The HTC Wildfire series aims to deliver affordable smartphones, and the E3 Lite and E2 Play are two contenders. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? We're diving deep into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC Wildfire E2 Play edges out the E3 Lite thanks to its more efficient 12nm chipset and Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in noticeably better performance. While both offer basic features, the E2 Play provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 10 | 2023, April 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 10 | Available. Released 2023, April 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.5 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 174.2 x 78.6 x 9.3 mm (6.86 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 218 g (7.69 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
HTC Wildfire E3 lite
- Extremely affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Outdated chipset
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
HTC Wildfire E2 Play
- Better performance than E3 Lite
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Still affordable
- Still a budget phone
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Slow charging
- Basic display
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, budget-friendly LCD displays, probably around 6.2-6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The E2 Play *might* have slightly better color reproduction due to its more modern chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – probably a 13MP or 16MP main sensor and a basic depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The E2 Play's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the E2 Play shines. The Unisoc T606's 12nm process and inclusion of Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant performance boost over the E3 Lite's older, less efficient 28nm SC9863A chipset. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the E2 Play. Gaming will be more playable on the E2 Play, though still limited to less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000-5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times for both.
Buying Guide
The HTC Wildfire E3 Lite is ideal for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light social media. The HTC Wildfire E2 Play is a better choice for those who want a slightly faster and more responsive experience, even with budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC Wildfire E2 Play worth the extra cost over the E3 Lite?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The E2 Play's chipset provides a noticeably smoother experience, making it a better choice for everyday use and light gaming.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
Both phones are best suited for less demanding games. The E2 Play will handle slightly more complex titles better than the E3 Lite, but don't expect high-end gaming performance.
