The Google Pixel 3a, released in 2019, remains a popular choice due to its excellent camera and software support. However, newer contenders like the HTC Wildfire E aim to disrupt the budget market. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience to determine which offers the best value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 3a is the superior choice. While the HTC Wildfire E is more affordable, the Pixel 3a’s significantly more powerful Snapdragon 670 chipset and superior camera system deliver a smoother, more enjoyable experience, justifying its slightly higher price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 15. Released 2019, August 15 | 2019, May 07. Released 2019, May 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Asahi Dragontrail), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.9 x 71.4 x 8.9 mm (5.82 x 2.81 x 0.35 in) | 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm (5.96 x 2.76 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 147 g (5.19 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.6 inches, 79.6 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | OLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 615 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish |
| Models | - | G020A, G020E, G020B, G020G, G020H |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E
- Superior camera performance, especially in low light
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 670 processor
- Google’s software experience and timely updates
- Slightly higher price point
- Older device, potentially limited long-term software support
Google Pixel 3a
- More affordable price
- Potentially longer availability (depending on region)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Less refined software experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on the Wildfire E's panel are scarce, suggesting a basic LCD. The Pixel 3a features a 5.6-inch OLED display, offering superior contrast and color accuracy compared to what the Wildfire E likely provides. While neither phone has a high refresh rate, the OLED panel on the Pixel 3a will deliver a more vibrant and visually pleasing experience, especially in darker environments. Bezels are relatively substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 3a’s camera is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for the Wildfire E, it’s safe to assume a lower-resolution sensor and less sophisticated image processing. The Pixel 3a utilizes a 12.2MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, coupled with Google’s renowned computational photography. This results in excellent image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pixel 3a’s image processing excels at dynamic range and detail preservation, consistently outperforming budget competitors. The Wildfire E likely relies on simpler image processing, resulting in less refined photos. The absence of OIS on the Wildfire E further diminishes its low-light capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Google Pixel 3a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, built on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the HTC Wildfire E’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Snapdragon 670’s octa-core configuration, with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 (Gold) and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 (Silver) cores, provides a noticeable advantage in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Wildfire E’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 10nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Pixel 3a is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Pixel 3a.
Battery Life
The HTC Wildfire E’s battery capacity is unknown, but given its budget nature, it’s unlikely to exceed the Pixel 3a’s 3000mAh cell. The Pixel 3a supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, allowing for a relatively quick charge time. While the Wildfire E’s charging speed is unspecified, it’s likely to be slower. The Snapdragon 670’s improved power efficiency also contributes to better battery life on the Pixel 3a, despite the similar battery capacity. Users can expect a full day of moderate use from the Pixel 3a, while the Wildfire E may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality, needing a device primarily for calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 3a if you value a significantly better camera, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and the benefits of Google’s software experience, including timely updates and intelligent features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Wildfire E sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic tasks like web browsing and social media, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. Expect noticeable lag and slower app loading times compared to the Snapdragon 670 in the Pixel 3a. It's suitable for users with very basic smartphone needs.
❓ How does the Pixel 3a’s camera perform in challenging lighting conditions, such as indoors or at night?
The Pixel 3a excels in low-light photography thanks to its 12.2MP sensor, f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and Google’s Night Sight mode. Night Sight utilizes computational photography to capture bright, detailed images with minimal noise, even in extremely dark environments. The Wildfire E will likely produce significantly noisier and less detailed images in similar conditions.
❓ Will the Pixel 3a continue to receive software updates, given its age?
While the Pixel 3a is no longer receiving major Android version updates, it still receives security patches from Google. This ensures the device remains protected against vulnerabilities. However, it's important to note that long-term software support is limited compared to newer devices.
