The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Meizu Mblu 22 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G are two contenders vying for your attention. While both offer 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, leading to distinct performance characteristics. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Meizu Mblu 22’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the Mblu 22 may appeal to those on an extremely tight budget, the Redmi 10 5G offers a superior experience for a modest price increase.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 04 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 20 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
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 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan Black, Snow White, Sea Blue | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | M2511 | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Meizu Mblu 22
- Lowest possible price for 5G connectivity
- Functional for basic tasks like calls and messaging
- May appeal to users with extremely limited budgets
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Redmi 10 5G
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient processor leading to potential overheating
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Dimensity 700
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient processor for better battery life and thermal management
- Slightly higher price point than the Meizu Mblu 22
- Display quality is likely similar to the Mblu 22 (basic LCD)
- Camera performance, while better, is still limited by the budget sensor
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications beyond connectivity, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. However, the performance difference in the chipsets suggests the Redmi 10 5G will likely handle display rendering and animations more smoothly. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both phones. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The Redmi 10 5G, benefiting from its more powerful processor, will likely have superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Mblu 22 may struggle with complex image processing algorithms. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler rather than genuine photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a significant leap ahead of the Meizu Mblu 22’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 700 features two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, alongside six efficiency cores, providing a substantial advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The Mblu 22’s SC9863A relies on four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz, resulting in slower processing speeds. This translates to slower app launches, less responsive multitasking, and a less enjoyable overall user experience on the Mblu 22. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The key difference is charging speed: the Redmi 10 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the Mblu 22 is limited to 10W. This means the Redmi 10 5G will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity is always preferable, the faster charging of the Redmi 10 5G mitigates the impact of a potentially slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu Mblu 22 if you need a functional 5G phone on the absolute lowest budget and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The Redmi 10 5G is the better choice for users who stream video, play casual games, or multitask frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Meizu Mblu 22 struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a relatively low-end processor. Expect noticeable lag when running demanding apps or multitasking. It's best suited for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. More complex applications will likely experience slowdowns and may even crash.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Meizu Mblu 22 with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge from 0% will likely take over 3 hours, potentially even closer to 4 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly slower than the Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 2 hours.
❓ Is the Redmi 10 5G a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Redmi 10 5G is capable of handling casual mobile games at medium settings. However, don't expect to run graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact at high frame rates. The Dimensity 700 provides a reasonable gaming experience for less demanding games.
❓ Does the Redmi 10 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
While not explicitly stated, Xiaomi phones generally support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) in regions where these technologies are deployed by carriers. It's best to confirm compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing.
