OPPO is set to launch its latest flagship series, the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, alongside the new ColorOS 15. The global launch will take place in Bali, Indonesia, marking Oppo’s next step in flagship innovation.
What to expect from the OPPO Find X8
The OPPO Find X8 stands out for its slim and lightweight design, offering flagship performance in a compact form factor. The phone features a 7.85mm thickness, weighs 193g, and includes a 6.59-inch display with ultra-thin 1.45mm bezels, making it comfortable to use while maximizing screen space. Available in Star Grey, Space Black, and Shell Pink, the Find X8 includes a fingerprint-resistant finish for added durability.
Find X8 Pro: Larger screen and dual periscope telephoto camera
The Find X8 Pro also offers a bigger screen and enhanced camera capabilities. It comes with a 6.78-inch display and introduces OPPO’s dual-periscope telephoto camera to global markets. Featuring a quad-curved glass design, the Find X8 Pro is available in Space Black and Pearl White, with each Pearl White unit featuring a unique pearlescent pattern.
Advanced camera features with Hasselblad partnership
Both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro include OPPO’s latest Hasselblad Master Camera System, offering AI-powered zoom capabilities that reach 10x and beyond. Each device also includes “Lightning Snap,” capturing up to seven shots per second while maintaining high image quality.
Battery and performance improvements
Meanwhile, the Find X8 series introduces Oppo’s silicon-carbon battery, with capacities of 5630mAh for the Find X8 and 5910mAh for the Find X8 Pro. These models also has the new MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, designed to deliver smooth performance and efficient power use for extended battery life.
ColorOS 15: Enhanced software for a better user experience
ColorOS 15 debuts alongside the Find X8 series, bringing a more streamlined design and a range of AI-driven tools aimed at enhancing productivity and usability.
Nothing has unveiled the Phone (2a) Plus that glows in the dark. But not only that, it’s so special because this smartphone is co-created with Nothing’s community members.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is a special six-month project that saw over 900 submissions from 47 countries. Only four winners were selected to work directly with Nothing’s team in London and each contributing to different aspects of the product’s development.
The standout feature of this limited edition phone is its phosphorescent back panel, designed by winners Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki. Unlike the LED lights at the back of the smartphone, the glow-in-the-dark effect is doesn’t need battery power.
Nothing Phone a PLus Community Edition
The community involvement didn’t stop at hardware design. Andres Mateos created six custom wallpapers using a combination of AI tools and digital design.
If you want to get one, the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition will be available this November 16 but there will only be 25 units that will be sold locally through Nothing’s Official Store on Shopee for Php24,990. There would be a total of 1,000 units only globally for this special edition device.
If you’re considering upgrading your phone but don’t want to stretch your wallet too far, the realme 13+ may have what you’re looking for. Aimed at the gaming crowd, this midrange device balances performance and affordability, packing features that can handle daily tasks and satisfy casual gamers.
Here’s our full review!
realme 13+ Review: Design
The realme 13+ 5G has a polycarbonate back with a marble-inspired finish, which adds a unique visual texture and feel. You’ll find the realme logo subtly placed at the bottom of the back panel, a nice touch that adds brand recognition without overwhelming the design.
Our review unit came in the bright Victory Gold color, perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant, attention-grabbing look. For those who prefer a subtler style, there’s also the Dark Purple variant, offering a sophisticated, minimalist vibe.
The phone comes with a protective case in the box, and we recommend making use of it. Even though the realme 13+ has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, an extra layer of protection never hurts. realme also claims it has wear and corrosion-resistant surfaces along with a cushioning protection structure, so it should hold up well to daily use and minor drops.
Meanwhile, the design is streamlined and straightforward. You have volume and power buttons on the right side, while the USB Type-C port, SIM card tray, and one half of the dual speakers sit at the bottom. The top houses the other speaker and—surprisingly—a 3.5mm headphone jack, which we didn’t expect but were glad to see. This jack means you can still use wired headphones for calls, music, or gaming, a thoughtful inclusion for users who prefer wired audio.
Overall, it’s a solid, functional design, but don’t expect luxury.
realme 13+ Review: Multimedia
The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is bright and vibrant, which makes gaming and streaming enjoyable. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations feel smooth, adding to the overall user experience. Colors are punchy, and contrast is impressive, especially in well-lit areas. The display quality certainly helps immerse you in games and media, which is great for users looking for a vivid screen without needing a flagship.
In direct sunlight, however, visibility isn’t quite as sharp, which can be a minor annoyance outdoors. But indoors or in moderate lighting, the display performs impressively well for its price.
