Oukitel WP36 Pro vs. Ulefone Armor 17 Pro: A Rugged Showdown of Power and Stamina

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, within this niche, priorities diverge. The Oukitel WP36 Pro emphasizes longevity with a massive battery, while the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro prioritizes processing power with a newer, more efficient chipset. This comparison dissects these trade-offs to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset offers a significant upgrade over the Oukitel WP36 Pro’s MT8788, and the 66W charging drastically reduces downtime. However, those needing maximum uptime will still find the WP36 Pro’s endurance compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Oukitel WP36 Pro Ulefone Armor 17 Pro
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, 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, October 082022, October 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2022, October 31
Body
Dimensions172.2 x 80.7 x 19.1 mm (6.78 x 3.18 x 0.75 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
Weight393.7 g (13.90 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~73.9% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", AF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flashTriple-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Triple-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
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0"16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes (128 dB, 3.5W peak)Yes
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
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -MagSafe compatible accessories
Battery
Charging15W wired Reverse wired66W wired, 53% in 15 min 15W wireless Wireless reversed
TypeLi-Po 10600 mAhLi-Po 5380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 260 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery101:19h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Oukitel WP36 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (101:19h endurance)
  • High battery cycle count (1000 cycles)
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Slow 15W wired charging
  • Older, less powerful MT8788 chipset
  • Potentially less efficient display technology

Ulefone Armor 17 Pro

  • Significantly faster 66W wired charging
  • More powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to WP36 Pro
  • Battery cycle count not specified
  • May be more expensive than the WP36 Pro

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Armor 17 Pro's focus on modern features, it likely benefits from a higher refresh rate panel than the WP36 Pro. The WP36 Pro, being an older model, may utilize a less efficient LCD panel, impacting overall battery consumption. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but the Armor 17 Pro's newer chipset could support more advanced display processing.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the Armor 17 Pro’s newer chipset likely includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The WP36 Pro’s camera performance will likely be adequate for casual use, but the Armor 17 Pro is expected to offer a more refined photographic experience. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Armor 17 Pro, if equipped, would further enhance image clarity and stability.

Performance

The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a substantial leap forward compared to the Oukitel WP36 Pro’s Mediatek MT8788 (12nm). The G99’s newer architecture – featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores versus the MT8788’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 – translates to significantly improved CPU and GPU performance. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Armor 17 Pro will handle demanding games and applications with greater ease.

Battery Life

The Oukitel WP36 Pro boasts impressive endurance, rated at 101:19h, and a 1000-cycle battery lifespan. However, its 15W wired charging is comparatively slow. The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro, while potentially having a smaller battery capacity (not specified), compensates with 66W wired charging, achieving 53% charge in just 15 minutes. It also offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience. The Armor 17 Pro’s more efficient chipset also contributes to better battery management, potentially mitigating the impact of a smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oukitel WP36 Pro if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications. It's ideal for fieldwork, extended travel, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from power outlets. Buy the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging, even if it means charging more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99’s 6nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Oukitel WP36 Pro’s 12nm MT8788. 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 may also incorporate heat dissipation features to further mitigate thermal issues.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro compare to the 15W charging on the Oukitel WP36 Pro in real-world usage?
The difference is substantial. The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro can gain 53% charge in just 15 minutes, while the Oukitel WP36 Pro will take significantly longer to reach a similar charge level. This makes the Armor 17 Pro ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery before heading out, whereas the WP36 Pro requires a much longer charging commitment.
❓ Is the 1000-cycle battery lifespan claim for the Oukitel WP36 Pro realistic, and what does it mean for long-term ownership?
A 1000-cycle lifespan suggests the battery will retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1000 full charge-discharge cycles. This is a strong indicator of long-term battery health, meaning the WP36 Pro should maintain usable battery capacity for several years, even with regular use. However, actual lifespan depends on usage patterns and environmental factors.