Smart reported a significant rise in 5G data traffic over the past year, driven by the company’s continued rollout of its 5G network across the Philippines.
According to Smart, average monthly 5G data traffic nearly doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a 16% increase in the fourth quarter alone versus the prior quarter. The company attributed this growth to the increasing availability of more affordable 5G devices and strong adoption of its Postpaid Unli 5G Signature plans.
“As we deliver the best mobile experience, we ensure our offers are value-packed, relevant, and that the latest handsets are accessible for subscribers to upgrade,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Smart’s Consumer Wireless Business.
Enabling the surge in 5G usage is Smart’s mobile network, which recently earned recognition from Opensignal as providing the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience. Smart’s network covers 97% of the population and is part of PLDT’s integrated network spanning 1.1 million kilometers of fiber infrastructure.
“Coverage is key to 5G adoption. Our latest Opensignal award underscores our commitment to expanding our network nationwide. These efforts are paying off with our doubled 5G data traffic,” Caeg added.
The increase in 5G data consumption aligns with the PLDT Group’s broader goals of bridging the digital divide, providing connectivity, and supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Philippine government’s digitalization initiatives.
TP-Link has introduced its new line of Wi-Fi 7 devices to the Philippine market. The company claims these products will deliver significantly faster speeds and lower latency compared to previous Wi-Fi generations.
Leading the Wi-Fi 7 lineup is the Archer BE230, which is the country’s first dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router. It features Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology that allows it to concurrently manage multiple wireless links for improved network stability and throughput. TP-Link states the BE230 provides up to 49% higher Wi-Fi speeds versus Wi-Fi 6 routers.
Other key enhancements in the BE230 include tripled VPN performance for secure remote access, a 3.3x reduction in network latency for real-time applications, and 4x faster USB data transfer speeds utilizing the latest Broadcom Wi-Fi 7 chipset.
In addition to the BE230 router, TP-Link unveiled other forthcoming Wi-Fi 7 products like the BE400 router, DECO BE25 mesh systems, RE235BE range extender, and TBE400UH adapter. Pricing starts at ₱5,990 for the BE230 router.
The company has partnered with PLDT Home to make the BE230 available first to PLDT’s fiber internet subscribers at a special retail price.
Alongside the Wi-Fi 7 launch, TP-Link also previewed its new Tapo smart home product line consisting of security cameras, video doorbells, floodlight cameras and motion sensors designed to integrate with the latest Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.
ASUS Philippines has announced the availability of the Zenbook S 13 OLED with Intel Core Ultra 7 in the Philippines. This refreshed model features upgraded hardware components, including Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor and AI-focused features.
The Zenbook S 13 OLED is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor, which promises better efficiency and also a focus on AI. It also comes with a 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD.
One of the highlights is the notebook’s 13.3-inch 3K 2880×1800 OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which delivers vibrant colors and sharp details.
ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Specs
Display: 13.3-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED 16:10 aspect ratio
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U with Intel AI Boost NPU
Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
OS: Windows 11 Home
Included: Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license
Warranty: ASUS 4A Quality and Service Warranty
ASUS also has integrated a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key into the Zenbook S 13 OLED’s keyboard, enabling users to access the Copilot app on the notebook anytime which can help in their AI assistance. Additionally, the laptop runs on Windows 11 Home and includes a lifetime license for Office Home & Student 2021 out of the box.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is now available for Php 87,995 at authorized ASUS stores in the Philippines. It comes with ASUS’s 4A Quality and Service Warranty, which offers always-on support and up to 3 years warranty.
Infinix has just launched their newest gaming smartphone in the market, the Infinix GT 20 Pro. This time, the smartphone will have a more powerful Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset but it will still have a gaming-centric design just like its predecessor, the GT 10 Pro.
Infinix GT 20 Pro Specs
Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
Display: 6.78″ 1080×2400 pixel AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
RAM: 8GB or 12GB
Storage: 256GB
Main Camera: Triple rear camera system: 108MP main sensor, 2MP macro sensor, and 2MP depth sensor
Front CamerA: 32MP front-facing camera
Connectivity: 5G
Charging Speed: 45W fast charging
Battery: 5000mAh
Other features: Mecha Loop LED interface
OS: XOS based on Android 14
The Infinix GT 20 Pro boasts a 144Hz display which will give you advantage in most games and then there’s the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset which is fast enough and decent enough for most games.
The Infinix GT 20 Pro also features a Mecha Loop LED interface at the back that can be customized and support color combos and lighting effects that are supported by games like PUBG, Free Fire and MLBB.
The Infinix GT 20 Pro will be available in 8GB/256GB and 12GB/256GB variants. Pricing will be unveiled soon.
HoYoverse has announced that the version 2.2 update for their popular turn-based fantasy RPG Honkai: Star Rail will arrive on May 8th. “Then Wake to Weep” update marks a major turning point in the game’s Penacony storyline.
