The HTC Wildfire E2 and Nokia 5.3 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Wildfire E2 aims for affordability above all else, while the Nokia 5.3 attempts to balance cost with a more modern chipset and a cleaner software experience. This comparison dives deep into the hardware differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 5.3 is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, fabricated on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the HTC Wildfire E2’s MediaTek Helio P22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones share the same 10W charging, the Nokia 5.3’s superior processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 06. Released 2020, August 06 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 75.9 x 9 mm (6.24 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.5 g (6.14 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 95.0 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB 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 |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | - | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
HTC Wildfire E2
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Compact and lightweight design
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially lower camera quality
Nokia 5.3
- More powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Better performance for multitasking and gaming
- More efficient power consumption
- Slightly higher price
- May include bloatware (depending on region)
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither HTC nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the choice of chipsets suggests differing display capabilities. The Snapdragon 665 typically pairs with displays capable of higher brightness and potentially better color accuracy. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Nokia 5.3’s chipset has the headroom to drive a more vibrant and detailed image. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 665’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly more capable than the Helio P22’s. This means the Nokia 5.3 will likely produce better-quality photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely include a standard and macro lens setup, the Nokia 5.3’s ISP will offer superior noise reduction and dynamic range. The presence of a more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 5.3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) boasts a more efficient architecture and faster Kryo 260 cores (2.0 GHz Gold & 1.8 GHz Silver) compared to the HTC Wildfire E2’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 665’s octa-core configuration, with performance and efficiency cores, allows for better task management and sustained performance. The 11nm fabrication process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged use. This translates to a more fluid experience when switching between apps and a better chance of running moderately demanding games.
Battery Life
Both the HTC Wildfire E2 and Nokia 5.3 feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Snapdragon 665’s improved power efficiency means the Nokia 5.3 will likely achieve comparable or slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Wildfire E2. The more efficient chipset reduces power draw during everyday tasks, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E2 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a more future-proofed platform, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the Nokia 5.3 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 665 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. While not a gaming powerhouse, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio P22 in the Wildfire E2, which may struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the Nokia 5.3 likely to receive software updates for an extended period?
Nokia has a strong commitment to software updates, even for its budget devices. The Nokia 5.3 is part of the Android One program, guaranteeing at least two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, offering a longer software support lifespan than the HTC Wildfire E2.
❓ How much of a difference will the 11nm vs 12nm process node make in real-world battery life?
The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 665 is more efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio P22. This translates to lower power consumption for the same tasks, resulting in potentially 10-15% longer battery life on the Nokia 5.3, especially during sustained usage like video playback or gaming.
