The Samsung Galaxy A11 and HTC Wildfire E Plus represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, despite similar price points, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A11 is the better choice. Its octa-core Snapdragon 450 processor, built on a more efficient 14nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance than the HTC Wildfire E Plus’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739. While neither phone excels in any single area, the A11’s superior processing power and 15W charging provide a more modern and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 24 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 24 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E plus
- More powerful Snapdragon 450 processor
- More efficient 14nm manufacturing process
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely higher price point
- May not have significantly better display quality
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for calls and texts
- Simple user interface
- Underpowered Mediatek MT6739 processor
- Less efficient 28nm manufacturing process
- Slower charging speeds
- Struggles with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. Given Samsung’s display expertise, the A11 likely benefits from slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected, focusing instead on cost-effectiveness. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their respective form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar in real-world usage, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution sensors. The A11 may benefit from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP), potentially offering slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically produce low-quality images. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is more relevant, but without specific details, a clear winner is difficult to determine.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, with its eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, significantly outperforms the HTC Wildfire E Plus’s Mediatek MT6739. The MT6739’s quad-core configuration at 1.5 GHz will struggle with multitasking and demanding applications. Crucially, the Snapdragon 450 is fabricated on a 14nm process, offering superior power efficiency compared to the MT6739’s 28nm node. This translates to better battery life and less heat generation under load. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the A11 will provide a smoother experience with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process gives the Galaxy A11 a significant advantage in power efficiency. This means the A11 will likely achieve longer battery life with a similar capacity battery to the Wildfire E Plus. Furthermore, the A11 supports 15W wired charging, a notable advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Wildfire E Plus. This faster charging reduces downtime and improves overall usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E Plus if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional multitasking, and faster charging, even if it means spending slightly more. The A11 is better suited for users who consume media or use social media apps regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A11 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Snapdragon 450 can handle these apps, expect some occasional lag when switching between them or loading complex content. It's not a fluid experience like higher-end phones, but it's functional for basic social media use. The HTC Wildfire E Plus will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Galaxy A11 a significant improvement over the Wildfire E Plus?
Yes, 15W charging is a noticeable improvement. While neither phone will charge incredibly quickly, the A11 will reach a full charge significantly faster than the Wildfire E Plus, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games. However, demanding 3D games will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe frame rate drops. The Galaxy A11's Snapdragon 450 will provide a slightly better gaming experience, but don't expect high performance.
