The HTC Wildfire E and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate their real-world performance and suitability for various users. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A10e is the better choice. Its Exynos 7884, fabricated on a 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better efficiency compared to the HTC Wildfire E’s Unisoc SC9863A. While both phones are entry-level, the A10e offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - AT&T |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38, 40 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Metro PCS, T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 15. Released 2019, August 15 | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| 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) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0
or
2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black |
| Models | - | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E
- Potentially lower price point
- Android Go Edition may offer a cleaner experience for basic users
- Acceptable for very basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance due to the Unisoc chipset
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process
- Likely slower app loading times
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- More powerful Exynos 7884 chipset
- More efficient 14nm fabrication process
- Smoother user experience and faster app loading
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset, like the A10e's Exynos, will translate to smoother scrolling and animations, indirectly improving the perceived display quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices probably featuring a primary sensor and a depth sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. However, the Exynos 7884’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more capable than the Unisoc’s, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor. Focusing on the main sensor's capabilities is more important.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884 (14nm) utilizes two Cortex-A73 cores alongside six Cortex-A53 cores, offering a more powerful architecture than the HTC Wildfire E’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The A73 cores provide a significant uplift in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 14nm fabrication process of the Exynos also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. The Wildfire E’s Cortex-A55 cores, while efficient, are less powerful individually and in aggregate. This translates to slower app loading and potential stuttering during multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Exynos 7884’s 14nm process gives it an advantage in power efficiency. This means the A10e will likely achieve similar or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the Wildfire E. Charging wattage is also likely to be low on both, meaning 0-100% charge times will be measured in hours rather than minutes.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. Its Unisoc chipset is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a slightly more refined software experience. The Exynos 7884 offers a tangible performance boost for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A in the HTC Wildfire E struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A's less powerful CPU cores and limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB) will result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloading when multitasking. It's best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Is the Exynos 7884 in the Samsung Galaxy A10e capable of playing popular mobile games like PUBG?
The Exynos 7884 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect frame drops during intense action. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly better than the Wildfire E for gaming.
❓ How does the 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A affect battery life compared to the 14nm Exynos 7884?
The 28nm process is less efficient than the 14nm process. This means the Unisoc SC9863A consumes more power for the same tasks, resulting in shorter battery life compared to the Samsung Galaxy A10e's Exynos 7884.
❓ Will either phone receive significant software updates?
Neither phone is likely to receive extensive software updates. Both are entry-level devices and are past their primary support windows. Expect security patches to be infrequent or non-existent.
