Apple has officially announced the new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, all powered by the M5 chip, bringing major performance, efficiency, and AI improvements across these new product lineup.
MacBook Pro is more powerful with M5 chip
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro introduces the M5 chip built on 3nm architecture. The chip features up to 12 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores, and support for up to 128GB unified memory. Apple claims up to 30% faster performance than the M4 Pro, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and better power efficiency. It also debuts a new Liquid Retina XDR display with 1000 nits sustained brightness, ProMotion 120Hz, and an 8K-capable HDMI output.
iPad Pro M5
The latest iPad Pro gains the same M5 chip, boosting CPU speeds by 20% and GPU performance by 40%. It supports up to 2TB of storage, Thunderbolt 5, and Apple Pencil Pro 2. It still comes in 11″ and 13″ variants and with its Ultra Retina XDR display now features HDR 1600 nits peak brightness, adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, and improved color accuracy for professional-grade visuals.
Vision Pro with M5
Apple’s Vision Pro headset now runs on the M5 chip paired with the R1 processor, offering faster performance and better visuals with a 10% pixel increase on its dual micro-OLED displays. It introduces visionOS 26, Apple Immersive content, and a redesigned Dual Knit Band for comfort. Battery life extends to 2.5 hours, with faster AI processing through a 16-core Neural Engine.
Availability
The M5 MacBook Pro, M5 iPad Pro, and Vision Pro with M5 are available for pre-order starting October 16, with in-store availability beginning October 22, 2025.
HONOR Philippines has officially unveiled the HONOR X7d, the brand’s newest addition to its growing lineup of AI-powered smartphones, designed to deliver flagship-level durability and performance at an accessible price point.
The device is now available for pre-order until October 24, 2025, priced at Php9,999 (512GB variant, exclusive to offline stores), bundled with a free HONOR Camping Light Speaker worth Php4,999.
Built for Durability: IP65 Water Resistance and Drop Protection
The HONOR X7d continues the brand’s focus on creating resilient devices built for everyday life. It features IP65 water resistance and full-level dustproof protection, ensuring reliability even in unpredictable weather or outdoor settings. The phone’s HONOR Anti-Drop Display has earned the SGS 5-star Performance Certification for Drop and Crush Resistance, capable of withstanding accidental drops from up to 1.8 meters.
At just 8.24mm thin and weighing 208 grams, the X7d manages to balance sturdiness with comfort, complemented by a refined design available in three striking colors: Desert Gold, Ocean Cyan, and Velvet Black.
Immersive Display and Smooth Performance
The device sports a 6.77-inch HONOR FullView Display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming, coupled with a 700-nit peak brightness that enhances outdoor visibility. The 1610 x 720 resolution display offers vibrant visuals, while HONOR’s eye-care technology ensures a comfortable viewing experience during extended use.
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor powers the device, delivering reliable day-to-day performance and efficient multitasking. It comes with 16GB RAM (8GB + 8GB RAM Turbo) and a massive 512GB internal storage, giving users ample room for apps, photos, and files.
108MP Ultra-Clear Camera for Everyday Photography
The HONOR X7d steps up its imaging game with a 108MP main camera featuring an f/1.75 aperture for sharper, more detailed shots, even in low-light settings. It is accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor for natural background blur effects. For selfies and video calls, the 8MP front camera (f/2.0) provides clear and balanced results.
The camera system is powered by HONOR’s advanced AI algorithms, allowing users to capture professional-grade photos and videos with ease, from crisp landscapes to detailed portraits.
Long-Lasting Battery with Fast Charging
Powering the device is a 6500mAh dual-cell battery, designed to last through a full day of productivity, social media use, and entertainment. The battery supports 35W HONOR SuperCharge, allowing for rapid charging and minimal downtime.
Whether for students, remote workers, or mobile gamers, the X7d’s endurance ensures users can stay connected and powered throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging.
Enhanced AI Features and Connectivity
Running on MagicOS 9.0, based on Android 15, the HONOR X7d integrates AI-powered tools that enhance usability and creativity. These include the Instant AI Button, offering quick access to functions like AI Editing, AI Translation, and AI Creation, as well as integration with Gemini 2.0 and 2.5 models for a smarter mobile experience.
In terms of connectivity, the device supports dual SIM (Nano), Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC codec support for high-quality wireless audio. It also features a USB Type-C port for data transfer and charging, with Type-C audio support for wired earphones.
Price, Pre-Order Details, and Availability
The HONOR X7d (512GB variant) is now available for Php9,999, exclusively in offline HONOR Experience and Partner Stores. Customers who pre-order until October 24, 2025 will receive a free HONOR Camping Light Speaker worth Php4,999, while supplies last.
