HTC's Android Powered Wildfire Mobile Phone: An Overview

Smartphones are currently hot. Whether it's an iPhone, an Android based device, or a Blackberry, having a device that offers communications, entertainment and popular Internet and Social Networking features is in popular demand. Amongst the various manufacturers of many of the popular smartphones, HTC provides some of the sleekest, powerful, full featured devices to be found. However, what many will discover is that even with the large number of mobile handsets on the market; as far as smartphones go, they are often be a bit pricey. Of course with the higher priced mobile devices come some exceptionally outstanding features and specifications. Yet still, having the most fully featured and most expensive phone isn't for everyone. Fortunately for those that want a smartphone while being budget conscious, there is the HTC Wildfire.

Compared to the many other current HTC devices, the HTC Wildfire comes in close in terms of size and style. As a phone based on touch, the Wildfire sports the same glossy face that HTC users, and users of modern smart phones for that matter, have become use to. Dubbed as the HTC Desire's little brother, the Wildfire arrives powered by the same CPU (MSM7225 Qualcomm CPU running at 528 MHz) as the HTC Hero with Android 2.1 installed, along with the user-friendly HTC Sense user interface.

While the thought of a budget phone usually means being short-changed on features, the Wildfire actually contains quite a few perks for a relatively low cost phone. Sporting an ample and crisp 3.2 inch QVGA touchscreen for basic use, the phone is smaller than most HTC devices, yet still larger than many other phones on the market. A 5 mega-pixel camera mounted to the back is available for capturing acceptable video and stills, while the built-in optical track-pad doubles at the shoot button. Although the screen doesn't provide the greatest quality for video playback, visuals are certainly acceptable for the casual user.

The Wildfire comes packed with social networking features. Facebook is tightly integrated for constant communications to the popular web platform, and as an Android device, the ability to install additional software is an option. Of note is the fact that while the Wildfire initially shipped with Android 2.1, Goggle and HTC have finally released a 2.2 update just in time for fall.

The good: A compact efficient mini version of the HTC desire. Strong social networking features, an upgrade to Android 2.2 exists.

The bad: Although featuring a strong 5 MP camera, the screen isn't the best for viewing and playback of any still/video captures. Phone body not as strong as some other models.

Sources/Resources:

HTC
Techradar: HTC Wildfire review