Infinix has unveiled its latest Note 40 series lineup. The Infinix Note 40 series comprises three models: Note 40 Pro+ 5G, Note 40 Pro 5G, Note 40 Pro, and Note 40. All phones emphasize large, high-refresh-rate displays, powerful camera systems with 108MP main sensors, and fast charging capabilities.
Infinix Note 40 Series
Infinix Note 40
The standard Note 40 is opting for a more traditional flat 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Despite being the most affordable in the series, it does have a competitive display.
The camera system on the Note 40 features a similar rear setup to the Pro models, with a 108MP main sensor taking center stage.
In terms of performance, the standard Note 40 relies on the Helio G99 chipset from MediaTek. The Infinix Note 40 also comes with 45W wired charging speeds and also a 20W Wireless MagCharge.
Infinix Note 40 Pro
The Note 40 Pro retains the large display experience, featuring a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a curved design. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint scanner and also a Corning Gorilla Glass.
The smartphone also comes with 108MP camera with OIS for smoother and better shots.
For the processor, the Infinix Note 40 Pro comes with a Helio G99 Ultimate processor inside along with 12GB RAM. While for charging, it supports 70W Charging speeds along with 20W Wireless MagCharge.
Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G
The Note 40 Pro 5G boasts a curved AMOLED display with a slightly bigger 6.78-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution and also a 120Hz refresh rate. Along with that is the protetion of Corning Gorilla Glass
The camera system on the Note 40 Pro 5G mirrors the Pro+ variant, featuring a triple-camera setup with a primary 108MP sensor with OIS.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 5G chipset also powers the Note 40 Pro 5G. The phone utilizes a 4,500mAh battery. However, the charging speed is up to 45W along with 20W Wireless MagCharge.
Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G
The Note 40 Pro+ 5G takes the lead in the series with its display. It boasts a 6.7-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, promising a vivid viewing experience and it also boasts a 10-bit color depth for smooth visuals.
The Note 40 Pro+ 5G shares the same impressive camera system as the Pro and Pro 5G models, featuring a 108MP main sensor with OIS.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chipset powers the Note 40 Pro+ 5G. The phone can be configured with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM, expandable with virtual RAM technology. While for charging, the Infinix NOte 40 Pro+ 5G comes with 100W Charging and 20W Wireless MagCharge
Qualcomm has unveiled a Snapdragon SoC – the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This processor aims to bridge the gap between the company’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the more affordable Snapdragon 7 series, targeting more affordable flagship smartphones.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is built on a 4nm manufacturing process and features a combination of cores similar to the flagship 8 Gen 3. It boasts a single high-performance Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.0 GHz, along with four Cortex-A720 cores for balanced performance at 2.8 GHz, and three efficiency-focused Cortex-A520 cores at 2.0 GHz.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 utilizes a lower clock speed on its Cortex-X4 prime core (300 MHz lower than the standard 8 Gen 3) and has a different core configuration. The 8 Gen 3 utilizes a 1+5+2 core layout (one prime core, five performance cores, and two efficiency cores) compared to the 8s Gen 3’s 1+4+3 layout. Additionally, the 8s Gen 3 features slightly lower RAM support, topping out at 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM compared to the 8 Gen 3’s unrestricted LPDDR5 support.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 retains many premium features from its flagship counterpart. It supports Qualcomm Spectra 18-bit Triple ISP technology for advanced camera processing, Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless connectivity, and the latest Bluetooth standards. However, the 8s Gen 3 integrates the latest Snapdragon X70 5G modem instead of the cutting-edge X75 found in the 8 Gen 3.
We can expect that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 will be primarily used by phone manufacturers to equip premium smartphones at a slightly lower price point than those powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Expect smartphones with this chipset to be unveiled soon.
Smart Communications and Mobile Legends game developer MOONTON have announced their renewed partnership for the 2024 season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines esports tournament.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that Smart and MOONTON have partnered for the esports event. The MPL-PH Season 13 kicked off on March 15, featuring eight professional teams – AP.Bren, Blacklist International, ECHO, Minana EVOS, ONIC Philippines, RSG Philippines, Smart Omega, and TNC Pro Team.
