The Oukitel WP35 is part of Oukitel’s lineup of rugged smartphones, designed to withstand the harshest environments. With its IP68/IP69K waterproofing, military-grade durability, and massive 10000mAh battery, the WP35 appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and people who work in physically demanding environments. Despite its robust build, the WP35 has not been free from common issues and bugs that may affect the user experience.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the common problems, performance concerns, and whether these issues compromise the phone’s value for money. We will also compare the WP35 with other rugged phones to help you make an informed decision.
1. Display Issues: Brightness and Responsiveness
The Oukitel WP35 comes with a 6.52-inch HD+ display, designed to offer clear visuals even under harsh outdoor conditions. However, users have reported display issues such as poor brightness control and problems with touch responsiveness, particularly in extreme environments.
Common display problems include:
- Low screen brightness: Even with the brightness set to maximum, the display can be hard to read under direct sunlight, which is a major drawback for a rugged phone meant for outdoor use.
- Touch sensitivity issues: Some users have complained about laggy or unresponsive touch, especially when wearing gloves or when the screen is wet.
Possible solutions:
- Manually adjust brightness settings rather than relying on the phone’s adaptive brightness feature, which doesn’t always respond well to changes in light.
- To improve touch sensitivity, consider using the phone’s glove mode if you often wear gloves while working.
User feedback:
“I bought the WP35 because I work outdoors a lot, but the screen can be hard to see in bright sunlight. Also, the touch response is not as smooth as I’d like when my hands are wet.” – Jake P.
2. Battery Drain and Charging Problems
With its 10000mAh battery, the WP35 should offer days of usage on a single charge, but some users have noticed battery drain issues that limit its long-lasting potential. Moreover, there have been reports of charging issues.
Battery and charging concerns include:
- Faster-than-expected battery drain when using power-hungry apps, GPS, or mobile data for extended periods.
- Charging port issues, where the USB-C port becomes loose or unresponsive, making it difficult to charge the phone.
- Slow charging speeds, even when using the supplied charger, with the phone taking hours to reach a full charge.
Workarounds:
- Use the battery saver mode to extend battery life when the phone is running low on power.
- Ensure that the charging port remains clean and free of dust or debris, as rugged phones often accumulate dirt in the ports.
- Stick to wired charging and avoid using third-party chargers, which may not be as reliable for the WP35’s massive battery.
User complaints:
“The battery is huge, but I’m noticing it drains faster than I expected when I’m using GPS or mobile data. The charging port has also become loose after a few months, which is frustrating.” – Laura G.
3. Camera Quality: Inconsistent Performance
The WP35 is equipped with a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While these specs sound impressive for a rugged phone, users have reported inconsistent camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions.
Common camera issues:
- Blurry photos in low-light environments, with a noticeable loss of detail and color.
- Slow autofocus, making it difficult to take quick snapshots or capture moving objects.
- Shutter lag, where the photo is taken a second or two after pressing the button, which can result in missed shots.
Solutions:
- Make use of the Pro mode in the camera app to manually adjust settings like ISO and exposure for better low-light photos.
- Update the camera software if an update is available, as software improvements can help improve autofocus and camera stability.
User feedback:
“The camera does well in daylight, but it’s almost unusable at night. The autofocus is also really slow, and I’ve missed a lot of shots because of the lag.” – Megan S.
4. Performance Issues: Freezing and App Crashes
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and 4GB of RAM, the WP35 is designed for moderate performance. However, users have reported performance issues such as freezing and app crashes, particularly when multitasking or using resource-intensive applications.
Key performance issues include:
- Frequent freezing when too many apps are open at once, or when the phone is handling heavy tasks like navigation or media playback.
- App crashes when switching between apps or using graphics-heavy games.
- Overall sluggish performance, with a noticeable delay when navigating through the phone’s UI or opening apps.
Possible fixes:
- Close background apps to free up memory and improve performance.
- Regularly clear the cache of apps that tend to crash frequently.
- If the phone becomes unresponsive, perform a soft reset by holding down the power button until it restarts.
User experience:
“It’s okay for basic tasks, but if you try to open multiple apps or use something like Google Maps for a long time, the phone starts to lag and sometimes freezes completely.” – Michael T.
5. Software Bugs and Updates
The WP35 runs on Android 12, which is relatively up-to-date for a rugged smartphone. However, like many budget devices, it’s prone to software bugs and slow updates. Some users have also expressed concerns about the lack of frequent security patches or major OS upgrades.
Reported software issues include:
- Random reboots or freezes during usage, particularly when installing updates or switching between apps.
- Connectivity issues, where the phone struggles to maintain a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.
- Delayed notifications from messaging apps, which sometimes arrive hours late or not at all.
Possible solutions:
- Factory reset the phone after major software updates to eliminate bugs caused by outdated settings.
- Reboot the device regularly to clear temporary system issues that may cause lag or freezing.
- Regularly check for system updates to ensure your phone is running the latest firmware.
User complaints:
“The software feels a bit clunky at times, and I’ve had issues with delayed notifications. I don’t know if it’s the phone or the network, but it’s frustrating.” – Anna R.
6. Durability: True to Its Claims?
One of the WP35’s main selling points is its rugged durability, with IP68/IP69K water and dust resistance, and military-grade shock resistance. While it generally holds up well in harsh conditions, a few users have reported problems with the phone’s durability over time.
Durability-related issues:
- Scratches on the display: Despite being marketed as rugged, the display can still get scratched, especially in sandy or rocky environments.
- Water damage: Some users have experienced water damage after submerging the phone, despite its IP68 rating.
Solutions:
- Consider using an additional screen protector to guard against scratches.
- Make sure all ports are sealed properly before submerging the phone in water, as improper seals can compromise water resistance.
User feedback:
“It’s tough, no doubt, but after a few drops, I noticed some scratches on the screen, and one time water got in when I was swimming. I’m not sure if the seals were loose or what.” – Chris L.
Conclusion: Is the Oukitel WP35 Worth Buying?
The Oukitel WP35 certainly stands out for its rugged design, huge battery, and durability, making it a reliable option for users who need a phone that can handle tough conditions. However, it falls short in other key areas, such as display performance, camera quality, and software stability.
While the WP35 may be appealing if you prioritize durability over everything else, there are other rugged smartphones that offer a better balance between performance and resilience.
Recommended Alternatives:
- Doogee S96 Pro: Offers a more balanced performance with better camera quality and software optimization while retaining rugged features.
- Ulefone Armor 12: A rugged phone that delivers faster performance and a better display without compromising on durability.
- Blackview BV8800: Known for its solid performance and superior battery life, the BV8800 may be a better option for those looking for a reliable rugged phone.
In conclusion, while the Oukitel WP35 is a reasonable option for those in need of a durable phone at an affordable price, its performance issues and inconsistent camera quality may lead some users to consider more refined alternatives in the rugged phone market.