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Smart three-peats as PH’s fastest mobile network—Ookla

News

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July 20, 2023

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has once again solidified its position as the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network. This award marked the third consecutive reporting period where it has received this prestigious recognition from Ookla, a globally renowned leader in network measurement and connectivity intelligence.

Continued Excellence in Mobile Connectivity

Ookla’s latest analysis for Q1-Q2 2023 reaffirms Smart’s outstanding performance in delivering the fastest mobile speeds and best mobile coverage to customers, earning the coveted “Best Mobile Network” award. This achievement also marked a significant milestone for the mobile operator, as it has secured this esteemed title in three consecutive reporting periods.

Endorsement from Ookla’s CEO

Stephen Bye, President, and CEO of Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis, congratulated Smart for its exceptional accomplishment, stating, “This remarkable feat showcases Smart’s dedication to enhancing connectivity in the Philippines and ensuring consumers receive the best possible internet experience.”

Speed and Coverage Scores that Speak Volumes

Ookla’s latest report also revealed the superiority of Smart’s Speed and Coverage Scores. Smart emerged as the ‘Fastest Mobile Network’ with an impressive Speed Score of 64.25, outshining its closest competitor’s Speed Score of 39.04. This Speed Score was derived from Smart’s median download speed of 34.08 Mbps and a median upload speed of 7.34 Mbps, surpassing its competitor’s median download speed of 22.52 Mbps and median upload speed of 5.38 Mbps.

Leading in Mobile Coverage

Smart also takes the lead in the ‘Best Mobile Coverage’ category with a Coverage Score of 786, surpassing its closest competitor’s Coverage Score of 769. The Coverage Score evaluates both the number of locations an operator offers service and the quality of service in each location, highlighting Smart’s commitment to providing wide and reliable coverage to its customers.

Meanwhile, the ‘Fastest Mobile Network’ award is based on more than 2.4 million user-initiated tests, while the Coverage Award draws from over 3.7 million scan counts. These numbers underscore the extensive and data-driven evaluation carried out by Ookla to recognize Smart’s excellence in mobile network performance.

ASUS Republic of Gamers outs ROG Ally in PH

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 20, 2023

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ASUS Republic of Gamers Philippines (ROG) has officially announced the pricing and date of availability of ROG Ally, a cutting-edge Windows 11 gaming handheld.

Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processor, the ROG Ally offers unparalleled gaming performance for gamers on the go. With Full HD (FHD) gaming capabilities, robust partnerships in the gaming industry, and a range of exciting features, the ROG Ally is set to be the ultimate handheld gaming machine.

Versatile Performance at the Right Price

ME Time: Elevating Handheld Gaming

The ROG Ally offers an immersive experience with its 1080p screen and hardware capable of running many of the latest titles at 60 FPS. Gamers of all backgrounds will also be thrilled by the on-the-go gaming experience provided by the Ally. Compared to competing devices with 720p resolution, the Ally’s FHD touchscreen and AMD FreeSync Premium technology deliver superior image and motion clarity. These ensure a visually stunning and smooth gaming experience.

WE Time: Couch Co-op and Competition

Meanwhile, with the optional ROG Gaming Charger Dock, gamers can take their gaming to the big screen while simultaneously charging the Ally. This unique feature allows for couch co-op and competition with friends and family, bringing the thrill of multiplayer gaming to a whole new level.

PRO Time: Unleash the Gaming Powerhouse

On the other hand, serious gamers can transform the device into a true gaming powerhouse. You can do this by pairing the ROG Ally with an XG Mobile external GPU, featuring up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. With this, gamers can indulge in living room couch gaming or elevate their experience with a mouse and keyboard setup. With the XG Mobile, the Ally can handle AAA games at 4K with ray tracing and DLSS 3, or dominate high-framerate esports titles with ease.

Ultimate Full HD Gaming on the Go

The ROG Ally delivers an outstanding FHD gaming experience, surpassing other handheld devices in the market. Its Windows 11 compatibility allows gamers to enjoy various titles from various platforms, including three months of Xbox Game Pass upon purchase. The handheld can also be used for solo gaming or easily connected to a TV for multiplayer sessions. Moreover, gamers seeking a top-tier gaming experience can enhance their gameplay with the ROG XG Mobile suite of external GPUs.

Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Series Processor

Powering the device is the all-new Ryzen Z1 Series processor from AMD. Built on the “Zen 4” architecture and integrated with AMD RDNA 3-based graphics, this processor boasts 8 cores, 16 threads, and up to 8.6 teraflops of graphics processing power. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant will be available in August 2023 with 6 cores and 12 processing threads. Both models support AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and AMD Radeon Super Resolution upscaling technologies, ensuring remarkable performance and stunning visuals in demanding AAA and indie games.

