The HTC Wildfire E2 and the alcatel 1SE (2020) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with vastly different approaches to chipset design. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC Wildfire E2 offers a slightly more responsive experience due to its newer Cortex-A53 cores and more efficient 12nm process. While the alcatel 1SE's octa-core configuration might seem appealing, the older Cortex-A55 cores and larger 28nm process result in a less fluid user interface.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 06. Released 2020, August 06 | 2020, October 28. Released 2020, October 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 75.9 x 9 mm (6.24 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.5 g (6.14 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 95.0 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 161 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 12 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Agate Greeen, Power Gray |
| Models | - | 5030F, 5030U, 5030D_EEA, 5030F_EEA, 5030D, 5030E, 5030A, 5030E_TCL, 5030I, 5030M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.51 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E2
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Potentially smoother performance with Cortex-A53 cores
- Likely better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB)
- Basic camera capabilities
alcatel 1SE (2020)
- Lower price point (typically)
- Octa-core processor (marketing appeal)
- Potentially better multitasking for very light usage
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Older Cortex-A55 cores offer lower single-core performance
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type, resolution, and brightness are likely similar and not specified in available data. Expect basic LCD panels suitable for indoor use. The focus here is on chipset performance, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given the target market, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and likely limited in low-light conditions. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant improvements in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC Wildfire E2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. The alcatel 1SE (2020) employs the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm chip with an octa-core configuration comprised of four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. While the alcatel 1SE has more cores, the older Cortex-A53 architecture in the Wildfire E2 generally offers better single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip will likely result in higher power consumption and potentially more heat generation under load. The split core configuration of the alcatel 1SE suggests a focus on power efficiency for background tasks, but the slower cores will be noticeable during more demanding operations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The HTC Wildfire E2's more efficient 12nm chipset should translate to better battery life, even with a potentially smaller capacity. Both devices support only 10W wired charging, meaning slow charging times – expect several hours to reach a full charge from empty.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E2 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks like browsing and social media. It's the better choice for those who occasionally use slightly demanding apps. Buy the alcatel 1SE (2020) if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and light messaging – and you're looking for the absolute lowest possible price point, accepting some performance compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1SE (2020) struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while having eight cores, utilizes older and less powerful Cortex-A55 cores. This means that while basic scrolling might be acceptable, loading times within apps like Facebook and Instagram could be noticeably slow, and multitasking between them may cause lag.
❓ Is the HTC Wildfire E2 a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the HTC Wildfire E2 is a reasonable upgrade path from a feature phone. The Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provides a more responsive experience than most feature phones, allowing for smoother web browsing, basic app usage, and a more modern smartphone experience. However, it's important to manage expectations – this is still a budget device with limitations.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones will struggle with most modern mobile games. The chipsets lack the graphical power for smooth gameplay in demanding titles. Simple 2D games or older, less graphically intensive games might be playable at low settings, but don't expect a good gaming experience.
