It also supports 25W wired charging with PD and QC2, achieving a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, alongside 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. The mblu 21’s battery capacity and charging specifications are unknown, but given its lower price, it’s reasonable to expect a smaller battery and slower charging speeds. The S24 FE’s 2000 charge cycles also suggest a longer lifespan and sustained battery health over time.
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 your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE if you prioritize smooth multitasking, gaming, a brighter display, and a more robust feature set, even if it means spending more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 2400e in the S24 FE tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While previous Exynos chips were known for thermal throttling, the 'e' variant in the S24 FE features improvements in efficiency and thermal management. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings can still lead to some throttling, but it's generally well-managed and doesn't result in a completely unplayable experience. The 4nm process helps mitigate this issue compared to the mblu 21's 12nm Unisoc chip.
❓ Is the Meizu mblu 21 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic web browsing?
Yes, the Meizu mblu 21 is a viable option for users with very basic smartphone needs. Its Unisoc T606 chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and its lower price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
❓ How does the charging speed of the S24 FE compare to other phones in its price range?
The S24 FE's 25W charging is competitive within its price bracket, offering a 50% charge in 30 minutes. While some phones offer faster charging speeds (45W or 65W), 25W is still reasonably quick and convenient for topping up the battery throughout the day. The addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging further enhances its versatility.