Hi, I'm thinking of getting the HTC Wildfire for Christmas, I plan on getting a sim free phone from Play.com and using my existing Tesco mobile PAYG sim.

Before I commit there were a few things I was wondering:
- As lack of HD video recording and screen resolution doesn't bother me I decided that this Wildfire would be better for me than the Desire HD, other than the features mentioned above what would I be missing out on by going for the WF?

- Can google maps be used as a GPS/Satnav type feature without being connected to the internet (as I'll be on PAYG, I'd rather not use 3G much)?

- I read a user review (can't remember where now) where the reviewer said 'make sure you have unlimited internet as it automatically connects to 3G', is this true or had the reviewer not changed the settings.

Thats all for now, any other opinions would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks.

EDIT: Just thought of a couple more questions, what browsers are available and are they secure enough to do online shopping/banking?

Also with the email client will my inboxes be able to be opened without having to type in a password?

And finally, will apps I buy be charged by deducting the relevant amount from my credit?

Thanks again.

Some apps aren't available due to the limited screen resolution. Angry Birds and some widgets, notably, but there are others too. Might be worth checking out whether any apps you're considering downloading are compatible.

It needs a data connection to set up routes and download maps. If you use a Wi-Fi connection you can set up the route and it will cache it, so you can follow it to your destination without an internet connection, but it won't work if you go off track or need traffic information.

You can turn off internet full-stop, you can turn off sync globally, and you can turn off sync individually. If you don't want the phone to connect to the net, you can make it so.

However, a smartphone without an internet connection is a bit like Laurel without Hardy or a child without a toy - might be worth investigating some of the internet/data bolt-ons available from your network provider.

Don't!

Its come down in price to compete with the better and newer San Francisco. It's QVGA whilst the San Fan is a 5 or so times higher resolution WVGA OLED.
Even the HVGA LG GT540 is better.

The fact that you mentioned google maps means the San Fran is for you. The maps on the Wildfire will look totally lousy in comparison.
£2 or so to unlock the San Fran.

BTW On Google 2.1 and lower the stock browser is a very big security risk. Opera 10.1 should negate this.

Stock browser contains all the usual security features, if you're planning to use it over a secured Wi-Fi connection. I'd probably not consider doing it over 3G, but that might be just me.


Yes, you type the password in once and it stores it.


Nope, you need a Google Checkout account. Common rumour is that PayPal will be available soon but no, you cannot pay for apps out of your top-up credit.

If screen resolution is the deciding factor for you then I'd agree with this.

Personally I prefer the Wildfire as it has HTC Sense, a better camera, better build quality and arguably looks better too.

And you just by pure chance happen to have one.

The camera is certainly better on the Wildfire but the low usability screen will seem very very dated in a years time.

Its lesser so with the 3GS and its mid HVGA screen.
If the other functions are also deemed more important then its still a considered buy for some.

Its a bit hard to compare the Desire HD and the Wildfire as they are on pretty much opposite ends of the scale.

My sister has the WF and I have the DHD. The only one thing I like about the WF is how it perfectly fits and can be used in one hand.

Maybe pick a happy medium and go for the normal Desire?

Did you ever think that it could work the other way around; someone could buy a phone because they happen to like it, rather than buy a phone and then try to justify why it's good?

Ive been in the shall i shant i boat regarding this for a while, and after having a good play around with one ive decided not to bother.
why? because the screen looks atrocious when displaying text.
I like the design of the wildfire, and the size is about right, so its going to be a waiting game now until something with a better screen comes along.

im assuming it wasnt a white wildfire as on mine txt, internet page, pictures al seem fine... infact, od u hadnt read anything pm the net about the screen you wouldnt notice one bit...

Try a GPS map setting with the screen width showing 10 miles.

The screen is very noticeably poorer than other smartphones.

I have a WF and it is a valid point, the screen isnt as good. But the phone is also massively cheaper over the course of a contract than the Desire or DHD. I bought it because it does everything I need it to, including GPS and Maps. If I had wanted to spend another 300 quid I would have got a DHD.

You need to weigh up how much money you can afford and balance that with the essential functionality you need

You can get the awesome San Fran for £80 too.. It's seriously a no brainer. Show me one bad review of it!

I would agree that the HTC feels better in the hand but you'll soon forget that.

I did wonder about getting a Wildfire (in preference to a Desire as I want something more pocket sized), however was put off by the screen resolution. I've seen the Motorola Defy which looks a lot better (5 times better screen resolution, faster processor, etc) for a similar price. Its only just come out though and I've yet to go to a shop to have a look. Anyone here have any thoughts on it over the Wildfire (and bearing in mind that the Desire is physically too big for my needs)?