The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The HTC Wildfire E1 Plus, while an older model, remains available in some regions. The Realme C33 2023 represents a newer offering aiming to deliver a modern experience at a similar price point. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C33 2023 is the better choice. Its newer Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus’s older Helio P23. While both offer basic functionality, the Realme’s slightly more modern architecture translates to a smoother user experience.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 18. Released 2019, December 18 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.20 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E1 plus
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Established brand (HTC)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Older, less efficient chipset (Helio P23)
- Likely slower performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
Realme C33 2023
- More modern and efficient chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Improved performance for multitasking and light gaming
- Potentially better battery life
- Slow 10W charging
- Camera quality likely limited by sensor size
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The Realme C33 2023’s newer design may offer slightly slimmer bezels, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience, but this is speculative. The absence of high refresh rates on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more expensive phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The Realme C33 2023 likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms, common in newer smartphones, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme is unlikely to provide significant value, as image quality will be limited by the sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is the clear winner here. Built on a 12nm process, it’s more efficient than the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus’s 16nm Helio P23. The T612’s CPU configuration – 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – is a significant upgrade over the E1 Plus’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Realme offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both phones likely have limited RAM, the more efficient chipset in the Realme will manage memory better, reducing lag and stuttering.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this segment. The Realme C33 2023’s 10W wired charging is a limiting factor. While the charging speed isn’t fast, the more efficient Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset should translate to better battery life overall. The 16nm Helio P23 in the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus will consume more power, potentially requiring more frequent charging, even with a comparable battery capacity. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but the Realme has the edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus if you prioritize brand recognition and can find it at a significantly lower price than the Realme C33 2023. It’s a functional device for basic tasks. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better performance for multitasking and light gaming, and a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 is more than capable of running everyday apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus, resulting in faster app launch times and a more responsive user experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 2023 a significant drawback?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, the Realme C33 2023’s more efficient chipset means you won’t need to charge it as frequently. The improved power efficiency will help offset the slower charging speed, providing a reasonable overall charging experience for typical daily use.
❓ Can the HTC Wildfire E1 Plus run modern mobile games?
The HTC Wildfire E1 Plus will struggle with most modern mobile games. The Helio P23 chipset is an older, less powerful processor, and will likely result in low frame rates and significant lag, even on low graphics settings. The Realme C33 2023 offers a better, though still limited, gaming experience.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Storage options are not specified in the provided data. However, both phones likely come with limited internal storage (32GB or 64GB) and support microSD card expansion. Check retailer listings for specific storage configurations.