The realme 13+ comes equipped with dual stereo speakers, which offer decent audio quality. Sound is clear enough for casual gaming, video streaming, and music, though it lacks the depth and richness you’d find on higher-end models. For an even better experience, especially in games with directional audio like Call of Duty: Warzone, you might want to invest in a good pair of headphones.
realme 13+ Review: Software
The realme 13+ 5G is powered by realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, delivering a smooth and fairly intuitive software experience with plenty of customization options. While there’s a bit of pre-installed bloatware, it’s not overwhelming and can mostly be uninstalled if you prefer a cleaner setup. Customization is a big win here, as you can adjust themes, icons, and layouts, which adds a personal touch to the device.
One feature we found particularly useful is Riding Mode, which optimizes the interface for easy access to essentials like Maps. Air Gestures also add an innovative edge, allowing you to control your phone hands-free by swiping or making hand movements that the front camera detects. It’s surprisingly responsive and convenient in situations when your hands are busy or dirty.
While realme UI 5.0 offers a lot of features, we noticed some lag during rapid app-switching. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you prioritize a minimalist and ultra-smooth experience. Overall, realme UI 5.0 brings a lot of functionality and customization to the table, making it a good fit for users who like to have plenty of tools at their fingertips.
realme 13+ Review: Performance
With the Dimensity 7300 Energy processor, 12GB of RAM (plus up to 14GB virtual RAM Expansion), and 256GB of internal storage, the realme 13+ is well-equipped for a midrange device, especially for gaming.
To start, we ran some benchmarks, which delivered respectable scores:
Geekbench 6 CPU Benchmark (Single-Core Score): 1048
Geekbench 6 CPU Benchmark (Multi-Core Score): 2970
3DMark Sling Shot: 6660
3DMark Sling Shot Extreme – OpenGL ES 3.1: 5166
3DMark Wild Life: 3181
PCMark Work 3.0 Performance: 13639
While these numbers are solid, what matters most is how the phone performs during real gameplay. We put the realme 13+ to the test with several popular games, you can read it here.
The realme 13+ is a good pick for budget-conscious gamers who enjoy casual or semi-competitive gaming. GT Mode is a valuable feature that delivers a noticeable performance boost when needed, though it does increase the phone’s temperature slightly. It won’t match the frame rates or smoothness of premium gaming phones, but it handles most games well and is capable enough for everyday gaming needs.
realme 13+ Review: Camera
The camera setup on the realme 13+ 5G is a bit of a mixed bag. It features a 50MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.88 aperture, while the front has a 16MP selfie camera.
The camera app comes packed with various modes, including Street, Night, Portrait, and more, allowing flexibility depending on what you’re aiming to capture. Its AI-driven Beauty Mode is also great. However, it can overdo the enhancements, particularly with heavy face smoothing and lip color that feels a bit exaggerated. For those who prefer more natural selfies, it might be worth turning this feature down or off.
On the plus side, the phone includes an AI Eraser tool in post-processing, which can help remove unwanted objects or photobombers by blending with the background. This feature is not perfect yet, but it’s nice to have in a smartphone.
In short, the realme 13+ 5G’s camera can handle casual shots and everyday photos just fine, but for more detail-oriented photography, it might leave you wanting a bit more.
Sample Photos:
realme 13+ Review: Battery Life
The realme 13+ 5G’s 5,000mAh battery is a dependable performer, easily lasting through a full day of regular use, including gaming, social media scrolling, and video streaming. Of course, with intensive gaming sessions, the battery does drain a bit quicker, but that’s expected for a device in this category.
One standout feature is the 80W Ultra Charge, which is truly handy for those on the go. In our test, we charged the phone from 0% and reached 63% in just 30 minutes. It’s impressive how quickly you can get back to a decent charge level, making it convenient if you need a quick boost before heading out.
realme 13+ Review: Verdict
The realme 13+ delivers solid value for those looking to upgrade without stretching their budget too far. Priced at Php19,999, it sits comfortably in the midrange market, offering decent gaming performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and the convenience of fast charging. It’s particularly appealing for casual gamers, with GT Mode providing a noticeable boost for games that need extra power.
In short, if you want a capable, affordable gaming phone that can handle daily tasks and casual games with ease, the realme 13+ is worth a look. It’s not the top choice for serious gamers but strikes a great balance for everyday use and light gaming.
HUAWEI Philippines is launching an two-day exhibition in BGC featuring the HUAWEI Watch GT 5. The “Tech with Love” showcase, scheduled for November 9-10, 2024, at Bonifacio Global City’s 5th Avenue, will demo the latest features of and digital health monitoring system of the HUAWEI Watch GT 5.
The features and the smartwatch will be demonstrated by HUAWEI ambassadors Jericho Rosales and Sofia Andres. They will showcase the smartwatch’s advanced fitness tracking capabilities and its unique Pet Panda wellness feature. The interactive space will also feature its technology and features through multiple digital wellness zones.
