HUAWEI is gearing up for the launch of there three new devices at the start of the year and these are the MateBook D 16 2024, MatePad Pro 13.2 and the HUAWEI FreeClip. Each of these devices pack a unique feature with both the tablet and the laptop features a large display while the FreeClip is an open-ear wireless earbuds.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2 is the largest tablet that the company has ever unveiled. It’s designed for the creatives as this one packs a brand new M-Pencil 3 and also a large display that you can use for productivity and also for creating content.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2 also features a large 13.2-inch OLED display along with a 144Hz refresh rate and with the M-Pencil powered by NearLink, you get to have a better pressure sensing levels and also a more accurate response for the stylus.
It also features a six-speaker setup which makes it perfect for productivity and it comes with a thin and light 5.5mm body with 580g weight.
HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024
HUAWEI has also updated the MateBook D lineup with the MateBook D 16 2024. This time around, the notebook can go up to Intel Core i9 processor and of course, it comes with a 16″ display. It still features a light and portable body but it features a powerful hardware inside.
HUAWEI FreeClip
The HUAWEI FreeClip features an open-ear design for comfortable all-day wear, immersive sound, and up to 36 hours of battery life make them your perfect audio companion, whether you’re lost in your music, taking calls, or simply savoring the sounds around you.
Microsoft is starting a new era of PC with the Copilot and they’re claiming it’s now the era of AI-powered Windows PC. Another step that they’ve done recently is the introduction of the Copilot key to Windows-powered laptops including on the latest ones with the 14th Gen Intel Core CPUs that will be arriving in the market soon.
A dedicated Copilot key
The Copilot key of the Windows 11 is designed to open the Copilot program anytime. Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that helps you get answers from across the web using human language.
With Copilot, it brings AI to your Windows devices and you can get answers, ask questions, and even generate images with it.
With the introduction of the Copilot key, this marks a significant change to Windows keyboard since the 90s. And with Microsoft’s focus on Copilot, we could probably see more AI-powered apps and features that will be incorporated to Windows in the future.
Dell’s XPS lineup has been refreshed today and this time, it brings the latest Intel Core Ultra CPUs inside along with an up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series. The XPS series now comes in XPS 14, XPS 16, and the XPS 13 which is replacing the XPS 13 Plus.
Dell XPS 13 for a lighter and portable design
The Dell XPS 13 is set to be their light and portable notebook. It comes with a weight of 2.6 pounds and it can go up to 3K+ OLED touch for its display. The notbook can go up to Intel Core 7 Ultra 165H processor and also an up to 64GB LPDDR5x RAM and 4TB PCIe 4 SSD. However for the graphics, the only choice is the Intel Arc Graphics.
Dell XPS 14 for a balance of power and portability
The Dell XPS 14 is the newcomer to the XPS family and it brings a bigger screen size at 14″ with an OLED panel. It comes with an up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU which is normally reserved for the 15″ variants and up.
The Dell XPS 14 comes with a 69.5WHr battery as well along with an up to 64GB RAM, up to Intel Core ULtra 7 165H CPU, and up to 4TB SSD.
Dell XPS 16 for power users
But if you need a more powerful device, you can go for the XPS 16 which is basically almost the same with other XPS devices in terms of design but the 16″ variant can go up to Intel Core 9 185H processor, 64GB of RAM, 4TB of SSD, and an up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU inside.
The 16.3″ display can also go up to 44K OLED as well. While for the battery, it comes with a 97WHr battery.
Focus on AI
Unlike their other notebooks, the new Intel CPUs and Microsoft has heavily invested with AI with the processors now featuring an NPU inside. They also all come with Copilot button in the keyboard which lets you take advantage of its AI prowess with a single button.
Dell XPS 13, XPS 14, & XPS 16 Price in Canada
Dell XPS 13 will start at CA$1,749
Dell XPS 14 will start at CA$2,249
Dell XPS 16 will start at CA2,549
Dell XPS 13, XPS 14, & XPS 16 Price in the Philippines
No word yet regarding availability of the Dell XPS 13, XPS 14, and XPS 16 in the Philippines
HONOR Philippines is set to launch the X9b in the Philippines this January 12 and just like the previous generation, the HONOR X9b. The smartphone is also tough just like the predecessor and promises to have a durable display that won’t break easily.
The HONOR X9b comes with a vegan leather design that gives off a premium and modern vibe. Aside from that, the smartphone is also expected to come with a 5800mAh battery, a 35W Fast Charging and this time, an IP53 Water and Dust Protection.
Aside from that, the HONOR X9b also features a 12GB RAM along with 256GB of internal storage. It also features a brand new processor, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
The HONOR X9b will launch this January 12, 2024 at 7PM
Samsung is set to launch their next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Series, this January 17. There were tons of leaks already of the Galaxy S24 series and it looks like the smartphones will pack an almost the same design but with some new features including a more powerful camera and a titanium body for the Ultra variant.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 Series with a major focus on mobile experience with AI. The Unpacked 2024 will happen at San Jose, California this January 17.