A new playoff format called “The Gauntlet” has been introduced this season. The top three seeded teams will advance directly to the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while the fifth and sixth place teams will compete for the fourth spot.
As the official mobile partner, Smart will live stream all the MPL-PH matches, from the playoffs to the finals, on its official Facebook page. Smart also plans to offer special prizes, promotions and “epic gaming experiences” for viewers throughout the season.
“Our longstanding partnership with MOONTON Games puts us in the best position to empower Filipino esports athletes and aspiring gamers as they level up their gameplay,” stated Kristine A. Go, SVP for Smart’s Consumer Wireless Business.
Baizhou Ning, MOONTON’s Philippines Head of Esports, highlighted the companies’ “shared commitment to constantly innovate and elevate the esports scene in the Philippines.”
To support mobile gaming, Smart is promoting its Smart Unli 5G data offers that provide unlimited data for all sites and apps starting at ₱149 for a 3-day validity. Smart’s 5G network recently received recognition from Opensignal for delivering the best 5G coverage and availability in the Philippines.
HoYoverse has announced a major update for Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.1, titled “Into the Yawning Chasm,” which will arrive on March 27th and brings a lot of new content, including story expansion, playable characters, unique locations, and celebratory events in anticipation of the game’s first anniversary.
Honkai Star Rail KV
The update delves deeper into the mysteries of Penacony, a world shrouded in intrigue. Players will explore new maps like the Clock Studios Theme Park, a Dreamscape brimming with excitement, and the Dewlight Pavilion, a hidden domain shrouded in tranquility. The “Fate’s Ensemble” feature allows players to experience the story from different perspectives, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Penacony’s various factions and their agendas.
New Playable Characters Join the Journey
Acheron (5-star): A mysterious drifter with exceptional swordsmanship. Her skill charges up with each use, unleashing powerful attacks.
Aventurine (5-star): A high-ranking member of the “Ten Stonehearts” who thrives on high-risk challenges. His abilities provide shields and buffs to allies.
Gallagher (4-star): A Penaconian security officer with a laid-back attitude. His Ultimate deals damage and offers healing benefits to allies.
Honkai: Star Rail Celebrates First Anniversary
To commemorate its first year, Honkai: Star Rail will host a series of special events:
Cosmodyssey: Players can embark on a journey through the game’s history, reliving past experiences with friends.
Immersive Interactive Exhibition: An online celebration featuring themed sections dedicated to various locations in the game.
Offline Anniversary Events: Players in major cities can participate in offline celebrations to experience the world of Honkai: Star Rail firsthand.
Additional Content and Availability
Version 2.1 also introduces the “Vignettes in a Cup” event, where players can create drinks for Dreamscape monsters and learn their stories. The Simulated Universe expands with the addition of a new world.
Honkai: Star Rail is currently available on PC, iOS, Android, Epic Games Store, and PS5. The game has received critical acclaim, winning awards like Apple’s App Store Game of the Year and Google Play’s Best Game.
The most affordable Macbook Air in the Philippines isn’t the M2 variant as the good ol’ Macbook Air M1 256GB is still available at Beyond the Box for only Php 45,890.
The Macbook Air M1 was unveiled last 2020 and it’s the first ever device to sport an M1 chip inside. While the follow up, the Macbook Air M2 with a brand new design, was unveiled last 2022.
The Macbook Air M1 might be dated but the chip is definitely capable of doing most tasks, run apps, and even games without problems even for 2024.
HoYoverse has just announced that the highly anticipated urban fantasy action role-playing game (ARPG), Zenless Zone Zero, is gearing up for its next round of closed beta testing. Players can now sign up for the upcoming beta, known as the Amplifying Test, on PC, iOS, and Android.
Zenless Zone Zero introduces players to a brand-new urban fantasy IP set in a post-apocalyptic world. As a player, you’ll step into the shoes of a Proxy, tasked with unraveling the mysteries behind New Eridu and defeating unknown enemies. The fate of this city rests in your hands.
