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.
Achieving Scope 2 Emission Neutrality
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.
Towards Full Decarbonization by 2035
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.
Global Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
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.
Life Cycle Action for Carbon Neutrality
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.
Local Initiatives Towards Sustainability
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.
Strict Adherence to Environmental Standards
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.
HUAWEI has recently launched their newest smartphones under the nova series in China. These two new smartphones are the HUAWEI nova 12 Pro and the nova 12 Ultra. Both smartphones does have the nova identity just like the nova 11 Pro that we’ve reviewed earlier this year but this time, they have a more interesting camera and features inside.
Unfortunately, HUAWEI kept its processor in the wraps which means that it might be running on Kirin chip just like their other new devices. Both smartphones are almost the same but the HUAWEI nova 12 Pro doesn’t have a faux leather back, heavier, and has no extra color option. It also doesn’t have the 1TB option as well.
HUAWEI nova 12 Ultra
The HUAWEI nova 12 Ultra comes with a faux leather back with an embossed nova logo at the back. It also features a 50MP main camera along with 8MP ultrawide camera. The main camera also features a variable aperture and also a RYYB color filter array
HUAWEI nova 12 Pro
They’re running on Harmony OS 4 and it has an up to 1TB of storage inside. It also supports Beidou satellite messaging system and it also comes with 100W charging support and also a 4600mAh battery inside.
The HUAWEI nova 12 Ultra comes in 512GB and 1TB storage and it starts at CNY 4699 (Php36,400~) while the nova 12 Pro comes with 256GB and 512GB storage and it starts at CNY 3600 (Php27,921~).
Samsung Philippines has recently outed their newest smartphones in the Philippines — the Galaxy A15 4G and Galaxy A15 5G. Both are entry-level smartphones from Samsung and they now pack a more powerful chipset compared to its predecessors.
Samsung Galaxy A15 4G Specs
6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
MediaTek Helio G99 Processor
4GB/6GB/8GB RAM
128GB/256GB Internal storage with microSD card support
50MP main camera + 5MP ultrawide camera + 2MP macro camera
13MP Selfie Camera
Side fingerprint scanner
5000mAh battery
25W Wired Charging
One UI 6 base on Android 14
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Specs
6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ Processor
4GB/6GB/8GB RAM
128GB/256GB Internal storage with microSD card support
50MP main camera + 5MP ultrawide camera + 2MP macro camera
13MP Selfie Camera
Side fingerprint scanner
5000mAh battery
25W Wired Charging
One UI 6 based on Android 14
Now basing on its specs, both smartphones are expected to be an entry-level one when it comes to performance. The main difference between the two smartphones is that the Galaxy A15 5G packs a more powerful Dimensity 6100+ chipset with support for 5G.
Samsung Galaxy A15 4G starts at Php13,990 while the Galaxy A15 5G starts at Php14,990.
Last year, Rockstar Games has outed the GTA: The Trilogy — The Definitive edition which is comprised of GTA: III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas. Initially, the game had an overwhelmingly negative reviews due to the terrible nature of the remastered textures, bugs and many more. But after a number of updates, Rockstar Games has managed to fix the game and made a number of changes. And now, you can play this game on your smartphones and mobile devices for FREE but there’s a catch.
GTA Netflix
GTA: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition features a better graphics and better quality of life updates compared to the original ones which are now available on the Play Store and App Store. However, GTA: Trilogy — Definitive Edition is actually FREE TO PLAY if you have a Netflix subscription. All you need to do is to download the game and login your Netflix account with a subscription and voila! You can now play the game without hassle.
However, if you wanted to play a single game without a Netflix subscription, you can buy the game separately on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Php 749
This holiday season, OPPO is spreading cheer to its customers across the country with the “12 Days of Christmas” Promo. This promotion offers a variety of rewards to all onsite or walk-in OPPO users who avail and complete screen and motherboard repair services in OPPO Service Center branches nationwide from December 15 to December 30, 2023.
Participants of the promo, including in warranty and out of warranty customers, will receive giveaways and OPPO items such as notebooks and mouse pads. To add excitement to the promo, all qualified OPPO users will automatically be included in the online e-roulette raffle draw, which will be announced on January 5, 2024, through the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page.
Ten lucky winners who have their phone repaired in any OPPO Service Center until December 30 will have a chance to win an exclusive gifts. Winners will be notified via call and will be instructed to claim their items at their chosen OPPO Service Center branch for convenience.
The “12 Days of Christmas” Promo is part of OPPO’s initiative to encourage its loyal fans to “Enjoy the Present” and celebrate this festive season by rewarding their loyalty and support.
