Smart Communications Inc. has partnered with ZTE to introduce the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, the most affordable 5G smartphone in its lineup, priced at just Php5,450. This move aligns with Smart’s goal of making advanced technology accessible to more Filipinos.
The Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G comes with a 50MP AI main camera for high-resolution photos and videos, supported by a Bokeh Depth Camera and RAW Super Night Mode for enhanced imaging capabilities.
The device has a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing clear and vibrant visuals. It also features DTS Audio technology for better sound quality.
Performance-wise, the device is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth operation and sufficient space for apps and media. The phone is also designed with a metallic and glass finish for a premium look.
Smart’s 5G accessibility drive
With the introduction of the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, Smart is pushing forward its “5G for All” campaign, aiming to make 5G technology more accessible to the general public. This initiative follows Smart’s history of democratizing mobile technology in the Philippines, including the widespread adoption of GSM and LTE.
Alex O. Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business, also emphasized the importance of affordability in the adoption of 5G technology. He stated, “Price has been a barrier for many Filipinos in upgrading to 5G. With the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, we aim to make this technology accessible to everyone.”
Bundled offers and payment options
Meanwhile, Smart is offering the ZTE Blade A75 5G with a Smart Prepaid Bundle. This includes 5 GB of open access data, 300 All Net Texts, and 30 minutes of All Net Calls valid for 3 days, along with 8GB Unli TikTok and Unli Net Texts valid for 7 days each month for 3 months.
The device is also available through six-month installment plans at 0% interest, or for Php908.33 per month. Consumers can get it via Smart Stores, Smart Online Store, and partner retailers. Additionally, it can be bundled with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999. This offers Unli 5G, Unlimited AllNet Calls and Texts, and other benefits.
Meanwhile, the device is exclusively tuned for Smart’s network. This ensures fast speeds and reliable coverage, whether in 5G or 4G areas.
For more details, visit the nearest Smart Store or check out the Smart Online Store at https://store1.smart.com.ph.
2K and Firaxis games has just announced at Gamescom that the next Sid Meier’s Civilization game is launching this February 11, 2025. This strategy game franchise has already sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and this upcoming game will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam and Epic games, Mac and Linux via Steam. The best part about it is that the game will support cross-play and cross-progression.
The new Civilization VII will still feature the legendary leaders that we love from the previous games and of course, it will still have some of the features that we love from the previous games. Check out the gameplay trailer of the game below:
The game will be start at US$ 59.99 on Nintendo Switch, US$ 69.99 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam and Epic Games Store.It will also be available in Deluxe Edition and Founders edition.
Age of Empires Mobile is launching globally this October 17 for iOS and Android. This game is the mobile adaptation of the Age of Empires, a game that is popular on PC that was first release back in 1997. The mobile game is co-developed by TiMi Studio Group, the team behind Call of Duty: Mobile and Xbox Games Studio.
The mobile game brings a twist to the series with mobile-specific gameplay and UI but of course, it is staying true to its roots. You can do battles and there are historic figures like Joan of Arc and Leonidas I in the game. .
You can pre-register now to be among the first to play when it drops.
The realme 12 4G has officially landed in the Philippines, targeting students and young professionals looking for a solid mid-range smartphone. While it certainly brings a lot to the table, there are a few aspects that might make you pause and wonder if it’s worth the price.
Considering to get this device? Read our full review and see what this phone offers and where it might fall short.
realme 12 4G Review: Design
The phone features a sleek, squarish build with gently curved corners, giving it a fresh and sophisticated look that’s a nice change from the usual rounded designs we always see. It’s clear that realme wanted this phone to stand out, and they’ve succeeded in making it feel more premium than its mid-range status might suggest.
The circular camera setup on the back adds a touch of elegance, copying the design language of higher-end devices, including other models in realme’s own lineup. These small details contribute to a sense of luxury that isn’t always found in this price range.
Measuring 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm and weighing in at 187g, the realme 12 4G strikes a great balance between a sizable screen and comfortable portability. The IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance is also a thoughtful addition, giving you some extra peace of mind as you go about your day.
realme 12 4G Review: Multimedia
The realme 12 4G offers great multimedia experience, especially with its display. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen is nothing short of impressive, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from YouTube videos to Instagram stories pop. With a 120Hz refresh rate, navigating through apps and swiping through social media feels smooth and responsive, adding a premium touch to your daily mobile experience.
What really sets the display apart is its peak brightness of 2000 nits. This is a standout feature for a phone at this price point, ensuring that you can easily see the screen even in bright sunlight. The ability to handle direct sunlight without any visibility issues makes it clear why this feature is becoming more common, even in mid-range phones.
