The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Oukitel WP23 and Ulefone Armor 12 5G aim to deliver on that promise, but they take different approaches. The WP23 prioritizes extended battery life and affordability, while the Armor 12 5G focuses on bringing 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for your demanding lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and cost-effectiveness, the Oukitel WP23 emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 100-hour battery endurance and 1000 charge cycles significantly outweigh the Armor 12 5G’s faster processor, especially considering the WP23’s lower price point. However, users needing 5G and more responsive performance will find the Armor 12 5G a worthwhile investment.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April | 2021, August 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2021, August 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 175.9 x 82.5 x 14.3 mm (6.93 x 3.25 x 0.56 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 296 g (10.44 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Wireless FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 18W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 10600 mAh | Li-Po 5180 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Black/Orange, Gray/Black |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 100:32h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Oukitel WP23
- Exceptional 100-hour battery life
- 1000 charge cycles for long-term reliability
- Reverse wired charging for accessory power
- Older, less powerful Helio P35 chipset
- Likely slower app loading and multitasking
Ulefone Armor 12 5G
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 18W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Shorter battery life compared to the WP23
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications in the provided data. However, given the price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The Armor 12 5G, being a newer model, likely benefits from slightly better color calibration and viewing angles. The WP23, focusing on endurance, may prioritize power efficiency over display quality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, typical of rugged designs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Armor 12 5G’s more modern chipset likely includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), resulting in better image processing and noise reduction. The WP23 will likely rely on software optimization to compensate for its older hardware. Both devices likely feature multiple cameras, but the quality of the secondary sensors (often 2MP macro lenses) is unlikely to be significant on either.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) represents a significant leap in processing power over the Oukitel WP23’s Helio P35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores deliver substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while its more efficient 7nm process reduces heat generation. The WP23’s Cortex-A53 cores, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. This translates to a smoother user experience and faster app loading times on the Armor 12 5G.
Battery Life
The Oukitel WP23’s standout feature is its exceptional 100-hour endurance and 1000 charge cycles. This suggests a larger battery capacity and optimized power management. While the Ulefone Armor 12 5G offers 18W wired and 15W wireless charging, the WP23’s longevity is its primary advantage. The Armor 12 5G’s charging speeds will allow for quicker top-ups, but the WP23 will simply last significantly longer between charges. The WP23 also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP23 if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and if your work or hobbies take you far from power outlets. It’s ideal for extended camping trips, construction sites, or anyone who simply dislikes frequent charging. Buy the Ulefone Armor 12 5G if you prioritize faster download speeds, smoother multitasking, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, and are willing to compromise on ultimate battery endurance. This phone is better suited for users who need to stay connected on the go and utilize data-intensive applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s Dimensity 700 chip overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a relatively efficient chipset built on a 7nm process. While it will generate heat during intensive tasks, it’s unlikely to suffer from significant throttling due to its thermal design. The Armor 12 5G’s rugged build likely incorporates heat dissipation features to further mitigate overheating.
❓ How does the Oukitel WP23’s battery performance hold up in extremely cold temperatures?
Lithium-ion batteries experience reduced capacity in cold temperatures. While the WP23 boasts exceptional endurance, expect a noticeable decrease in battery life when used in freezing conditions. Keeping the phone warm when not in use can help preserve battery health.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Ulefone Armor 12 5G worth the extra cost if I don't have widespread 5G coverage in my area?
If 5G coverage is limited, the benefit of the Armor 12 5G’s 5G capability is diminished. It will fall back to 4G LTE, but you’re paying a premium for a feature you won’t consistently utilize. In this scenario, the Oukitel WP23’s longer battery life and lower price may be more appealing.
