Oukitel C37: The Budget-Friendly Smartphone With Impressive Features

Body

The Oukitel C37 sports a sleek design with dimensions of 164.3×75.5×8.8 mm, making it quite manageable despite its large screen. Weighing in at 200 grams, it feels substantial in hand without being overly bulky. The device comes in three color options: Black, Cyan, and Purple, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences. One of the highlights is its Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, which offers a decent level of durability against scratches and drops. Here are the relevant specs:

At first glance, those dimensions place the Oukitel C37 firmly in the larger smartphone category, which has become increasingly popular for its enhanced multimedia and gaming experiences. The 6.6-inch display makes it quite a large device, but the rounded edges and ergonomic design help it sit comfortably in the hand. However, users with smaller hands might find it a bit challenging to operate with one hand.

The weight of 200 grams gives it a solid, premium feel without being excessively heavy. This balance ensures that it won't feel like a brick in your pocket but will still have a reassuring heft.

When it comes to carrying it around, the C37 should fit easily into most pockets and bags. Its slim profile (8.8 mm) means it won't create an unsightly bulge in your pocket, and the weight is manageable for daily carry. Over extended use, like binge-watching a series or long gaming sessions, the weight is unlikely to cause fatigue or discomfort.

The Oukitel C37's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. This material is renowned for its ability to withstand drops from higher heights compared to previous versions. This makes the C37 more resilient to the inevitable drops and bumps that come with daily use.

The Gorilla Glass 5 is also highly resistant to scratches, ensuring that your screen remains clear and unmarred over time. This is particularly useful for users who might not always use a screen protector. The added durability means that the device will maintain its sleek, pristine look for a longer period, contributing to its overall longevity (and your satisfaction).

The Oukitel C37 is available in three colors: Black, Cyan, and Purple. Each color option caters to different personalities and style preferences:

• Black: This classic and timeless color exudes professionalism and elegance. It's perfect for users who prefer a minimalist and sophisticated look. Black is a safe bet for anyone who wants a phone that looks good in any setting, whether professional or casual.
• Cyan: The cyan variant is vibrant and refreshing. It's ideal for users who enjoy standing out and prefer a touch of nature in their devices. Cyan often appeals to those with an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors, making it a great choice for those who like their devices to reflect their lively personality.
• Purple: Purple is bold and unique, often associated with creativity and individuality. This color suits users who are not afraid to express themselves and prefer a device that makes a statement. It's perfect for artistic types and those who enjoy a bit of flair in their everyday gadgets.

In summary, the Oukitel C37's design and build are well-thought-out, offering a balance of size and weight that ensures comfort and portability. The Gorilla Glass 5 protection significantly enhances the device's durability, making it a reliable companion for everyday use. And with three distinct color options, there's a C37 to match every personality and style preference.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the lack of an official IP rating on the Oukitel C37 - a puzzle for many smartphone enthusiasts. It's not uncommon for budget smartphones to skip the official waterproof badge. These phones often focus on delivering key features at an affordable price point, and unfortunately, achieving a certified level of water resistance can add to the manufacturing costs. So, the absence of an IP rating on the C37 isn't surprising in the budget-friendly domain.

Now, should you, as a potential buyer, be concerned? It depends on your lifestyle. If you're the type to accidentally drop your phone into puddles or have a habit of texting in the rain, you might want to exercise caution. However, for the average users who treat their device with care, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

To safeguard your device from the environmental elements, here are some practical tips:

• Protective Case: A good-quality protective case can be your phone's armor against accidental spills and minor impacts. Choose one that offers a raised lip around the screen for added protection.
• Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is like a shield for your display. It not only guards against scratches but can also provide an extra layer of defense in case of a sudden meeting with a puddle.
• Be Mindful Around Water: As your Oukitel C37 does not have an official IP rating, exercising caution around water is wise. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and rainy days. If it does get a splash, a quick wipe should suffice.

In essence, a little proactive care can go a long way in keeping your C37 in top-notch condition. While it might not be ready for a deep-sea dive, with the right precautions, it can certainly weather the everyday storms of life. So, suit it up with a protective case, slap on a screen protector, and go forth without the worry of water woes!

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The C37 boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080×2408 pixels, resulting in a crisp 400 PPI density. This high resolution for an entry-level phone ensures that images and text appear sharp and vibrant. With 480 nits of brightness, the display is adequately bright for most lighting conditions, although it might struggle a bit under direct sunlight.

Oukitel C37 display. Image credit: Oukitel

Here are the relevant specs:

The IPS LCD technology is a popular choice in the smartphone market for its excellent balance between cost and quality. One of the main advantages of IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs over traditional LCDs is the wide viewing angles. This means you can look at the screen from various angles without noticing a significant color shift or loss of brightness. This is particularly useful when sharing content with friends or family or when you're using your phone at an angle.

