Samsung is set to launch their next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Series, this January 17. There were tons of leaks already of the Galaxy S24 series and it looks like the smartphones will pack an almost the same design but with some new features including a more powerful camera and a titanium body for the Ultra variant.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 Series with a major focus on mobile experience with AI. The Unpacked 2024 will happen at San Jose, California this January 17.
OPPO has recently outed their newest mid-range smartphone with 5G inside, the OPPO A98 5G. The smartphone is made for those people who wants a smartphone with basic needs and also 5G inside.
The OPPO A98 5G is a mid-range smartphone that comes with a design that is quite common in the market now. It has the OPPO Glow design as well but the review unit that we got comes in cool black.
Again, the smartphone does have a generic feel when holding it and the ergonomics are just fine. They’re easy to hold despite having flat sides on the smartphone.Â
Of course, the smartphone comes with the basic things that we need which includes USB-C port that supports 67W SuperVOOC Charging and also a headphone jack below along with the speaker grill. The volume rocker and the power button are easy to reach despite using it in one hand.
The OPPO A98 5G comes with a 120Hz 6.72-inch Full HD+ display with IPS panel. It’s not as impressive as the AMOLED panels out there and the colors aren’t as good as the AMOLED panel but navigating it on menus and settings is pretty smooth.Â
Again, the colors aren’t the best one because of its IPS Panel but it does the job done when it comes to direct sunlight legibility. Overall, expect a smooth display here but don’t expect the same colors of the AMOLED panels.
For the battery, the OPPO A98 5G comes with 5000mAh battery and it’s a decent and average size of a battery for its class and while PC Mark Work 3.0 Battery test keeps on crashing on us, we still manage to get a whole day or even a day and a half of battery life on the smartphone.
The best part about the smartphone is the charging speeds as the OPPO A98 5G comes with 67W SuperVOOC charging which let’s you fully charge the smartphone in less than an hour from 0%.
For its software, the OPPO A98 5G comes with ColorOS 13.1 that is based on Android 13. As expected, it was smooth, responsive and it’s user-friendly. It comes with a lot of bloat wares but most of them are useful and most of them doesn’t affect my experience with the smartphone.
As for the performance, it comes with the basic Snapdragon 695 processor which is the brains behind the smartphone and also the 5G capability. It also packs an 8GB of RAM which is already enough for most smartphones these days.
Social media and most apps won’t be a problem on the smartphone as the OPPO A98 5G can handle most of that. It can also do light gaming but if you’re planning on playing heavier games on the smartphone, do expect to play it at a lower framerate or you might have to tone down the graphics settings to enjoy it.
For the camera of the smartphone, the OPPO A98 5G comes with 64MP main camera along with 2MP depth sensor and 2MP microscope camera. Yes, it’s a microscope camera which is a fun feature to use but I barely use it and it’s a feature that it’s nice to have but that useful in our everyday usage. While for the selfie camera, there’s the 32MP selfie camera.
Microscopic camera:
Main camera and ultrawide camera:
For the quality that I’m getting from the OPPO A98 5G’s main camera, it’s pretty much average but the lack of ultra-wide camera on the smartphone is a big miss for me. Check out the photos that we took using the smartphone
The OPPO A98 5G is a smartphone that is meant for consumers who just wants an all-around midrange smartphone that they can use everyday. It might not have a groundbreaking feature or a feature that shines but the decent performance for basic apps, long battery life and fast charging makes it great for those people who aren’t looking for performance and amazing features. Just a normal and average smartphone that they can use everyday.Â
Infinix is set to redefine vlogging with its latest release, the Infinix ZERO 30 (4G).
The Infinix ZERO 30 (4G) boasts cutting-edge technology designed to enhance your vlogging experience. With a 50MP front camera, it promises crystal-clear visuals, ensuring that every detail is captured with unparalleled clarity and quality. This smartphone becomes the ideal companion to preserve memories, from everyday moments to grand adventures.
It also features a 3D curved AMOLED display, providing an immersive content viewing experience.
Meanwhile, equipped with a Mediatek Helio G99 octa-core processor, Arm Mali-G77 GPU, and up to 16GB Massive Extended RAM, the ZERO 30 (4G) ensures smooth performance for various tasks. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery, coupled with 45W wired charging capability, offers lasting power during vlogging sessions and quick recharging when needed.
The device also comes in three stylish colorways to suit various preferences. Sunset Golden, Misty Green, and Pearly White offer diverse options, catering to different style tastes.