OPPO has created the best flip smartphone in the industry and it’s the OPPO Find N3 Flip. This smartphone has ticked the boxes that we need on a flip flagship smartphone. It has a premium design, a good hardware inside, and a usable and functional vertical cover display.
Design and hardware
The OPPO Find N3 Flip has the best design and feel on a flip smartphone that we’ve ever tried. The smartphone is ergonomic whether you use it folded or unfolded and the glass and metal combination of materials on the smartphone.
Unlike the previous generation, the OPPO Find N3 Flip now has a circular camera module just beside the cover screen. It might be thicker but it does look fine and of course, it comes with a Hasselblad camera.
The curves on the smartphone does help in the ergonomics of the smartphone whether I use the cover screen of the smartphone or even the foldable display of the OPPO Find N3 Flip. Every button was accessible whether that’s the power button or the volume rocker.
The hinge of the OPPO Find N3 Flip is also sturdy and has the best feel when folding or unfolding it on a flip smartphone. Even OPPO promises that the smartphone can be folded and unfolded up to a million times without any problems.
There’s the USB-C port as well along with the sim card tray below and as for the USB-C, it supports 44W of fast charging. It also comes with a 4300mAh battery which is pretty decent in my usage.
Another surprising addition on the smartphone is that the OPPO Find N3 Flip comes with an alert slider, similar to other OnePlus smartphones. This gives me easy access to switch from silent to vibrate or ring mode.
Display
There are two displays on the OPPO Find N3 Flip. It has a cover display with a 3.26-inch AMOLED panel and a resolution of 382 x 720 but unfortunately, it’s only at 60Hz refresh rate. And then there’s the 6.8-inch foldable display inside with a resolution of 2520 x 1080.
The display of the smartphone is vivid and it’s definitely bright. As for the crease, it’s way less noticeable unlike other foldable smartphones. It’s not really a big deal but people would definitely notice it when you slide over your finger to the middle of the display.
The colors are fine and the quality was great. It’s definitely not the best display out there but the best one that we’ve seen on a flip smartphone.
Battery life
Inside the OPPO Find N3 Flip is a 4300mAh battery. It isn’t the biggest battery that we’ve seen but it feels just right for a flip smartphone like the Find N3 Flip. It also supports 44W of SuperVOOC Charging which can fully charge the smartphone from 0 in less than an hour.
In our PC Mark Work 3.0 battery test, we got a score of 15 hours and 9 minutes on the smartphone. In our daily usage, the OPPO Find N3 Flip we were able to use the smartphone for a whole day and I still have some juices left most of the time. This is despite playing a little bit of games and mostly on social media
Software and performance
For the OS, the OPPO Find N3 Flip comes with ColorOS 13.2 that is based on Android 13. As expected, the ColorOS inside the smartphone is smooth, responsive, and it comes with a lot of customizations and bloatwares. Nonetheless, there were only a few ads on the apps and not much is intrusive on the smartphone.
As for the cover display, it supports a number of apps but unfortunately, not all apps would work on it. But don’t fret because the OPPO Find N3 Flip managed to make most of the useful apps work on the cover display. Whether that’s Gmail, X, Reddit, or most messaging apps, the cover display supports it.
The best thing that I like about it is the aspect ratio of the vertical display. Since it’s a vertical display, using apps such as Maps and Gmail feels more natural to use and the UI is perfectly placed and it doesn’t block most of the objects and the content on the cover display of the smartphone.
Google Maps
Gmail
YouTube
For its processor, the OPPO Find N3 Flip features a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset inside. Here’s the thing, the processor performs on a flagship level. It might not be as powerful as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and even Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in some benchmarks processors, but gaming on the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 was great and sometimes even better. Why?
GPUScore: Sacred Path
GPUScore: The Expedition
Geekbench 6
3DMark: Solar Bay
3DMark: Wild Life Extreme
3DMark: Solar Bay Stress Test
Because compared to the Qualcomm processors that we’ve tried before, MediaTek Dimensity 9200 is consistent with its performance even when playing games on the smartphone at up to 30 minutes. When playing Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, you can notice that the FPS on those games were consistent. Not only that, the thermals on the smartphone were pretty good as well and it doesn’t overheat
Camera
For the camera of the OPPO Find N3 Flip, the smartphone comes with 50MP main camera along with 32MP telephoto lens and also a 48MP selfie camera while for the selfie camera which is on the foldable display, there’s the 32MP selfie camera.
This is the first flip smartphone with Hasselbrand branding and I can say that this is the BEST flip smartphone when it comes to the camera. The camera of the smartphone has definitely improved over a few updates.
