HTC Returns to the Smartphone Market but Remains in the Shadows

HTC has quietly launched a new budget smartphone, the Wildfire E5 Plus. As the name suggests, it belongs to the company's affordable lineup. However, since HTC only releases one or two models per year, the Wildfire E5 Plus is one of the few new HTC phones in 2025.

After selling its mobile division to Google, HTC has fully embraced Chinese ODM manufacturers, meaning the Wildfire E5 Plus is not an original in-house design. While it looks decent for a budget phone, similar devices are available worldwide at even lower prices, making it difficult for HTC to stand out.

The device first launched in Vietnam for approximately $95 (via Shift Delete). However, budget-conscious buyers are unlikely to prioritize a slightly better camera when they can find a cheaper alternative for $10 less.

Still, the Wildfire E5 Plus features a dual rear camera system with a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. On the front, there's a 16 MP selfie camera. Powering the device is a 1.6 GHz Unisoc T606 chipset.

The phone comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The display is a 6.75-inch HD+ panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. A 5,000 mAh battery ensures solid battery life.

On the downside, it runs on the older Android 14 OS, with no confirmation of future updates. The Wildfire E5 Plus also lacks 5G support but includes a fingerprint scanner and face recognition. Available colors include blue and gray.