Efficient Thermal Design for Extended Gaming Sessions

To keep the Ally cool during intense gaming sessions, ASUS has equipped it with the ROG Zero Gravity thermal system. This dual-fan system, combined with ultrathin heatsink fins and high-friction heat pipes, guarantees optimal cooling in any orientation. The handheld also features 16 GB of high-speed LPDDR5 6400 MHz memory, 512 GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage, and a UHS-II microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Immersive Display and Seamless Gaming Experience

The ROG Ally boasts a 120 Hz FHD touchscreen with AMD FreeSync Premium technology, providing supreme motion clarity in fast-paced games without tearing or stuttering. With a maximum brightness of 500 nits, gamers can effortlessly follow the action, even in challenging environments like outdoor settings. The touchscreen display facilitates easy navigation of Windows 11, enabling users to change settings or install games with ease.

Expansive Game Support and Three-Month Xbox Game Pass Subscription

ROG has also worked closely with Microsoft, game publishers, and individual studios to ensure a seamless gaming experience on the Ally. The handheld supports various game platforms, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the Epic Games Store, Android apps, and more. Additionally, each device comes bundled with a complimentary three-month Xbox Game Pass subscription, granting access to hundreds of games, such as Minecraft Legends, Grounded, and Age of Empire IV.

Pricing and Availability

The Ryzen Z1 Extreme-equipped model of the ROG Ally is now available for Php43,995, while the model with the Ryzen Z1 processor will be available in August 2023 at Php39,995. Both models feature 512 GB storage and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

Meanwhile, the ROG Ally can be purchased at ASUS and ROG Concept Stores nationwide, and those who register as part of the first 100 buyers promotion will have a chance to receive the ROG Ally Travel Case and Gaming Charger Dock, valued at Php6,000.

For online purchases, you can also visit ASUS’ e-shop at www.asus.com/ph/store or Shopee’s 6-month 0% interest SPayLater installment plan with free shipping from July 20 to 31, 2023.

In addition, the ROG Ally comes with a two-year ASUS International Warranty and ASUS Premium Care, offering gamers peace of mind with ASUS’ exclusive nine-step preventive maintenance program.

To experience the ROG Ally in different gaming scenarios, visit the special pop-up booth in One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Second Floor, from July 21 to 30, 2023.

LG OLED celebrates 10 years of success in PH

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 20, 2023

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LG Electronics Philippines recently commemorated a significant milestone as they marked 10 years of LG’s OLED technology, a technology that has set the standard in home entertainment.

The event also served as a platform to showcase the remarkable journey of LG OLED TV over the past decade, highlighting its groundbreaking innovations, unparalleled picture quality, and LG’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of home entertainment.

A Decade of OLED Excellence

The celebration commenced with an energetic K-Pop dance number by Project One, setting a vibrant tone for the event. Mr. Sungjae Kim, Managing Director of LG Electronics Philippines, delivered a heartfelt speech expressing his pride and gratitude for the remarkable progress made by LG OLED TV and its impact on the industry. He stated, “We are immensely proud to celebrate 10 years of LG OLED, a technology that has revolutionized the television industry. We have come a long way in delivering the best-in-class home entertainment experience, and this milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the LG team. We thank our customers for their unwavering support and belief in LG’s OLED technology, which has been instrumental in our success.”

Cultural Exchange and Generous Donation

Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, LG Electronics Philippines partnered with the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) to launch a donation program aimed at enhancing cultural exchange in the country. The program also seeks to foster cultural understanding and bridge communities through the contribution of LG OLED TVs. Mr. Kim Myeongjin, Director of KCC, expressed gratitude for LG’s generous donation, emphasizing the significance of utilizing advanced technologies to facilitate cultural exchange. He stated, “We are honored to host this event at the Korean Cultural Center. The remarkable LG OLED TV not only strengthens cultural ties but also serves as a medium to introduce Korea to the world and here in the Philippines. Let’s maximize these technologies to promote cultural exchange among our communities.”

Pillars of Excellence

Ms. Angelica Dumlao, product manager for LG TVs, also highlighted the key benefits of LG OLED technology, summarizing it with the five pillars of excellence: α9 AI Processor Gen 6, Brightness Booster and Brightness Booster Max, Confidence with a 2-year warranty, Design featuring the innovative ONE Wall Design, and the extraordinary viewing Experience. She emphasized LG’s commitment to customer satisfaction, design innovation, user-friendly interfaces, and the immersive experience delivered by LG OLED TVs.