Some of the stations that you can check out includes TruSense Emotion Detection, Smart Fitness Tracking Zone, Digital Creative Suite, Health Monitoring Hub and Smart Photo Experience. You can explore the features of the HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Series in these stations including other products.
You can also join the #HuaweiTechWithLove Challenge in where you can make TikToks with the hashtag #HuaweiTechWithLove to win HUAWEI prizes. To learn more about it, head over to HUAWEI Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram.
In the latest data that was released by Canalys, it seems that OPPO has surged for Q3 2024 in where the company has captured 16% of the market share in the Philippines. The BBK-owned company has surged 91% of the market share in the Philippines compared to last year.
As expected, Transsion is still leading the market share as Itel, Infinix and Tecno are considered as one on this table with a total unit share of 33%. While realme went to #3 while Xiaomi still retained its 4th spot and despite the 49% annual growth for Samsung, they’re now down to the 5th spot.
HONOR Philippines has announced the official pricing of its latest smartphone, the HONOR X7c, bringing cutting-edge features and exceptional value to the Philippine market. With an affordable price tag of Php8,999, the HONOR X7c is packed with impressive specifications designed to cater to both everyday users and heavy multimedia consumers.
Pricing and Availability
The HONOR X7c will be available starting November 6, 2024, at HONOR Experience Stores, partner retailers, and online platforms. The smartphone is priced at Php8,999, making it a great choice for users seeking a high-quality device without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile, in celebration of its official launch, HONOR Philippines is offering an exclusive promo. From November 8-10, 2024, customers who purchase the HONOR X7c will also receive a FREE HONOR Gift Camping Light Speaker, perfect for music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This limited-time offer adds even more value to an already great deal.
HONOR X7c Key Features
The HONOR X7c boasts an IP64 water resistance rating, ensuring protection against dust and splashes, making it the perfect companion for outdoor activities. Powered by a 6000mAh battery, the device also provides up to 28.5 hours of online streaming or 21.5 hours of YouTube video playback, making it ideal for users who rely on their phones for heavy media consumption.
With 256GB of internal storage, users can store all their media, apps, and games without worrying about space. The phone also incorporates HONOR’s RAM Turbo Technology, giving the device an equivalent of 16GB of RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual) for smooth multitasking and efficient memory management.
The HONOR X7c’s combination of durability, performance, and affordability makes it a top choice for tech-savvy Filipinos.
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Smart Communications, Inc. held an exciting “Unbox the Future” event at midnight in celebration of the new iPhone 16 Series launch, held at the Smart Store in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The event allowed Smart subscribers to be among the first to experience Apple’s latest flagship smartphone with exclusive perks, giveaways, and performances from notable artists.
Local Celebrities Join iPhone 16 Launch Event
The midnight launch event saw the attendance of local stars like actress Kyline Alcantara and basketball player Kobe Paras, both sharing their enthusiasm for the iPhone 16’s innovative features. Paras expressed his excitement about testing the device’s improved camera settings, which offer advanced photographic styles, camera control, and zero shutter lag for better clarity. “I love taking pictures, so I decided to see how clear and improved the camera is,” Paras said. Kyline, meanwhile, praised the iPhone 16’s extended battery life, which Apple reports can reach around 50% in just under 30 minutes of charging. “I always forget to charge my phone, so having a long battery life will be helpful for me,” she shared.
Exclusive Rewards for the First 16 iPhone Buyers
Smart also rewarded the first 16 subscribers to purchase the iPhone 16 at the event, giving away Php3,000 worth of vouchers and phone accessories. Long-time Smart subscriber Maylu Mallari, one of the first to avail of the new iPhone, shared, “I’ve been with Smart for 10 years. This is really the Smart choice!”
The night’s festivities kicked off with a set from DJ Ish, followed by a live performance by singer-songwriter Reneé Dominique. Attendees also participated in a device recycling drive, where they could donate old devices to an in-store bin, supporting Smart’s sustainability efforts. To add more excitement, Smart gave away 16 iPads to lucky subscribers who attended the midnight event.
Smart Offers Unmatched Deals for iPhone 16 Series
Kristine Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business, emphasized that Smart is making it easier for subscribers to upgrade to the latest iPhone 16. “You may try to compare our offers to that of others, and I can guarantee that we have the best offers,” Go said. New Postpaid subscribers can get the iPhone 16 with a low downpayment and affordable monthly payments under Plans+ 999 for Php1,300 per month. Smart Prepaid users can also enjoy the latest iPhone for as low as Php2,313 per month for 24 months, with zero percent interest.
Postpaid, Infinity, and Prepaid Plans Available
Smart’s iPhone 16 Series is available through several plans under Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid, catering to a wide range of subscriber needs:
Smart Postpaid: New subscribers can avail of the iPhone 16 Series starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999, with a low downpayment of Php21,000 and a monthly payment of Php1,300 under a 24-month contract. Recontracting Postpaid subscribers can get the iPhone 16 (128GB) with Plans+ 999 for Php2,121 per month for 24 months, with an option for a lower monthly payment on a 30-month contract.