The Infinix ZERO 30 is priced at an affordable Php9,999. Available through Infinix’s online stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, it provides a cost-effective option for aspiring vloggers.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on style and features? The HONOR X6a might just be the contender you’ve been searching for.
Read our full review to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
When it comes to design, the HONOR X6a takes a design upgrade compared to its budget sibling, the X5 Plus.
HONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaSporting a sophisticated glass-like design with a frosted finish, it not only looks premium but also stays clear of fingerprints and smudges.
The device is also pleasantly slim and light, ensuring a comfortable grip, and its fingerprint sensor conveniently sits on the right side, easily accessible with a thumb’s reach.
The HONOR X6a boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS display with a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. While the bezels are noticeable, they’re hardly a deal-breaker.
With a 1612 x 720-pixel resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, the display offers a decent viewing experience.
However, outdoor visibility takes a slight hit under direct sunlight. Meanwhile, watching videos and movies on this display is a satisfactory experience, providing clarity and vibrant colors.
Loaded with MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13, the HONOR X6a may not have the flashiest UI, but it’s straightforward and feature-rich for daily use.
It also has various pre-installed apps, but the good news is that most of them are removable. The fingerprint and face unlock features are also quick and responsive, adding to the overall convenience.
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G36, 4GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage, the device handles daily tasks well. However, gamers should note that it’s better suited for casual games, with visible lags and frame drops in more demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile.
Equipped with a 50MP main camera, a macro lens, depth sensor, and a 5MP selfie camera, the handset delivers decent image quality considering its price.
Sample Photos:
Colors and contrast, while not the most vibrant, are commendable. Photos are also detailed and has deep sharpness. However, lowlight photos could use improvement, as it comes with visible noises.
On the flip side, the selfie camera captures great shots with pleasing facial enhancement.
The device’s standout feature is its 5,200mAh battery, coupled with 22.5W fast charging.
With basic mobile tasks, the device can easily last two days, and even with heavier usage involving social media and casual gaming, expect almost 10 hours. Charging the phone from 20% to 100% is a breeze, taking only an hour and a half thanks to the fast charging capability.
Priced at Php6,990 for the 4GB/128GB configuration, the HONOR X6a brings an eye-catching design, decent cameras, and impressive battery life to the table.
While it competes well in terms of aesthetics and battery prowess, it faces stiff competition offering better performance and display.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
The Honor X50 Pro has finally been unveiled. It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which is one of the fastest processors on the market even until now. It also has a 6.78-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The HONOR X50 Pro has a 108MP main sensor. It is also paired with a 2MP macro camera. For the selfie camera, it also packs an 8MP selfie camera.
The HONOR X50 Pro also has a long-lasting battery, with a capacity of 5,800mAh. It supports 35W wired charging and it runs on Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2 on top.
Price and Availability
The Honor X50 Pro is available in two colors, Elegant Black and green. It is priced at CNY 2,799 (about Php21,906~).
CHERRY Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of CHERRY Philippines, is once again making a meaningful impact on the community through its Project Twinkle. The CSR program, which has been promoting the giving spirit over the holiday season since 2021, is focusing this year on reaching out to different child-care institutions, homes for the elderly, street families, and the IP community.
CHERRY Cares extends support to various organizations, including MBTC Manila Kids Home, Concordia Children Services, Inc., the Minstrels Rhythm of Hope Foundation, Kanlungan sa Er-Ma, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Laura Vicuña Foundation, and House of Somang in Parañaque. The organization also aims to bring a touch of warmth to the IP community of Sitio Magata, Tanay Rizal.
CHERRY Cares aims to create a space of happiness. Jollibee meals and Cosmic Plush Toys were given to the young hearts who have faced neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Moreover, CHERRY Cares went the extra mile to ensure that the gifts distributed align with the practical needs of the recipients by granting their wish list. Essential food items and hygiene kits were provided, emphasizing the importance of their well-being.
CHERRY Cares demonstrates that the holiday season is not only about festive decorations and celebrations but also an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The distribution of Media Noche package has reached 100 street families from different districts of Manila in coordination with DSWD-NCR.
“We are happy to light up lives and make this season brighter through our Project Twinkle. We’ve been doing this for quite some time. This is our CEO, Mr. Maynard Ngu’s way of returning the gratitude by simply giving back,” shares Agnes Conopio, PR and CSR Senior Manager of CHERRY.
