The HTC Wildfire E1 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy A10e emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Exynos 7884 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Wildfire E1 Lite’s quad-core Helio A20, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 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 | 2020, September 24. Released 2020, September 24 | 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 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 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/2.2, (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 | 5.0, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E1 lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly more power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Compact form factor (likely)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Likely lower-resolution display
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Superior performance with octa-core processor
- More versatile dual-camera system
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Less power-efficient chipset (14nm)
- Potentially larger and less pocketable
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Wildfire E1 Lite’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a low-resolution IPS LCD. The Galaxy A10e features a 6.3-inch HD+ (720 x 1560) TFT LCD. The A10e’s larger size and higher resolution, while still modest, provide a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Both will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness, making outdoor visibility a challenge. The A10e’s larger screen size is a clear advantage for media consumption, even if the panel technology isn’t premium.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be limited. Details on the Wildfire E1 Lite’s camera are scarce, but it likely features a basic single-lens setup. The Galaxy A10e sports a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor and a 5MP ultrawide lens. While the megapixel count isn’t everything, the A10e’s larger primary sensor and the inclusion of an ultrawide lens offer greater versatility. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both phones will struggle in low light. The A10e’s image processing is likely to be more refined, resulting in slightly better dynamic range and detail.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The HTC Wildfire E1 Lite utilizes the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. The Samsung Galaxy A10e, however, is powered by the Exynos 7884, an octa-core chip fabricated on a larger 14nm node. While the 14nm process is less efficient, the eight cores (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) provide a substantial performance boost over the A20’s four Cortex-A53 cores. The A73 cores in the A10e offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and general navigation. The A10e will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps far more gracefully than the Wildfire E1 Lite, which will struggle with even basic operations.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A10e packs a 3000mAh battery, while the Wildfire E1 Lite has a 3000mAh battery. While the capacities are identical, the Exynos 7884’s 14nm process is less power-efficient than the Helio A20’s 12nm process. However, the A10e’s more efficient software optimization and potentially more aggressive app standby management could offset this. Both phones will likely provide a full day of light use, but heavy users will need to charge before the end of the day. Charging speeds are likely similar on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E1 Lite if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. It’s suitable for very basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a device capable of handling slightly more demanding applications without significant lag. The A10e offers a better balance of performance and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e tend to overheat during prolonged use?
The Exynos 7884 is a relatively low-power chip and is unlikely to experience significant overheating during typical usage scenarios. While it may get warm during extended gaming sessions, it shouldn't reach critical temperatures that cause performance throttling. The 14nm process isn't the most efficient, but the chip's overall power draw is low.
❓ Is the 5MP ultrawide lens on the Galaxy A10e actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The 5MP ultrawide lens on the A10e is a genuine benefit, offering a wider field of view for landscape photography and group shots. While the image quality won't be on par with the main 12MP sensor, it provides a valuable creative option that the Wildfire E1 Lite simply doesn't offer. It's a noticeable step up in camera versatility.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A10e handle popular games like PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Galaxy A10e can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to compromise on graphics settings. Expect playable frame rates at low or medium settings with reduced graphics quality. The Helio A20 in the Wildfire E1 Lite will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely resulting in a very choppy and unenjoyable experience.
❓ Does either phone support Android updates beyond its initial release version?
Both the HTC Wildfire E1 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A10e are likely to receive limited software support. Samsung generally provides more consistent updates than HTC, but even the A10e is nearing the end of its update lifecycle. Expect security patches to cease relatively soon, and a major Android version upgrade is unlikely for either device.
