Most smartphone manufacturers continue to focus on improving built-in cameras, but a rugged phone maker has taken a different path with a detachable action module that can be popped off the handset and used independently.
At IFA 2026, RugOne, a sub-brand of Ulefone, unveiled the Xsnap 7 Pro, which features a magnetic rear action camera. The phone is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who don't want to carry a separate action camera and phone when hiking, climbing, or cycling. Instead, they can use the same camera module already placed on the back of the phone as a standalone device.
A camera you can pop out
The detachable camera is not a gimmick. It attaches through a magnetic connection and is secured with a physical safety lock. The additional lock ensures the module will not fly off accidentally during rugged use, but it also means removing the camera requires some effort. In our short hands-on time, gaining enough leverage to release the camera was almost impossible, even with long fingernails. Once released, however, the concept becomes much more interesting.
The module can record at resolutions up to 2.8K at 30 frames per second, and lowering the quality to 1440p allows up to 50fps capture. Users can shoot vertical or horizontal video. The camera includes 64GB of built-in storage for footage. On a full charge, it can record for up to 40 minutes, which is a limiting factor compared to dedicated action cameras that often record for over an hour. But RugOne says the module fully recharges in about 35 minutes when docked inside the phone, so users can quickly top it up between shots.
The module is also waterproof to a depth of 5 meters, making it suitable for snorkeling, water sports, or rainy outdoor shoots. It connects to the Xsnap 7 Pro over Wi-Fi 6, and the two can operate when separated by up to 50 meters. That range is sufficient for scenarios where the phone is at a base camp or in a backpack while the camera is placed at an interesting vantage point.
The clever part is the XSnap Pro app
Removing a camera from the phone is not enough to make the concept work well, which is why RugOne developed the XSnap Pro app. The app provides a live preview of the camera feed, so the user can see exactly what the module is recording on the phone display from up to 50 meters away. The app also makes it possible to access the footage that has been captured on the module. When the camera is docked, footage can be transferred to the phone without manual file management.
The camera can be started and stopped with a physical button on the module itself, or users can trigger recording remotely from the phone. That is a practical feature for group activities: one person can take the detachable camera and capture the action, while another person remains at the phone, watches the live view, and decides which angles to keep. The footage automatically appears on the phone once the camera is back in contact, so the module is not treated as a completely separate device with its own storage ecosystem.
This type of separation opens up a few interesting possibilities. For a cyclist, the camera can be mounted on a helmet while the phone stays in a handlebar bag. For a skier, the module can capture a downhill run while the phone stays in a jacket pocket. The user can monitor the recording remotely, stop or start it, and then maintain all footage in one place when the module is snapped back onto the phone.
The phone itself is no slouch
The Xsnap 7 Pro is not just a housing for the detachable module; it contains solid midrange-to-upper-tier specifications for a rugged device. The phone is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. There is also expandable storage available, allowing users to add more space for photos and video. eSIM support is also built in, so a user can easily switch carriers while travelling to outdoor destinations.
A 6.67-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate serves as the main screen. The phone's rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). In addition, there is a 64MP infrared night-vision camera that is paired with dedicated IR LEDs. That setup should appeal to people who need to capture footage in low-light or no-light conditions, such as camping or wildlife observation at night. Because this is a rugged phone, it has an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can handle harsh environments and high-pressure water jets.
Is it better than a dedicated action camera?
Based on the brief hands-on experience, the Xsnap 7 Pro may not be a complete replacement for a dedicated action camera. The 40-minute recording limit per charge is much shorter than that of many dedicated action cameras, and the video quality at 2.8K is still behind the premium 4K quality that action cameras like the GoPro line can deliver. But the phone offers something no dedicated action camera offers: the ability to easily carry a phone and action camera in a single device.
Outdoor users who already carry a rugged phone might be attracted to the Xsnap 7 Pro because it eliminates the need for a separate action camera, a second battery charger, and an additional device to manage. The action camera module is integrated in a way that feels purposeful, and the wireless connectivity with the phone makes it easier to control remote shooting. The low weight and compact footprint also make the phone a practical companion for hiking and backpacking, where every piece of gear matters.
However, physical ergonomics are worth considering. The difficulty of removing the camera is not a trivial concern. If the module is hard to detach with fingertips, a user wearing gloves may find it even more difficult. A tool or a more accessible release mechanism could improve the experience. RugOne may address some of these issues before the final version reaches customers, but the hands-on test unit was clearly not quite intuitive.
Another consideration is the 40-minute per-charge recording limit. While the module recharges quickly when returned to the phone, the runtime may not be enough for users who plan to record long events such as a full marathon or an all-day hike with minimal interruptions. The 64GB internal storage will hold a decent amount of footage, but serious video shooters may want to format or offload clips more often than with a dedicated action camera that accepts high-capacity microSD cards.
Pricing and availability
The RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro will debut at IFA this weekend. After that, it will head to Kickstarter on September 7, where early-bird backers will receive a discounted price. The phone is expected to launch globally next month with a retail price of €1,099, which is roughly $1,276. That price puts the Xsnap 7 Pro in flagship territory, above many competing rugged phones from established brands.
RugOne is positioning the Xsnap 7 Pro as a niche product for people who want a durable phone fused with an action camera. The success of the Kickstarter campaign will likely reveal whether there is real demand for this hybrid concept. The product launch at IFA gives the company an opportunity to show off the device to a wide audience, and the early-bird discount may encourage backers to take a chance on a sub-brand that is not as well-known as Ulefone itself.
The Xsnap 7 Pro demonstrates a creative approach to phone design and action-camera convenience. It offers a seamless connection between a rugged handheld device and a wearable recorder, all in a single ecosystem. While it may not become the first choice for professional filmmakers or extreme athletes who already own a high-end action camera, it is an interesting alternative for those who prefer a lightweight setup and enjoy tinkering with new tech. If the production version can improve the release mechanism and deliver a polished version of the XSnap Pro app, it could carve out its own niche in the outdoor tech world.
For now, the Xsnap 7 Pro stands out as one of the more unusual phone launches of IFA 2026. The detachable camera adds a functional layer that many phone cases and accessories cannot match. It might not be a perfect replacement for a dedicated action camera, but it offers a unique solution to the problem of carrying separate devices into the outdoors.
Source:Android Authority News