We love the outdoors, and what better time to explore hiking again? Naturally, some tech is essential, and RugOne, part of the Ulefone family, provided us with their Xlink 7. In fact, we received two units to test as intended.
So, what exactly is the Xlink 7? It’s a walkie-talkie, but not the kind you may have used as a child. RugOne refers to it as an “AI 4G communicator” with “unlimited range.”
This modern walkie-talkie features a rugged waterproof design, unlimited 4G connectivity, and, as required for devices in 2026, an on-device AI assistant. We had the chance to test the Xlink 7 on a recent hiking trip, and you can read our thoughts below. For a brief video introduction, click here.
RugOne Xlink 7 Specifications:
- Body: 63.6x51.7x22.95mm, 84g, metal, rubber, and plastic; IP68/IP69K dust tight and water-resistant (pressure water jets; submersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes), MIL-STD-810H compliant, Dedicated flashlight.
- Chipset: ASR1609S.
- Memory: 8MB PSRAM; 8MB storage.
- Battery and charging: 1,050mAh; 5W wired (USB-C).
- Connectivity: 4G/LTE; nanoSIM; BT 5.2; GPS, GLONASS, Beidou.
- Misc: Push-To-Talk Button, Loudspeaker, Duplex Call, On-device AI Assistant; Emergency SOS mode.
Ulefone is known for rugged devices, but we had never encountered a rugged walkie-talkie before, one that boasts global 4G connectivity allowing use anywhere in the world without incurring roaming fees.
This device is genuinely useful for wilderness hikes, especially for groups of friends. RugOne also markets the Xlink 7 as an ideal companion for extreme sports enthusiasts seeking reliable connectivity and an efficient way to communicate.
Before diving deeper into our experience, let’s explore what the Xlink 7 includes. Spoiler alert: it comes with a lot.
Unboxing
Inside the box, you’ll find the device itself, along with a magnetic back clip, making it easy to attach the Xlink 7 to clothing and bags. But that’s just the beginning. You also get an armband strap for securely wearing the Xlink 7 on your arm if desired.
The Xlink 7 packs an array of accessories.
You might have noticed a small tracker-like button—that’s a wireless remote allowing you to activate the push-to-talk feature from a distance. It includes the same push-to-talk button functionality.
Attach it to your bike handle with the supplied Velcro straps or secure it to your gloves while skiing, making it easier to keep in touch with your group. It runs on a single CR1620 battery, conveniently included in the box.
Additionally, you receive a bright orange lanyard strap, a braided USB-C to USB-C cable, and, in our version, a global IoT (Internet of Things) nanoSIM card.
This nanoSIM facilitates the Xlink 7’s connection to any supported 4G/LTE network worldwide, valid for 12 months after its initial use.
Design
The Xlink 7 epitomizes Ulefone’s design philosophy, featuring a boxy octagonal shape measuring just over 63mm in height and nearly 52mm in width. Its overall size is comparable to some larger earbuds cases we’ve tested, but it weighs significantly more. At 84 grams, it has a noticeable heft when attached to a backpack.
The body consists mainly of plastic mixed with rubber and metal components. The four buttons are metallic, while the volume rocker is plastic. Rubber seals protect the SIM card and USB-C ports.
Xlink 7 sides and back
Aesthetically, both review units arrived in Sand Dune color, although Ulefone also offers a Sports Black variant.
The front showcases a glossy plastic surface with the push-to-talk button positioned above the speaker. The bottom of the device has an LED flashlight activated by long-pressing the Action Button.
Hardware and Features
Beyond its rugged appearance, the Xlink 7 is a straightforward device primarily designed for seamless communication during outdoor adventures.
Its durability is impressive, with an IP68 rating allowing submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and an IP69K rating against pressurized water jets. The Xlink 7 thrived on our multi-hour hike deep in the mountains.
It easily handled a dip in a stream and the occasional brush with tree branches or rocks. RugOne claims the Xlink 7 withstands extreme temperatures from -30°C to +55°C.
The metal buttons provide tactile feedback and are easy to operate, while the large push-to-talk button is easy to press. The microphone effectively captures my voice, even amidst the background noise from other hikers.
Xlink 7 profile
While it lacks a display, the Xlink 7 provides audio feedback. Pressing any button prompts the device to beep or respond. The AI button allows control over various functions, including weather updates, navigation tips, and answers to basic inquiries.
Seven status LEDs on the front convey key information such as connectivity, battery status, Bluetooth activity, and volume. The LED remains solid when transmitting and flashes when receiving a message. It also turns solid red if the battery dips below 20% or when there’s no network available.
The provided SIM card ensures the device stays connected at all times, as long as there’s cellular coverage. Unlike standard consumer SIM cards, the global IoT SIM isn’t tied to a single carrier, offering constant connectivity without roaming charges abroad.
The emergency SOS feature is invaluable if you become lost or find yourself in danger. Quickly pressing the action button five times triggers a loud siren and automatically contacts emergency contacts while transmitting your location.
During our hike, connectivity was excellent, maintaining cellular service even at higher altitudes; however, your experience may vary based on cell tower proximity. The group call feature allows real-time conversations with up to two other Xlink 7 users for a duration of 30 minutes.
Xlink 7 strapped to a backpack
An app is available for both iOS and Android that enables toggling additional features, including tracking the last visible location of the Xlink 7, and replaying voice messages and group calls on your phone.
The Xlink 7 comes with a 1,050mAh battery, with RugOne claiming up to 87 hours of standby or 10 hours of talk time.
Wrap-up
Upon receiving the Xlink 7, we didn’t know what to expect, but it quickly proved to be a valuable companion during our hike. Its reliable connectivity ensured we stayed in touch and provided peace of mind in emergencies.
The rugged waterproof construction withstood close encounters with branches, bushes, and rocks and even survived a brief immersion in water. The on-device AI assistant provided accurate real-time information for various queries during our hike. Moreover, the included accessories allowed seamless integration with our outdoor gear.
Ultimately, whether you need a dedicated device like this depends on your lifestyle. However, for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who frequently embark on adventures with friends, the Xlink 7 is an excellent tool for maintaining communication.
We see potential benefits for skiers, cyclists, climbers, and water sports lovers, with the latter group particularly benefiting from the Xlink 7’s GPS capabilities for equipment recovery.
The Xlink 7 is set to launch on June 22 via Kickstarter, with an introductory "Super Early Bird" offer featuring a duo pack of Xlink 7 units for $160.