OPPO has recently outed their newest mid-range smartphone with 5G inside, the OPPO A98 5G. The smartphone is made for those people who wants a smartphone with basic needs and also 5G inside.
OPPO A98 5G: Design and hardware
The OPPO A98 5G is a mid-range smartphone that comes with a design that is quite common in the market now. It has the OPPO Glow design as well but the review unit that we got comes in cool black.
Again, the smartphone does have a generic feel when holding it and the ergonomics are just fine. They’re easy to hold despite having flat sides on the smartphone.
Of course, the smartphone comes with the basic things that we need which includes USB-C port that supports 67W SuperVOOC Charging and also a headphone jack below along with the speaker grill. The volume rocker and the power button are easy to reach despite using it in one hand.
OPPO A98 5G: Display
The OPPO A98 5G comes with a 120Hz 6.72-inch Full HD+ display with IPS panel. It’s not as impressive as the AMOLED panels out there and the colors aren’t as good as the AMOLED panel but navigating it on menus and settings is pretty smooth.
Again, the colors aren’t the best one because of its IPS Panel but it does the job done when it comes to direct sunlight legibility. Overall, expect a smooth display here but don’t expect the same colors of the AMOLED panels.
OPPO A98 5G: Battery
For the battery, the OPPO A98 5G comes with 5000mAh battery and it’s a decent and average size of a battery for its class and while PC Mark Work 3.0 Battery test keeps on crashing on us, we still manage to get a whole day or even a day and a half of battery life on the smartphone.
The best part about the smartphone is the charging speeds as the OPPO A98 5G comes with 67W SuperVOOC charging which let’s you fully charge the smartphone in less than an hour from 0%.
OPPO A98 5G: Software and performance
For its software, the OPPO A98 5G comes with ColorOS 13.1 that is based on Android 13. As expected, it was smooth, responsive and it’s user-friendly. It comes with a lot of bloat wares but most of them are useful and most of them doesn’t affect my experience with the smartphone.
As for the performance, it comes with the basic Snapdragon 695 processor which is the brains behind the smartphone and also the 5G capability. It also packs an 8GB of RAM which is already enough for most smartphones these days.
GPUScore: Sacred Path
GPUScore: The Expedition
Geekbench 6
3DMark Wild Life
Social media and most apps won’t be a problem on the smartphone as the OPPO A98 5G can handle most of that. It can also do light gaming but if you’re planning on playing heavier games on the smartphone, do expect to play it at a lower framerate or you might have to tone down the graphics settings to enjoy it.
OPPO A98 5G: Camera
For the camera of the smartphone, the OPPO A98 5G comes with 64MP main camera along with 2MP depth sensor and 2MP microscope camera. Yes, it’s a microscope camera which is a fun feature to use but I barely use it and it’s a feature that it’s nice to have but that useful in our everyday usage. While for the selfie camera, there’s the 32MP selfie camera.
Microscopic camera:
Microscopic view of the Chevrolet Logo
Chevrolet Logo
Main camera and ultrawide camera:
For the quality that I’m getting from the OPPO A98 5G’s main camera, it’s pretty much average but the lack of ultra-wide camera on the smartphone is a big miss for me. Check out the photos that we took using the smartphone
OPPO A98 5G: Verdict
The OPPO A98 5G is a smartphone that is meant for consumers who just wants an all-around midrange smartphone that they can use everyday. It might not have a groundbreaking feature or a feature that shines but the decent performance for basic apps, long battery life and fast charging makes it great for those people who aren’t looking for performance and amazing features. Just a normal and average smartphone that they can use everyday.
Infinix is set to redefine vlogging with its latest release, the Infinix ZERO 30 (4G).
The Infinix ZERO 30 (4G) boasts cutting-edge technology designed to enhance your vlogging experience. With a 50MP front camera, it promises crystal-clear visuals, ensuring that every detail is captured with unparalleled clarity and quality. This smartphone becomes the ideal companion to preserve memories, from everyday moments to grand adventures.
It also features a 3D curved AMOLED display, providing an immersive content viewing experience.
Meanwhile, equipped with a Mediatek Helio G99 octa-core processor, Arm Mali-G77 GPU, and up to 16GB Massive Extended RAM, the ZERO 30 (4G) ensures smooth performance for various tasks. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery, coupled with 45W wired charging capability, offers lasting power during vlogging sessions and quick recharging when needed.
The device also comes in three stylish colorways to suit various preferences. Sunset Golden, Misty Green, and Pearly White offer diverse options, catering to different style tastes.
The Infinix ZERO 30 is priced at an affordable Php9,999. Available through Infinix’s online stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, it provides a cost-effective option for aspiring vloggers.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on style and features? The HONOR X6a might just be the contender you’ve been searching for.