The 2.2 update introduces two new 5-star playable characters – Robin, a renowned Halovian songstress from Penacony, and Boothill, a cyborg cowboy Galaxy Ranger. Robin’s talents are providing support buffs to allies through her singing, while Boothill specializes in dueling single enemies with powerful taunts and debuffs.
Players will continue the main storyline by exploring new Dreamscapes like the barren Dreamflux Reef to uncover secrets about the enigmatic group known as The Family. The approaching Charmony Festival also plays a central role, with activities like the Festivity Auditions allowing players to compete to become the “Festive Superstar”.
Alongside Robin’s debut is the release of her album featuring the hit song “If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking”. A special Honkai: Star Rail concert is planned for May 1st to celebrate the game’s first anniversary with music highlighting the journey so far.
Previously released limited characters like Topaz & Numby and Fu Xuan will also return in the 2.2 Warp Event for players to acquire.
Qualcomm has just launched their newest chip for Windows laptops, the Snapdragon X Plus platform. This chip comes with 10-core Oryon CPU that is clocked at 3.4GHz and there’s the up to 64GB of RAM as well.
As for the NPU, the Snapdragon X Plus promises an up to 45 TOPS NPU which is the fastest NPU that you can get for a laptop. It is expected to come with a long battery life as well along with faster on-device AI capabilities compared to its counterparts from Intel and AMD.
The Snapdragon X Plus supports LPDDR5x RAM, 42MB total cache and it supports up to 3 external displays at 4K HDR. It also supports Bluetooth 5.4 and also WiFi 7 Support.
We can expect laptops with Snapdragon X Elite to appear from global OEMs starting this middle of this year.
The new realme 12 5G has officially landed in the Philippines, marking the latest addition to the realme 12 Series 5G lineup. Available initially on TikTok Shop and authorized offline stores nationwide, the device combines advanced features and a sleek design to cater to mid-range smartphone buyers.
Enhanced Design and Features
Featuring the signature Trendy Watch Design, the realme 12 5G introduces two new captivating colors: Twilight Purple and Woodland Green, both with a glossy and iridescent finish. Equipped with a 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera, the device ensures impressive high-resolution photos in various settings, complemented by features like the Cinematic Bokeh Algorithm and built-in Master Portrait Filters.
Immersive Display and Performance
With a 6.7-inch 120Hz Sunlight Display, the realme 12 5G offers an immersive viewing experience, boasting a high refresh rate, FHD+ Resolution, and a remarkable 91.4% Screen-to-Body display ratio. The device’s “Extra Brightness” option in the display settings enables Sunlight Mode, delivering up to 950 Nits of brightness suitable for outdoor use.
LOCAL PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Priced at Php14,999, the realme 12 5G is available in a single 8GB+256GB storage variant, positioning itself as a compelling choice in its price segment. Early bird buyers can take advantage of exclusive TechLife and realme freebies during the initial selling period from April 26 to May 5, with the chance to win a Mystery Gift Box containing freebies worth up to Php24,999.
Meanwhile, online shoppers can enjoy special discounted prices for the realme 12 5G on TikTok Shop, accompanied by exclusive TechLife and realme freebie sets. Vouchers for these discounts will be announced during official live selling events featuring popular personalities such as James Afante and Iwa Moto.
Here are the details:
James Afante
April 25, 7:30PM
TechLife Cooling Fan + TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer
realme Buds T100 + TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer
TechLife Portable Steam Iron + TechLIfe Electric Kettle + TechLife Portable Electric Pot
Iwa Moto
April 27, 7:00PM
TechLife Electric Kettle + TechLife Portable Steam Iron
realme Philippines
April 25 – 30
realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker + TechLife Cooling Fan
Furthermore, discounts and freebies will be available on Shopee and Lazada from May 5 to 10.
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Meanwhile, you can read our initial impressions here. We’ll release our full review soon!
HONOR is set to launch its latest flagship smartphone, the Magic6 Pro, in the Philippines this May. The HONOR Magic6 Pro is known for its powerful camera and also its AI powered Falcon Camera System.
For the processor, it comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor inside. While for the camera, it comes with a 50MP main camera, 50MP Ultra Wide Camera and also a 180MP Periscope Telephoto camera.
HONOR Magic6 Pro Specs
Display: 6.80 inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 2800 pixels
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU
Memory: 12GB RAM + 512GB storage
Rear Camera: Triple rear camera including a 50MP wide main camera, a 50MP ultra wide camera, and a 180MP periscope telephoto camera
Front Camera: 50MP front camera with a 3D depth camera
5600mAh
80W Wired Charging
66W wireless charging
Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rated for splash, water, and dust resistance
MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14
The HONOR Magic6 Pro is expected to be available for pre-order soon at Lazada, Shopee and TikTok Shop.
Apple has announced that there will be an iPad-focused event this May 7, 7AM PT Time. It has been a while since Apple has updated the iPad Air and the iPad Pro is due for an update for M3 chip. But what are the things that we can expect from this Apple event this May 7?
