In 2026, few brands are breaking away from the conventional black, rectangular smartphone norm, yet RugOne stands out. As a part of Ulefon, known for producing rugged phones, RugOne has launched its latest model, the Xsnap 7 Pro, which boasts impressive durability along with an innovative magnetic removable camera that functions as an action camera.
The design caught my attention immediately. (Regrettably, my review unit arrived during IFA 2026 in Berlin. I’ll update my impressions once I have the opportunity to test the device later this week.) The almost cube-like camera weighs 39 grams and can record video in resolutions up to 2.7K at 30 frames per second—though it may not rival the latest models from GoPro just yet.
According to RugOne, this camera module can operate for up to 40 minutes on a single charge and comes with 64GB of internal storage. It is capable of streaming a preview feed to its companion app from distances of up to 50 meters. The software includes features like distortion correction, horizon locking, and a Freeframe shooting mode that utilizes the entire sensor, allowing for flexibility in cropping between vertical and horizontal formats as needed.
Additionally, the camera is waterproof up to five meters, eliminating the need for extra protective casing. The device includes a magnetic pendant to conveniently attach it to your body for ease of capturing footage, and it is also compatible with third-party accessories featuring a universal mount.
Beyond its camera capabilities, the Xsnap 7 Pro is also equipped with a 50-megapixel “AI main camera” featuring optical image stabilization, alongside a 64MP infrared night-vision camera with IR LEDs for enhanced clarity during nighttime wildlife photography—a suggestion made by RugOne rather than myself.
And remember, this device is still fundamentally a smartphone. The Xsnap 7 Pro features a 6.67-inch display with a peak brightness of 1,700 nits and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor and boasts high durability ratings, achieving IP68 and IP69K standards, making it resistant to water submersion of up to two meters for thirty minutes and drops from 1.5 meters onto concrete.
Although a prototype was showcased at MWC 2026 earlier this year, the Xsnap 7 Pro is making its official debut at IFA. Early-bird preorders will be available on Kickstarter starting September 7 at a discounted price of 799 euros (approximately $930). The phone is expected to be available worldwide next month through Amazon and RugOne’s online store, retailing at $999 in colors Sand Dune and Classic Black.
