Oukitel WP35 rugged smartphone review

Oukitel WP35: 30-second review

The Oukitel WP35 is marketed as a durable, slimline smartphone with a battery life that will outlast most. That gives you a relatively good idea about what to expect. However, while it is slimline compared to some of the larger rugged smartphones with a similar battery life, placed side-by-side against an iPhone 15 Pro or Vivo X100, it looks decidedly large and bulky.

But, while the iPhone struggles to see a day through without a charge, the WP35 will happily sit waiting for up to 60 days on a single charge. Sure enough, the phone was given a full charge, set up, and briefly tested, then set aside for a month before being retested. The battery level after the testing had dropped to 26%. Good for a phone that hasn't seen a hint of charge in over a month, albeit on standby. By comparison, during the test, the iPhone was left fully charged on standby for around 4 days before the battery depleted while the Oukitel WP35 was in use.

Aside from the fact that the phone can sit in standby mode for such a long period, the actual usage power drain is very similar. The phone draws down on the battery capacity at much the same rate as other phones when in use, the difference being that when it goes into standby, it draws almost nothing.

The battery itself has a capacity of 11,000mAh, and it is impressive that a battery of this size is contained within a rugged smartphone that is only 14.9mm thick.

Like all the best rugged phones we've had the chance to test, being able to survive in conditions that would break most phones is really what is at the heart of the Oukitel WP35. However, when it comes to performance, the Android 14 operating system powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, 24GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage all ensure that the apps on the phone run at a decent pace.

Aside from the battery life, the big selling point of the phone is its durability, which is backed by the IP68 and IP69K ratings, along with military-grade drop resistance. Throughout the test, the phone was dropped, thrown, and sunk into water with little to no effect on the performance, although it did suffer a scuff or two. Underwater, while the phone remains functional, the touch screen and any interaction you would want stop. However, once removed from the water, a quick wipe-down is all that's needed for full functionality to return.

Another big focus of the smartphone is the camera, which features a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP night vision camera, giving you plenty of options. Overall, this is a solid and robust phone that will suit anyone who needs a tough phone that can be used away from civilization.

Oukitel WP35: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $200?
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Oukitel here

The Oukitel WP35 can be purchased from select retailers or directly from Oukitel's website by clicking here. Pricing is around £200/$200.

• Value: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Specifications

Oukitel WP35: Design

The Oukitel WP35 is designed as a tough phone for use in conditions that would break most other phones. While it's advertised as slimline, it is noticeably larger and more bulky than general consumer phones. Its weight of 388g further highlights that this is something other than a standard smartphone.

Despite the additional size, the design is very understated. The large 6.6-inch screen covers the vast majority of the phone's front with a small, minimalistic black border. The phone's thickness is just 14.9mm, which is impressive considering it contains a large 11,000mAh battery that helps to provide extended usage and standby times.

The overall finish is good, and the diamond pattern on the back adds to the general aesthetics while also providing a decent grippable texture, which is handy if you're wearing gloves.

A few buttons are located around the sides of the phone, including the power/fingerprint access, volume, and a customizable button that can be programmed as the shutter release, as used in this review.

Regarding the other rugged features, the phone is tested to meet IP68 and IP69K ratings, which essentially means that it is resistant to water, dust, and drops and can survive a dunk or two underwater for short periods. To further ensure that the phone stays in one piece and is usable, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

• Design: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Features

• 64MP Camera with Sony IMX682 1/1.73" sensor
• Android 14

The WP35 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and, depending on the configuration, up to 24GB of RAM. Our review unit contained 8GB. While simple, this configuration makes it an ideal choice for professionals like engineers and those in the building trade. This combination ensures the ability to multitask with several apps open, including documents, cameras, and browsers.

If you are working on-site, then fast and reliable internet access is essential, and the WP35 is 5G enabled as long as there is a signal.

One of the standout features is the quality of the WP35 camera setup, which includes a 64MP main camera that is ideal for documenting job sites, inspecting progress, or showcasing completed projects. Alongside the main camera is an 8MP night vision lens, which helps to ensure clear images in low-light conditions, ideal for evening inspections or outdoor work at dusk. Additionally, the 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots.

