The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user base – those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Oukitel WP23Pro and Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 both aim to fulfill this need, but they take different approaches. The WP23Pro prioritizes extreme battery life and affordability, while the XCover 5 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and a more refined chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing maximum uptime and value, the Oukitel WP23Pro is the clear winner. Its 100-hour battery endurance significantly outpaces the XCover 5. However, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 offers a more polished software experience and a potentially more efficient chipset, making it suitable for users within the Samsung ecosystem.
| 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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2021, March 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.82 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Third unspecified camera | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10600 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Black |
| Models | - | SM-G525F, SM-G525F/DS, SM-G525N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | £ 61.49 / € 74.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 100:32h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Oukitel WP23Pro
- Exceptional 100-hour battery life
- 1000 charge cycle longevity
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance
- Less refined software experience
- Likely lower display quality
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support
Samsung Galaxy XCover 5
- Samsung brand reliability
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Streamlined Samsung software experience
- Potentially better thermal management
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Slow 15W charging
- Higher price point for comparable performance
Display Comparison
Neither device is focused on display extravagance. While specific display specs are missing for the WP23Pro, the XCover 5’s focus is on visibility in bright sunlight rather than color accuracy. The WP23Pro’s likely lower resolution and panel quality will be noticeable to users accustomed to higher-end displays, but this is a trade-off for ruggedness and battery life. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing screen protection.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely a secondary concern for both devices. Given the context data, we can assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Oukitel WP23Pro’s camera specs are unknown, but the XCover 5’s likely prioritizes functionality over high resolution. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. The focus should be on the main sensor’s ability to capture usable images in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The chipset choice is a key differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers a more efficient architecture than the Oukitel WP23Pro’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). While the Exynos 850 features a Cortex-A55 cluster for all cores, the WP23Pro utilizes a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, suggesting a slight edge in peak performance for the Oukitel, but potentially at the cost of efficiency. The 8nm process of the Exynos should translate to better thermal management under sustained loads. However, the WP23Pro’s lower performance demands are likely mitigated by its focus on endurance.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the Oukitel WP23Pro truly shines. The claimed 100-hour endurance and 1000 charge cycles are exceptional. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5’s 15W wired charging is comparatively slow. While the Exynos 850’s efficiency helps, it cannot compete with the sheer capacity and longevity promised by the WP23Pro. The WP23Pro also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories in the field, which the XCover 5 lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP23Pro if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and if you work in environments where consistent power access is limited. It’s ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who simply dislikes frequent charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 if you prefer the Samsung ecosystem, value a more streamlined user experience, and need a reliable work phone with a trusted brand behind it, even if it means compromising on ultimate battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Oukitel WP23Pro struggle with demanding apps?
The Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media, it will likely struggle with graphically intensive games or demanding applications. The XCover 5’s Exynos 850 offers a smoother experience for these tasks, but the WP23Pro’s focus is on endurance, not raw power.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 painfully slow in 2024?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones offering 25W, 45W, or even 65W charging. It will take considerably longer to fully charge the XCover 5 compared to many other devices. However, Samsung prioritizes battery health and longevity, and slower charging can contribute to this.
❓ How does the Oukitel WP23Pro's battery hold up over time with the claimed 1000 charge cycles?
Oukitel claims the battery will retain a significant portion of its capacity even after 1000 full charge cycles. This suggests a higher-quality battery cell and robust charging management circuitry. While real-world results may vary, it indicates a longer lifespan compared to phones with standard battery degradation.
