The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro and Honor X8c represent compelling options for users seeking value. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to performance and charging speed, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers. This analysis dives deep into the core specifications to determine which device delivers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Honor X8c emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro’s Helio G81, especially in demanding tasks. The 35W charging further solidifies its lead.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 04 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 20 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.5 x 8.5 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 212 g (7.48 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan Black, Deep Sea Blue, Snow White | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | M2512 | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Meizu Mblu 22 Pro
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- MediaTek Helio G81 is adequate for basic tasks.
- May offer a slightly longer battery runtime in very light usage scenarios.
- Less efficient 12nm chipset leads to more heat and throttling.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Likely less responsive multitasking experience.
Honor X8c
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 685 chipset.
- Faster 35W wired charging.
- Better sustained performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Potentially superior image processing.
- May have a slightly higher initial purchase price.
- Could have a smaller battery capacity (offset by efficiency).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Without specific display specs, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. However, the focus here is on internal components, and display differences are likely minimal. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup geared towards general photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes it difficult to assess image quality. However, the Snapdragon 685’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the Helio G81’s, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance on the Honor X8c. We can expect both phones to include a standard macro lens, but its utility is often limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8c’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a clear architectural advantage over the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially more sustained performance under load. While the Helio G81 features Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 685 counters with Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz, offering a higher peak clock speed. This, combined with the more efficient node, suggests the X8c will handle multitasking and moderately demanding games with greater ease. The G81's 12nm process will likely result in more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Honor X8c’s 35W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro’s 18W charging. This translates to a substantially faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 685’s superior power efficiency means the X8c will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity than the Mblu 22 Pro. The faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Honor X8c if you prefer a smoother multitasking experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means a slightly higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 6nm process and Cortex-A73 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio G81, reducing the likelihood of significant frame drops during extended gaming sessions. However, it's not a dedicated gaming chipset, so don't expect maximum graphical fidelity.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor X8c with the 35W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time depends on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 35W charging on the Honor X8c should fully charge the device in approximately 60-75 minutes. This is a substantial improvement over the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro’s 18W charging, which would likely take over 2 hours.
❓ Is the Helio G81 in the Meizu Mblu 22 Pro sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Helio G81 is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and messaging. It won't struggle with these basic functions. However, you may notice slowdowns when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
❓ Does the Honor X8c support any form of fast charging protocol beyond the 35W standard?
The Honor X8c supports 35W Honor SuperCharge. While it may be compatible with some generic USB-PD chargers, optimal charging speeds are guaranteed with the included Honor charger or a compatible SuperCharge adapter.
