This Is The Strangest Phone I’ve Held In Awhile

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At first glance, Oukitel might be a name you’ve never heard of, but this lesser-known brand made me nostalgic for the days when phones were truly fun.

Technology trade shows are usually packed with the biggest brands and most familiar names. However, spend enough time exploring the aisles, and you’ll always find a hidden gem or two.

During IFA 2025, I came across a surprise—a smartphone with swappable modules. This isn’t just a regular phone; it doubles as a fitness wearable, Bluetooth earpiece, and a powerful flashlight all in one.

Throughout my career, dating back to 2012, I’ve reviewed many phones, but few have been as unique as the Oukitel WP200.

It’s Doing Something Unusual

This isn’t your typical handset, and it might not top our list of best smartphones, but it’s doing something rare in today’s market. It’s doing something a bit odd.

Despite its unconventional design, the back of the phone features a cavity right in the middle of the sizable camera bump, waiting for a module to be inserted.

The first module I saw was a straightforward high-powered flashlight—much larger and brighter than the LED flashes on standard smartphones. When inserted, you can control the brightness and turn it on or off via an accompanying app, which could be handy in remote areas or during power outages.

The WP200 is a rugged device with a massive 8,800mAh battery, making the flashlight a perfect companion.

The initial module is basic but incredibly functional—an intense flashlight that outshines your typical phone flash by a mile.

If you’re in a remote location at night, such a bright light could be a lifesaver.

Witness the Fitness

The second module is far more intriguing. It’s essentially a fitness tracker with its own band, allowing you to wear it like a Fitbit or Apple Watch.

Remove this module from the strap, and you can slide it into the phone to recharge. But there’s more to it: it also functions as a Bluetooth headset, complete with an earbud built directly into the device, enabling hands-free calls.

While this concept feels a bit nostalgic—similar to Huawei’s Talkband B2 and other integrated fitness headsets—it goes a step further with the WP200, offering versatility that’s hard to match.

This multifunctional approach might seem a little old-school, but it evokes a genuine emotional response, stirring memories of the quirky phones from a decade or more ago—like the LG Wing, which was bizarre and perhaps impractical, but undeniably fun.

Where’s the Fun?

Today, smartphones are practically identical—sleek, rectangular slabs with impressive capabilities. Yet fifteen years ago, phone design was a playground for creativity and innovation.

The WP200 might be heavy, thick at 13.7mm, and its camera system isn’t competitive with today’s flagship devices, but it definitely has a playful, adventurous spirit.

On the back, the cavity for modules hints at endless possibilities, and the built-in earbud doubles as a Bluetooth headset—making it capable of hands-free calls in a way traditional phones just don’t match.

While the idea of a modular phone might seem a bit retro in 2025, it’s refreshing to see a device that prioritizes fun and innovation over slimness and market trends.

Thank you, Oukitel, for reminding us of a time when phones were less about conformity and more about expression.

Next Up: The iPhone 17

As we look forward to the next highly anticipated launch—the iPhone 17—it’s clear that innovation continues to evolve, even if some ideas seem rooted in the past.

Oukitel WP200 Key Specifications:

In a world of sleek, standard devices, the WP200 stands out by embracing a playful, inventive spirit that brings back a sense of nostalgia and excitement.

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