The Amplifying Test will introduce a brand-new character, Zhu Yuan. You can explore his unique abilities and backstory as you navigate the treacherous Hollows.
You can enjoy new faction, bangboo mechanics, Shiyu DEfense, and many more.
The closed beta test promises significant improvements to Zenless Zone Zero’s overall gameplay experience. HoYoverse’s commitment to enhancing combat, exploration, and storytelling will undoubtedly captivate players.
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is definitely a marvel among the foldable smartphones as TÜV Rheinland has certified the smartphone that you can open and close it for more than 1,000,000 times and the hinge will still remain intact.
Find N Flip Hinge
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is the latest foldable smartphone from the comapny and it packs a 3.26-inch outer display, a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset inside, a 4300mAh battery and also a 44W SUPERVOOC Charging. The OPPO Find devices features a Flexion Hinge that enables a shallow screen crease and also a zero-gap hinge when closing. It also provides a seamless and more durable design.
TÜV Rheinland is an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization that verified the OPPO Find N3 Flip to last more than a million open and close on its hinge.
According to TÜV Rheinland, the OPPO Find N3 Flip was assessed on physical performance, holding comfort, scene durability test, and 10,000-fold durability. OPPO also held a livestream in where Attendees were able to witnessed the smartphone to last up to 1,000,000 times folded continuously.
The Reliable Folding certification process evaluates a foldable device’s durability under various conditions. This includes simulating drops, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), and repeated folding cycles. The aim is to ensure the device functions properly after these tests with minimal impact on the crease, screen flatness, hinge noise, folding mechanism, and display quality.
The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra has officially been unveiled by the Taiwanese company and it’s a departure from the usual smalll-sized Zenfone smartphones as the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a larger display but still, a powerful processor inside.
The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra has the similar vibe of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 but the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a slower refresh rate for its display but it still has a decent camera inside with a main 50MP main camera.
However, it still has the same battery size, charging, and processor. Basing on its specs, the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra still has a flagship specs.
Rear Cameras: 50MP Main Camera + 32MP telephoto camera + 13MP ultrawide camera
Front-facing cameras: 32MP selfie camera
Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM
Charging: 65W Charging
Battery: 5500mAh battery
OS: Android 14
The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra will be available in Skyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, and Desert Sand. THe ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra starts at 1000 Euros.
Honor Philippines is set to host the much-anticipated “Honor X9b 5G Bagsakan Concert” featuring Parokya ni Edgar as the headliner. The event, organized as a thanksgiving party for the success of the viral smartphone HONOR X9b 5G, will take place at McKinley Whisky Park in BGC, Taguig City on March 16.
Line-up and Exciting Activities
The concert will feature a stellar line-up including Alex Calleja and The Comedy Crew, online sensation Kween Yasmin, and talented artists Jarlo Base and Over October. Attendees can expect a range of exciting games, prizes, and surprises.
How to Get Free Tickets
Honor Philippines is also giving away 200 free tickets for the event. To win, simply join the official Honor Philippines Community Facebook Group and fill out the form pinned on the page. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Additional Offers and Prizes
In addition to free tickets, Honor Philippines is offering irresistible prizes including 10 HONOR X9b 5G phones, six HONOR Watch 4, and many more game and raffle prizes.
Availability of HONOR X9b 5G
Meanwhile, the HONOR X9b 5G smartphone is available for Php16,999 in three color options—Sunrise Orange, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black. Consumers can get it from authorized HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, as well as online platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
Honor fans can also avail of the HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest. Globe Postpaid Subscribers can also apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299. This allows users ro enjoy unlimited calls and texts, along with 8GB of all-access data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300.
Live Streaming Option
Meanwhile, for those unable to secure tickets, the entire concert will be live online. Viewers can catch the live stream on the provided link.
To learn more about the HONOR X9b 5G smartphone and upcoming events, visit the official Honor Philippines website and social media platforms.
