The HTC Wildfire E and Nokia 3.2 represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches to achieving this price point, particularly in their core hardware. The Wildfire E leverages an octa-core Unisoc chip, while the Nokia 3.2 opts for a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon. This comparison dissects these choices and their impact on the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 3.2 is the slightly better choice. While the Wildfire E boasts more cores, the Snapdragon 429’s more efficient 12nm process and higher clock speeds translate to a smoother, more responsive experience in everyday tasks, coupled with the convenience of 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 15. Released 2019, August 15 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.9 x 71.4 x 8.9 mm (5.82 x 2.81 x 0.35 in) | 159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, Steel |
| Models | - | TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E
- Octa-core processor (potentially better multitasking for specific workloads)
- Lower price point (likely)
- May offer more storage options
- Less efficient 28nm process
- Slower processor cores (Cortex-A55)
- Likely slower charging speeds
Nokia 3.2
- More efficient 12nm process
- Faster processor cores (Cortex-A53)
- 10W wired charging support
- Fewer processor cores
- Potentially higher price
- May have limited storage options
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses solely on the chipset, we can infer both likely utilize budget LCD panels. The Nokia 3.2’s brand positioning suggests a slightly more refined display experience, potentially with better color calibration, but neither is expected to compete with higher-end devices in terms of brightness or viewing angles. Bezels are likely substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Both are likely to include a primary sensor and potentially a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 429 are generally superior, offering better dynamic range and noise reduction. Any additional sensors (like the often-included 2MP macro) will likely be of limited utility on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC Wildfire E’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core configuration split between 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While eight cores sound impressive, the Cortex-A55 is an efficiency core, meaning it prioritizes power saving over raw performance. The Nokia 3.2’s Snapdragon 429, with its four 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores, utilizes a more mature 12nm process compared to the Unisoc’s 28nm. This process node advantage, combined with the higher clock speed of the A53 cores, likely results in better single-core and multi-core performance in real-world applications, despite having fewer cores. The Snapdragon 429’s Adreno 504 GPU will also outperform the integrated GPU in the Unisoc SC9863A.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. However, the Nokia 3.2 has a significant advantage with its 10W wired charging support. The Wildfire E’s charging speed is unknown, but given the focus on cost reduction, it’s likely to be slower, potentially requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. The Snapdragon 429’s efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E if you prioritize maximizing core count on a very tight budget and anticipate primarily static workloads like reading or music playback. Buy the Nokia 3.2 if you value a more responsive user interface, faster charging, and a chipset from a more established manufacturer, even if it means sacrificing raw core numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC Wildfire E struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Unisoc SC9863A, while having eight cores, is designed for basic tasks. While it can run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, expect slower loading times and potential lag when multitasking, especially with other apps open in the background. The Nokia 3.2’s Snapdragon 429 will provide a smoother experience.
❓ Is the Nokia 3.2 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Nokia 3.2 is not ideal for demanding mobile games. The Snapdragon 429’s Adreno 504 GPU can handle lighter games, but you’ll need to lower graphics settings and expect lower frame rates in more intensive titles. The Wildfire E will likely perform even worse in gaming scenarios.
❓ Does the Nokia 3.2 support software updates for security patches?
Nokia has a relatively good track record for providing software updates, even for its budget devices. While the frequency of updates may not match flagship models, the Nokia 3.2 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even Android version upgrades compared to the HTC Wildfire E, given HTC’s limited software support for this segment.