Audio might not always be the first thing you consider in a smartphone, but realme hasn’t skimped in this department either. The phone is equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rare find these days. And for sure, those who aren’t ready to give up their favorite wired earphones would love this feature! Meanwhile, the speakers deliver clear sound with good volume, making your binge-watching sessions or gaming marathons more enjoyable.
realme 12 4G Review: Performance
Under the hood, the realme 12 4G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination ensures that the phone handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and the overall performance is solid. You won’t find yourself waiting around for things to load, which is always a plus.
However, the Snapdragon 685 is a 4G chipset that’s been around for a while. While it gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the same future-proofing as some of the newer 5G options on the market. Given the Php13,999 price tag, some might expect more modern hardware, especially now that almost all smartphones support 5G connectivity.
realme 12 4G Benchmark Scores:
realme 12 4G Benchmark Scores
Gaming on the realme 12 4G is a mixed bag. It handles most games well, but if you’re a serious gamer looking for top-tier performance, you might find it lacking compared to some similarly priced alternatives. It’s competent for casual gaming, but don’t expect it to blow you away in this department.
realme 12 4G Review: Software
The realme 12 4G runs on realme UI 5.0, which is layered over Android 14. The software experience is generally smooth and responsive, with plenty of customization options to make the phone feel like your own. However, like many other smartphones in this price range, it does come with some preinstalled bloatware. The good news is that most of it can be easily removed, so you won’t have to deal with unwanted apps cluttering up your home screen.
realme UI 5.0 is relatively lightweight, and it doesn’t try to overwhelm you with too many features. It strikes a nice balance between offering useful tools and keeping things simple. Whether you’re customizing your home screen layout or diving into the settings menu, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
realme 12 4G Review: Camera
The realme 12 4G’s camera setup might catch your eye on the spec sheet, boasting a 50MP main sensor with an OIS. In bright, daylight conditions, it holds its own, delivering vibrant colors and crisp details that make your everyday shots pop. It’s solid for capturing those quick snaps during the day when the lighting is just right.
However, despite the inclusion of OIS, which usually helps stabilize shots, the low-light performance isn’t quite up to par. Photos tend to come out a bit murky, with noticeable noise creeping into darker areas. You’ll get usable shots, but don’t expect the same level of sharpness or brightness you’d get in better lighting. It’s a bit of a letdown, especially when compared to other devices in its price range that handle low-light situations with better outputs.
Another point of frustration is the shutter speed. It’s not what you’d call snappy—there’s a noticeable delay when capturing photos, especially when you’re trying to catch something in motion. This lag can be a dealbreaker if you’re looking to snap quick. This sluggish performance can really take away from the overall experience.
The 2MP mono lens does a decent job with portrait shots, offering that nice portrait effect.
Meanwhile, the 16MP front-facing camera does a great job with selfies, particularly in well-lit environments. There were visible noises at lowlight settings, though.
Sample Photos:
realme 12 4G Review: Battery Life
Battery life is one of the realme 12 4G’s strongest points. The 5000mAh battery consistently delivers all-day power, even with heavy use.
PCMark 3.0 Battery Life
In our tests, the phone comfortably lasted through a full day of web browsing, social media, video streaming, and some light gaming, with power to spare. As our main driver, this gives us confidence to leave the house without worrying about finding a charger.
Its 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging also allows our phone to go from nearly dead to 100% in about 50 minutes.
Verdict: Is the realme 12 4G Worth It?
The realme 12 4G presents a compelling package for those on a budget, offering some solid features that stand out, especially in terms of its vibrant display, long-lasting battery, and fast charging capabilities. It’s a device that aims to deliver a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank, and in many areas, it succeeds.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The absence of 5G connectivity at its price point might be a turn-off for some, particularly in a market that’s quickly moving toward the latest network standards. The camera, while capable in good lighting, struggles in low-light conditions, and the slow shutter speed can be frustrating for users who want to capture moments on the fly.
Ultimately, the realme 12 4G offers decent value for its price. You can get yours for Php13,999 (~337 CAD).
So, are you buying one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
OPPO Philippines has officially launched its latest smartphone, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G. The smartphone shares a lot of features from the other Reno12 smartphones but this one is positioned in the more affordable segment at Php18,999.
A portrait expert
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is still tagged as a”Portrait Expert” as it boasts a 50MP Main Camera, 2MP macro camera, and an 8MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera. While for the selfies, there’s the 32MP Front Camera is perfect for high-quality selfies.
