Looking for an affordable smartphone? The HTC Wildfire series offers budget-friendly options, but choosing between the E2 Play and E3 Lite can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC Wildfire E2 Play edges out the E3 Lite thanks to its significantly more powerful Unisoc T606 chipset. While both offer basic functionality, the E2 Play provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both share the same charging speed, a common limitation in this price range.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 17 | 2023, April 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 17 | Available. Released 2023, April 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.2 x 78.6 x 9.3 mm (6.86 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 164.8 x 76.5 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4600 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
HTC Wildfire E2 Play
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T606)
- Potentially better display drivers
- Slightly better performance for multitasking
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera quality
- Likely limited storage options
HTC Wildfire E3 lite
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Sluggish performance (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Basic camera quality
- 10W charging is slow
- Likely limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, budget-friendly LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The E2 Play *might* have a slightly better panel due to its newer chipset allowing for better display drivers, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, probably featuring a 13MP main camera and a basic front-facing camera (likely 5MP). Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The E2 Play's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the E2 Play shines. The Unisoc T606 with its Cortex-A75 cores offers a noticeable performance boost over the E3 Lite's SC9863A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the E2 Play. The E3 Lite will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The E2 Play's more efficient chipset *might* provide slightly better battery life, but the difference will be minimal.
Buying Guide
The HTC Wildfire E2 Play is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly more responsive experience, even on a budget. The HTC Wildfire E3 Lite is a good option for those seeking a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, where performance isn't a top concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc T606 and SC9863A chipsets?
The Unisoc T606 is significantly more powerful, featuring Cortex-A75 cores for improved performance compared to the SC9863A's all-Cortex-A55 design. This translates to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically have?
Both phones typically come with limited storage, often around 32GB or 64GB. It's highly recommended to use a microSD card for additional storage.