The HTC Wildfire E2 and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and slightly smoother performance, the HTC Wildfire E2 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s quad-core Helio A22, despite both being built on a 12nm process. However, the difference isn't massive, and the Spark Go 2023 remains a viable option for very basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 06. Released 2020, August 06 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| 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) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.5 g (6.14 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 95.0 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 90 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E2
- Octa-core CPU offers better multitasking.
- Slightly smoother performance in demanding apps.
- Potentially better long-term software support (HTC brand recognition).
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark Go 2023.
- 10W charging is slow.
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More affordable price point.
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (though offset by fewer cores).
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking.
- Performance may feel sluggish with multiple apps open.
- Limited processing power for gaming.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar and not specified. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average, sufficient for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing algorithms are far more important, and those details are unavailable. Expect acceptable results for casual snapshots in good lighting.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC Wildfire E2’s Mediatek Helio P22 features an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked slightly higher at 2.0 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. While the A22 has a higher clock speed, the P22’s eight cores provide superior multitasking capabilities. The P22 can handle more simultaneous processes without significant slowdown. Both utilize the same 12nm manufacturing process, meaning thermal efficiency is comparable, but the P22’s architecture is better suited for sustained workloads. RAM configurations are likely similar (2GB-3GB), further emphasizing the CPU as the key differentiator.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both are likely in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Helio P22’s slightly higher power consumption due to its eight cores might marginally impact battery life, but the difference will likely be negligible in real-world usage, especially with typical light usage patterns. Battery life will be heavily dependent on screen brightness and app usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E2 if you frequently switch between apps, occasionally play less demanding games, or anticipate needing a phone that can handle more than just calls and messaging. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary needs are voice calls, WhatsApp messaging, and light social media browsing, and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. The Spark Go 2023 is best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2023 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Tecno Spark Go 2023 can run Facebook and WhatsApp, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially if other apps are open simultaneously. The Helio A22’s quad-core processor is sufficient for basic social media browsing, but it’s not designed for heavy multitasking.
❓ Is the HTC Wildfire E2 a good choice for playing mobile games?
The HTC Wildfire E2 is suitable for playing less demanding 2D games and older 3D titles. However, graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag, even on low settings. The Helio P22’s integrated GPU is not powerful enough for a smooth gaming experience.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is relatively limited. Fortunately, both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 128GB or 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is highly recommended for both models.
