A phone that can shed its camera like a GoPro
During this year’s IFA in Berlin, Ulefone unveiled a new sub‑brand – RugOne – that is targeting hikers, cyclists and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. The flagship of the line, the RugOne XSnap 7 Pro, is a conventional rugged smartphone on the surface, but it hides a surprising twist: a detachable action‑camera module that snaps on and off the back of the device using a magnetic connector and a secondary safety latch.
The concept is simple enough on paper, but the execution matters. The camera clicks onto the rear panel and locks in place with a small metal latch that you have to press to release it. In our hands‑on, the latch felt a little stiff – users with long fingernails or limited grip may need a fingernail‑sized tool – but once disengaged the camera slides off cleanly.
What the detachable camera can actually do
The XSnap 7 Pro’s camera module is essentially a compact 2.8K action cam. Its key specs are:
- Resolution – Up to 2,800 p at 30 fps; dropping to 1,440 p unlocks 50 fps for smoother motion.
- Storage – 64 GB of built‑in flash, meaning you can capture roughly two hours of 2.8K footage without reaching the limit.
- Battery – A dedicated 1,200 mAh cell that delivers about 40 minutes of continuous recording on a full charge.
- Water resistance – Rated to survive a 5‑metre sub‑mersion, comparable to entry‑level action cams.
- Connectivity – Wi‑Fi 6 link to the phone, with a claimed range of up to 50 m (≈ 164 ft). The module also charges when docked, reaching a full charge in roughly 35 minutes.
The companion XSnap Pro app (pre‑installed on the phone) lets you view a live feed, start and stop recording, and pull the footage onto the handset for quick editing or sharing. In practice, the app performed smoothly, with latency low enough for real‑time monitoring when the camera was positioned on a bike mount or a tripod.
The phone itself – more than just a carrier
Ulefone didn’t simply slap a camera onto a cheap handset; the XSnap 7 Pro is a fairly powerful device in its own right:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8400 (Octa‑core, 2.6 GHz) |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5 |
| Internal storage | 512 GB UFS 3.1, plus micro‑SD slot for expansion |
| Display | 6.67‑inch OLED, 120 Hz refresh, 1080×2400 resolution |
| Rear camera array | 50 MP main sensor with OIS, 64 MP infrared night‑vision sensor with dedicated IR LEDs |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5,200 mAh, supports 65 W fast charging |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, eSIM support |
| Durability | IP69K (dust‑tight, high‑pressure water jet), MIL‑STD‑810H shock tests |
The phone’s rugged credentials are solid – it survived a drop from 1.2 m onto concrete during the demo without any visible damage. The 120 Hz screen is bright enough for sunny conditions, and the 12 GB of RAM keeps multitasking fluid, even when the XSnap Pro app is streaming video.
How it fits into a UK contract or pay‑as‑you‑go plan
For most UK shoppers, the first question will be whether the XSnap 7 Pro can be bought on a contract. At the moment Ulefone is launching the device via a Kickstarter campaign (starting 7 September) with an early‑bird price of €1,099 – roughly £950 at current exchange rates. That price includes the detachable camera and a spare magnetic mount.
Because the phone is not yet listed with the major UK carriers, the most realistic route for a contract‑savvy buyer is to purchase the handset outright and then port a SIM from an existing plan. The device supports eSIM, which means you can add a digital UK carrier profile without needing a physical SIM tray – a handy feature for travellers who want to switch between UK and EU networks.
If you prefer a pay‑as‑you‑go approach, the phone’s large battery and 5G capability make it a good fit for data‑heavy plans, especially for those who intend to stream the camera’s live feed to a second device.
Real‑world use cases
The detachable camera opens up a few niche scenarios that a standard rugged phone cannot match:
- Buddy filming – One person carries the phone, the other straps the camera to a helmet or bike. The phone’s screen shows exactly what the camera sees, allowing the “director” to cue actions from a distance.
- Hard‑to‑reach spots – Mount the camera on a pole, a rock or a vehicle roof, then walk away and monitor the feed from the handset. The 50 m Wi‑Fi range is sufficient for most outdoor activities.
- Backup recording – If you’re already using the phone for photos, the separate module can act as a dedicated video recorder, preserving battery life on the main device.
During our short hands‑on, the camera’s 2.8K footage looked sharp, with decent dynamic range for daylight scenes. Low‑light performance was acceptable thanks to the 64 MP IR sensor, though it cannot compete with a dedicated night‑vision cam for deep‑dark environments.
Verdict – A clever niche device, not a mainstream replacement
Ulefone’s RugOne XSnap 7 Pro is clearly aimed at a specific audience: outdoor enthusiasts who already own a rugged phone and want an integrated action‑camera without lugging two separate gadgets. The magnetic attachment feels secure, the app integration is smooth, and the phone’s own specs are respectable for a device priced just under £1,000.
However, the module’s battery life (≈ 40 minutes) and storage ceiling (64 GB) mean it won’t replace a high‑end GoPro for serious videographers. For casual weekend trips, trail runs or bike rides, the convenience of a detachable cam that automatically syncs to your phone could outweigh the modest performance trade‑off.
If you’re a UK buyer hunting for a rugged handset with a built‑in action cam, keep an eye on the Kickstarter launch. Early‑bird pricing is attractive, but be prepared to buy the phone outright and arrange your own network plan, at least until carriers decide whether to stock the model.
All specifications are based on the prototype shown at IFA 2026 and the information supplied by Ulefone. Prices are indicative and may vary with exchange rates and regional taxes.