Meanwhile, to reserve a unit, visit your nearest HONOR Experience Store or authorized partner retailer nationwide.
Last year, I moved to Alberta, Canada. It’s filled with glassy lakes, alpine ridges and amazing landscapes. Typically, you would love taking photos everywhere and you would want to bring your camera kits to take the amazing sceneries. But with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, this smartphone changed everything about how I take photos here in Alberta as this one has the power of a professional camera but it fits perfectly in my pocket.
Switchable dual telephoto lens makes it easier to capture wildlife
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra’s industry-first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera lets you jump between true optical 3.7× and 10× on a single ultra large sensor. I can even go up to 100x zoom if I wanted to. In real use, that flexibility matters for me. I was able to capture wildlife in Calgary like rabbits everywhere instantly and from afar without spooking them, thanks to the dual telephoto of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra. Same thing with capturing close ups or macro shots of insects like below that was captured using the 10x zoom of the HUAWEI Pura80 Ultra.
The zoom transition stays crisp and consistent across ranges, so you get sharp detail whether you’re framing a quick grab shot on a trail or compressing a mountain backdrop. It also enables legit tele-macro for insects, textures, and tiny trail details—without the mush you typically see from heavy digital zoom.
Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera: Color that stays true outside
Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera keeps colors realistic and consistent on every shot using the Pura 80 Ultra. This is something many smartphones struggle with. That matters to me because Canada’s mixed lighting includes bright snow, sweeping landscapes, and evergreen trees. These colors can be tricky yet stunning. With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra’s Ultra Chroma XMAGE camera, expect clean whites, stable skin tones, and controlled highlights. Skies stay blue, mountains look true, and every shot I took, whether the light was harsh or scarce, came out color-accurate. Here are some shots I captured with the phone under different lighting conditions:
1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR camera with variable aperture
The main camera uses industry’s largest 1-inch sensor with a variable aperture system and an HDR pipeline rated up to 16 EV of dynamic range. That means brighter and cleaner night shots than most camera phones. You get a pro-level latitude when you’re dealing with harsh midday sun over snow or high-contrast forest scenes especially here in Alberta. You can shoot later, expose more safely, and spend less time rescuing blown highlights. In my experience, many smartphones tend to overexpose during winter and bright summer days, but with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, I didn’t see that. My shots stayed balanced with accurate colors.
It’s perfect for shooting on trails and outdoors in Canada
The smartphone is built for trails, travel, and tough weather as the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra comes with 2nd-gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass with enhanced outer screen scratch and drop resistance which has a 16x better scratch resistance and 25x better drop resistance.
You also get a IP68/IP69 dust and water protection snowy weather or a quick rinse after a muddy hike, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness on the X-True display so you don’t have to squint whenever you’re framing on exposed ridges, and a 5,170 mAh battery with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge to keep you shooting all day.
The Best All-Around Camera Phone
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra brings together the right pieces for creators like me. It comes with a tough build, a bright X-True display that stays visible under harsh sun, all-day battery with fast charging, and a camera system built for anything.
It comes with the industry’s largest 1-inch main sensor with strong HDR for snow and sky detail, plus Ultra Chroma XMAGE color that keeps tones natural in mixed lighting. All of that makes it a fit for Canada’s active outdoor activities and landscapes. And again, you get Switchable Dual Telephoto camera with consistent results across zoom ranges, and Ultra Chroma XMAGE camera that delivers color accuracy, preserve detail, a big-sensor main camera that holds brighter and better shots at night.
The switchable Dual Telephoto remains the game-changer as it can deliver a clear and crisp shots with its 3.7× and 10× for wildlife and distant landscapes in Alberta. With its industry-first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, Ultra Lighting 1-inch sensor, and Ultra Chroma XMAGE imaging system, HUAWEI continues to redefine what creators, photographers, and hobbyists can capture straight from their pockets. This innovation brings professional-grade camera prowess in your pocket whether you’re framing wildlife from afar, shooting landscapes across Alberta, or documenting city lights after dark.
If you want to have a professional camera which is excellent on both photos and videos at the size that can fit in your pocket for travel, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is the best choice that you can get today. The smartphone is now available in the Philippines for Php 89,999.
realme has announced a long-term strategic partnership with RICOH Imaging Company, the brand behind the iconic GR series cameras, to co-develop smartphone imaging technology starting with the upcoming realme GT 8 Pro.