Along with the main camera, the WP35's 32MP front camera enables high-quality selfies, but its more important function is the ability to carry out video calls.

Protected behind the Corning Glass 5, the WP35's 6.6" 2.4K display produces vibrant colours and sharp detail and offers decent enough brightness that can be seen in most conditions easily.

Android 14 has been selected as the operating system for the WP35, which prioritizes user privacy with enhanced security features. On this phone, everything appears to work quickly, and all apps respond quickly.

The WP35's big feature is its impressive 11,000mAh battery, which has been designed for extended use in outdoor environments or during extended periods away from power sources. For anyone, such as engineers and tradespeople who spend long hours on-site or work in remote locations without easy access to charging stations, the WP35's extended battery life is a feature that will really stand out.

The phone's features are solid, and while not cutting edge when it comes to speed or performance, what this phone offers is a balance of what you need to make calls and run the apps and functions that are essential.

• Features: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Performance

• Will survive in most enviroments
• Good storage options

The Oukitel WP35, with its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and 8GB of RAM, delivers a decent all-around performance that is optimized for power efficiency rather than peak performance. However, there is an option to buy a phone with up to 24GB of RAM, which would boost application performance if you need to handle multiple files.

Through testing, the phone easily coped with most multitasking functions, such as having several Google Apps open and copying and pasting between them. The overall responsiveness and performance of the apps were also well-balanced. They should be more than enough for most professionals working with standard office-based applications in the field.

In benchmark tests, the WP35 demonstrated respectable scores: Geekbench showed a CPU Single score of 681 and a Multi score of 1907, while GPU performance reached 1277. These results highlight its ability to handle relatively intensive applications and graphics reasonably well, although it falls short when compared to mainstream consumer phones.

Battery endurance is a standout feature, thanks to the WP35's substantial 11,000mAh battery, the advanced management features that support it and the phone's power saving. The power management system allows the device to offer extended usage times, exceeding typical smartphones such as the iPhone 15 Pro. It is an ideal option if you work in challenging environments or need to work for days away from power sources.

Supporting the extended power from the battery is the rugged build that highlights that the phone has been designed with durability in mind. This is reinforced by military-grade drop resistance and IP68/IP69K ratings that show it can withstand water, dust, and shocks. Sure enough, in the test, the phone survived being dropped from a height, thrown, and submerged in cold water, and while the screen required that the moisture be wiped away before use, there were no other adverse effects on the usability of the phone.

In terms of photography, the WP35's 64MP main camera, 8MP night vision lens, and 2MP macro lens are all quite impressive. While it may not match the image quality of high-end smartphone cameras such as the iPhone 15 Pro, these three cameras perform well in real-world tests.

Images from the cameras capture detailed and clear images of a high enough quality to be suitable for professional applications such as surveys and evidence gathering. The default camera app, while straightforward, offers everything that most users will need when documenting work activities.

Benchmark scores like those from 3DMark - Wildlife (1231), Slingshot (3427), and Steel Nomad (133) - highlight the WP35's capability in handling graphical tasks and also show that if you want to game to a moderate degree, it is possible. However, this probably isn't the best choice for that type of use.

Overall, the Oukitel WP35 provides well-balanced performance, durability, and battery life that will be welcomed by many professionals. In reality, this is a phone designed to work beyond the limits of most phones. While it may not have the processing or graphics performance of most consumer units, it feels solid and will survive and work where other phones will not. It's also extremely well-priced.

• Performance: 3 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Final verdict

The Oukitel WP35 is essentially a well-priced and well-balanced, durable, and reliable rugged smartphone that offers industry-leading battery life, making it an ideal solution for anyone working off the beaten track. The phone's combination of 5G connectivity, processing power, and solid camera setup makes it a versatile choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. While it may be bulky, despite its slimline boast, its performance and durability make it a decent investment for those needing a phone that can withstand more than most.

Should you buy a Oukitel WP35?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

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