Smart Infinity: Infinity members can enjoy exclusive perks, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with Infinity Plans. The plans offer unlimited data, texts, calls, data roaming packs, and additional benefits like a dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager, 24/7 Infinity Concierge, and access to premium lifestyle events.
Smart Prepaid: For customers who prefer to purchase only the device, Smart offers the iPhone 16 handsets with installment options as low as Php2,313 per month for 24 months. The package also includes a Smart Prepaid eSIM and 16GB of data valid for 16 days.
Flexible Payment Options and Superior 5G Network
Smart has partnered with multiple banks and financing institutions to provide subscribers with flexible payment options. Credit cardholders from BDO, BPI, and Metrobank can avail of up to 12-month installments, while RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank customers can enjoy up to 24-month installment plans. Home Credit representatives are also available in select Smart Stores for more flexible device financing options.
The latest iPhone models will run on Smart’s top-rated 5G network, recently recognized by OpenSignal for delivering the best 5G coverage in the Philippines. With Smart’s reliable 5G services, subscribers can expect optimal performance and faster connectivity on their new iPhones.
HONOR Philippines is set to launch their newest smartphone this November 6, the HONOR X7c. This smartphone is boasted to have an all-angle water resistance thanks to its IP64 water resistance rating. This means that this smartphone has safeguards against dust and splashes.
The HONOR X7c is powered by a 6000mAh battery, that can sustain users through a full day of activities. This battery supports up to 28.5 hours of online streaming or 21.5 hours of continuous YouTube video playback as well for heavy multimedia users.
It comes with 256GB of internal storage, the smartphone is more than enough for most of your media files, apps, and games. It also features HONOR’s RAM Turbo Technology, which delivers an equivalent to 16GB of RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual) for more memory handling.
The HONOR X7c is arriving this November 6 in the Philippines
Xiaomi has unveiled their newest Xiaomi Pad 7 Series and this time, the Pad 7 series comes in two variants with two different chipsets inside. The Xiaomi Pad 7 series both feature an 11.2-inch IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an 800 nits of peak brightness and both supports a keyboard folio and also a Stylus similar to Apple Pencil.
The Xiaomi Pad 7 and the Pad 7 Pro both supports a keyboard folio with a cantilever design similar to the magic keyboard. It comes with the QWERTY keyboard and also a touchpad for better navigation on the tablet.
The Pad 7 features a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor while the 7 Pro features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor inside. The Pad 7 supports 45W charging with 13MP main camera and 8MP selfie camera while the Pad 7 Pro features a 50NO camera and 32MP selfie camera. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Series is powered by HyperOS 2.
Apple has just unveiled its newest Macbook Pro today. And no, there’s no redesign happening in here but we got here a more powerful chipset inside thanks to the Apple M4 family of chipsets — the M4, M4 Pro and the M4 Max.
New M4 Chips
The M4 family of chips delivers what Apple claims to be the fastest CPU cores available, optimized for both productivity and gaming. Equipped with an enhanced Neural Engine, these chips are built for AI-driven tasks and feature more robust CPU and GPU cores for improved performance.
The M4 Pro and M4 Max models take power to the next level. It features Thunderbolt 5 support for rapid data transfers and the capability to handle intensive applications. These high-performance models are ideal for professionals in engineering, data science, and creative media who need powerful hardware to manage complex workflows.
Also, the new Macbook Pro M4 now starts with a 16GB Unified Memory and can go up to 64GB Unified Memory depending on the configuration.
Upgraded Visuals
There’s the 12MP Center Stage as well that improves video call quality but keeping the face in the center even as they move. Paired with that is the Liquid Retina XDR display that can now feature up to 1,000 nits of brightness for SDR content and there’s a new nano-texture option as well to reduce the glare on the display.
Thunderbolt 5 and more!
For users who needs high-speed connectivity, the M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models come with Thunderbolt 5 ports, capable of reaching transfer speeds up to 120 GB/s. This positions the new MacBook Pro as an ideal choice for users requiring efficient data handling and device compatibility. This is essential for video editors and also for those who are handling big data that needs to be processed on the computer.
The new macOS Sequoia completes the experience, introducing features like iPhone Mirroring, personalized Spatial Audio for gaming, and a redesigned Safari browser. These updates ensure that users have a streamlined, immersive experience whether they’re working or unwinding.
Macbook Pro M4 Pricing
The new Macbook Pro starts at CA$ 2,099 for the M4/16GB/512GB and it can go even higher depending on the configuration. You can also opt for an M4 Max with 128GB Unified Memory and 8TB SSD storage. You can now pre-order the Macbook Pro in Canada starting today.
