Both the HTC Wildfire E2 and the Oppo A53s 5G target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they approach it with vastly different internal hardware. The Wildfire E2 relies on the older Mediatek Helio P22, while the A53s 5G boasts the more modern Dimensity 700, bringing 5G connectivity to the table. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A53s 5G is the clear winner. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience than the Helio P22 in the Wildfire E2, justifying the slight price difference. While both phones share 10W charging, the A53s 5G’s superior processing power makes it the better choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 06. Released 2020, August 06 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 75.9 x 9 mm (6.24 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.5 g (6.14 oz) | 189.6 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 95.0 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Crystal Blue, Ink Black |
| Models | - | CPH2321 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E2
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially longer software support (HTC's track record is improving)
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- No 5G connectivity
Oppo A53s 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient processor for better battery life
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is still slow
- Oppo's software can be preloaded with bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither HTC nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications for these models. However, given their price points, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Helio P22 in the Wildfire E2 will struggle to deliver smooth animations and responsive touch input, even at lower resolutions. The A53s 5G’s Dimensity 700, however, will provide a noticeably smoother visual experience, even if the panel itself is similar in quality.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are scarce for both devices. However, given the market segment, it’s unlikely either phone boasts a particularly impressive camera system. Both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth or macro lenses of limited utility. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 of the A53s 5G will likely offer superior image processing capabilities compared to the ISP in the Helio P22, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction, even with similar sensors.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) in the Wildfire E2 features older Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. This is a relatively weak processor by today’s standards. Conversely, the Oppo A53s 5G’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes more efficient and powerful Cortex-A76 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, alongside Cortex-A55 cores for background tasks. The 7nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the A53s 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Oppo.
Battery Life
Both the HTC Wildfire E2 and Oppo A53s 5G are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 700 in the A53s 5G will likely result in better battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Wildfire E2. The reduced power consumption of the 7nm chip offsets the slow charging speed to some extent.
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 Oppo A53s 5G if you want a smoother, more future-proof experience with 5G connectivity, and are willing to spend a little more for significantly improved performance and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A53s 5G actually get good 5G speeds in real-world conditions?
5G speeds depend heavily on carrier coverage and network congestion. However, the Dimensity 700 supports a wide range of 5G bands, increasing the likelihood of a strong and stable connection where available. Expect significantly faster download speeds compared to 4G LTE, but don't anticipate consistently reaching theoretical maximums.
❓ Is the Helio P22 in the HTC Wildfire E2 sufficient for running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Helio P22 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or performing more demanding tasks. The experience won't be as smooth or responsive as on the Oppo A53s 5G.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond the 10W standard?
No, both the HTC Wildfire E2 and Oppo A53s 5G are limited to 10W wired charging. This is a significant drawback compared to many other smartphones on the market, resulting in long charging times.
❓ How much bloatware is pre-installed on the Oppo A53s 5G?
Oppo phones are known for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). While the amount varies, expect to find several third-party apps pre-loaded on the A53s 5G. Many of these can be uninstalled, but it's an extra step users will need to take.
