The HTC Wildfire E1 and Samsung Galaxy A40 represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Wildfire E1 aims for extreme affordability, while the Galaxy A40 attempts to balance price with a more refined experience. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A40 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 7904 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Wildfire E1’s Helio P23, and the brighter 548 nit display provides a better viewing experience. While battery life is comparable, the A40’s 15W charging is a welcome addition.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 18. Released 2019, December 18 | 2019, March 19. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.20 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 144.4 x 69.2 x 7.9 mm (5.69 x 2.72 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~437 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.9 inches, 85.5 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.77 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.59 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 25 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue/Violet | Black, White, Blue, Coral |
| Models | - | SM-A405F, SM-A405FN, SM-A405FM, SM-A405S |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.0dB / Crosstalk -85.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 73h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: infinite |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 73dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 106388 (v7)
GeekBench: 4112 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 4.6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC Wildfire E1
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely lower display quality
- Slower charging speeds
Samsung Galaxy A40
- Superior performance with Exynos 7904
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 15W charging
- Higher price than the Wildfire E1
- May not be the most durable build
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A40 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 548 nits, compared to the likely lower brightness of the Wildfire E1 (spec not provided). This translates to better visibility outdoors. The A40’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED panels, delivers deeper blacks and more vivid colors. While the Wildfire E1’s display resolution is not specified, it’s likely 720p, whereas the A40 is 1080p, resulting in a sharper image. The A40’s panel technology is a clear advantage for media consumption and general usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The Galaxy A40 likely benefits from Samsung’s superior image processing algorithms. While both may include a standard and macro lens, the A40’s sensor size is likely larger, capturing more light and resulting in better low-light performance. The Wildfire E1’s camera is likely focused on basic functionality, while the A40 aims for a more versatile and higher-quality imaging experience. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the A40, though unconfirmed, would further enhance image clarity.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A40’s Exynos 7904, fabricated on a 14nm process, demonstrably outperforms the HTC Wildfire E1’s Mediatek Helio P23 (16nm). The A40’s CPU configuration – 2x1.77 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.59 GHz Cortex-A53 – includes more powerful Cortex-A73 cores, providing a boost in single-core performance crucial for app loading and responsiveness. The Wildfire E1’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration relies solely on less efficient Cortex-A53 cores. This difference will be noticeable in multitasking and more demanding applications. The 14nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency in the A40.
Battery Life
Both the HTC Wildfire E1 and Samsung Galaxy A40 achieve an endurance rating of 73 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Galaxy A40’s 15W wired charging provides a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Wildfire E1. This means the A40 can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. While both have similar endurance, the A40’s charging speed is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and basic smartphone functionality is sufficient. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A40 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7904 in the Galaxy A40 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7904 is a relatively efficient chip. While it will warm up during prolonged gaming, the 14nm process and Samsung’s thermal management generally prevent significant throttling. Expect playable frame rates in most popular titles, but don't expect flagship-level sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited detail. The image quality is often soft and lacks sharpness. While it can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-grade macro photography from either device. The A40's image processing may yield slightly better results, but it's still a limited feature.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A40 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Galaxy A40 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates at maximum settings is unlikely. You'll likely need to balance graphics settings for a smooth experience. Expect playable performance at medium settings with a stable frame rate.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A40 with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A40 typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the likely 3+ hours required for the Wildfire E1.
