One of the best cheap Android tablets I've tested isn't made by Samsung or TCL

I’ve become a fan of Oukitel phones and tablets. The company creates devices that don’t have to be treated with a heightened sense of fear that any drop or spill could wreak havoc. 

The second you pick up an Oukitel device, you know the company takes ruggedness seriously. These things are all built like tiny tanks that can withstand anything you throw at them.

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That ruggedness defines the Oukitel line and should be considered a standout feature for those who need it. If you don’t work in less-than-ideal conditions and are looking for more flagship power, the Oukitel tablet lineup is probably not going to appeal to you.

Let’s take a look at this new Oukitel RT3 Pro tablet and see what it’s all about. 

The specs

• CPU — MediaTek G81, Octa-core (2x Cortex-A75, 6x Cortex-A55)
• GPU — ARM Mali G52 MC2
• Storage — 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage
• Dual SIM support
• Ports — USB-C
• Connectivity — Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS+GLONASS+Beidou+Galileo
• Cameras — 16MP rear and 8MP front
• Battery — 5150mAh with 10W charging and support for reverse charging
• Display — 8″ HD IPS at 800 X 1280 at 600 nits
• Dimensions — 207mm x 134mm x 13.9mm 
• Weight — 538g
• Durability — MIL-STD-810H, IP68/IP69K 
• Price — $229 on the official Oukitel site

My experience

My journey with the RT3 Pro started out by replacing my Kindle Oasis Paperwhite (which I consider the worst Kindle I’ve ever used). Unfortunately, I found the RT3 too heavy to use in bed (where I typically read before I sleep).

On top of the weight, the edges of the RT3 Pro were too sharp to hold for any long period without discomfort. This is especially so for the sharp bevel surrounding the display. It’s fine for short periods, but if you attempt to hold the tablet for more than a few minutes, you’ll feel it.

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When I finally realized the RT3 Pro wasn’t a viable replacement for my Kindle, I switched gears and used it as a typical tablet. For me, that means reading news, watching YouTube videos, and playing the occasional game.

Here’s how the tablet fared:

• Reading news — I typically read news with the Google News app and the Google app (swipe right on your home screen to access it). Usually, this is a fairly painless venture, but I did find the RT3 Pro was pretty laggy in terms of scrolling and updating. It’s not a deal-breaker, but when you’re used to more powerful tablets, it can be disconcerting.
• YouTube videos — although the display isn’t the greatest, I found YouTube videos played quite well on the RT3 Pro. Although the sound is tinny (which is typical for tablets), you can crank up the volume so you can hear everything, and the clarity of the videos isn’t the worst I’ve ever seen.
• Games — I tested a few games with the RT3 Pro and was pleasantly surprised at how well they ran. Most of the games I tested were of the RPG variety, which typically isn’t nearly as demanding as some other genres, but even so, the graphics were fairly smooth, and the audio was nice and loud. Because of the small size of the tablet, I found games to be much easier to play than when using a larger tablet (which could be because my go-to gaming platform is the Nintendo Switch).

Although this is not a premium flagship tablet, the rugged nature of all Oukitel devices can trick you into thinking it is. Don’t be fooled; this is a mid-range tablet with mid-range hardware and a mid-range price.

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Another outstanding feature is the battery. I did a very non-scientific test: I charged the device to full and set it aside. Three days later, the battery was still at 100% (there were no apps running in the foreground or background).

It wasn’t until after I installed Google News (which tends to drain batteries faster than it should) and installed a few games that I noticed the battery finally started to decrease. After a few hours of use, the battery was at 75%, which is still pretty impressive.

ZDNET’s buying advice

At $229, the Oukitel RT3 Pro might not impress you with flagship performance, but its size, rugged case, and battery life make it a worthy option for children and/or those who work in rough conditions. This device is geared for conditions that would make an iPad curl up in a corner and weep for fear it would be destroyed by the elements. Because the RT3 Pro is so rugged (and because it handles games well), it’s also a very good option for kids who might need a digital distraction.

For those who need power, high-resolution audio, and a brilliant display, look elsewhere. If this sounds like the tablet for you, preorder the RT3 Pro from the official Oukitel site. It should appear on Amazon soon.