The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the HTC Wildfire E2 and Realme 6i (India) represent two distinct approaches. The Wildfire E2 aims for affordability, while the Realme 6i attempts to deliver a more robust experience with a focus on gaming and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 6i (India) is the superior choice. Its Helio G90T chipset offers significantly better performance, and the 30W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the Wildfire E2's 10W charging. While the Wildfire E2 is cheaper, the performance gap is too large to ignore for anyone beyond the most basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 06. Released 2020, August 06 | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 31 |
| 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) | 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.5 g (6.14 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 95.0 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| 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 | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 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 | 30W wired, PD, 100% in 55 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Eclipse Black, Lunar White |
| Models | - | RMX2002 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E2
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward software experience
- Extremely limited performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely a subpar camera experience
Realme 6i (India)
- Significantly better performance with Helio G90T
- 30W fast charging (100% in 55 minutes)
- Improved gaming capabilities
- Higher price than the Wildfire E2
- Camera performance is still limited by budget constraints
- May not be ideal for users who prioritize battery life over charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a similar focus on cost optimization across the board, including the display panel. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Wildfire E2, it's likely a basic LCD. The Realme 6i, similarly, doesn't advertise a premium display, focusing instead on performance. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, given their price points. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit for either.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices, but the Realme 6i has a potential edge. While detailed sensor information is lacking for the Wildfire E2, it's reasonable to assume a basic camera setup. The Realme 6i, while not featuring a flagship camera, benefits from the G90T's image signal processor (ISP), which can deliver better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may not be as effective. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on budget phones is a marketing tactic; their utility is limited.
Performance
The performance difference is the most significant factor in this comparison. The Realme 6i's Mediatek Helio G90T is a substantial upgrade over the HTC Wildfire E2's Helio P22. The G90T features a dual-cluster CPU configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, providing a significant boost in multi-core and single-core performance compared to the P22's octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a much better gaming experience. The G90T's GPU is also far more capable, allowing for higher frame rates and better graphics settings in demanding games. The Realme 6i is the clear winner for users who prioritize performance.
Battery Life
The Realme 6i's 30W fast charging is a standout feature, offering a full charge in approximately 55 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the HTC Wildfire E2's slow 10W charging. While battery capacity isn't specified for the Wildfire E2, the slower charging speed suggests a smaller battery. Even if the Wildfire E2 had a larger battery, the convenience of the Realme 6i's rapid charging would be a significant benefit for users who are frequently on the go. The Realme 6i's charging solution effectively mitigates any potential battery capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E2 if you prioritize absolute minimum cost and only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme 6i (India) if you want a phone capable of handling modern mobile games, streaming video, and benefit from significantly faster charging speeds, making it ideal for users who demand more from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 6i (India) handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G90T chipset in the Realme 6i is specifically designed for gaming. It can run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship devices, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the HTC Wildfire E2.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the HTC Wildfire E2 really that slow?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the 30W charging on the Realme 6i. Expect a full charge to take several hours on the Wildfire E2, whereas the Realme 6i can reach 100% in around 55 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Realme 6i (India) support Power Delivery (PD) charging?
Yes, the Realme 6i (India) supports Power Delivery (PD) charging, allowing for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. This is a valuable feature for users who already own PD chargers or plan to purchase one.
❓ Is the HTC Wildfire E2 a good option for a first smartphone?
The HTC Wildfire E2 could serve as a basic first smartphone for someone with extremely limited needs and budget. However, the limited performance and slow charging may lead to frustration for users accustomed to more modern smartphone experiences. The Realme 6i offers a much more enjoyable and versatile experience for a relatively small price increase.