Now might be the perfect moment for a phone upgrade or to gift it to someone, and if you’re scouting for a budget-friendly option, the HONOR X5 Plus could be a noteworthy contender.
However, will it meet your expectations? Before buying, read this review and see if it matches your needs and wants in a phone.
First impressions matter, and the HONOR X5 Plus doesn’t disappoint, especially considering its look despite its budget-friendly price tag.
It comes in two color variants, Midnight Black and Cyan Lake, boasting a metallic finish that adds a touch of sophistication. Meanwhile, our team got the Cyan Blue variant, and we found it stylish, with the metallic finish contributing to a premium feel, ensuring the device doesn’t come off as cheap.
However, what caught our eye was the Cyan Blue variant’s chic appeal. The metallic finish not only adds a premium touch but also ensures the device remains lightweight and comfortable for one-handed use, thanks to its rounded edges.
Turning the phone over reveals two protruding circular frames housing the camera lenses. This clever design choice creates the illusion that the device has massive lenses.
Now, onto the display. The brightness feature is noteworthy as it can adjust significantly, adapting to various lighting conditions. This is a standout aspect, particularly for nighttime use, sparing your eyes from strain. On the flip side, it performs admirably even under direct sunlight, showing how its brightness can adjust based on the user’s environment.
The device also boasts a 6.56-inch IPS display, featuring a teardrop notch that houses the selfie camera. What’s impressive at this price point is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate screen, elevating the overall user experience. While it may not blow you away when binge-watching videos, it certainly won’t leave you disappointed either.
For instance, its display delivers punchy colors, and the viewing angles are notably impressive.
Running on Android 13 with the MagicOS version 7.1 layered on top, the software experience offers a decent mix of customization options. The pre-installed applications can be managed, allowing you to maximize the 64GB of internal storage.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G36, 4GB RAM, and HONOR RAM Turbo keep things ticking. While it’s not a powerhouse, considering the price, it delivers a decent performance for daily tasks. However, opening multiple apps at the same time will result in lagging.
Heavy gaming isn’t also advisable when using the device. Well, it can run games, like Call of Duty Mobile, but visible lags are part of the deal. In addition, it is slow, and the graphics are low quality. We also experienced some heating during intense gaming sessions. It is manageable, though, and again, expectations need to align with the budget-friendly features of the device.
Its rear camera configuration combines a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the selfie camera nestled within the screen’s teardrop notch boasts a 5MP snapper.
Sample Photos:
For those not aiming for Instagram-worthy photos at every shot, the HONOR X5 Plus offers basic yet functional camera features. Outdoor photography stands out, producing images with crisp results.
However, in low-light or nighttime scenarios, prepare to rely on the flash, as the device struggles to enhance night photos. On the positive side, selfies turn out well, accentuating facial features with good lighting.
It’s a mixed bag. Reliable in well-lit conditions but less impressive in challenging lighting situations.
Here’s where the HONOR X5 Plus truly shines. With a whopping 5,200mAh battery, it can easily last for days with moderate usage.
As our main driver, the battery can last for 13 hours when actively using social media and other task-management apps. Meanwhile, when we heavily use it for our usual mobile activities, plus gaming and watching movies, it can last for almost six hours.
The device’s juice is its standout feature. It also comes with a 10W charging solution, taking the battery from 20% to 100% in just under 3 hours.
Priced at Php5,990, the HONOR X5 Plus is a decent budget phone with limitations.
On the positive side, its exceptional battery life and decent cameras make it a compelling option for users prioritizing endurance and basic photography needs. However, it does struggle when faced with demanding tasks, and competitors might offer better hardware for the price.
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Xiaomi isn’t just doing smartphones and home products as the company has officially unveiled their first-ever electric vehicle and for their first EV, they did a pretty good job in terms of design and also in features.
The Xiaomi SU7 EV comes in three variants — SU7, SU7 Pro and SU7 Max. Yes, it does sound like a smartphone but these variants comes with different engine with the SU7 Max packing the most powerful engine with a horsepower of 673 hp and also a peak torque of 838 Nm. Xiaomi is even claiming that the SU7 Max can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds.
The SU7 base comes with 299 PS output with 400 Nm torque which is still pretty good. As for the dimensions, it comes with 4997 mm in length, 1963 mm in width, and 1455 mm in height.
The battery inside the EV is the 800V Qilin Battery from CATL and it comes with a capacity of 101kWh. Xiaomi is promising a 668 km range for the base model and up to 800 km for the Max model. While for charging, Xiaomi is claiming that they can get 220 mm range in just 5 minutes, and 510 km with a 15 minutes charging.
