Oukitel touts the new WP17 as its first "esthetic" rugged phone

It is far from unusual for the brand Oukitel to launch a new rugged phone; it does so quite often and might be best-known for this kind of mobile device. Nevertheless, it has set out to set the WP17 apart with a new design aimed at letting the user bring it out as more of a daily driver as a backup for their extreme sports, hiking and so on.

Accordingly, it has a glossy rear panel, as opposed to the completely rubberized casings of its predecessors; then again, it still has the usual squared-off corners and reinforced-looking edges of the rugged category, and manages to exhibit IP68 and IP69K ingress-protection ratings, as well as MIL-STD-810G. However, it does have a camera hump somewhat reminiscent of those of, say, the OPPO Reno series or the Galaxy S20 FE.

It houses three lenses, one for a 64MP main shooter, one for a 2MP macro camera and one for a 20MP Sony IMX350 for wide-angle functions also rated for night vision. On the WP17's other side, the display does get within typical 2021 parameters with a size of 6.78 inches, an FHD+ resolution and even a 90Hz refresh rate. 

Then again, there is no mention of AMOLED here. The screen is driven by a relatively new processor: (not something many rugged phones can say) the MediaTek Helio G95. It supports quad (GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU and Galileo) positioning, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC, if not 5G. It runs an Android 11-based UI, kept on with an appreciably large 8,300mAh battery.

This upholds Oukitel's reputation in this area; however, this potentially extra-long life is replenished with 18 watt (W) charging, and there is no mention of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging or a power bank function.

The Oukitel WP17 is available from the OEM's own website for most regions such as the EU or US at US$200 until October 24, 2021 as a launch special, or $400 thereafter. For some other markets such as Brazil or Japan, there is an AliExpress page for this new "rugged phone with esthetics".

Buy an Oukitel WP15 on Amazon