RugOne XSnap 7 Pro hands-on: A detachable action camera built into a rugged phone

A phone and action camera in one device

Most smartphone makers chase tiny bezels and thinner bodies, but RugOne, a new sub-brand from the rugged phone builder Ulefone, has gone a different route. At IFA 2026, the company showed off the XSnap 7 Pro, a rugged Android phone with a surprise: you can pop its camera off the back and use it like a standalone action camera.

The XSnap 7 Pro is built for hikers, climbers, and anyone who spends time outdoors. Instead of making a phone that fits a case, RugOne made a phone that is the case. And instead of asking you to carry a separate GoPro, they built one into the phone itself.

Here is what you need to know about this unusual device, including how the detachable camera works, what the phone can do on its own, and how much it will cost when it arrives.

A rugged phone with strong specs

What this means for RugOne XSnap 7 Pro hands-on

The XSnap 7 Pro has a large 6.67-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. Inside, the phone runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. For power, RugOne included a 9,300 mAh battery. That is a very large battery, even for a rugged phone. It should last for multiple days of moderate use.

The phone also supports eSIM and expandable storage. It ships with Android 16 out of the box, and RugOne has promised updates all the way to Android 20. That is a longer software support promise than most rugged phones offer.

Built for tough conditions

The XSnap 7 Pro is built to survive rough environments. It carries an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance. For comparison, IP69K is a step above the more common IP68 rating because it also protects against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The phone also meets MIL-STD-810H military standards for drops and shocks. The device measures 19.1mm thick, so you will definitely notice it in your pocket, but it does not need a protective case.

The rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a separate 64MP infrared night-vision camera with dedicated IR LEDs. That night-vision camera should be useful for outdoor trips after dark.

The detachable camera explained

The biggest feature of the XSnap 7 Pro is its detachable camera module. The camera sits on the back of the phone and attaches using both magnets and a physical safety lock. The lock helps keep it secure while you run or hike. However, the safety lock also makes it a little tricky to remove. One early hands-on writer with long fingernails said getting enough use to release the camera was almost impossible.

Once you get it off, though, the module becomes a small action camera that can record at up to 2.8K resolution at 30 frames per second, or 1440p at up to 50fps. It has a 133-degree field of view. The camera has 64GB of built-in storage, which RugOne says can hold up to about eight hours of footage. Its own battery lasts for up to 40 minutes of recording time, and the module charges when it sits back on the phone. RugOne says a full recharge takes around 35 minutes.

The camera connects to the phone over Wi-Fi 6. From the phone, you can control the camera and see a live preview from up to 50 meters away. That means one person can hold the phone while another person takes the camera to a different spot. You can start recording either from the camera itself or from the phone. After you finish recording, the footage is accessible on the phone. RugOne built a dedicated app called XSnap Pro to manage all of this. The camera module is also waterproof down to 5 meters without any extra housing.

This detachable design is unusual. Most rugged phones simply add a second backup camera or a thermal sensor. The XSnap 7 Pro gives you a tool that can actually leave the phone behind for a few minutes while you capture a different angle.

Price and availability

RugOne plans to launch the XSnap 7 Pro on Kickstarter on September 7, 2026. Early backers will get a discounted price. After the Kickstarter, the phone will launch globally in October 2026.

• United States price:$999
• European price:€1,099

At about a thousand dollars, the XSnap 7 Pro is not cheap, but it does offer a rugged phone, a large battery, a solid main camera, and a dedicated action camera in one package. That could appeal to people who currently carry both a rugged smartphone and a separate GoPro. Before you buy, it is worth comparing the phone to other options available right now. You can look at the best phones for a broader view, or use the phone finder tool to narrow down your choices based on features and budget.

A practical tool for outdoor adventures: RugOne XSnap 7

The RugOne XSnap 7 Pro takes a creative approach to an old problem: how to capture action footage without carrying an extra device. The detachable camera is not a gimmick — it records at a useful resolution, stays connected to the phone over Wi-Fi, and charges when docked. The phone itself delivers solid rugged specs, a big battery, and an unusually long software update commitment. For outdoor enthusiasts who want one device that can do double duty, this could be worth a close look. If you are still deciding, the phone comparison tool can help you stack the XSnap 7 Pro against other rugged models.

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