The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi A2 and HTC Wildfire E1 Lite represent two contenders vying for the attention of first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics and user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi A2 emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Wildfire E1 Lite’s quad-core Helio A20. While both phones prioritize affordability, the Redmi A2 delivers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 24. Released 2020, September 24 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | - | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E1 lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact size may appeal to some users
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking
- 10W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Larger size may not suit all users
- Camera performance is still basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p+ and offer adequate, though not exceptional, viewing experiences. The lack of high refresh rates or advanced features like PWM dimming control is expected. The Redmi A2’s slightly larger screen size (typically around 6.5 inches vs. the Wildfire E1 Lite’s 6.1 inches) may offer a more immersive experience for media consumption, but this is dependent on the exact panel dimensions.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Both likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The Redmi A2 may benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to the more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi A2’s Mediatek Helio G36 is a substantial upgrade over the HTC Wildfire E1 Lite’s Helio A20. The G36’s octa-core configuration (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the A20’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi A2. While neither chipset is designed for demanding games, the G36 will handle less intensive titles with greater ease. The Redmi A2’s CPU architecture, with its higher clock speeds on four cores, allows for better sustained performance during prolonged use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Redmi A2’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a slight advantage, offering a faster charging experience compared to the Wildfire E1 Lite, which likely supports a slower charging rate. However, real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The more efficient Helio G36 in the Redmi A2 *could* contribute to slightly longer battery life, but this difference will likely be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E1 Lite if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to accept significantly slower performance and limited multitasking capabilities. It's suitable for extremely basic use cases like calls and light messaging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A2 if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the benefit of a more modern chipset capable of handling a wider range of applications and occasional light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi A2 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Redmi A2’s Mediatek Helio G36 chipset is sufficiently powerful to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core processor and increased processing power compared to the Wildfire E1 Lite’s Helio A20 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience while browsing social media feeds and using these applications.
❓ Is the Redmi A2 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Redmi A2 is an excellent choice for users who primarily use their phone for calls and texts. While it offers more performance than strictly necessary for these tasks, the added processing power ensures a reliable and responsive experience, even when multitasking between calls, texts, and other basic applications. The slightly larger screen may also be beneficial for readability.
❓ Can I play games on the Redmi A2?
The Redmi A2 can handle less demanding mobile games, but it's not designed for graphically intensive titles. Games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will run without issue. More demanding games like PUBG Mobile may be playable on low settings, but expect frame rate drops and potential lag. The Helio G36 is a step up from the Wildfire E1 Lite, but still an entry-level gaming chip.
