The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Cubot KingKong ES and Oukitel WP19 both aim to deliver on this promise, but they take different approaches. The KingKong ES prioritizes exceptional battery life, while the WP19 focuses on delivering more processing power with its Helio G95 chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Cubot KingKong ES is the better choice. Its remarkable 53:11h endurance and 1400 charge cycles significantly outweigh the Oukitel WP19’s faster charging, especially for those frequently away from power outlets. However, the WP19 is a strong contender for users needing more raw processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 20 | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 172.6 x 81.2 x 12.8 mm (6.80 x 3.20 x 0.50 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 268 g (9.45 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
20 MP, f/2.0, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Unspecified |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 21000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Orange | Blue, Camo, Camouflage |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 53:11h endurance, 1400 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Cubot KingKong ES
- Exceptional battery life (53:11h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1400 charge cycles)
- Potentially lower price point (typical of Cubot)
- Less powerful processor (Unisoc T606)
- Slower charging speeds (compared to WP19)
- Limited gaming performance
Oukitel WP19
- More powerful processor (Helio G95)
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Better performance for gaming and demanding apps
- Shorter battery life (implied)
- Fewer charge cycles (implied)
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications, but given their market segment, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on durability, not display fidelity. The lack of information prevents a direct comparison of brightness or color accuracy. However, rugged phones often prioritize viewing angles for outdoor usability, so both likely offer acceptable performance in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the rugged phone market typically prioritizes durability over camera quality. We can assume both devices feature basic camera setups suitable for documenting work or outdoor adventures. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The focus is likely on providing a functional camera for capturing essential images, rather than competing with flagship smartphone camera systems.
Performance
The Oukitel WP19’s Mediatek Helio G95 chipset represents a significant performance leap over the Cubot KingKong ES’s Unisoc T606. The G95 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz versus the ES’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz – translating to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The G95’s integrated GPU also provides a substantial advantage in gaming. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G95 deliver a more responsive user experience. The ES is adequate for basic tasks, but the WP19 is clearly the winner for power users.
Battery Life
This is where the Cubot KingKong ES truly shines. Its reported 53:11h endurance is exceptional, indicating a highly optimized power management system. While the Oukitel WP19 offers 33W wired charging – a significant advantage over the ES’s unspecified wired charging – the ES’s longevity is likely to be more valuable for many users. The ES also boasts 1400 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before battery degradation becomes noticeable. The WP19’s faster charging is convenient, but the ES’s extended runtime and battery health are compelling advantages.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong ES if you need a phone that can reliably last for days on a single charge, and your primary use cases involve everyday tasks, communication, and moderate media consumption. It’s ideal for travelers, field workers, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging. Buy the Oukitel WP19 if you prioritize gaming, video editing, or running demanding applications, and you appreciate the convenience of 33W fast charging to quickly replenish the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Helio G95 in the Oukitel WP19 prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G95 is a capable chipset, its thermal performance can vary depending on the phone’s cooling system. Rugged phones often prioritize sealing over advanced cooling, so prolonged gaming may lead to some throttling. However, the G95 is generally more efficient than the Unisoc T606 in the KingKong ES, meaning it can sustain higher performance for longer before needing to reduce clock speeds.
❓ How does the 1400 charge cycle claim of the Cubot KingKong ES translate to real-world battery lifespan?
1400 charge cycles indicate the number of complete charge-discharge cycles the battery can endure before significant degradation (typically defined as a 20% capacity loss). This suggests the KingKong ES’s battery should maintain a substantial portion of its original capacity for a longer period compared to phones with lower cycle counts, potentially lasting several years with typical usage.
❓ Does the Oukitel WP19 support any form of fast charging protocol beyond the stated 33W?
The provided specifications only mention 33W wired charging. It's unlikely to support proprietary fast charging standards like SuperVOOC or Warp Charge, but it may be compatible with Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging with compatible chargers.