Ahead of its official launch on January 31, the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G has been spotted in select OPPO stores across the country. This early availability offers a chance to get a hands-on with OPPO Reno13 Series 5G before anyone else.
The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G highlights its IP69 water and dust resistance rating, the Reno13 Series 5G is designed to withstand different environments including underwater which makes it very ideal for trips and outings.
And of course, the smartphone also comes with features like AI Live Photo, AI Editor, Telephoto Camera and a lot more.
OPPO Reno13 Series 5G Pricing and Variants
The Reno13 Series 5G offers several options to suit your needs:
Reno13 F 5G (12+256GB): PHP 22,999
Reno13 F 5G (12+512GB): PHP 25,999
Reno13 5G (12+512GB): PHP 34,999
Reno13 Pro 5G (12+512GB): PHP 43,999
Where to get OPPO Reno13 Series 5G Early
Starting January 24, the Reno13 Series 5G will be available at the following Official OPPO Stores:
Firaxis Games, the creators of the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise, have just announced the National Hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal—also known by what the Gen Alpha kids used to call him, J-Rizz, will be a playable character in Civilization VII, one of the most anticipated strategy video game.
Jose Rizal will be the first Filipino leader that will be playable in the game officially and it will have a starting bias of a tropical area. In 2K’s page, Jose Rizal was described as:
Long regarded as a hero of the Philippines, José Rizal was a passionate defender of the dignity and autonomy of Filipinos. He first gained his reputation as a political activist in Europe, criticizing the Spanish rule of his homeland, and though he advocated for peaceful reform and equal rights, Rizal was eventually tried and executed by the Spanish. Yet his revolutionary spirit could not be contained, and has inspired Filipinos ever since.
Jose Rizal comes with a unique ability called “Pambansang Bayani”, which grants additional culture and gold per age when earning rewards from Narrative events. It also increases the duration and happiness of celebrations.
His leader agenda, “Kapwa”, focuses on collaboration with other players. Players can increase their relationship by a moderate amount with the leader starting the most active endeavors. On the other hand, relationships will decrease by a similar amount with the leader initiating the most active sanctions.
My Take: This is an exciting addition, but I wish we’d see more unique Filipino-inspired units in the game. Corrupt cops or crocodile-like politicians? loljk.
Civilization VII launches on February 11 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.
Smart Communications, Inc. now accepts pre-orders for the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Series, including the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Available through Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity Plans, and Smart Prepaid bundles, these flagship devices promise to elevate your productivity and creativity with groundbreaking AI features and powerful hardware.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Pre-Order Pricing and Plans
Smart Postpaid Plans+
Smart Postpaid offers the Galaxy S25 Series starting with Postpaid Plans+ 999, which includes:
Unlimited 5G for 12 months
30GB monthly data (20GB + 10GB valid for 6 months)
Pre-orders on Postpaid Plans+ also come with a free silicone case for added value.
Smart Infinity Plans
Smart Infinity members can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series starting with Infinity Plan 3500, which includes:
Unlimited data
International data roaming allocation
Exclusive lifestyle privileges such as a personal relationship manager, dedicated hotline, worldwide concierge, and curated perks.
Infinity subscribers availing the Galaxy S25 also receive a complimentary standing grip case for their new device.
Smart Prepaid Bundles
For prepaid users, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series is available with zero-interest installment plans for 12 or 24 months through participating credit card providers, including UnionBank, Security Bank, RCBC, BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. These bundles are available at select Smart Stores nationwide.
Exclusive Pre-Order Perks
Subscribers who pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series from January 23 to February 13, 2025, can enjoy the following perks:
FREE storage upgrade: Automatically receive the 512GB variant of your chosen Galaxy S25 model.
Discounts and offers:
50% off Samsung Care+ 1-year subscription
30% discount on Samsung Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds via Samsung.com
How to Pre-Order
To pre-order your Samsung Galaxy S25 Series device:
Visit the nearest Smart Store or pre-order online at Smart Postpaid.
Infinity members can pre-order via Infinity Pre-Order Page, call *800, or contact their
Infinity Relationship Manager for personalized assistance.
With exclusive perks and flexible plans, now is the perfect time to upgrade to Samsung’s latest flagship series with Smart. Don’t miss out, pre-order ends on February 13, 2025!
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
Samsung has just unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series today and as always, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will get the best features of the bunch. One of the features that we will be getting on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the Corning Gorilla Armor 2. The first smartphone to have this tough glass.
The Corning Gorilla Armor 2 is the industry’s first scratch-resistant, anti-reflective glass ceramic cover material for mobile devices and the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the first to have it.
In lab tests made by Corning, the Gorilla Armor 2 will survive drops up to 2.2 meters on a concrete and it will have an excellent scratch resistance with 4x more scratch resistance against lithium-aluminosilicate cover glasses with an anti-reflective coating.
