Introduction, features and conclusion

Those who know me probably know that I just have no interest in smartphones. While the biggest reason is because I find no use for the myriad of functions and features that smartphones have, the other important reason is that of the pricing of smartphones. But HTC has an answer for the people holding of on jumping onto the smartphone bandwagon due to prices, it's name is the HTC Wildfire.



The HTC Wildfire shares some similarities with HTC's own Desire, which was released a few weeks back, and Google's Nexus One. Of course, that would be in terms of physical similarities. Spec-wise, the Wildfire is perhaps the Android 2.1 version to another of HTC's entry level smartphones, the HTC Tattoo. Why? That would be because they run on the same Qualcomm MSM7225 processor (528 MHz). With the Wildfire though, HTC goes for more RAM of 384MB, a larger 3.2-inch capacitive LCD screen, and 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and flash. The dimensions of the device is about average for smartphones at 60.2 x 12.19 x 106.75 mm and weighing only about 118g with the battery inside.

So the Wildfire has more RAM and an improved version of the Google Android OS compared to the HTC Tattoo's 256MB RAM and Android 1.6. But the question is, how does it perform? Let's just say that since it's an entry level device, we'll forgive it for not performing as well as say the HTC Legend or Desire, partly because even extra RAM can only bring you so far. The camera app is a little sluggish and the Internet browser might crash if you are running other applications at the same time; browsing with the music on for example. But the nice thing is that the Wildfire retains many of the HTC Sense UI's features like the multiple home screens, FriendStream widget, text highlighting, and built-in Flash Lite.



Other than the little niggling flaws due to the slower processor, the HTC Wildfire is a competent Android device that is pack with features chief of which is HTC's excellent Sense UI. The Wildfire also complement people who love staying in touch with high-end connectivity from 3G to Wi-Fi and social networking widgets, plus other features like support for .wav and .ogg playback, and an internal GPS for those who get easily lost (like me!).

If you are looking into getting a smartphone for yourself but are scared off by the price tag of the more expensive models, the HTC Wildfire is one you can seriously consider.