Both the HTC Wildfire E1 and Nokia 5.1 Plus (also known as the Nokia X5) represent attempts to deliver affordable Android experiences. However, they approach this goal with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets on everyday use and long-term performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 5.1 Plus (X5) is the clear winner. Its Helio P60 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, delivers substantially better CPU and GPU performance than the HTC Wildfire E1’s Helio P23. While both phones target the budget segment, the Nokia offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 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, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 18. Released 2019, December 18 | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, December 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.20 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 149.5 x 72 x 8.1 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~287 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.86 inches, 85.7 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - GlobalOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) - China |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3060 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue/Violet | Night black, Glacier white, Baltic sea blue |
| Models | - | TA-1120, TA-1105, TA-1102 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.89 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 119428 (v7)
GFXBench: 7.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC Wildfire E1
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- May be more readily available in certain markets
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Inferior camera image processing
Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5)
- Superior processor performance with Cortex-A73 cores
- More efficient 12nm chipset for better battery life
- Improved camera image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software updates may be less frequent (depending on region)
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on processing power, not screen fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points. The lack of detailed display specs means a direct comparison is limited, but both will likely offer adequate viewing experiences for casual use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a precise comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P60 is more advanced, offering better image processing capabilities. This means the Nokia 5.1 Plus is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The HTC Wildfire E1 will likely struggle with dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the Nokia.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 5.1 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio P60 (MT6771), fabricated on a 12nm process, featuring a CPU with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz (China variant) or 1.8 GHz (Global variant) alongside four Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant step up from the HTC Wildfire E1’s Helio P23 (MT6763), built on a larger 16nm process, with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. The A73 cores in the P60 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This translates to a noticeably smoother experience on the Nokia, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient 12nm Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus will likely result in better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the HTC Wildfire E1. The P60’s efficiency gains mean less power is consumed during everyday tasks, extending usage time between charges. Charging wattage is also unknown, making a direct comparison of charge times impossible, but the Nokia’s chipset advantage extends to power management.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E1 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost. Buy the Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5) if you value a more fluid user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more capable processor for running modern apps and light gaming. The Nokia is the better choice for anyone who anticipates using their phone beyond the most fundamental functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.1 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's significantly more capable than the Helio P23 in the HTC Wildfire E1, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Nokia 5.1 Plus’s Cortex-A73 cores provide a much snappier response when launching apps, scrolling through webpages, and switching between tasks. The HTC Wildfire E1 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus receive regular software updates?
Nokia historically provided good software support for its devices, including security updates and Android version upgrades. However, update frequency can vary by region. Check Nokia's official website or community forums for the latest update information for your specific model and region.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
While both phones are adequate for basic communication, the HTC Wildfire E1 might be sufficient if calls and texts are *truly* the only use case. However, even for basic use, the Nokia 5.1 Plus offers a more refined and responsive experience that will likely be appreciated over time.
