The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Meizu Mblu 22 and the Realme C21Y aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core components – specifically the chipset – dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C21Y is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Meizu Mblu 22’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While both offer basic functionality, the C21Y’s added processing power and reverse charging capability make it the more versatile option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 04 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 20 | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), AF
auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan Black, Snow White, Sea Blue | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | M2511 | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Meizu Mblu 22
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Outdated and less powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Limited performance for multitasking and gaming
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- No reverse charging
Realme C21Y
- More powerful Unisoc T610 chipset (12nm)
- Improved performance for everyday tasks
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the Meizu Mblu 22
- Still a budget device with limitations in camera quality and display
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Realme C21Y’s advantage lies in its potential for slightly better color reproduction due to the more modern chipset’s image signal processor (ISP), which can influence display output. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The Realme C21Y benefits from the more capable ISP within the T610, potentially offering slightly better image processing and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C21Y’s Unisoc T610 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Meizu Mblu 22’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. The T610’s CPU configuration – 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – is significantly more powerful than the Mblu 22’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. The A75 cores in the C21Y provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable user experience. The older 28nm process of the SC9863A will likely result in more heat generation under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Realme C21Y’s advantage is its reverse wired charging capability, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The Meizu Mblu 22 is limited to 10W wired charging, while the C21Y’s charging speed is unspecified but likely similar. The T610’s improved power efficiency will also contribute to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Mblu 22 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and are looking for the most basic smartphone experience possible, perhaps as a secondary device or for a user with minimal tech needs. Buy the Realme C21Y if you want a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with more fluidity, occasional gaming, and the convenience of reverse charging to top up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C21Y be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T610 chipset in the Realme C21Y is sufficiently powerful to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the Meizu Mblu 22, ensuring a smoother experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ Can the Realme C21Y charge my Bluetooth earbuds using reverse charging?
Yes, the Realme C21Y supports reverse wired charging. You can connect your Bluetooth earbuds (or other compatible devices) to the C21Y using a USB cable and transfer power, effectively using the phone as a portable power bank. However, charging speeds will be limited.
❓ Is the Meizu Mblu 22 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Meizu Mblu 22 is a suitable option for basic communication. Its simpler chipset and software are sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using essential apps. However, be aware that it will struggle with more demanding tasks.
❓ How much of a difference will the 12nm vs 28nm process make in real-world battery life?
The 12nm process of the Unisoc T610 is significantly more power-efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A. This translates to less heat generation and improved battery life, potentially adding an hour or more of usage on a single charge, depending on usage patterns.
