Oukitel's WP63 rugged phone has a pop-out heating coil that can light paper and dry leaves, plus night vision and a 20,000 mAh battery. It is $339 for now.
A rugged Android phone can now double as a fire starter. The Oukitel WP63 has a built-in electronic igniter, an infrared night vision camera and a huge 20,000 mAh battery. Tom's Guide tested it and called it one of the most interesting rugged phones of the year. It is on sale for $339, down from $599, which is 43% off for a limited time.
The heating coil sits on the top edge of the phone. A light press pops it open. A dedicated Lighter app then starts the heating, and the coil glows cherry red, much like an old push-in car lighter.
It does not make an open flame. It makes concentrated heat that can ignite dry material on direct contact, such as scrap paper or dried leaves. After each use, the phone enforces a cooldown of about 10 seconds so the housing does not overheat.
The reviewer was surprised by how easily the coil lit the corner of an envelope. Turning that spark into a real fire was harder. After several tries, a small bundle of brittle autumn leaves caught. The review says it takes patience, bone-dry kindling and some campfire experience.
The night vision camera has limits. The reviewer says dedicated night vision cameras do better, especially in how far their infrared lights reach. Still, it works for checking your immediate surroundings, such as for animals rustling in the brush near a tent at night.
At over 1.3 pounds, the WP63 is heavy. The reviewer would not want it as an everyday phone. As a backup, though, he calls it an easy sell. It could sit in a glove compartment on road trips or go along on a weekend in the woods.
The strong battery and bright lantern also make it a possible fit for long power outages. The reviewer says he is confident it could last through one during hurricane season. The review does not cover long-term durability or how the phone performs as a daily device.
The Oukitel WP63 is a heavy but capable backup phone for campers and storm prep, and the fire igniter works only on very dry kindling.
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