Continued Innovation and Limitless Possibilities

LG OLED TVs have redefined the entertainment experience by delivering stunning visuals, unparalleled contrast, vibrant colors, and immersive sound. With their commitment to innovation, LG continues to push the boundaries of what a TV can do, enhancing the overall quality of life for their customers.

Meanwhile, as the event came to a close, Mr. Sunho Choi, LGEPH product director for home entertainment, expressed his gratitude to the LG ambassadors, distinguished guests, and media representatives for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the remarkable progress made by LG OLED TV and its impact on the industry, urging everyone to carry the spirit of innovation, excellence, and boundless imagination as they embrace the future of home entertainment with LG OLED TV.

LG OLED products are available via lg.com/ph and through its flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube (@lgphilippines).

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 announced

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 19, 2023

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OPPO has launched the OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 competition, centered around the theme “Pantanal Service, Empowering Lives with Intelligence.”

Set to commence on July 11th (Beijing time), this exciting contest aims to inspire developers worldwide to leverage Pantanal’s existing capabilities and create intelligent living experiences for over 500 million ColorOS users globally. By focusing on lifestyle, transportation, and entertainment scenarios, the competition also seeks to unlock the full potential of the Pantanal ecosystem.

Expanding the Pantanal Ecosystem to Southeast Asian Developers

The Pantanal Comprehensively Intelligent Platform, since its inception, has already fostered partnerships with 21 eco-partners, including major names like Meituan, Baidu Map, Umetrip, and Xiaohongshu in China, as well as Snapchat, Spotify, Zamato, and Swiggy overseas. Within this ecosystem, four ecological partners have strategically collaborated in various domains such as life services, travel, entertainment, and office, with the collective contributions of more than 300,000 developers.

To further strengthen the Pantanal ecosystem, OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 has opened for global registration on July 11, running through September 15. This year’s contest takes a keen interest in Southeast Asia, aiming to discover local service providers or developers capable of innovating in lifestyle services, transportation, and entertainment. By encouraging smart service development, conceptualizing scenarios, and designing interactive experiences, the competition seeks to foster services tailored to meet the needs of Southeast Asian markets.

Enabling Comprehensive Developer Empowerment

In addition to the continuation of the prize money system from previous editions, OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 offers an array of development capabilities through the Pantanal Platform and the Pantanal DevKit. The platform encompasses Pantanal DevFwk, Pantanal DevStudio, and supporting guidelines, providing developers with the tools needed to expedite low-cost, cross-terminal service development.

The Pantanal Platform’s development capabilities include Context Awareness, Service Running, and Natural Interaction. By utilizing Pantanal DevFwk, developers can effortlessly transform complex cross-terminal, multi-service entry points into user-friendly interfaces, ensuring swift adaptation to various terminals and entry points while optimizing cross-platform operational efficiency.

The all-new Pantanal DevStudio streamlines the development process by offering multiple business module options, integrating the integrated development environment for relevant Pantanal modules. This empowers developers to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, providing consistent cross-platform rendering and real-time previews across multiple entry points and devices.

Technical Support and Mentorship

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 goes the extra mile in supporting participants throughout the contest. Online event briefings and Q&A salons are arranged to answer developers’ questions and guide them in utilizing the Pantanal Platform and Pantanal DevStudio. During the final round’s device debugging phase, participants will receive direct technical support from the OPPO technical team. The contest also invites local Southeast Asian entrepreneurs and OPPO industry experts to offer professional advice at the final venue, ensuring a rich learning experience.

Building an Inclusive Pantanal Ecosystem

With a vision of creating a beyond-boundary ecosystem, OPPO ColorOS strives to empower Southeast Asian developers through the ColorOSHack 2023 competition. By lowering development barriers, optimizing training systems, and assisting outstanding global developers, OPPO aims to create a more open and dynamic Pantanal ecosystem, thereby expanding the possibilities for intelligent living experiences for over 500 million ColorOS users worldwide.

OnePlus 12 full specs leaked

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 19, 2023

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As OnePlus fans eagerly await the launch of the OnePlus 12 in December, a recent leak has unveiled its alleged full specifications.

oneplus leaked specs — Image source: smartprix

ONEPLUS 12 ALLEGED KEY SPECS

The OnePlus 12 will feature a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED touchscreen with a buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This ensures a visually immersive experience, perfect for gaming, streaming, and everyday use. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC from Qualcomm, set to be unveiled in October. Complementing the powerful chipset will be up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a generous 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

One of the standout features of the OnePlus 12 is its triple camera system on the rear. It includes a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a groundbreaking 64 MP periscope telephoto camera. This marks the first-ever periscope telephoto camera on a OnePlus device, promising enhanced zoom capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the periscope’s optical zoom is rumored to be 3x, which is relatively lower than what we’ve seen from other manufacturers. Nevertheless, OnePlus has always been keen on optimizing their camera performance, so we’re eager to see how this setup performs.

