Oukitel WP35 S vs. Ulefone Armor 17 Pro: A Rugged Showdown

The rugged phone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Oukitel WP35 S and Ulefone Armor 17 Pro both aim to deliver durability, but they take different approaches to performance and power. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is the superior choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, coupled with significantly faster 66W charging, provides a noticeable performance and convenience advantage. While the Oukitel WP35 S boasts impressive battery endurance, the Armor 17 Pro’s efficiency and charging speed make it the more practical option.

PHONES
Phone Names Oukitel WP35 S 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 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, September2022, October 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, October 31
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum/titanium frame-
Dimensions172.2 x 81 x 14.9 mm (6.78 x 3.19 x 0.59 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
Weight361 g (12.73 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
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nitsIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaTriple-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.0, (night vision), 1/4", AF, infrared night vision lights 2 MP (macro)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
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1"16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -MagSafe compatible accessories
Battery
Charging18W wired66W wired, 53% in 15 min 15W wireless Wireless reversed
TypeLi-Po 11000 mAhLi-Po 5380 mAh
Misc
ColorsGrey, Green, CoffeeBlack
PriceAbout 140 EURAbout 260 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery120:51h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass A-

Oukitel WP35 S

  • Exceptional battery endurance (120:51h)
  • 1000 charge cycles promise longevity
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Slower processor (Helio G85)
  • Slow charging speed (18W)
  • Likely less refined user experience

Ulefone Armor 17 Pro

  • Faster and more efficient processor (Helio G99)
  • Ultra-fast 66W wired charging
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to WP35 S
  • Likely higher price point
  • May run hotter under sustained load

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Armor 17 Pro's positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the WP35 S. The focus on processing power suggests Ulefone invested more in the overall user experience, which often includes a better display.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, Ulefone typically focuses on camera capabilities in their 'Pro' models. It's reasonable to assume the Armor 17 Pro features a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger sensor and improved image processing algorithms. The WP35 S likely offers a functional camera, but the Armor 17 Pro is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions.

Performance

The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant leap over the Oukitel WP35 S’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node is inherently more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Armor 17 Pro’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also outperforms the WP35 S’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While both utilize octa-core configurations, the architectural improvements in the G99 provide a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The Oukitel WP35 S boasts an impressive 120:51h endurance rating, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro compensates for potentially a smaller battery (spec not provided) with its 66W wired charging, capable of delivering 53% charge in just 15 minutes. This is a game-changer for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The WP35 S’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. Furthermore, the Armor 17 Pro adds 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering greater versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oukitel WP35 S if you prioritize maximum battery life above all else and operate in situations where frequent charging isn't possible. Its 120:51h endurance is a standout feature. Buy the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro if you value faster performance for apps and gaming, and appreciate the convenience of rapid 66W wired and 15W wireless charging. It’s the better all-rounder for users who need a responsive and quickly-rechargeable rugged device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s Helio G99 chipset generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Oukitel WP35 S’s Helio G85. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the G99 is less prone to throttling, allowing for more sustained performance. The Armor 17 Pro’s rugged design also likely incorporates heat dissipation features.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro compare to using a power bank in the field?
66W charging is significantly faster than charging from a typical power bank. While a power bank provides convenience in remote locations, it delivers power at a much slower rate. The Armor 17 Pro’s 66W charging can add a substantial amount of battery life in a short period when a wall outlet is available, making it ideal for quick top-ups between tasks.
❓ Is the 1000 charge cycle claim for the Oukitel WP35 S realistic, and what happens after that?
1000 charge cycles represent a significant lifespan for a battery. While the battery won't suddenly die after 1000 cycles, its capacity will gradually degrade over time. Oukitel’s claim suggests the battery is designed to retain a substantial portion of its original capacity even after extensive use. However, factors like charging habits and operating temperature can influence battery health.