The HTC Wildfire E3 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and a smoother overall experience, the HTC Wildfire E3 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor, making it more capable for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 15 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 11 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.6 x 9 mm (6.52 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 80 EUR |
HTC Wildfire E3
- Octa-core processor offers superior performance.
- More responsive multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially better image processing due to chipset power.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Limited detailed specifications available.
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Likely lightweight and compact design.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Limited performance for demanding apps.
Display Comparison
Neither HTC nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, the focus here is on processing power, as display quality is often similar across this segment. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing power of the Helio P22 in the Wildfire E3 *could* translate to slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, though this is heavily dependent on software optimization. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The HTC Wildfire E3 boasts the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture allows for parallel processing, improving responsiveness when running multiple apps. Conversely, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 features a quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. While the clock speed is identical, the halved core count means it will struggle with multitasking and more demanding applications. The Helio P22’s 12nm process node also offers a slight efficiency advantage, potentially leading to marginally better battery life under load. The Wildfire E3 will demonstrably outperform the Spark Go 2021 in almost all CPU-bound tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, both are likely to house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The HTC Wildfire E3’s 10W wired charging is standard for the segment. The Tecno Spark Go 2021’s charging speed is also likely similar. The slightly more efficient Helio P22 chipset in the Wildfire E3 might offer a small advantage in overall battery life, but usage patterns will be the dominant factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Wildfire E3 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting – light social media use, web browsing, and even some casual gaming are more feasible. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary need is a phone for essential communication and you prioritize absolute minimal cost, accepting significant limitations in performance and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC Wildfire E3 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the Wildfire E3 is capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag, offering a more fluid experience than the Tecno Spark Go 2021. However, expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2021 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is not well-suited for gaming. Its quad-core processor will struggle with most modern mobile games, resulting in low frame rates and frequent stuttering. The HTC Wildfire E3 will offer a slightly better experience, but still isn't ideal for demanding titles.
❓ Can I expect regular software updates on either of these phones?
Software update support is limited on both the HTC Wildfire E3 and Tecno Spark Go 2021. These are entry-level devices, and manufacturers typically prioritize newer models for updates. Expect minimal or no major Android version updates.
