Chinese manufacturer Oukitel has introduced the WP63, a rugged smartphone with a feature never before seen in a mobile device: a built-in electric igniter that can start fires. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress this week, the phone features a hidden coil that pops out from the body and heats up via an app, maintaining temperature for up to 10 minutes to light paper, kindling, or other materials. The WP63 will sell for $399 (€367) when it launches this spring.
The igniter works similarly to old automobile cigarette lighters, providing a heated surface capable of ignition. While the feature garnered significant attention from tech journalists at MWC (with Engadget, CNET, Android Authority, and XDA Developers all testing the fire-starting capability), the WP63 packs serious specs beyond its unusual party trick.
The phone features a 20,000 mAh battery, a 6.7 inch 1604 x 720 pixel display with 120 Hz refresh rate, a Unisoc T8200 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The rugged design carries IP69 dust and water resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification, with reinforced bumpers and a thick plastic body that eliminates the need for a case. A 64MP rear camera, LED camp light, and powerful loudspeaker round out the outdoor-focused feature set.
The WP63 supports 33 watt wired charging and 18 watt reverse wireless charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The combination of massive battery capacity, rugged construction, and the novel fire-starting feature positions it as a tool for camping and off-grid adventures, though the igniter seems designed as much for attention-grabbing marketing as practical utility.
