One of the most durable Android phones I’ve tested is also one of the cheapest.

ZDNET’s key findings

• He Oukitel WP35 is now available on Amazon for $319.
• It offers impressive battery life, a case that protects the phone from the elements, and performance that belies its sub-$300 price tag.
• The phone is heavy and requires some tweaking to get a traditional Android experience.

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I have reviewed many cheap android phonesMost of them fall into one of three categories:

1. Good looking but low on power
2. Ugly but works well
3. Looks good and works better than expected.

I’m always surprised at how many phones fall into the third category, especially when the price range drops below $300. One such phone is the Oukitel WP35 5GFollowing the Oukitel tradition, this is a big, rugged phone with a huge battery.

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Oukitel has been making these types of devices for some time now and is by far the undisputed market leader. The WP35 is not as powerful as, for example, the Doogee V Max Plusbut it’s certainly close. At half the price of the Doogee, the Oukitel is an impressive device.

See on Amazon

Technical specifications of the Oukitel WP35 5G

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset
• Storage: 256GB (upgradable to 2TB)
• RAM: 8GB + 16GB virtual extended
• Cameras: A 64MP main camera (Sony @IMX682) with a 1/1.73″ sensor, an 8MP night vision camera, and a 2MP macro camera
• Battery: 11,000 mAh for 60 days standby, 75 hours of calls, 60 hours of music, 15 hours of video and 12 hours of games
• Display: 6.6″ 2.4K with 1080 X 2408 resolution with 400 PPI pixel density and Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Durability: Military-grade drop resistance and IP68 and IP69K waterproof rating
• Biometrics: fingerprint unlocking and facial recognition
• Operating system: Android 14
• Support for two Nano SIM cards
• Price: $329 on Amazon either $299 on Oukitel’s website

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My experience

What surprised me most about the WP35 is its size. Even though the phone packs an 11,000mAh battery, it’s not as thick as other phones with the same massive power source. The WP35 is just 14.9mm thick, while similar phones (with similarly sized batteries) can be over 20mm thick.

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The next thing that caught my attention was the phone’s user interface. Oukitel has done a great job with the aesthetics of the interface, giving it an almost iPhone-like look. Pull down the notification bar and you’ll see a nice blurred background with stylish icons and notifications. Overall, the animations are fluid and well-integrated, with virtually no lag.

Face unlock is almost instantaneous, and the fingerprint scanner (located on the side of the device) doesn’t feel like a cheap afterthought like you get on similarly priced phones. In fact, everything about the WP35 is rock solid.

Of course, the big draw of this device is the battery, and boy does it exceed expectations. You won’t find a phone from any of the major manufacturers (Google, Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus, Apple, etc.) that can compete with the battery life of these Godzilla-sized phones. If you want a device with a battery that lasts and lasts, this is the one for you (especially if you’re not interested in paying flagship prices).

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As for functionality, I have no complaints. Apps install and open quickly, the screen is more than bright enough, and there are some pretty cool features that you won’t find on other devices (like the underwater mode for the camera that lets you tap the screen and take a photo while you’re submerged in water).

If you’re looking for a phone that will last a long time, last for days between charges, perform well, and won’t break the bank, the Oukitel WP35 is a brilliant choice. However, it does have its flaws.

First of all, like most Oukitel phones, the UI doesn’t include an app drawer by default, which annoys me to no end. I prefer a minimalist home screen, but with this device, all apps install their launchers on the home screen (like on iOS), which means that it’s impossible to have a minimalist UI.

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Fortunately, that’s the default setting. If you open Home Settings (long press on the home screen and tap the Settings icon) and then tap Launcher Style, you can enable the App Drawer. After you enable the App Drawer, you can set Android to not install new apps on the home screen and that’s it.

Another weak point is the sound. It is surprisingly quiet. Even at maximum volume, YouTube videos are not loud enough to enjoy. Of course, to fix this, plug in a pair of headphones and you’ll be fine.

ZDNET’s buying advice

He Oukitel WP35 It’s an exceptional bargain that will serve anyone who doesn’t mind carrying a phone in their pocket that tests the strength and integrity of their belt. The WP35 weighs about the same as my Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro combined (455 grams), so yes, it’s heavy, but that’s down to the protective chassis and battery. For how well it’s made, it’s worth every gram.