Samsung has just unveiled their newest flagship smartphone series — the Galaxy S25 Series smartphones. These smartphones includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As always, the Galaxy Ultra will have the best features in the family.
Focuses on AI
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series mainly focuses on AI as Samsung has announced that it will feature multimodal AI agents. This basically lets the users have interactions with AI with context-aware experiences and are more personalized.
One of the features that was improved was “Circle to Search” features which was one of the highlights with last year’s Galaxy S24. Natural language understanding and context has been upgraded with this year’s Galaxy AI with tools like Drawing assist for creating detailed sketches and better writing assist.
Better performance
This year, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series will be getting a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with a promise of 40% boost in NPU, 37% in CPU and 30% in GPU compared to the last year’s Galaxy. This also comes with Vulkan Engine and also Ray Tracing as well which can improve graphics in mobile gaming.
Pro-Level Photography and Video
The Galaxy S25 Ultra now features a 50MP ultrawide sensor, upgraded from 12MP, and introduces 10-bit HDR recording. Enhanced low-light capabilities and noise reduction algorithms also provide sharper videos, while features like Virtual Aperture and Galaxy Log improves video on the smartphone. There are also new editing tools, including Audio Eraser, make professional-quality photo and video editing accessible to all users.
Tougher and more sustainable
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also features a Corning Gorilla Armor 2 display which makes it more durable and tougher. Aside from that, the Galaxy S25 series also uses cobalt sourced from retired batteries which makes it more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Samsung Galaxy S25 availability and colors
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series begin today and run through February 13, 2025. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, and Titanium Gray. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue, and Mint.
You can also get a free storage upgrade worth Php9,000 when you pre-order now.
Xiaomi has announced that they’re currently working on a WinPlay Engine which lets you play Windows X86 and X64 games on Android. Yes, you will be able to play your favorite PC games on Xiaomi tablets.
WinPlay on Xiaomi tablets
The best part about it is that Xiaomi is promising that they will be able to have a 2.9% GPU performance loss only which means that it will really have a small tax on performance. However, it was not mentioned what will be the CPU performance loss which is prevalent on emulators like this.
The WinPlay isn’t the first time we have seen as there are already Windows emulators such as Winlator on Android that lets you run games like GTA V on Android devices.
According to Xiaomi, WinPlay will support Steam which will let you access to a thousands of library of games. But take note, not all games works well with emulators like WinPlay as anti cheats and compatibility issues might arise.
Xiaomi is currently recruiting testers in China to try WinPlay on their Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro 12.4. To give you an idea, the tablet is pretty powerful as it comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with up to 16GB of RAM. That chipset is powerful enough to run some of the modern PC games but at a lower settings.
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri recently addressed user concerns about the platform’s shift to a vertical feed layout, a change that has sparked mixed reactions among users.
In a statement, Mosseri explained that the move aims to better showcase the predominantly vertical content, like Reels and Stories, being shared on Instagram.
“We introduced the vertical grid because most photos and videos uploaded to Instagram today are vertical, and this format showcases them more effectively,” Mosseri stated. He acknowledged that the change disrupted the carefully curated grids of many users and promised upcoming features to give users more control over their profiles’ appearance.
These planned updates include tools to customize thumbnails and rearrange the grid, allowing users to personalize their profiles. Mosseri also hinted at the possibility of relocating Highlights to a separate tab and introducing an option to post directly to the grid, bypassing the main feed altogether.
While some users have expressed frustration with the new layout, Mosseri emphasized that these changes are part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to simplify the platform and enhance user experience in the age of vertical content. He believes these updates will ultimately provide a cleaner and more user-friendly space for creators and consumers alike.
When HONOR announced the release of the HONOR X9c, we expected it to raise the bar for mid-range smartphones in terms of durability. In the Philippines, where typhoons and floods are common, a phone that can withstand tough conditions is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. With the expectation that the X9c would survive the harshest conditions, we were curious to see how it performed in other key areas. After using it as our main device for a month, here’s our full review.
HONOR X9c Review: Design
The HONOR X9c has a clean and modern design that feels comfortable in the hand. Its slim profile and fingerprint-resistant finish make it practical for everyday use. Our review unit came in the Jade Cyan variant, which features a polycarbonate back panel with a stylish design. The sleek look eliminates the need for a protective case purely for aesthetics. However, due to the phone’s slippery body, we opted to use a clear case to prevent accidental drops.
Speaking of durability, HONOR claims the X9c can survive drops of up to two meters, and our tests confirmed this. The device is built to withstand rough conditions, equipped with an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance. It’s also resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, making it adaptable to a variety of environments.
