Oukitel WP28 E vs Cubot KingKong Star 2: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged phone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. We pit the Oukitel WP28 E, a long-lasting endurance champion, against the Cubot KingKong Star 2, a performance-focused contender powered by a flagship-level chipset, to determine which reigns supreme.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Cubot KingKong Star 2 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 8200 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power. However, the Oukitel WP28 E excels in battery endurance, making it ideal for extended off-grid use.

PHONES
Phone Names Oukitel WP28 E Cubot KingKong Star 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, , 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, July2024, September 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AugustAvailable. Released 2024, October
Body
Dimensions174.2 x 82.3 x 17.4 mm (6.86 x 3.24 x 0.69 in)177.7 x 81.8 x 13.5 mm (7.00 x 3.22 x 0.53 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight373 g (13.16 oz)305 g (10.76 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass, Mohs level 6
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 144Hz, 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 14Android 14
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro), AF
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaLED flash
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", PDAF-
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0"32 MP
Video720p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 10600 mAh5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Orange, GreenBlack
Price-About 250 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery100:16h endurance, 1000 cycles43:41h endurance, 900 cycles
EnergyClass BClass C
Free fallClass A (270 falls)Class A (270 falls)
RepairabilityClass CClass C

Oukitel WP28 E

  • Exceptional battery endurance (100 hours)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
  • More affordable price point (likely)

  • Significantly lower processing power
  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Less capable for demanding tasks

Cubot KingKong Star 2

  • Flagship-level performance (Dimensity 8200)
  • Faster charging (33W)
  • Superior gaming and multitasking capabilities

  • Shorter battery endurance (43 hours)
  • Lower battery lifespan (900 cycles)
  • Higher price point (likely)

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Star 2's focus on performance, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel than the WP28 E. The WP28 E, positioned as an endurance device, may prioritize power efficiency over display fidelity. Expect both to feature ruggedized glass, but details like peak brightness and color accuracy remain unknown.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, the Star 2’s higher processing power suggests more sophisticated image processing capabilities. The Unisoc T606 in the WP28 E will likely struggle with complex computational photography tasks. Both devices likely include a standard set of lenses, but the Star 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both will have a macro lens, but its utility is limited on both devices.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Cubot KingKong Star 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a flagship-class chipset featuring a 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture, built on a more efficient 4nm process, delivers substantially higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the Oukitel WP28 E’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) with its 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The Dimensity 8200 will handle demanding games and applications with ease, while the T606 is better suited for everyday tasks. The 4nm process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Oukitel WP28 E boasts a remarkable 100-hour endurance rating and a 1000-cycle battery lifespan, indicating a focus on long-term battery health and extended use between charges. In contrast, the Cubot KingKong Star 2 offers 43 hours of endurance and 900 cycles. While the Star 2’s 33W charging is significantly faster than the WP28 E’s 18W, the difference in endurance is substantial. The WP28 E is designed for users who prioritize minimizing charging frequency, while the Star 2 offers quicker top-ups but requires more frequent charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oukitel WP28 E if you need a phone that can reliably last for days on a single charge, prioritizing longevity and minimizing charging frequency. This is the phone for extended camping trips or jobsites with limited power access. Buy the Cubot KingKong Star 2 if you prefer a snappy, responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and are willing to charge more frequently to unlock that performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Cubot KingKong Star 2’s Dimensity 8200 chipset overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 8200 is built on a 4nm process, which offers excellent thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the chipset’s architecture and the Star 2’s likely cooling system should prevent significant throttling, maintaining consistent performance for extended periods.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Cubot KingKong Star 2 compared to the 18W charging on the Oukitel WP28 E?
While a precise time difference requires testing, 33W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect the Star 2 to reach a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, while the WP28 E will likely take 2.5-3 hours. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups.
❓ Is the 1000 battery cycle rating of the Oukitel WP28 E a significant advantage?
Yes, a 1000-cycle rating indicates the battery can be fully charged and discharged 1000 times with minimal degradation in capacity. This is higher than the Star 2’s 900 cycles, suggesting the WP28 E’s battery will maintain its performance for a longer period, delaying the need for a replacement.