Most of the shots that we took are really great and despite shooting at low light, I was getting brighter and sharp photos with the OPPO Find N3 Flip:
Ultra-wide angle lens:
Main lens:
Selfie camera:
It’s actually pretty amazing that the quality of the smartphone’s camera has drastically improved over a few updates. Overall, the OPPO Find N3 Flip does produce better colors and it’s more vivid than most flip smartphones out there.
Verdict
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is one of my favorite smartphones this year. It might not run all the apps on the cover display of the smartphone but the implementation and the experience was great. There’s a consistent and powerful performance as well along with the long battery life and great display.
The best part about it is that the OPPO Find N3 Flip features a powerful camera with the Hasselblad branding. The colors are great and the quality was just excellent. The build quality of the smartphone is premium and solid as well which is a plus.
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is definitely the best flip smartphone out there. Hands down.
If you’re looking for an affordable TV that you can buy this holidays then better check out the 43-inch Aqua Smart TV from Cherry because they’re selling it for Php 9,999 only for a limited time!
CHERRY Holi-Yey deals is still on-going until December 31, 2023 but you can still get a chance to get discounts and offers. The 44-inch Aqua Smart TV is available for Php9,999 and it runs on Android TV so you can download apps that you need on the TV. Aside from that, the AVITA Essential 14″ laptop is also available for Php 8,000 only.
Head over to CHERRY Stores located at SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Southmall and Robinsons Manila to get these offers now.
The Infinix Note series has always been synonymous with affordability and performance. With the recent release of the Infinix Note 30 5G, the brand continues its tradition of offering impressive specs at a wallet-friendly price point.
But does this smartphone truly deliver on its promises?
To know the answer, we used the device as our main driver and here’s our experience playing around with it!
Before we get started, here’s a quick glimpse of our review unit’s key specs:
Infinix Note 30 5G Key Specs:
6.78-inch IPS LCD, 2460 x 1080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
XOS 13 based on Android 13
Mediatek Dimensity 6080 processor
Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
8GB RAM (expandable up to 16GB extended RAM)
256GB internal storage
5G dual-SIM
Triple rear cameras: 108 MP main camera + 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor + QVGA camera
First impressions matter, and the Infinix Note 30 5G doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Our unit comes in the striking “Interstellar Blue” color variant, providing a captivating hue. Its design makes it hard to deny that the device stands out in its price range due to its eye-catching appearance.
Paired with a Mobile Legends-inspired case, the Note 30 5G transforms into a gaming-centric accessory. While this might appeal to gamers, casual users might prefer to showcase the device’s original design. A transparent case could help in this regard, highlighting the phone’s true aesthetics.
However, like any design, it’s not without its flaws. The plastic back housing the camera module at the upper-left corner might not sit well with design enthusiasts looking for symmetry. We just hoped that Infinix placed it in a way that it would complement the sizes of its sensors and flash.
Meanwhile, the phone’s elongated form, rounded sides for comfortable handling, and 205g weight contribute to its ergonomic design.
The device’s practicality also extends to its physical features. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner and dual SIM tray on the left side, along with the microSD card slot, blend seamlessly with the volume rocker and power button on the right. The latter, doubling as a fingerprint scanner, adds to the convenience.
The 3.5mm audio jack, noise-canceling mic, USB Type-C port, and stereo speakers are housed at the base, ensuring easy access to essential features. Up top, stereo speakers and branding for JBL-tuned audio hardware add to the device’s appeal.
Infinix Note 30 5G Display and Sound Quality
The Infinix Note 30 5G boasts a generous 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 x 2460 pixels resolution and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. This combination creates an immersive platform for multimedia consumption and gaming. In addition, with sufficient brightness levels, the device remains usable even under direct sunlight.
Enough talking about its display, after all, its sound quality is its real standout feature. Equipped with JBL speakers, the Note 30 5G delivers a rich audio experience. The speakers produce loud and solid volume levels, even in larger rooms.
We’re also glad that it still sports a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing us to use our wired headsets, which for us still offer the best sound quality over any wireless earphone.
Infinix Note 30 5G Software
The device operates on Android 13 with Infinix’s XOS 13 skin on top. This overlay brings a unique twist to the interface, although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea at first glance. It’s SO vibrant and dynamic, which might not align with the preferences of all users.
Over time, however, you might find yourself adjusting to it, much like we did. The real value here is the customization options that the XOS 13 overlay brings to the table. You can change themes and widgets to suit your taste, adding a personal touch to the interface. So, while the initial look might not have clicked for us, the ability to personalize it made a significant difference.
When it comes to security, the unit doesn’t hold back. It offers both fingerprint and face unlock options, providing a comprehensive approach to keeping your device safe. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner works seamlessly. This means you can quickly access your device without any hassle. The face unlock feature is equally reliable, performing well even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.
