Oukitel RT8 Rugged Tablet review

Oukitel RT8: 30-second review

There are plenty of rugged and tough tablets on the market, and while most will withstand a knock or two and be subjected to a downpour, few are truly resistant to the elements. The Oukitel RT8 Rugged Tablet instantly feels different from the vast swath of other rugged tablets by feeling weighty and solid.

The metal and plastic exterior is exceptionally well-finished, with a tough-looking design that doesn't go over the top, as we've seen with some other examples. There is a little coloured detailing on the back, but again, this is moulded into the rear casing and reinforces the high-quality look and feel. 

Starting up the tablet reveals the Android 13 operating system, with access to all the usual apps and services. General navigation through the apps shows that the screen is responsive, with little to no delay as you go from one application to the next. 

Browsing the internet using the Wi-Fi connection proves that the tablet has a decent connection speed. Likewise, when switching to a SIM, the 4G connection is decent enough as well. 

The Google suite of apps loads and operates well in use, with a decent-sized touch keyboard that's again fast and responsive. What stands out as you tap away on the screen is just how bright the monitor is, enabling a decent view even in brighter sunlit conditions. 

When it comes to overall speeds, the benchmarking tests showed that it does lag behind mainstream tablets and phones, but then, for the price and durability, you really can't complain. We've tested many of the best rugged tablets and for us, this is just one solid-performing device from every angle.

Oukitel RT8: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $359 / £319 RRP
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it Amazon or the Oukitel website

The Oukitel RT8 Rugged Tablet has just been released and is available either directly from Oukitel ($300 at the time of review) or through several online stores, including Amazon (US). 

• Value: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT8: Specifications

Oukitel RT8: Design

• Robust
• Touch Screen
• Interchangeable Battery

Rugged tablets ordinarily like to highlight their toughness with harsh angles, bright colours, and bulky designs. In contrast, the Oukitel RT8 Rugged Tablet is relatively slimlined and understated, with a screen that occupies the vast majority of the front aspect of the tablet. The tell tale sign of slightly raised and reinforced corners shows that this isn't your usual stay-at-home model.

Flipping the tablet over, there are a few signs that this is more than a standard model, with a line of three lenses for the rear-facing cameras and screw holes for the attachment of the optional handgrip or stand.

Looking over the RT8, you start to see more evidence of its nature and intended use. All ports are covered and sealed, the back has textured detailing for better grip, and the screen is ultra-tough. 

While tablets are usually pretty light, the Oukitel RT8 Rugged Tablet's weight is surprising for its size and thickness, highlighting the strength of the materials used. The overall quality of the design and finish does make this feel like a premium product, rather than one that can be bought at its rather entry-level price point.

• Design: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT8: Features

It's obvious from the outset that the Oukitel RT8 rugged tablet is designed for outdoor use. The design is decidedly rugged without going over the top. The instant you get the RT8 in your hands, you can feel its durability. Unlike other rugged tablets that have large plastic or rubberized surrounds, the RT8 is altogether more discrete and stylish, with the 11-inch 2K display taking up most of the front profile. This screen, at 2K resolution, offers clear and sharp visuals with a 500-nit brightness that ensures you can still see the display in bright conditions. This resolution and brightness make it a great solution for all sorts of outdoor activities, such as map reading, as well as more traditional uses.

To back up that use away from home or office, the RT8 features a TF/MicroSD card slot and Micro SIM slot, so that you can still connect to network services and store additional files. Once a SIM is inserted, this network connectivity is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor that enables 4G connections.

When it comes to internal memory, the tablet is equipped with 12GB RAM (plus 6GB virtual extension), which, combined with the ARM Mali-G57 MC2, is enough to handle most applications, especially Google Docs, as well as media files. When it comes to storage, there's 256GB built-in, and if you need more, you can add a TF or MicroSD card up to 2TB to expand that storage capacity. 

The tablet's large 20,000mAh battery powers it, enabling up to 90 days of standby power and, depending on use, up to 37 hours of listening to music and up to 12 hours of playing back video.

While you're out and about, you may want to capture some of the scenes around you. More likely, if you're working on-site, you'll need to capture some site images. Here, the RT8 is well-equipped with a 48MP Sony rear camera capable of capturing highly detailed images. Next to this camera is a 20MP night vision camera, so even if you're working late and need to capture some images, you'll be able to, even in low-light conditions.

When it comes to the key feature of ruggedness, the RT8 is IP68, and IP69K rated, which highlights its dust and water resistance, alongside MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability to withstand harsh environments, including being able to function in extreme temperatures, ranging from -45°C to 75°C. It's worth pointing out that while this tablet is water resistant and can be submerged under water in line with the IP68 rating, the touch screen won't function. Once removed from the water and the screen is wiped dry, it will work just fine. 

Finally, when it comes to connectivity options alongside the 4G option, the RT8 features NFC, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and Android 13 OS.

• Features: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT8: Performance

Before going into the performance of the RT8, it's worth mentioning that this tablet has been designed to withstand conditions that almost all other tablets wouldn't survive. The design is robust, and the screen is bright, which means that it will work almost anywhere you use it. Everything about the design has been made to ensure that it's easy to use and robust, making it an ideal solution for industrial, site, and medical use. The design is also far more discreet than many other tough tablets we've tested, and for that, it's also far more refined. Doors and fixings are solid, not forgoing functionality over style.

The tablet's computing power doesn't match the high-performance processing tasks of mainstream tablets, with lower scores for the benchmark tests. However, that's not to say that it doesn't push its power and features where they're needed.

Browsing the internet using a 4G SIM and the speeds over the mobile network are good, making it easy enough to work on Google Docs or watch the latest series on Netflix.

Using Google Docs is streamlined, and backed by Android 13, everything works quickly and smoothly for viewing and editing documents. Watching media files and streaming video also work smoothly, depending on the connection, of course. In these sort of uses, it's one of the best business tablets for outdoor use, getting the job done with minimal fuss. 

When it comes to playing games, standard mobile games work without issues, as you'd hope. However, when the processors are pushed, the performance starts to lag. Games such as Sonic Classic are great fun and play speedily and smoothly; however, switch to something a little more processor-intensive like Asphalt 9, and the limits of the tablet's power start to show.

When it comes to performance, this tablet excels in areas where others don't. The ability to increase the storage from the standard 256GB to up to 2TB with the addition of a Micro TF or MicroSD card, the bright screen, and extended battery life all make this a very interesting tablet that offers something different.

Alongside the usual performance parameters, this tablet is also equipped with a series of accessories that further enhance its use. These include a hand grip and a stand, further reinforcing this tablet's use in industry and for commercial rather than home use.

• Performance: 3 / 5

Oukitel RT8: Verdict

The RT8 is a great-looking tablet, albeit a bit weighty. However, that weight is part of its rugged appeal, which allows it to survive in conditions that would break most mainstream tablets.

Throughout the tests, the tablet was subjected to water, dirt, and the freezer and handled all with ease. While its power doesn't match that of mainstream models from Samsung and Vivo, its performance for Google Docs, media, and gaming is absolutely fine, and the quality of the Sony camera technology gives the tablet an edge in imaging.

Unless you need a tough tablet for home use, this won't be the best solution. However, if you need a network-connected tablet for work in the field, on-site, or for industrial use, or if you just want a tablet that you can take adventuring, then this is a great option as it will withstand being soaked and subjected to almost any conditions that other tablets would struggle to survive.

Should you buy a Oukitel RT8?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

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