HTC Wildfire E Star: An Affordable Phablet with Android 12 (Go Edition)

• HTC, a well-known name in the world of smartphones, has made a comeback with its latest offering, the HTC Wildfire E Star.
• With a price tag of just 8,990, this budget-friendly phablet aims to capture the hearts of cost-conscious consumers with its value-packed features. Let’s dive into the specifications and features of the HTC Wildfire E Star.

An Introduction to the HTC Wildfire E Star

In August 2023, HTC announced the global release of the Wildfire E Star, a smartphone designed to cater to a broad audience. While it doesn’t sport the highest-end specifications, this device is all about affordability and practicality.

HTC Wildfire E Star: Design and Build Quality

• The HTC Wildfire E Star boasts a simple yet functional design. Its dimensions of 164.8 x 76.5 x 9.2 mm and weight of 200g make it a comfortable device to hold and use. The device’s build consists of a glass front, a plastic back, and a plastic frame, which is a common choice for budget-friendly smartphones.
• The front of the device is dominated by a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (FHD+), featuring a 20:9 aspect ratio. While it may not be at the forefront of display technology, it’s more than adequate for most everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media.

The Heart of the Device

• Driving the HTC Wildfire E Star is the Unisoc SC9832E chipset, built on a 28nm process. It features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz and a Mali-T820 MP1 GPU. While this configuration may not deliver the blistering performance seen in flagship devices, it is more than capable of handling the typical tasks that users of budget-friendly smartphones engage in.
• For multitasking, the device offers 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for relatively smooth performance in everyday usage. Whether you’re switching between apps or browsing the web, you can expect the device to keep up with your pace.

HTC Wildfire E Star: Storage Options

• The HTC Wildfire E Star comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be limiting if you intend to store a large number of apps, photos, and videos. However, the device supports external storage of up to 256GB via a microSD card. This additional storage ensures you have room for all your data, media files, and apps.
• With the ability to expand storage as needed, the HTC Wildfire E Star offers a flexible solution for users who want to manage their digital assets without constraints.

Photography on a Budget

• The camera setup on the HTC Wildfire E Star is modest but functional. On the rear, it features an 8MP primary camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 0.08MP secondary camera with an f/2.8 aperture. The dual-camera setup is equipped with features like HDR, digital zoom, and panorama to enhance your photography experience. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of camera quality, it’s more than capable of capturing everyday moments.
• For selfie enthusiasts, the 5MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture is well-suited for video calls and capturing self-portraits. It’s a practical solution for those who enjoy snapping the occasional selfie.

HTC Wildfire E Star: Multimedia and Audio

• The HTC Wildfire E Star’s multimedia capabilities are quite versatile. It supports a range of audio and video formats, making it a suitable device for listening to music and watching videos. Whether you’re streaming your favourite content or playing games, the audio quality is more than satisfactory.
• Despite the absence of stereo speakers, the device offers clear audio output through the single bottom-firing speaker. If you prefer a more immersive audio experience, you can always plug in your 3.5mm headphones through the dedicated audio jack.

HTC Wildfire E Star: Battery Life

• One of the strengths of the HTC Wildfire E Star is its long-lasting 3000mAh non-removable battery. This sizeable battery ensures that the device can handle a full day of moderate usage without needing frequent recharges. For light users, it’s conceivable that the battery could even stretch into a second day of use.
• Additionally, the device supports quick charging through the USB Type-C 2.0 port. Quick charging means you can get your device powered up rapidly, making it convenient for busy users.

Connectivity and Network Support

• When it comes to connectivity, the HTC Wildfire E Star covers the basics. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, which ensures that you can stay connected to the internet with ease. Bluetooth 4.2 is onboard for convenient wireless connections to various devices like headphones and smartwatches.
• The device also features GPS capabilities with support for A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, which is useful for accurate location services and navigation. Whether you’re using your phone for directions or geolocation-based apps, the HTC Wildfire E Star has you covered.

HTC Wildfire E Star: Network Support

The HTC Wildfire E Star is versatile in its network support, offering compatibility with 2G and 3G networks. It’s 4G VoLTE enabled, which is essential for high-quality voice and video calls over 4G networks. While it doesn’t offer 5G connectivity, it ensures that users can take advantage of fast 4G internet speeds.

Enhanced Security

Security is a significant concern for smartphone users, and the HTC Wildfire E-Star takes it seriously. The device features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking. Additionally, it offers facial recognition, also known as Face Unlock, for a hassle-free unlocking experience.

The Software Experience

• The HTC Wildfire E Star runs on Android 12 (Go edition). Android Go is a streamlined version of the Android operating system designed to run on devices with limited hardware resources, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience even on budget-friendly smartphones. It includes a variety of built-in Google apps like Google Go, Gmail Go, and YouTube Go, which are optimised to consume fewer data and storage resources.
• The advantage of Android Go is that it provides the full Android experience while minimising bloatware and optimising performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.

Pricing and Availability

• The HTC Wildfire E Star is priced at just 8,990, making it one of the most budget-friendly phablets in the market. Its affordability is sure to attract budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a reliable and functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
• As of its global announcement in August 2023, there is no specific release date for the Indian market. However, HTC fans in India can anticipate its arrival and should keep an eye out for updates regarding its availability.

Conclusion

• The HTC Wildfire E Star is a commendable budget phablet that offers practicality, essential features, and the efficiency of Android Go. While it may not compete with high-end devices in terms of specifications, it excels in its role as an affordable and reliable smartphone.
• If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a secondary device, the HTC Wildfire E Star is worth considering. It offers the versatility and functionality required for everyday tasks, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer affordability and value. Keep an eye out for its release and availability to experience a no-frills yet efficient smartphone.