IPS LCDs are known for their accurate color reproduction. The colors appear more natural and vibrant, making it great for media consumption, photo editing, and any other activity where color fidelity is important. Compared to other display types, IPS LCDs provide consistent performance in terms of color and brightness over time, maintaining their quality even after prolonged use.

The Oukitel C37 sports a resolution of 1080×2408 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 400 PPI (pixels per inch). This high resolution ensures that text and images are incredibly sharp and clear. Whether you're reading articles, watching videos, or playing games, the detail and clarity will be impressive.

With a 20:9 aspect ratio, the C37’s display is taller and narrower compared to traditional 16:9 screens. This makes it particularly well-suited for modern apps and multitasking, as well as for viewing cinematic content that often uses wider aspect ratios.

The display has a peak brightness of 480 nits. This level of brightness is adequate for most indoor and moderately lit outdoor environments. However, in very bright outdoor conditions or under direct sunlight, you might find it challenging to see the screen clearly. Higher brightness levels, typically above 600 nits, are often preferred for better visibility in direct sunlight.

While 480 nits may suffice for regular use, users who spend a lot of time outdoors might find it a bit lacking. On a positive note, one advantage of a slightly lower peak brightness is that it can help conserve battery life.

In conclusion, the Oukitel C37's display offers a great balance of sharpness, color accuracy, and immersive viewing, thanks to its IPS LCD technology and high resolution. While the 480 nits brightness is adequate for most scenarios, it might pose challenges in very bright environments. Despite this, for everyday use, the display should meet the needs of most users, providing an enjoyable visual experience for a wide range of activities.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Navigating through the tech landscape, the phone supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

SIM

The Oukitel C37 supports hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).

The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.

Chipset - Performance

Under the hood, the Oukitel C37 runs on the MediaTek MT8788 chipset, built on a 12-nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration - comprising two types of cores, coupled with the Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. Here are the relevant specs:

The Oukitel C37 is powered by the MediaTek MT8788 chipset, a solid choice for an entry-level device aimed at delivering reliable performance without breaking the bank. It is a 12-nm chipset designed for mid-range and budget smartphones. It strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for devices like the Oukitel C37 that are geared towards everyday use.

The CPU in the MT8788 chipset features an octa-core configuration, split into two sets of four cores each:

• Four Cortex-A73 Cores (2.0 GHz): These are the high-performance cores. They handle more demanding tasks such as gaming, photo and video editing, and multitasking. The Cortex-A73 cores are designed for heavy lifting, providing the necessary power for intensive applications.
• Four Cortex-A53 Cores (2.0 GHz): These are the efficiency cores. They manage lighter tasks such as web browsing, social media, and background processes. The Cortex-A53 cores are more power-efficient, helping to conserve battery life during less demanding activities.

Even though both types of cores run at the same clock speed of 2.0 GHz, they are optimized for different tasks. The A73 cores have a more complex and powerful architecture suitable for high performance, while the A53 cores are simpler and designed for efficiency.

Using two different types of cores, a setup known as big.LITTLE architecture, provides several benefits. By delegating lighter tasks to the efficient Cortex-A53 cores, the phone can save battery life. The powerful Cortex-A73 cores kick in only when necessary, ensuring that power is used efficiently. This architecture allows the device to scale its performance dynamically. It can ramp up the power when needed for demanding tasks and conserve energy during lighter usage, providing a balanced user experience.

The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU is responsible for rendering graphics. It's a mid-range GPU designed to handle a variety of graphical tasks efficiently. While it may not compete with high-end GPUs found in flagship devices, the Mali-G72 MP3 is capable of handling casual to moderately demanding games smoothly. Games like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, and even some more graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile (at lower settings) should run without significant issues.

Given its chipset, CPU, and GPU, the Oukitel C37 is well-equipped for a variety of everyday tasks, including:

• Web Browsing: Effortless browsing with multiple tabs open.
• Social Media: Smooth scrolling and quick loading of apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Media Consumption: Playing videos on platforms like YouTube and Netflix without stuttering.
• Casual Gaming: Running casual games and some more demanding titles at lower settings.
• Multitasking: Switching between apps and handling moderate multitasking without significant slowdowns.
• Photography and Basic Editing: Taking photos and performing basic edits.

While the Oukitel C37 handles everyday tasks well, there are certain scenarios where a more powerful configuration would be preferable, such as:

• High-End Gaming: For games that demand high graphical performance and fast processing, such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings, a more powerful GPU and higher-end CPU would provide a smoother experience.
• Intensive Multitasking: Professional-level multitasking with resource-heavy applications (e.g., large spreadsheets, complex documents) might be slower on the C37.
• Advanced Video Editing: Editing high-resolution videos or performing complex rendering tasks would benefit from a more robust CPU and GPU combination.
• Future-Proofing: For users who want a device that remains top-notch for several years, higher-end configurations provide better longevity and performance as applications and operating systems become more demanding.

