Released around the same era, the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and HTC Wildfire S represent the entry-level Android experience of the early 2010s. While the Wildfire S’s specifications are readily available, the GLEAM+ remains shrouded in mystery, making a direct comparison a challenge of deduction and market positioning. This analysis will focus on what *is* known about the Wildfire S and infer the GLEAM+'s likely position based on Motorola’s historical strategy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit basic, smartphone experience, the HTC Wildfire S is the more predictable choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 chipset provides a known performance baseline, while the GLEAM+'s unknown specifications introduce significant uncertainty. The Wildfire S offers a degree of confidence the GLEAM+ simply cannot.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 2100 - for Australia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, February. Released 2012, April | 2011, February. Released 2011, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm, 75.8 cc (4.21 x 2.07 x 0.53 in) | 101.3 x 59.4 x 12.4 mm (3.99 x 2.34 x 0.49 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 105 g (3.70 oz) | 105 g (3.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~180 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 22.3 cm2 (~39.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.2 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~50.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 600 MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 200 |
| OS | - | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), Sense UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 50MB | 512MB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 480p@24fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 3.0, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | MP3/AAC+/WAV player
Xvid/MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 417 h | Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 570 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 50 min | Up to 7 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Winter White, Silver | Black, Silver, Brown, Lilac |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.21 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -81.3dB / Crosstalk -81.3B |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 414:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 73dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 69dB
|
Motorola GLEAM+ WX308
- Potential for lower price point (speculation)
- Motorola brand recognition
- Likely simple and user-friendly interface
- Unknown specifications create uncertainty
- Potentially lower performance than the Wildfire S
- Limited feature set (speculation)
HTC Wildfire S
- Known Snapdragon S1 processor
- Documented contrast ratio of 414:1
- Predictable Android experience
- Aging processor with limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- Small battery capacity (likely)
Display Comparison
The HTC Wildfire S features a display with a nominal contrast ratio of 414:1. This indicates a standard IPS-type panel, likely with limited viewing angles and color reproduction compared to modern displays. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308’s display specifications are unknown, but given its likely market positioning, it likely features a similar, or potentially lower, contrast ratio and resolution. The Wildfire S’s contrast ratio, while not impressive by today’s standards, provides a slightly more defined image than a panel with a significantly lower ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having a 'Photo' camera, offering minimal detail. The HTC Wildfire S likely features a basic camera sensor, suitable for capturing simple snapshots in good lighting conditions. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume it features a similarly basic camera setup. Without sensor size, aperture, or resolution details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Both cameras likely lack advanced features like image stabilization or high dynamic range.
Performance
The HTC Wildfire S is powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 chipset, featuring a 600 MHz ARM 11 CPU. This processor was common in entry-level smartphones of its time, offering basic multitasking capabilities and limited gaming performance. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308’s chipset is unknown. However, given Motorola’s historical focus on affordability, it likely utilizes a similarly priced, or potentially even less powerful, processor. The Snapdragon S1, despite its age, provides a known performance benchmark, while the GLEAM+'s performance remains speculative.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging specifications are unavailable for both devices. Given their likely target market, both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and HTC Wildfire S likely feature relatively small batteries, offering a single day of moderate use. Charging is likely accomplished via micro-USB, with slow charging speeds. Without specific data, it’s impossible to determine which device offers better battery life or faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 if you prioritize brand loyalty to Motorola and are comfortable with a potentially limited feature set, relying on its likely focus on simplicity and affordability. Buy the HTC Wildfire S if you need a device with a documented Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 processor, offering a baseline level of Android functionality and a known contrast ratio of 414:1, making it suitable for users who value a degree of predictability in their smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 in the HTC Wildfire S capable of running modern apps?
The Snapdragon S1 is a very old processor. While it can run older versions of Android and basic apps, it will struggle with modern, resource-intensive applications. Expect slow performance and potential crashes when attempting to use demanding apps.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308, is it worth considering over the HTC Wildfire S?
Unless you have a strong brand preference for Motorola or find the GLEAM+ at a significantly lower price, the HTC Wildfire S is the safer bet. Its known specifications, even if limited, provide a degree of predictability that the GLEAM+ lacks. The risk of an underperforming or unsupported device is higher with the GLEAM+.
❓ What kind of camera quality can I expect from the HTC Wildfire S?
The HTC Wildfire S's camera is basic. Expect acceptable photos in well-lit conditions, but image quality will degrade significantly in low light. Don't expect features like optical image stabilization or high-resolution video recording.