To put the X9c to the test, we subjected it to torture tests, including a drop test, boiling test, smash test, and knife test. It passed with flying colors, showing no signs of damage that would compromise its functionality. These tests prove that it’s a reliable option for the unpredictable conditions in the Philippines, where sudden rain or flooding is always a possibility. Knowing your phone can handle rough treatment is a major relief.
The HONOR X9c features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling, animations, and transitions are smooth, and the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp images. The display is also bright enough for outdoor use, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing social media, or gaming on the go.
Audio performance is decent, with clear output from the built-in speakers. While they’re not groundbreaking, the sound quality is sufficient for casual streaming or video calls. For a more immersive experience, we recommend using headphones.
HONOR X9c Review: Software and Performance
The HONOR X9c runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. The interface is straightforward and responsive, with minimal bloatware, a big plus in our book. Features like multi-window support and smart collaboration with other HONOR devices enhance productivity, making the phone versatile for both work and play.
Under the hood, the HONOR X9c is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It handles day-to-day tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media without hiccups. Multitasking feels smooth, and the ample storage is more than enough for apps, photos, and videos.
Here are its benchmark scores:
For gaming, the HONOR X9c delivers a decent experience for light to moderate titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which run smoothly without any issues. More demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile are playable at medium to high settings, but the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset does show its limitations. Extended gameplay leads to noticeable heating, and frame drops can occur during intense scenes, especially in graphically demanding scenarios.
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 isn’t the most powerful chipset at this price point, it’s still capable of handling casual gaming and day-to-day tasks effectively. However, this device is definitely not for extreme gamers who prioritize consistent performance at max settings.
But of course, for most users who enjoy casual and light gaming on the side, the HONOR X9c offers a good experience.
HONOR X9c Review: Camera
The HONOR X9c is more than just a durable phone. It also performs well in the camera department. The device features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 108MP main sensor with OIS and a 5MP wide-angle lens, along with a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies.
Although the X9c drops one sensor compared to its predecessor, its AI processing capabilities result in better image quality. The 108MP main camera produces vibrant and detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions. Portraits have good subject separation, and night shots are surprisingly impressive, thanks to the improved Night Mode.
However, the phone does fall short when it comes to zoom capabilities, as it lacks a telephoto sensor. Additionally, AI processing can sometimes be overly aggressive, particularly when taking food photos. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting for users who prioritize natural image rendering.
Selfies taken with the front-facing camera are social media-ready, offering good detail and natural skin tones. The camera setup, while not flagship-level, is more than adequate for everyday photography needs.
Sample Photos:
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HONOR X9c Review: Battery Life
The HONOR X9c is equipped with a 6600mAh battery, which delivers excellent longevity. With regular usage—social media, messaging, and light gaming—the phone easily lasts more than a day. During heavy use, including extended gaming and streaming, it still manages to provide around 13 hours of screen-on time.
In our tests, the PCMark Battery Life test recorded an impressive 14 hours and 40 minutes. Additionally, the 66W fast charging feature is a standout. It charges the phone from 20% to 100% in just under an hour, making it ideal for users with busy schedules.
The combination of a long-lasting battery and fast-charging capability makes the HONOR X9c a dependable choice for users who are always on the go.
Verdict: HONOR X9c, A Reliable Phone for Everyday Life
The HONOR X9c is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in durability, making it a practical choice for users in the Philippines. At Php16,999, it provides a great balance between toughness and functionality.
After just a few hours of TikTok being down due to the U.S. ban, the platform is already back online, thanks to President-elect Donald Trump.
TikTok stopped working in the U.S. late Saturday after a law shut it down over national security concerns. However, hours after the ban, President-elect Trump announced that access to TikTok would be restored when he assumes the presidency this Monday.
“As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.,” the social media app stated in a message to users.
Trump has said he would extend the time period before the ban takes effect. He also mentioned his intention for the U.S. to have 50% ownership of TikTok as part of this venture.
Trump also announced he would grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban upon taking office this Monday.
A new flagship Galaxy smartphone might arrive soon and it’s the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim. The slim smartphone is rumored to be in the works for a quite a while now and OnLeaks and Smartprix has posted a renders of the smartphone which will be called the Galaxy S25 Slim.
This smartphone will still have a design similar to the other Galaxy S25 smartphones and it is rumored to have a flat back and front with a triple camera lens at the back with a vertical layout which is a design that is being carried by other Galaxy smartphones.
The main attraction with this smartphone is how thin it is. It is rumored to have a 6.4mm thickness only Just to compare, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25mm thick which means that the Galaxy S25 Slim is expected to be 22.42% slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The rumoured specs includes a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera. It is also expected to come with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip inside with 12GB of RAM.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim is expected to be unveiled at the Unpacked event this week.