The Reno12 F 5G also includes AI Eraser 2.0, which easily removes unwanted elements from photos, and the AI Studio app, allowing users to create digital avatars from their pictures. OPPO’s AI LinkBoost technology ensures stable connectivity, reducing latency and improving streaming speeds even in challenging environments.
Durable Design
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G features an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance and a robust All-Round Armor design. There’s a 120Hz display as well and then there’s the 5000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge.
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G comes with Cosmos Ring Design is available in Amber Orange and Olive Green while the Halo Light feature adds a dynamic touch, syncing with your music and notifications.
Availability
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G pre-order is open until August 30 in all OPPO authorized offline stores. You can also get a free TJ654 Bluetooth Speaker when you pre-order the device. The Reno12 F 5G will also be available online starting August 20 on Lazada, and August 27 on Shopee and TikTok Shop. Smart will offer the phone through their respective plans, with added perks like free OPPO Enco Buds2.
WP/Gaming has announced the pilot of its new workshop and networking program, WP/CONNECT. WP/Gaming, a consulting and marketing company dedicated to connecting brands, games, and generations in Southeast Asia.
The event is set this August 31, 2024 and it will tackle topics in the gaming industry and at the same time, they while provide networking opportunities for industry professionals. The event in partnership with FWD Life Insurance will be held at B1 Forum, The Globe Towers BGC, from 9 AM to 9 PM.
The event is limited to 40 participants only and there will be a registration fee of PHP 950. The fee includes meals, refreshments, and a one-year FWD Insurance plan. WP/Gaming has also announced that PHP 50 from each registration will be donated to Save the Children through OMNE by FWD.
The workshop will feature a lineup of industry experts as lecturers and mentors, including:
Eric Valmonte (WP/Gaming)
Dani Rogacion (Overdrive Studios)
Ralph Aligada (Globe Telecom)
Bryan Dacanay (Tier One Entertainment)
Benj Dalmacio (Level Infinite)
Mark Navarro (Player Two Productions)
TJ Parpan, a management consultant, will moderate the sessions. Additional mentors whi will offer practical advice include:
Benson Te and Ton Gatmaitan (WP/Gaming)
Carlo Suntay (GCash)
Joebert Yu (CBZN)
Jab Escutin (Ap.Bren)
If you are interested in this event, you can visit the WP/Gaming website at https://www.wp-gaming.com/event-list.
It’s been a month since OPPO introduced the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to choice for young adults who love creating content. In a crowded market, these devices – the OPPO Reno12 5G and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G – stand out, not just for its sleek design but for the powerful AI features that make capturing, editing, and sharing your best moments easily.
So, if you’re looking for a smartphone that offers more for its price—especially when it comes to enhancing your creativity—the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G might just be the perfect fit.
The AI camera on the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is built for convenience and precision, making it easy to snap the perfect shot no matter where you are. But it doesn’t stop at just taking photos—the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G offers powerful editing tools that enhance your images effortlessly.
AI Eraser 2.0: Remove Unwanted Elements with Precision
One standout feature is the upgraded AI Eraser 2.0, which makes editing photos so easy. Whether you’re at a crowded tourist spot or just want a clean, solo portrait, the “Remove People” function lets you erase unwanted elements from your photos with just a tap. This allows you to perfect your images on the go.
You don’t need to be a photo editing expert to use AI Eraser 2.0. With just four simple steps, you can remove unwanted objects or people:
Select the image you want to enhance.
Tap on the ‘Edit’ feature and choose ‘AI Eraser.’
Use the Smart Lasso for general selection, Remove People for quick detection, or Paint Over for precise edits.
Let AI Eraser do its magic, seamlessly removing the object and filling in the background for a flawless finish.
AI Studio: Create Digital Avatars with a Personal Touch
The OPPO Reno12 Series 5G also introduces the free pre-installed AI Studio app, a creative tool that lets you transform your photos into digital avatars or profile pictures. This feature is perfect for adding a personal touch to your online presence. Whether you’re looking to create a unique avatar or just have fun with creative filters, AI Studio makes it easy.
The AI Studio is user-friendly and can be accessed in just a few steps:
Open the AI Studio app on your OPPO Reno12 Series 5G.
Use OPPOints to unlock and choose the filter you want.
Select the photo you want to transform.
Watch as AI Studio turns your image into a creative digital avatar.
With these features, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G not only helps you capture stunning photos but also gives you the tools to edit and personalize them to your liking.
2. Sleek Design: Feels Right in Your Hand
The design of the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Whether you’re commuting or just moving through your day, the phone’s ergonomic design ensures it’s comfortable to use. The sleek curves add to the aesthetic appeal, making it a device that looks as good as it feels.
