The rugged smartphone market offers durability, but often at the cost of performance. Both the Oukitel WP26 and Ulefone Armor 15 aim to bridge that gap, but they take different approaches. The WP26 leverages the older, but more powerful, Helio P90 chipset, while the Armor 15 opts for the newer, more efficiency-focused Helio G35. This comparison will dissect the implications of these choices for everyday users and power users alike.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and responsiveness, the Oukitel WP26 is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset delivers a significantly better CPU experience. However, the Ulefone Armor 15 offers a more modern chipset architecture and 18W charging, making it a viable option for those prioritizing efficiency and convenience.
| 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, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE Cat13 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June | 2022, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 170.2 x 79.6 x 18.2 mm (6.70 x 3.13 x 0.72 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 346 g (12.20 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810G compliant
Built-in wireless earbuds housed inside the top side of the phone; charging |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~56.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.4μm
13 MP, f/2.4, 106˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0μm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
20 MP, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0μm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Meteorite Black, Tech Blue, Sport Red |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Oukitel WP26
- Superior CPU performance with the Helio P90
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for demanding applications
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially lower battery efficiency
Ulefone Armor 15
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially better battery efficiency with Helio G35
- More modern chipset architecture
- Significantly lower CPU performance
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points and target market, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The WP26's older chipset might suggest a lower display refresh rate, potentially 60Hz, while the Armor 15 could potentially benefit from optimizations within the G35's ISP for improved color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on durability rather than minimizing size.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup geared towards versatility rather than high-end photography. Given the rugged nature of these devices, image processing will likely prioritize durability and clarity in challenging conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and apertures makes it impossible to determine which phone offers superior image quality. It's reasonable to assume both will include a standard wide-angle lens and potentially an ultra-wide or macro lens, though the quality of the latter is often minimal in this price range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oukitel WP26’s MediaTek Helio P90, built on a 12nm process, features a CPU configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture prioritizes peak performance, offering a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks and responsiveness compared to the Ulefone Armor 15’s Helio G35. The G35, also on a 12nm process, uses a 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. While the G35’s individual core clock speed is slightly higher, the older Cortex-A53 architecture is significantly less efficient and powerful than the A75 cores in the P90. This translates to a smoother experience with the WP26 when multitasking or running demanding applications. The P90's superior CPU performance will be most noticeable in tasks like video editing, gaming, and complex app switching.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Armor 15’s inclusion of 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. While the WP26’s battery life will likely be adequate, the Armor 15 will offer faster top-ups, reducing downtime. The Helio G35’s efficiency could also contribute to slightly longer battery life under moderate usage, offsetting any potential capacity difference. The 18W charging on the Armor 15 will translate to a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time compared to a standard 10W or 15W charger likely bundled with the WP26.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP26 if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing or more intensive gaming. Its Helio P90 provides a noticeable performance edge. Buy the Ulefone Armor 15 if you prioritize battery efficiency for extended outdoor use, appreciate the convenience of faster 18W charging, and primarily use your phone for communication, navigation, and light media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oukitel WP26 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P90 is capable, it's an older chipset. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings, but don't anticipate a consistently smooth experience at high settings. The GPU will likely be the bottleneck, and sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Ulefone Armor 15 compared to a standard 10W charger?
An 18W charger will significantly reduce charging time. While a precise estimate requires knowing the battery capacity, you can expect a 0-100% charge to be at least 30-50% faster than with a 10W charger. This is particularly useful for users who need to quickly top up their phone during outdoor activities.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Helio P90 and G35 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference will be minimal. However, when multitasking, opening multiple apps, or performing more complex operations, the Helio P90 in the WP26 will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience due to its superior CPU architecture.