For selfie enthusiasts, the OnePlus 12 packs a 32 MP front-facing camera, ensuring stunning self-portraits and seamless video calls.

The OnePlus 12 will run on OxygenOS 14, based on the latest Android 14 OS. Known for its clean and smooth user interface, OxygenOS ensures a seamless user experience. Additionally, the smartphone retains the iconic alert slider and features an in-display fingerprint sensor for fast and secure biometric authentication.

In the realm of battery life, the OnePlus 12 doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a massive 5,400 mAh battery, ensuring hours of uninterrupted usage on a single charge. Moreover, the device supports blazing-fast charging capabilities, with 100W fast wired charging and 50W fast wireless charging. The unit will still include a charger in the box, ensuring convenience out of the box.

Stay tuned for official updates!

Source: smartprix

iPhone 16 Pro Max rumored to sport Super Telephoto periscope camera

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 19, 2023

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Even though the iPhone 15 family is yet to make its debut, talks about its successor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, have already surfaced. Set for a possible release in September 2024, this upcoming iPhone is expected to bring the “Super Telephoto” periscope zoom camera.

The “Super Telephoto” Periscope Zoom Camera

Renowned leakster Digital Chat Station from China has revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is set to come equipped with a “Super Telephoto” periscope zoom camera. This terminology points to a camera with a focal length exceeding 300mm, a remarkable engineering feat. To put it into perspective, the current iPhone 14 Pro Max relies on a 77mm zoom snapper without periscope capabilities.

Periscopes have garnered attention in smartphone photography due to their ability to achieve higher magnification without compromising on device thickness. This advanced camera technology is commonly used in sports, wildlife photography, and even portrait shots when the photographer needs to maintain a considerable distance from the subject.

Beyond the “Super Telephoto” periscope camera, the same source revealed another exciting detail. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s main camera is rumored to feature a 12% larger sensor, measuring 1/1.14″ in size. For comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a 1/1.28″ sensor. This enhancement promises to deliver improved low-light performance, enhanced dynamic range, and overall sharper images.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Leaked information suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro Max, slated for release this September, may also mark the debut of a periscope camera on an iPhone. Following suit, the iPhone 16 Pro is likely to adopt the periscope technology from its predecessor. However, the real showstopper seems to be the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Why? Because it will elevate the system to a “Super Telephoto” periscope system.

As with any leaks and rumors, it’s essential to approach them with a grain of skepticism. So, stay tuned for official updates!

Source: GSMArena

Sony BRAVIA XR X95L Mini LED Google TV now available in PH

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 18, 2023

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Sony officially launched the BRAVIA XR X95L 4K HDR Mini LED Google TV. This cutting-edge 4K Mini LED TV promises to deliver a revolutionary viewing and gaming adventure, thanks to its state-of-the-art technology and unmatched visual brilliance.

It has the Cognitive Processor XR, allowing the TV to analyze content in a way that recreates visuals and audio as close to the real world as possible.

Immersive Picture and Sound Quality

Cinephiles will be treated to an exceptional level of optimization in picture and sound quality, offering unparalleled realism and precision. The action on the screen comes to life with vibrant colors and lifelike details. Gamers, too, are in for a treat with smooth and clear movement for responsive gameplay, thanks to features like 4K/120fps, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and effortless control.

XR Triluminos Pro and XR Clear Image power the X95L, delivering a blurless image with an expansive color spectrum. The Mini LED technology, controlled by the XR Backlight Master Drive, enables deep blacks and breathtaking highlights, elevating the visual experience to new heights.

Acoustic Multi-Audio+ for an Immersive Soundstage

Sony raises the bar further with Acoustic Multi-Audio+, a groundbreaking sound technology that accurately matches sound to its visual source. By bringing the sound closer to the action, this feature creates a multi-sensorial immersive experience. This also elevates gaming and movie-watching to another level.

Seamless Smart TV Experience with Google TV

The integration of Google TV also enhances the BRAVIA X95L’s smart TV capabilities, providing access to a vast array of apps and movies. In addition, with Google TV’s intuitive interface and hands-free voice control, navigating through favorite shows, movies, and games becomes effortless. Parents can rest assured about their kids’ content consumption with the safe viewing option through Google Kids.

The BRAVIA XR X95L is currently available in the Philippines in an 85-inch screen size and retails for Php311,999.

