World’s first rugged smartphone boasts 20,000 mAh battery and satellite connectivity
Oukitel has unveiled its WP61 series, a rugged smartphone lineup designed for extreme environments, combining satellite communication, walkie-talkie functionality, and thermal imaging in a single device, El.kz reports citing Interesting Engineering.
The Chinese company has described the WP61 series as the world’s first rugged professional flagship to integrate all three technologies into one smartphone. It targets outdoor professionals, rescue teams, and industrial users who require reliable communication and specialized tools in remote environments.
The announcement highlights a growing trend in rugged mobile devices that focus not just on durability and battery life, but also on specialized professional tools integrated directly into smartphones.
Built for extreme environments
The WP61 series is designed for situations where traditional mobile networks are unreliable or unavailable. Satellite communication enables users to stay connected in remote areas such as mountains, deserts, offshore locations, and disaster zones.
The built-in DMR walkie-talkie system allows real-time communication over several miles, making it useful for team coordination in field operations.
These features position the device for industries such as construction, mining, search and rescue, security, and outdoor exploration, where communication is critical for safety and coordination.
In addition to communication tools, the device includes a large 20,000mAh battery designed for long off-grid usage. The phone can last extended periods without charging and also supports reverse charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices.
Thermal imaging and rugged design for professional use
One of the key features of the WP61 series is thermal imaging, which allows users to detect heat signatures and temperature differences. This can be used in industrial inspections, equipment maintenance, firefighting, wildlife tracking, and search operations.
Some models in the WP61 lineup include thermal sensors capable of capturing detailed heat maps for professional applications.
The device also includes rugged certifications such as IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H, indicating resistance to water, dust, drops, and harsh environmental conditions.
Rugged smartphones are typically designed for users working in physically demanding environments where standard smartphones may fail.
The WP61 series also includes features such as a high-powered camping light, large speakers for loud environments, and night vision camera capabilities for low-light conditions, further expanding its utility for outdoor and industrial users.
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