Xiaomi Philippines has launched the Redmi Note 13 series in the country and it comes in different variants but the most affordable of them all is the Redmi Note 13 4G. This might not come with 5G but it’s definitely affordable and made for the consumers who are on the budget.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Design and hardware
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 comes with a similar design language to the other Redmi Note 13 brothers but the Redmi Note 13 comes with protruding camera lenses only and not the camera module which makes it more minimalistic and simpler looking.
When it comes to ergonomics, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 comes with a slim and light body. It comes with a blocky build with slight curves to make the grip a little bit better on the smartphone. The off-center Redmi logo on the smartphone also adds an odd but unique design.
At the top, there’s the IR blaster and also the headphone jack which gives you the flexibility to use a wired earphones on the smartphone. There’s a decent speaker on the smartphone as well and as for the USB-C port, it does support 33W charging as well.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Display
For the display of the Redmi Note 13, there’s the 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED Display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it might sound good on paper, it’s definitely not the best in terms of colors but make no mistake because the colors are still fine especially for its price range.
It’s bright enough to be used outside the AMOLED panel does really help in that. Navigating on apps and also on games is pretty smooth as well thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate on the smartphone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Battery
For the battery, the Redmi Note 13 comes with a 5000mAh battery inside and that’s a decent amount of juice already inside. The smartphone comes with support for 33W wired charging as well. In our review of the smartphone, we got a score of 16 hours and 39 minutes at PC Mark Work 3.0 Battery test which is pretty excellent.
Screenshot com futuremark pcmark android benchmark
In my day to day usage, I was even able to use the smartphone for up to two days in Thailand and that’s considering I was using the smartphone for social media and taking photos whole day.
XIaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Software
MIUI 14, based on Android 13, runs the show. While it offers plenty of customization options, it’s also laden with pre-installed apps and ads that can be intrusive. You’ll need to spend some time cleaning up the interface to truly personalize your experience. I believe that Xiaomi can even improve their UI even more especially now that HyperOS is already out in the market. We hope to see an update on the Redmi Note 13 in the future.
XIaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Performance
As for the performance of the smartphone, it packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor inside along with 8GB of RAM with additional 4GB extended RAM from its main storage and then there’s the 256GB internal storage for our review unit.
The Snapdragon 685 processor delivers a predictable performance. It’s your entry to the Redmi Note 13 Series and which is why we’re not expecting too much from this smartphone. We’re able to run most of the apps that we need on the smartphone without problems such as social media apps and some casual apps on the Play Store.
On benchmarks, it’s pretty much what we can expect from the smartphone as we got here a slight improvement from the Snapdragon 680. But of course, when it comes to gaming, games like Mobile Legends would be just fine on the smartphone and it didn’t heat up that much when I was playing it for a few minutes. As for games like Honkai Star Rail, expect it to not run at the mid-highest settings at a consistent FPS. So make adjustments and do set your expectations on the smartphone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 packs a 108MP main camera inside and also an 8MP ultrawide camera and 2MP macro camera. While for the selfie camera, there’s the 16MP selfie camera. The main camera of the smartphone would do fine for its price range. We noticed that in our shots using the Redmi Note 13, we’re getting pretty sharp photos for its price range and the colors are accurate on the smartphone.
Selfie:
Ultra-wide:
Main rear camera:
Surprisingly, the night mode of the Redmi Note 13 was fine as well. It might not be perfect but it’s definitely acceptable for me as the colors were retained just fine and the shots weren’t soft that much.
Selfie on the smartphone is pretty good too for its price range. It’s not that soft but definitely not excellent. Even at lowlight, I’ve noticed it’s a little bit softer and it lost some of the details but it did fare pretty well.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 presents an affordable price tag but still got the features that we need. It’s not a perfect smartphone, it still has flaws, but the Redmi Note 13 offers a bang-for-the-buck features just like its predecessors.
The formula for the Redmi Note series has been very predictable but it’s not really a bad thing as we’re getting here a pretty good AMOLED display for its price range, a performance that would do fine for most basic tasks and games, a long battery life, and a decent camera as well. However, the MIUI is getting outdated and it does have a lot of ads popping out. However, we’re hoping that HyperOS would arrive on the Redmi Note 13 4G as well in the future for better and more optimized experience.