The partnership has been in development for four years. This is uniting realme’s mobile imaging expertise with RICOH’s decades of experience in street photography. The collaboration aims to bring the authentic tone and fast response of RICOH GR cameras to smartphones, creating a new standard for realistic mobile photography.
The realme GT 8 Pro will debut the results of this collaboration, featuring custom image tuning, GR-inspired tones, and a redesigned camera interface that emulates the feel of using a RICOH GR camera. It will include five signature GR film modes and color calibration designed to preserve natural tones and emotions in every shot. realme says the collaboration goes beyond hardware and software, aiming to promote a culture of authentic street photography.
The realme × RICOH Imaging partnership will officially debut on October 14, 2025, alongside the unveiling of the realme GT 8 Pro.
iStudio Plus, one of the Philippines’ leading destinations for premium technology and lifestyle products, has successfully hosted its first-ever iStudio Plus Coffee Session at Gateway Mall.
The event marked a milestone for the brand as it continues to strengthen its multi-brand ecosystem through new vendor partnerships, collaborative innovation, and community-driven initiatives.
Building a Multi-Brand Ecosystem Through Collaboration
The inaugural iStudio Plus Coffee Session served as a hub for collaboration between iStudio and its strategic partners in the tech and lifestyle industries. Themed around the “power of partnerships,” the event underscored iStudio’s commitment to providing customers with an elevated, multi-brand shopping experience, blending innovation, accessibility, and personalized service.
Executives and guests from various partner brands were in attendance, showcasing iStudio’s ongoing efforts to position itself as the premier tech destination in the country. By fostering collaboration between hardware, lifestyle, and energy solution providers, iStudio Plus aims to redefine what a technology retail experience can look like for Filipino consumers.
Leading Brands Take the Spotlight
During the Coffee Session, attendees were treated to a lineup of dynamic brand showcases that highlighted cutting-edge innovation across categories.
Divoom, known for its creative audio-visual technology, unveiled standout products such as the Timesframe, Dipow-35, and the Cyberbag, each combining sound design with interactive visual art.
EcoFlow, a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, presented its latest lineup including the River 3 Series, Delta 3 Series, and the compact yet powerful EcoFlow TRAIL 200 DC portable power station—geared toward professionals, travelers, and adventurers seeking reliable off-grid energy.
Meanwhile, Insta360 took center stage with its latest imaging innovations, including the Insta360 X5 and Insta360 Ultra, both designed to push the boundaries of mobile and 360-degree content creation. Other key showcases included emerging tech brand Enabled, which introduced fresh additions to the lifestyle tech market.
These collaborations highlight iStudio Plus’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, bringing together brands that align with its mission of empowering consumers through technology.
Strategic Expansion and Future Plans
Following the success of its inaugural Coffee Session, iStudio Plus announced ambitious expansion plans across the Philippines. New store openings are set for KCC Cotabato, XentroMall Calapan, Robinsons Galleria, Venice Grand Canal, Clark City Front, Uptown Mall BGC, and Misamis Occidental.
These new locations aim to extend the company’s reach and accessibility, bringing its multi-brand retail experience closer to communities nationwide. Each new branch will feature curated spaces showcasing products from iStudio’s partner brands, alongside exclusive Apple offerings that remain central to its retail identity.
Next Event: iPhone 17 Series Midnight Celebration
Riding on the momentum of its Coffee Session, iStudio Plus is also preparing for its next major event, the iPhone 17 Series Celebration. Set for October 16 at Bonifacio High Street from 8:00 PM to 12:00 MN, the event will go beyond a typical product launch, transforming into a full community gathering centered around creativity, innovation, and the Apple ecosystem.
Guests can enjoy pre-order perks valued at up to Php21,000, as well as Midnight Perks worth up to Php50,000, including freebies, discounts, and exclusive performances.
Meanwhile, for more information, visit www.istudio.ph or follow iStudioPH on social media for updates on upcoming launches and store openings.
Xiaomi Philippines is spreading the holiday spirit with an exclusive offer designed to bring families closer together through smart technology and reliable home connectivity.
From September 19 to November 19, 2025, customers who purchase select Xiaomi AIoT devices from participating stores nationwide can enjoy special installation offers for high-speed internet, along with exclusive discounts on Xiaomi devices.
This campaign underscores Xiaomi’s mission to make technology more accessible to Filipino households by delivering convenience, entertainment, and smart connectivity through its growing AIoT ecosystem.
Exclusive Holiday Offers
Customers who buy any participating Xiaomi device can enjoy:
Special installation offers for home internet valued at Php 1,499 for only Php 1, including one day of free 100Mbps internet access.
