HTC Explorer vs Nokia Asha 302: A Detailed Comparison

The HTC Explorer and Nokia Asha 302 represent a bygone era of affordable smartphones. Both aimed to deliver basic functionality without breaking the bank, but which one ultimately holds up better today? This review dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia Asha 302 edges out the HTC Explorer thanks to its slightly faster processor and superior sunlight readability. While both are dated, the Asha 302 offers a marginally better user experience for those seeking a simple, reliable device.

PHONES
Phone Names	HTC Explorer	Nokia Asha 302

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
EDGE	No	-
GPRS	Class 10	-
Speed	HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps	HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / HSPA

Launch
Announced	2011, September. Released 2011, October	2012, February. Released 2012, March
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	102.8 x 57.2 x 12.9 mm (4.05 x 2.25 x 0.51 in)	115.2 x 58.9 x 13.5 mm, 77 cc (4.54 x 2.32 x 0.53 in)
Keyboard	-	QWERTY
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	108 g (3.81 oz)	106 g (3.74 oz)

Display
Resolution	320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~180 ppi density)	320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size	3.2 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~51.9% screen-to-body ratio)	2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~26.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 256K colors	TFT, 256K colors

Platform
CPU	600 MHz Cortex A5	1.0 GHz
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM7225A Snapdragon S1	-
GPU	Adreno 200	-
OS	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), Sense UI 3.5	-

Memory
Call records	Yes	20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	512MB 512MB RAM	100MB 256MB ROM 128MB RAM
Phonebook	500 entries	Yes, Photocall

Main Camera
Single	3.15 MP	3.15 MP
Video	480p	480p@15fps

Selfie camera
	No	No

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	SRS surround	-

Comms
Bluetooth	3.0, A2DP, EDR	2.1, A2DP, EDR
Positioning	GPS, A-GPS	No
Radio	Stereo FM radio, RDS	Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Features
Games	Downloadable	Yes
Java	No	Yes, MIDP 2.0
Messaging	SMS, MMS	SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	-
	MP3/eAAC+/WAV/WMA player XviD/MP4/H.264/WMV player Organizer Voice memo Predictive text input	SNS integration MP4/H.264/WMV player MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player Organizer Voice memo Predictive text input

Battery
Music play	-	Up to 50 h
Stand-by	Up to 485 h (2G) / Up to 445 h (3G)	Up to 707 h (2G) / Up to 830 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 7 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 33 min (3G)	Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G)
Type	Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery	Removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery (BL-5J)

Misc
Colors	Active Black, Active Navy, Metallic Black, Metallic Navy	Dark Grey, Mid Blue, Plum Red, White, Golden Light
Price	About 70 EUR	About 80 EUR
SAR	1.56 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body)	1.27 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.24 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body)	1.11 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -82.4dB / Crosstalk -81.1dB	Noise -87.5dB / Crosstalk -88.3dB
Camera	Photo	Photo
Display	Contrast ratio: 755:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 602 (nominal) / 1.537:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 79dB	Voice 77dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 83dB

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	Noise -82.4dB / Crosstalk -81.1dB	Noise -87.5dB / Crosstalk -88.3dB
Camera	Photo	Photo
Display	Contrast ratio: 755:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 602 (nominal) / 1.537:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 79dB	Voice 77dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 83dB

HTC Explorer

Compact size
Android OS (albeit outdated)
Familiar Android interface

Slow processor
Low resolution display
Outdated software support
Limited storage

Nokia Asha 302

Better sunlight display
Faster processor
Durable Nokia build quality
Good battery life (estimated)

Slightly larger than Explorer
Feature phone OS (not full Android)
Basic camera
Limited app ecosystem

Display Comparison

Both phones feature relatively small displays typical of their time. The HTC Explorer has a nominal contrast ratio of 755:1. The Nokia Asha 302 boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 602 but crucially, offers a significantly better 1.537:1 contrast ratio in direct sunlight, making it far more usable outdoors. This is a major advantage for the Asha 302.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature basic photo cameras. Image quality on both is expected to be low by today's standards, suitable only for casual snapshots. There's no significant difference in camera capabilities based on available information.

Performance

The Nokia Asha 302 holds a clear advantage here. It's powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, compared to the HTC Explorer's 600 MHz Cortex A5. While neither is powerful by modern standards, the Asha 302's faster CPU translates to snappier app loading and a generally more responsive feel. Both run older operating systems, so don't expect multitasking miracles.

Battery Life

Battery life was a key consideration for budget phones of this era. While specific battery capacities aren't readily available, both phones were designed for reasonable battery life. The Nokia Asha 302 likely has a slight edge due to its more efficient processor and potentially optimized software.

Buying Guide

The HTC Explorer might appeal to those seeking a very basic Android experience and a compact form factor. The Nokia Asha 302 is a better choice for users prioritizing sunlight visibility and a slightly more responsive performance, especially if they value Nokia's durability.