Infinix Note 30 5G Performance
Under the hood, the device bags a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, accompanied by 8GB of RAM (expandable up to 16GB) and 256GB of internal storage. Promoted as a budget gaming phone, the Note 30 5G aims to cater to the gaming community without breaking the bank.
Here are some of its benchmark scores to give you an overview of its performance:
Benchmark Scores
Benchmark scores provide a glimpse into its capabilities, but the true test lies in real-world usage. Gaming sessions yielded promising results, with the device handling medium settings comfortably for smooth gameplay. With this setup, we didn’t witness any noticeable lag or hiccup.
Call of Duty Mobile Game Settings
Meanwhile, continuous gaming sessions might lead to some heating, particularly when the battery is running low. Nevertheless, this aspect of performance remains commendable, especially given the device’s price range.
Infinix Note 30 5G Camera
The Infinix Note 30 5G doesn’t compromise on camera capabilities. It boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 108MP main sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a QVGA depth sensor. The camera interface is user-friendly and has features catering to those who love taking pictures.
On the front, there’s a 16MP camera snapper equipped with AI features to enhance its outputs.
Sample Photos:
Outdoor
Outdoor
Food Shot
Indoor
Selfie
Portrait (Selfie)
AI Beauty
Indoor
2x
Night Shot
With low light
When it comes to well-lit conditions, the camera system performs admirably, producing photos that are ready for direct sharing on social media platforms. The bokeh effect in portrait mode adds depth to images, while night shots maintain impressive levels of detail.
We also appreciate its AI beauty mode, which enhances facial features effectively. However, some noise becomes noticeable in low-light scenarios using its front camera.
Infinix Note 30 5G Battery
A 5,000 mAh battery powers the Infinix Note 30 5G, promising sufficient juice for a day of moderate to heavy usage. As a mainstay for social media, casual gaming, and multimedia consumption, the device held up well during our tests, delivering nearly 6 hours of battery life before requiring a recharge.
PCMark Battery Life Test
Charging the device is also fast, thanks to its 45W fast charging feature. In fact, we could go from 15% to 100% in just an hour of plugging it.
Infinix Note 30 5G Verdict
The Infinix Note 30 5G is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing quality smartphones at accessible prices.
Priced under Php10K, this device offers exceptional value for money. When compared to higher-priced alternatives that offer less, the Note 30 5G stands tall as a budget-friendly powerhouse.
So, overall, for consumers looking for a capable smartphone without a hefty price tag, this device deserves serious consideration.
You can get the Infinix Note 30 5G (8GB+256GB) for only Php9,999.
Honkai: Star Rail from the popular game developer and publisher, Hoyoverse, has been honored as the Google Play Best of 2023 Best Game, 2023 iPhone Game of the Year and TGA 2023 Best Mobile Game.
This achievement marks a first for Hoyoverse, securing all three top-tier awards within the first year of a product’s launch. This feat may also be unprecedented in the entire mobile gaming industry.
The success of “Honkai: Star Rail” is not entirely surprising for those familiar with the game. Its achievements are backed by solid numbers: over 30 million global pre-registrations before its official release, and a staggering $5 billion in revenue in its first month alone. With its top-seller status across various app markets, “Honkai: Star Rail” has quickly become a ubiquitous presence in the gaming world. One of the reasons why the game is so popular is because of the game developer’s wildy popular Genshin Impact.
Personally, I’ve always loved this game due to its genre and it’s also one of the most interesting mobile games out there due to its storyline and graphics.
TNT has announced the launch of its embedded SIM or eSIM, a digital version of the physical SIM card. This new offering aims to provide added value, flexibility, and convenience to Filipino consumers.
The TNT eSIM is available for only Php 89 and it comes bundled with a Php300 TNT Load Card on the Smart Online Store. The eSIM comes in the form of a QR code printed on a card, which customers simply scan to register and activate.
The TNT eSIM is also available at Smart Stores nationwide, accredited retailers, SM Supermalls Customer Service desks, and Smart Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee. Soon, it will also be available in digital form and via more retail touchpoints nationwide.
The TNT eSIM enables users to enjoy its wide network coverage and its lineup of affordable data, call, and text services without having to insert a physical SIM card or take up an extra SIM slot.
Because it is digital, the TNT eSIM is fast to activate and secure from loss or damage compared to physical SIM cards.
The TNT eSIM may be used in eSIM-capable devices, such as the latest flagship devices of Apple, Google, Huawei, and Samsung. To activate the TNT eSIM, Apple and Android users simply have to open their phone’s camera and then scan the unique QR Code containing their TNT account.