Google Pixel 8 Pro specs leak ahead of official launch

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 18, 2023

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Google Pixel 8 Pro specs leak ahead of official launch

With Google’s usual October event just a few months away, leaks about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones have been surfacing. The latest leak sheds light on the key specifications of the upcoming Pixel 8 Pro.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is expected to boast a stunning 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and fluid visuals. Under the hood, the device might bag a Google Tensor G3 SoC, featuring a dedicated Titan security chip to ensure enhanced security measures for users. The smartphone might also come with 12GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage for ample space to store files and media.

In addition, the device might also have an infrared temperature sensor, allowing users to measure body temperature. The Pixel 8 Pro will also feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking.

On the photography front, the Pixel 8 Pro will house a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This ensures sharp and steady images. Additionally, a 64MP ultrawide lens and a 48MP telephoto lens will provide users with various shooting options for creative photography. The inclusion of a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor might focus on enhance focusing capabilities.

For selfies, the Pixel 8 Pro might sport an 11MP front-facing camera, promising clear and detailed self-portraits.

Keeping the Pixel 8 Pro powered throughout the day is a sizable 4,950mAh battery. Moreover, users can use 27W wired charging to top up the device’s battery when needed quickly.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro might also be among the first smartphones to run on Android 14. As for its official unveiling, the device might launch in October at the special event held by Google.

Stay tuned for official updates!

Source: @heyitsyogesh via GSMArena

Samsung Romania ‘unintentionally leaks’ Galaxy Z Flip5 price

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Ciara Alarcon

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July 17, 2023

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Samsung Romania ‘unintentionally leaks’ Galaxy Z Flip5 price

Samsung Romania unintentionally revealed the price of the Galaxy Z Flip5 through a promotional campaign offering pre-registration for a chance to win one of 10 devices. In a PDF document containing the terms and conditions of the promotion, the price of the Galaxy Z Flip5 was disclosed, suggesting a substantial price hike compared to its predecessor.

Hefty Price Tag Unveiled

According to the leaked document, the Galaxy Z Flip5 with 256GB storage will be available for RON 6,599, which is equivalent to approximately €1,335. Comparatively, the launch price of the previous model, the Z Flip4 with 256GB storage, was RON 5,700, indicating a 16% increase in price for the new iteration.

It is worth noting that different European Union countries have varying value-added tax (VAT) rates, with Romania at 19%, Greece at 24%, and France at 20%. However, there is a significant difference in prices between the leaks. The pre-VAT price indicated in the Romanian leak is €1,120 for the 256GB model, compared to €1,000 based on the leak from France. The leak from Greece suggests a pre-VAT price of €1,050 for the smaller 128GB variant.

Uncertainty and Awaited Confirmations

Although a €70 difference (before VAT) between the 128GB and 256GB models seems plausible, the notably lower French price for the 256GB model raises suspicions. It is essential to await further leaks from local retailers to obtain a more accurate pricing picture. The Galaxy Z Flip5 will go official on July 26. Additionally, the French leak hinted at a larger price increase for the Galaxy Z Fold5 (€100-120), but no information has surfaced from Romania or Greece regarding that model yet.

What can you say? Let us know what you think in the comment section!

Source: @rquandt

vivo Y36 now official in the Philippines

News

Ciara Alarcon

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July 17, 2023

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vivo has officially launched the vivo Y36 in the Philippines. To make the launch more exciting, the brand also unveiled Anne Curtis as its newest brand ambassador.

The vivo Y36 offers a next-level gaming experience for those on a budget. Equipped with a 240Hz Gaming Sampling rate and a 90Hz refresh rate, the Y36 ensures accurate touch responsiveness for seamless gameplay. Whether you’re playing intense mobile games like Mobile Legends or Call of Duty, the Y36’s high frames per second will enhance your gaming performance. The device comes with 8GB RAM and Turbo memory booster, along with 256GB of internal storage, which you can expand up to 1TB, providing ample space for all your gaming needs.

In addition, the vivo Y36 is powered by a 5000mAh battery with 44W fast-charging capability, ensuring you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay for extended periods.

Stylish Design to Stand Out

The vivo Y36 offers a premium design that adds style to your gaming experience. The smartphone comes in two stunning variants: Meteor Black, made with Fluorite AG Glass, and Glitter Aqua, featuring the Golden Ripple Process and Crystal Glass material. Both designs are resistant to scratches and fingerprints, ensuring your device looks sleek and stylish even during intense gaming sessions.

Availability and Pricing

You can get the vivo Y36 for Php12,999 at vivo concept stores nationwide. You can also purchase it through popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!