10% discount on select Xiaomi products for eligible customers through authorized Xiaomi dealers nationwide.
The program runs across 35 Xiaomi partner stores nationwide, giving Filipino families the chance to enjoy smart living at a more affordable price point this holiday season.
realme has officially expanded its 15 Series 5G lineup with the new realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition and the realme 15T 5G.
In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, realme unveiled the world’s first Game of Thrones–themed smartphone. The limited-edition phone features exclusive Game of Thrones UI themes, icons, and filters, complemented by a collector’s box that includes Iron Throne phone stand, King’s Hand pin and themed postcards and stickers
Only 5,000 units will be available globally, with the Philippine retail price set at Ph 39,999 through select realme concept stores and kiosks.
Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, backed by a 7,000mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC Charge, and Triple 50MP AI Cameras capable of shooting 4K video at 60fps.
Early buyers will also get a free realme Watch S2 and a 1-Year Screen Damage Protection Plan.
Pricing and Availability
The realme 15T 5G is available in Flowing Silver and Suit Titanium, priced at:
Php 16,999 – 8GB + 256GB
Php 19,999 – 12GB + 512GB
Each purchase comes with free realme Buds T200 Lite and early-bird vouchers worth up to Php 5,000 (limited quantity).
Customers who buy through realme partner retailers will also receive freebies worth up to Php 2,898, including a TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 2 and a 1-Year Screen Damage Protection Plan.
Apple’s newest iPhone 17 Series is now available for pre-order in the Philippines through Smart. This iPhone series brings in a brand new design to the Pro models and also a more powerful features on the inside.
The lineup includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, all powered by the latest A19 Bionic chip for better performance, energy efficiency, and longer battery life.
Each model comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology which makes the base version even more attractive.
If you are looking for a basic iPhone, the iPhone 17 will already do its job just well however if you want something thinner and better, then the iPhone Air might be the one for you. But of course, if you want the best features on everything and if you are a power user, the iPhone 17 Pro Series is the best fit for you.
Pre-Order with Smart
Smart subscribers can pre-order the new iPhone 17 lineup from October 9 to October 31, 2025 via Smart Stores nationwide or through the Smart Online Store.
For more details on plans and pricing, visit smart.com.ph/Postpaid/iPhone17
TECNO Philippines has officially launched the TECNO SPARK Slim, the world’s slimmest curved-screen smartphone at just 5.93mm thin.
The SPARK Slim achieves its ultra-thin form through TECNO’s honeycomb space stacking technology. It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G200 chipset, paired with a 5160mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, 10W reverse charging, and bypass charging for longer and safer use.
The device also features a 0.3mm vapor chamber and graphite layer for improved thermal performance. Despite its slim frame, the SPARK Slim passes military-grade durability tests and uses a 0.36mm aerospace-grade fiberglass back. The device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and rated IP64 for dust and water resistance.
The TECNO SPARK Slim will retail for Php 9,499, and will be available starting October 8 in stores and online. From October 8–10, it will be offered at a discounted price of Php 7,999 on Shopee and TikTok Shop, with a free TM SIM card bundled with every purchase.
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), in collaboration with Xbox, has announced the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, marking a new milestone in portable gaming. Both handheld consoles are officially set to arrive in the Philippines, offering next-generation power and comfort, with prices starting at Php36,995.
The two devices come with AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Series processors, delivering a redesigned ergonomic experience and tighter software integration with Xbox. With this release, ASUS and Xbox aim to bridge the gap between console and PC gaming through a unified handheld platform.
At the core of the two handhelds are AMD’s latest processors. The ROG Xbox Ally runs on the Ryzen Z2 A, engineered for optimal power efficiency, while the ROG Xbox Ally X utilizes the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, equipped with an integrated NPU for AI-driven performance.
This new architecture delivers console-level visuals and performance, complemented by extended battery life. The Ally X, in particular, leverages its enhanced chip and 60Wh battery to support higher framerates and smoother gameplay across demanding AAA titles.
Both models benefit from AMD’s software enhancements, including FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF), which work together to improve frame rates and rendering efficiency.
Price and Availability in the Philippines
ASUS confirmed that the ROG Xbox Ally X will retail for Php56,995, while the standard ROG Xbox Ally will be available for Php36,995. Both will officially be available in the Philippines starting October 16, 2025.
Pre-orders will run from October 7 to 16 at ASUS and ROG Exclusive Stores nationwide. Early adopters will receive an exclusive bundle that includes a free ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Case worth Php2,995, available to the first 100 eligible entries.
Each purchase comes with a Game Pass subscription and ASUS’ two-year international warranty, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to long-term customer support.