For the cockpit of the SU7, it comes with a Snapdragon 8295 processor along with a large 16.1-inch display that you can use for different functionalities. As for the smart driving system, it is powered by 2x Nvidia Orin X chip that can do a total computing power of 508 TOPS.
The Xiaomi SU7 is expected to come out in China next year but unfortunately, no word yet if it will come out to countries outside of China.
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled its latest offering, the Unli 5G + Non-Stop Data, aiming to provide uninterrupted online connectivity for prepaid subscribers.
Smart’s Unli 5G + Non-Stop Data sets a new standard in the market, allowing subscribers to seamlessly transition to Non-Stop Data when moving to areas without 5G coverage.
With the new promo, users can do various online tasks hassle-free, such as quick file uploads and downloads, instant web browsing for news, streaming high-resolution content, real-time social media sharing, and lag-free gaming on the go.
Smart subscribers can also opt for Unli 5G + Non-Stop Data for as low as Php99, valid for one day. Meanwhile, longer durations are available with a 3-day package at Php149, a 7-day package at Php299, and a 30-day package at Php999.
To avail of these offers, users can access the Smart App, dial *123# on their phones, or top up at accredited retailers, convenience stores, and Smart booths at airports nationwide.
Smart’s introduction of Unli 5G + Non-Stop Data builds upon its legacy as a pioneer in 5G technology in the Philippines. The telecom company has continually expanded its 5G network footprint and optimized its 4G/LTE network, earning distinctions such as Ookla’s recognition as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network for three consecutive reporting periods in Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.
Smart remains committed to advancing Filipinos’ lives with the latest mobile technology and delivering unmatched connectivity experiences.
For a seamless online experience, Smart’s Unli 5G + Non-Stop Data is the go-to choice, ensuring connectivity without compromise.
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has successfully transitioned its manufacturing plant to use green energy exclusively. By signing a Retail Supply Contract (RSC) with Team (Philippines) Energy Corporation, TMP ensures that 100% of its manufacturing operations are powered by renewable energy, marking a crucial step in achieving carbon neutrality.
TMP has partnered with Team (Philippines) Energy Corporation to provide green-backed electricity for its manufacturing operations. This initiative complements the 1.46-megawatt rooftop solar power system, contributing to TMP’s ambitious goal of a 100% Renewable Energy (RE) ratio.
Team (Philippines) Energy Corporation began its supply to TMP on December 26, 2023. The agreement specifies that every megawatt hour supplied will be backed by an International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC(E)), confirming its sourcing from a domestic renewable energy plant.
TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto emphasized the significance of this energy transition in neutralizing TMP’s Scope 2 Emissions, specifically the indirect carbon dioxide emissions from purchased electricity for manufacturing operations. This achievement positions TMP’s automotive manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, as a pioneer and early achiever of the 100% RE ratio target for Toyota in the ASEAN region.
As part of TMP’s broader commitment, the company aims to decarbonize the rest of its energy sources for manufacturing by 2035. This includes addressing petrol-type generators, ovens, and boilers used in painting processes.
In line with Global Toyota’s commitment, TMP also aligns its objectives with the Toyota Environmental Challenge (TEC) 2050. In addition, the overarching goal is for all Toyota manufacturing plants to be carbon-neutral by 2035, showcasing Toyota’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Toyota’s approach to carbon neutrality also extends beyond electrified vehicles, focusing on reducing the environmental impact throughout the automotive industry’s value chain. By actively engaging its supply chain, logistics, and dealer networks, Toyota is committed to appropriate life cycle actions.
Meanwhile, TMP’s efforts have inspired local Toyota suppliers and dealers to follow suit, implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Companies such as Denso Ten Philippines Corporation, Hino Motors Philippines Corporation, Denso Philippines Corporation, Toyota Global City, Toyota Mabolo City, and Toyota Pasong Tamo are actively working towards achieving a 100% RE ratio.
In terms of environmental standards, Toyota suppliers and all established Toyota dealers nationwide, including Lexus Manila, are also certified under ISO 14001. This certification is part of Toyota’s environmental management systems, emphasizing Toyota’s commitment to sustainability.
TMP, as the distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the Philippines, and the largest manufacturer of local models, also remains at the forefront of sustainable practices, including its new Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model, the forthcoming Toyota IMV 0 (Zero) or “Next Generation Tamaraw.” The prototypes of this model were unveiled to the public in August 2023.
