Oukitel WP23 Plus vs. Ulefone Armor 17 Pro: A Rugged Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Oukitel WP23 Plus and Ulefone Armor 17 Pro aim to deliver that, but they take different approaches. The WP23 Plus prioritizes longevity with a massive battery, while the Armor 17 Pro focuses on delivering a smoother, more responsive experience with a more modern chipset and significantly faster charging.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained operation and value, the Oukitel WP23 Plus is the better choice. Its exceptional 100-hour battery endurance and 1000 charge cycles outweigh the Armor 17 Pro’s faster charging and processing power for those not heavily reliant on demanding applications.

PHONES
Phone Names Oukitel WP23 Plus Ulefone Armor 17 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, December2022, October 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2022, October 31
Body
Dimensions174 x 82.3 x 17.1 mm (6.85 x 3.24 x 0.67 in)172.7 x 80.4 x 12.5 mm (6.80 x 3.17 x 0.49 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight378 g (13.33 oz)290 g (10.23 oz)
 -IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810G compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~213 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 450 nitsIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", PDAF 2 MP (macro), 1/5"-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaTriple-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Triple-108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52”, 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 8 MP, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5"16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioWireless FM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -MagSafe compatible accessories
Battery
Charging15W wired Reverse wired66W wired, 53% in 15 min 15W wireless Wireless reversed
TypeLi-Po 10600 mAhLi-Po 5380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, OrangeBlack
Price-About 260 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery100:32h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Oukitel WP23 Plus

  • Exceptional 100-hour battery endurance
  • 1000 charge cycle lifespan
  • Potentially lower cost due to older chipset

  • Slower processor compared to the Armor 17 Pro
  • Slower 15W charging speed

Ulefone Armor 17 Pro

  • Faster Mediatek Helio G99 processor
  • 66W fast charging (53% in 15 minutes)
  • 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Likely shorter battery life compared to the WP23 Plus
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Armor 17 Pro’s more powerful chipset *could* support a higher refresh rate display, offering smoother scrolling, but this is unconfirmed. The focus here is likely on durability rather than display fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a thorough comparison is impossible. However, the chipset difference suggests the Armor 17 Pro will likely have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The focus on ruggedness often means compromises in camera quality, so expectations should be tempered for both devices. We can assume both will feature a primary sensor, but details regarding resolution and aperture are missing.

Performance

The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant leap in processing power over the Oukitel WP23 Plus’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer substantially better single-core performance than the T606’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling under sustained load. The T606 is adequate for basic tasks, but the G99 is clearly the winner for power users.

Battery Life

The Oukitel WP23 Plus boasts an impressive 100:32h endurance rating, suggesting exceptional battery life. While the Armor 17 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its 66W charging capability is a major advantage, achieving 53% charge in just 15 minutes. The WP23 Plus is limited to 15W wired charging. The WP23 Plus also claims 1000 charge cycles, indicating a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation. This makes the WP23 Plus ideal for users who prioritize longevity over quick top-ups, while the Armor 17 Pro caters to those who need a fast power boost.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oukitel WP23 Plus if you need a phone that will reliably last for days on a single charge, especially in situations where access to power is limited – think extended camping trips or demanding work schedules. Buy the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro if you prioritize a snappier user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of rapid 66W charging, even if it means more frequent charging cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Oukitel WP23 Plus struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle less graphically intensive games, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience in demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact. Expect some stuttering and potential frame drops.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro compare to standard fast charging?
66W charging is significantly faster than typical fast charging standards (like 18W or 25W). The Armor 17 Pro can reach 53% charge in just 15 minutes, which is a substantial time saving compared to slower charging methods. This is particularly useful for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro useful for accessories like wireless earbuds?
Yes, the 15W reverse wireless charging is useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it won't charge them as quickly as a dedicated charger, it provides a convenient way to share power when you're away from an outlet.
❓ What type of durability certifications do these phones have (IP68, MIL-STD-810H)?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, both phones, being rugged devices, likely adhere to IP68 water and dust resistance standards and MIL-STD-810H for shock and drop resistance. However, specific certification details should be verified with the manufacturer before purchase.