HTC Wildfire CDMA Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build

The HTC Wildfire CDMA, announced in October 2010, features a compact and user-friendly design that was quite typical for smartphones of that era. The phone's dimensions are 116.9 x 61 x 12 mm, and it weighs only 115 grams. These factors make it quite portable and easy to handle with one hand. The device supports a Mini-SIM card and comes in a classical black color, contributing to its professional appearance.

Display

The handset is equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors. The screen size offers adequate viewing space for basic smartphone functions. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 125 ppi, the display quality is modest, reflecting its positioning as an entry-level device. However, the inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass offers some level of protection against scratches and minor abrasions.

Platform and Performance

Powered by a 528 MHz processor, the HTC Wildfire CDMA is designed to handle basic tasks efficiently. Initially released with Android 2.1 (Eclair), it is upgradable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). This allows users to enjoy some of the Android ecosystem's early innovations. The HTC Sense UI overlaid on Android provides a customized and user-friendly interface.

In terms of memory, the device offers 512MB of internal storage and 384MB of RAM. While this may seem minimal by today's standards, it was sufficient for running standard applications and performing everyday tasks during its release period. For additional storage, the phone includes a microSDHC slot, supporting expandable storage to meet user needs, with a 2 GB card typically included.

Camera

The HTC Wildfire CDMA comes with a single 5 MP camera, equipped with autofocus and LED flash. The camera provides basic photography capabilities suitable for capturing casual moments. While it lacks the sophistication of modern smartphone cameras, which include features like multiple lenses and AI enhancements, it serves its purpose for standard point-and-shoot photography. The device also supports video recording, though the quality is more rudimentary.

Battery Life

Incorporated with a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery, the HTC Wildfire CDMA offers reasonable battery life for its time. The official specs indicate a stand-by time of up to 254 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours and 40 minutes. This endurance was suitable for casual daily usage, although frequent users might find themselves reaching for a charger before the day ends.

Connectivity

The device is optimized for CDMA technology, operating on CDMA 800/1900 bands and supporting 3G networks via CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. It offers connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless accessories, and GPS with A-GPS for location services. While it lacks FM radio, the device features a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Audio and Multimedia

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, the HTC Wildfire CDMA allows users to listen to music and make calls through headphones or external speakers. The audio quality fulfills the basic requirements expected from a smartphone of this category, suitable for phone calls and casual music playback.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the user experience by accommodating functionalities like screen rotation and power-saving features during calls. The HTML browser offers internet browsing, though limited by the resolution and processing power of the device.

Market Position and Conclusion

Originally launched at approximately 110 EUR, the HTC Wildfire CDMA positioned itself as an affordable entry-level option in the smartphone market. Despite its modest hardware and specifications by today’s standards, it offered users in 2010 a gateway into the growing world of smartphones, with access to basic apps, communication tools, and internet browsing capabilities.

Over time, the device has become obsolete as technology has rapidly advanced, but it remains a testament to HTC's early efforts in making smartphones accessible to a broader audience. The Wildfire CDMA catered to consumers looking for an affordable and reliable device, setting the stage for more advanced models in the years to follow.