The iPad Pros are expected to come with a brand new and more powerful M3 Chips inside. These are the same chips that we can find on the new Macbook Airs and Pros.
Aside from that, we can also expect a redesign of the new iPad Pros along with the new Magic Keyboard which makes the iPad Pro look more like a laptop than before.
Not only that, the iPad Pro are also expected to come with OLED display which will make it more colorful than ever along with the brand new Apple Pencil which will come with more features.
Bigger iPad Air
There are also rumors that the iPad Air will also come with a brand new size — a 12.9″ iPad Air which is similar to the size of the iPad Pro 12.9 that we’ve right now. The iPad Air isn’t expected to have a big redesign change but do expect it at a bigger display
Calculator App is coming!
There are also rumors that the Calculator app is finally coming to the iPad Pro and it is expected that the Mac App will have some changes for the calculator app as well.
The Apple event will happen this May 7, 7 AM PT time.
Infinix has unveiled the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G with 100W Supercharge and 20W wireless charge in the Philippines. Having had the opportunity to explore the device beforehand, we’re genuinely impressed with what it brings to the table. Now, you might be thinking, “Oh, another smartphone release, what’s new?” Well, let us break it down for you.
Here are five compelling reasons why the upcoming Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G deserves your attention and why we believe it can compete toe-to-toe with its rivals, especially considering its expected price tag of under Php14,000!
#1 – The only all-round fast charge phone with 100W Supercharge and 20W wireless charging, under 14k
There could be many versions of listicles talking about why you should get the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, but if there’s one thing that will never change: it’s because the device is an all-around fast charge phone with 100W Supercharge and 20W wireless charging, under 14K. At this price point, it is the first time we received a unit that comes with a wireless charger in the box. And it was awesome. Think of it this way, many brands might offer freebies like this, but that’s only available for a certain time period, or maybe until supplies last only. But with the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, it’s already included in the box, saving you money.
And it’s not all a gimmick.
In fact, the device supports 100W Supercharge and 20W wireless charging solutions. This means that you can charge its 4,600mAh battery in less than an hour. For your reference, the first time we charged the device from 35% to 100%, it only took us a good 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, stay tuned to our full review soon for more accurate data.
#2 – Powerful Dimensity 7020 5G Chipset
Fueling the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is MediaTek’s Dimensity 7020 5G chipset, a good chip for gaming and multitasking. With an octa-core configuration (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) paired with IMG BXM-8-256/Hyper Engine GPU, smooth app transitions are a given. During our week-long usage, gaming sessions with Call of Duty: Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang were fast, thanks to seamless performance even at high graphics settings.
Meanwhile, we’re still going to run multiple heavy games using the device, and we’ll let you know in our full review about its performance.
#3 – Expandable RAM up to 24GB
Another standout feature of the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is its expandable RAM, setting it apart as the top choice under Php14,000. Boasting 256GB internal storage and 12GB RAM, expandable up to 24GB, this device offers unparalleled versatility at its price point. Our intensive usage over a week also showed its ability to handle demanding tasks effortlessly, with no overheating issues even during prolonged gaming sessions.
#4 – Immersive 120Hz AMOLED Display
Another reason why the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is the best phone at its price point is its immersive display. It boasts a 6.78-inch 3D-Curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. With this feature, it delivers an outstanding viewing experience when watching or streaming videos. The colors are vibrant and punchy as well. Honestly, if a stranger sees you using the device and has no idea what it is, they might think it’s a premium flagship phone with a price tag three times higher.
And need we say more? AMOLED…curved display…120Hz screen for under Php14K? It’s a total steal
#5 – Impressive 108MP Camera System
What’s a great smartphone without a stellar camera? The NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G doesn’t disappoint, boasting a 108MP OIS+2MP+2MP rear camera setup and a 32MP selfie shooter.
We were particularly impressed by its Super Night mode, capturing bright, detailed images even in low-light conditions.
For instance, this photo was taken at 6-7PM, but as you can see, the image is still bright without oversaturating it:
Super Night Mode
Meanwhile, here are more sample photos taken through the lens of the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G:
Night Shot (without Super Night Mode)
Indoor (Lowlight)
Indoor
Selfie
Selfie (Portrait Mode)
Bonus: Premium Design
With its sleek curved display, slim profile, and unique texture, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G exudes premium elegance. Its leather-like textured back adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring it holds its own against premium smartphones costing Php30K+.
In summary, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G isn’t just another smartphone release. It’s the ultimate all-round fast charging device with 100W Supercharge and 20W wireless charging, under 14K. Alongside its exceptional performance, immersive display, and impressive camera capabilities, it promises to redefine your mobile experience.
The device will be available in two striking colorways: Vintage Green and Obsidian Black.
Get ready to grab yours on April 25th via official Infinix offline and online stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
Meanwhile, the NOTE 40 Pro 4G will also be released at the same time as the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, but it will be available exclusively via Shopee.
Stay tuned for official pricing on Infinix’s official Facebook page and their website! We’re also going to publish our full review soon!