Despite its sleek profile at just 7.4 millimeters and a weight of only 180 grams, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is fitted with excellent build protection, thanks to OPPO’s High-Strength Alloy Framework that enhances corrosion and temperature resistance, and thermal conductivity. With an IP65 rating, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G also excels in dust and water resistance.
3. AI LinkBoost: Stay Connected Everywhere
The AI LinkBoost technology in the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G ensures you maintain a stable connection, even in challenging environments like basements or elevators. It features a 360º Surround Antenna and Intelligent Network Selection, both of which help keep your signal strong, even in the most challenging situations.
4. BeaconLink: Bluetooth Calls Without Signal
BeaconLink is a feature that leverages Bluetooth capabilities, allowing Reno12 Series users to make voice calls with other Reno12 Series users even when there’s no mobile signal. This is particularly handy in situations where traditional connectivity might fail, ensuring you can still reach out when necessary. It’s a practical feature that proves its worth when you least expect it.
5. Infinite View Screen: Smooth and Responsive
The Infinite View Screen of the series stands out with its 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and responsive experience. Whether you’re scrolling through apps, watching videos, or playing games, the screen’s high refresh rate makes everything feel fluid. The 93.5% screen-to-body ratio ensures you get the most out of the display, with minimal distractions from bezels.
It also boasts the toughest screen in the Reno Series’ history, providing ultra-flagship level resistance against impacts, drops, bending, and scratches. The OPPO Reno12 5G has Corning Gorilla Glass 7i while the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G has Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
For young professionals and content creators, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G offers a blend of practicality and performance. It’s a device that handles everyday tasks with ease while also providing features that cater to more specific needs, making it a reliable companion for anyone on the go.
The OPPO Reno12 5G comes in Astro Silver, Sunset Pink, and Matte Brown and is priced at Php24,999, while the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is available in Nebula Silver and Space Brown and sells at Php34,999.
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
ASUS ROG Philippines has announced that the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme is coming to the Philippines soon. This is a high-end 75% keyboard with an OLED touchscreen for customizability and also to show system information.
The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme might be expensive but it does come with a lot of features including a premium build with its aluminum-alloy chassis, metal frame, and also a Carbon Fiber Plate. There’s also an adjustable gasket mount so users can toggle between the two cushioned typing feel while reducing vibrations on the keyboard.
The keyboard also comes with a three-way knob so you can easily adjust the volume, multimedia controls, and even the lighting settings. Speaking lighting, the keyboard comes with customizable per-key RGB lighting that you can adjust and sync using the Armoury Crate app on the PC.
The keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB connection and then there’s the high polling rate as well at 8000Hz and when it comes to the battery, it offers up to 1600 hours of use.
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Availability and Price in the Philippines
The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme will be available in the Philippines this September 2024 for Php28,880. That’s pretty pricey but it’s the best keyboard that ASUS has to offer now.
Almost 3 decades later, one of the hottest games in 1997 is finally playable thru a browser. And yes, we’re talking about Diablo I. The very first game of the very popular series. Thanks to the GitHub source project called Diabloweb, you may now play the game in your browser and whatever device that you have But of course, there’s a catch.
Playing Diablo I in your internet browser!
First, you need to have the Diablo 1 .mpq files which can be found on your Diablo 1 install directory so yeah, you really need to buy the game or owned it. But in case you don’t want to get the game, you can play it using Shareware. However, the shareware won’t have any dialogues with the NPC and it lacks content.
So, how can you play Diablo 1 on any browser? Here’s the instructions.
Visit Diabloweb: Go to Diabloweb in your web browser.
Option 1: Upload the MPQ Files: If you own Diablo 1, upload the MPQ files from your game. If not, you can buy the game from GOG.com and extract the files.
Option 2: Play the Shareware Version: If you don’t have the full game, click on the “Play Shareware” button to play a limited version.
Access the save anytime: As long as you’re using the same browser, you can access your save file
You can finally enjoy playing Diablo 1 on your PC, tablet, or mobile via browser
realme Philippines is now prepping for the launch of the realme 13 Pro Series 5G in the country very soon. This smartphone series is expected to come with an Ultra Clear Camera with AI technology.
Just like the previous generation, the smartphone is focused on its camera and also its premium design. But of course, there’s a little bit of redesign on the smartphone. The realme 13 Pro Series 5G by collaborating with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). This partnership brings the inspiration of one of the legendary masters of Impressionism, Claude Monet, to the forefront of smartphone design.
The realme 13 Pro Series 5G is expected to come out in the Philippines soon.