In summary, the Oukitel C37, with its MediaTek MT8788 chipset, octa-core CPU configuration, and Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, is well-suited for a wide range of everyday tasks. Its design, focusing on power efficiency and balanced performance, ensures that most users will have a smooth and reliable experience.

However, for more demanding tasks like high-end gaming, intensive multitasking, and advanced video editing, a higher-end device would be more appropriate. For its price range, the C37 offers impressive processing prowess, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Oukitel C37 comes with a generous 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, which is quite impressive for its price range. The internal storage is based on UFS 2.1, offering faster data transfer rates compared to older eMMC storage types. For those needing even more storage, the hybrid dual SIM slot also supports a microSDXC card.

Cameras

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup on the C37. The main camera features a 48 MP sensor, promising detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The secondary 2 MP macro lens allows for interesting close-up shots. The camera setup can record videos in 1080p at 30 fps.

The front-facing camera is a standout feature, with a 32 MP sensor. This is particularly noteworthy for an entry-level device, offering clear and sharp selfies that are perfect for social media.

Rear Camera

Oukitel C37 main camera setup. Image credit: Oukitel

The Oukitel C37 features a dual-camera setup, designed to cater to a variety of photography needs and offer flexibility to users. Let's explore the roles of the two lenses and the camera's features in detail. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Oukitel C37
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	48 MP (wide), 2 MP (macro)
Aperture	f/1.8, f/2.2
Sensor Size	1/2.0″, N/A
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The primary sensor is a 48 MP wide-angle lens. This high-resolution sensor is designed to capture detailed and vibrant images, making it ideal for everyday photography. The f/1.8 aperture allows more light to hit the sensor, which is beneficial for low-light conditions, helping to produce clearer and brighter images in such scenarios.

The secondary sensor is a 2 MP macro lens. This lens is specifically designed for close-up photography, enabling you to capture the finer details of small subjects, such as flowers, insects, and intricate textures. The macro lens allows you to get very close to your subject while maintaining sharp focus, which is something the primary lens would struggle with.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) is a focusing technology used in the main 48 MP sensor. It works by detecting phase differences in light and quickly adjusting the lens to bring the subject into focus. This results in faster and more accurate focusing, especially for moving subjects or in low-light conditions. This feature enhances the camera's ability to capture sharp and clear images quickly, reducing the chance of blurry photos.

The LED flash provides additional lighting in low-light conditions or when shooting in complete darkness. It can be used to illuminate subjects, ensuring they are properly lit and visible. The LED flash is also useful for fill light in backlit situations, helping to balance exposure and reduce shadows.

The panorama mode allows you to capture wide-angle shots by stitching together multiple images taken while panning the camera horizontally. This is particularly useful for capturing landscapes, cityscapes, and large group photos where a single frame isn't sufficient to encompass the entire scene. The result is a wide, sweeping image that gives a more comprehensive view of the subject.

And the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode enhances the dynamic range of photos by combining multiple exposures into a single image. This technique helps to balance the exposure between the brightest and darkest parts of the scene, ensuring that details are preserved in both highlights and shadows. HDR is especially useful in high-contrast situations, such as shooting against bright skies or in dimly lit environments with bright light sources. The result is a more balanced and natural-looking photo with improved detail and color accuracy.

In conclusion, the Oukitel C37's main camera setup offers a versatile and capable photography experience. The 48 MP primary sensor with PDAF provides fast, accurate focusing and high-quality images, while the 2 MP macro lens adds creative potential for close-up shots.

Additional features like LED flash, panorama mode, and HDR further enhance the camera's versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of photography needs. Whether you're an everyday snapper or a budding photographer, the C37's camera setup has the tools to help you capture great images in various conditions.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the Oukitel C37's strongest points is its battery life. Equipped with a robust 5150 mAh Li-Po battery, this phone is designed to last through a full day of intensive use. The 18 W wired charging support ensures that you can top up the battery reasonably quickly when needed.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The C37 includes a loudspeaker, but there's no 3.5 mm headphone jack, which means you will need to rely on Bluetooth or USB Type-C headphones. This might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer wired headphones.

Connectivity

With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, the Oukitel C37 ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Oukitel C37 boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Oukitel C37 features GPS, GALILEO, and GLONASS positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.

The absence of NFC might be a downside for some, but it's not uncommon in this price segment.

The inclusion of FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience and like to keep it old school.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Oukitel C37 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the C37.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Oukitel C37 release date?

  The Oukitel C37 has been announced and released in May 2024.

• What is Oukitel C37 price?

  The Oukitel C37 is priced at USD 127.59.