Read our full review to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
HONOR X6a Design
When it comes to design, the HONOR X6a takes a design upgrade compared to its budget sibling, the X5 Plus.
HONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaHONOR XaSporting a sophisticated glass-like design with a frosted finish, it not only looks premium but also stays clear of fingerprints and smudges.
The device is also pleasantly slim and light, ensuring a comfortable grip, and its fingerprint sensor conveniently sits on the right side, easily accessible with a thumb’s reach.
HONOR X6a Display
The HONOR X6a boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS display with a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. While the bezels are noticeable, they’re hardly a deal-breaker.
With a 1612 x 720-pixel resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, the display offers a decent viewing experience.
However, outdoor visibility takes a slight hit under direct sunlight. Meanwhile, watching videos and movies on this display is a satisfactory experience, providing clarity and vibrant colors.
HONOR X6a Software and Performance
Loaded with MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13, the HONOR X6a may not have the flashiest UI, but it’s straightforward and feature-rich for daily use.
It also has various pre-installed apps, but the good news is that most of them are removable. The fingerprint and face unlock features are also quick and responsive, adding to the overall convenience.
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G36, 4GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage, the device handles daily tasks well. However, gamers should note that it’s better suited for casual games, with visible lags and frame drops in more demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile.
Benchmark Scores
HONOR X6a Camera
Equipped with a 50MP main camera, a macro lens, depth sensor, and a 5MP selfie camera, the handset delivers decent image quality considering its price.
Sample Photos:
Macro
Macro
Indoor
Outdoor
Outdoor (2x)
Night
Night (2x)
Night (10x)
Selfie (Outdoor)
Selfie (Indoor)
Colors and contrast, while not the most vibrant, are commendable. Photos are also detailed and has deep sharpness. However, lowlight photos could use improvement, as it comes with visible noises.
On the flip side, the selfie camera captures great shots with pleasing facial enhancement.
HONOR X6a Battery
The device’s standout feature is its 5,200mAh battery, coupled with 22.5W fast charging.
PCMark Battery Life Test
With basic mobile tasks, the device can easily last two days, and even with heavier usage involving social media and casual gaming, expect almost 10 hours. Charging the phone from 20% to 100% is a breeze, taking only an hour and a half thanks to the fast charging capability.
HONOR X6a Verdict
Priced at Php6,990 for the 4GB/128GB configuration, the HONOR X6a brings an eye-catching design, decent cameras, and impressive battery life to the table.
While it competes well in terms of aesthetics and battery prowess, it faces stiff competition offering better performance and display.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
The Honor X50 Pro has finally been unveiled. It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which is one of the fastest processors on the market even until now. It also has a 6.78-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The HONOR X50 Pro has a 108MP main sensor. It is also paired with a 2MP macro camera. For the selfie camera, it also packs an 8MP selfie camera.
The HONOR X50 Pro also has a long-lasting battery, with a capacity of 5,800mAh. It supports 35W wired charging and it runs on Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2 on top.
Honor X50 Pro Specifications
6.78-inch Full HD+ OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Processor
12GB RAM
256GB Internal Storage
108MP main + 2MP macro rear cameras
8MP front-facing camera
Under display fingerprint scanner
35W Wired Charging
5800mAh Battery
Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2
Price and Availability
The Honor X50 Pro is available in two colors, Elegant Black and green. It is priced at CNY 2,799 (about Php21,906~).
CHERRY Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of CHERRY Philippines, is once again making a meaningful impact on the community through its Project Twinkle. The CSR program, which has been promoting the giving spirit over the holiday season since 2021, is focusing this year on reaching out to different child-care institutions, homes for the elderly, street families, and the IP community.
CHERRY Cares extends support to various organizations, including MBTC Manila Kids Home, Concordia Children Services, Inc., the Minstrels Rhythm of Hope Foundation, Kanlungan sa Er-Ma, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Laura Vicuña Foundation, and House of Somang in Parañaque. The organization also aims to bring a touch of warmth to the IP community of Sitio Magata, Tanay Rizal.
CHERRY Cares aims to create a space of happiness. Jollibee meals and Cosmic Plush Toys were given to the young hearts who have faced neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Moreover, CHERRY Cares went the extra mile to ensure that the gifts distributed align with the practical needs of the recipients by granting their wish list. Essential food items and hygiene kits were provided, emphasizing the importance of their well-being.
CHERRY Cares demonstrates that the holiday season is not only about festive decorations and celebrations but also an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The distribution of Media Noche package has reached 100 street families from different districts of Manila in coordination with DSWD-NCR.
“We are happy to light up lives and make this season brighter through our Project Twinkle. We’ve been doing this for quite some time. This is our CEO, Mr. Maynard Ngu’s way of returning the gratitude by simply giving back,” shares Agnes Conopio, PR and CSR Senior Manager of CHERRY.
