Huawei has unveiled a new product line aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses dopt technology more easily and affordably. Called Huawei eKit, it includes solutions for networking, collaboration, security, and storage.
The launch comes as many SMBs struggle with digital transformation. While advanced tech can help them become more efficient and competitive, limited budgets and tech expertise often hold them back.
Huawei designed eKit to address these pain points. The solutions are easy to set up, use, and maintain. They pack enterprise-level capabilities but at prices accessible to SMBs.
For example, the networking gear provides robust wireless connectivity and built-in security. The collaboration tools enable remote work with video conferencing and file sharing. There are also all-in-one printers, servers, and storage options tailored to small office needs.
To further simplify adoption, Huawei is providing dedicated training, support and financing options for SMB partners. It has also set up an eKit website and app as a one-stop portal for products, resources and services.
The launch reflects Huawei’s growing focus on SMBs as a strategic segment. There are over 1 million SMBs in the Philippines, comprising 99.5% of businesses in the country. Helping more of them leverage technology is aligned with Huawei’s vision to drive inclusive digital transformation.
Local distributor VST ECS Phils will make eKit available through its channel network across the Philippines. With these solutions, Huawei and VST ECS aim to accelerate tech adoption among SMBs and strengthen their contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
Homegrown tech brand CHERRY is spreading the love this Valentine’s season with exclusive deals on gadgets and devices perfect for you and your special someone.
From February 14 to 18, CHERRY is holding its Love in Pairs promo with bundled offers on wireless earbuds, air purifiers, chargers, cables, and security cameras. The deals are available on CHERRY’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and its website cherryshop.com.ph.
One of the highlighted deals is on the CHERRY Flare S8. The buy one, take one promo brings the price down to just PHP 3,499 for a pair of this smartphone
For healthy indoor air, CHERRY is also offering a buy one, take one on the Ion Personal Air Purifier for only PHP 1,499. It can capture dust, allergens, and pollutants, making it a thoughtful gift for your significant other.
Tech enthusiasts can take advantage of the bundle promo on the CHERRY Nitro GaN Pro Charger and 100W USB-C cable, now 11% off for only PHP 1,299. This 65W fast charger can quickly juice up high-end smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.
And for added home security, CHERRY has a 12% discount on the Smart Bullet S2 Camera and Smart Flexi Camera kit at PHP 2,750. The indoor and outdoor cameras help ease worries and let you stay connected to your home wherever you are.
CHERRY’s month-long Love in Pairs deals let you celebrate romantic connections along with tech that enhances moments together. Find your perfect match from CHERRY’s selection and make this Valentine’s extra special.
ASUS has unveiled its lineup of ROG Strix gaming laptops for 2024, featuring the latest specs and technologies for enthusiasts. The new ROG Strix Series is headlined by the all-new 18-inch ROG Strix SCAR 18, the first laptop from ASUS to sport an 18-inch display.
The entire refreshed Strix series boasts a 14th generation Intel Core i9 processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 laptop GPUs with 175W max graphics power. This positions the new laptops as highly capable options for both gaming and creative workloads.
ROG Strix SCAR 18 With Splendid Mini-LED Display
ASUS ROG Strix 2024
The highlight of the 2024 Strix laptop launches is the ROG Strix SCAR 18, featuring a 18-inch mini-LED panel. Dubbed as the ROG Nebula HDR display, it leverages mini-LED backlighting with over 2000 dimming zones to deliver stellar HDR visuals. The display tops out at 1100 nits peak brightness and also supports Dolby Vision.
According to ASUS, the mini-LED backlighting alongside ROG’s Nebula HDR Engine provides reduced blooming and minimal halo effects even in challenging scenes. This results in incredible image quality, making the ROG Strix SCAR 18 stand out.
The 18-inch size coupled with the 16:10 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience for both gaming and content creation workloads. ASUS is leveraging this cutting-edge display tech for the first time in its 18-inch laptops with the launch of the Strix SCAR 18.
Flagship 14th Gen Intel CPUs and RTX 40 Series Graphics
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18
In terms of performance, all the new ROG Strix laptops are powered by the latest 14th generation Intel Core i9-14900HX processors. This is Intel’s new flagship HX series chip with 24 cores and 32 threads. ASUS is pairing it with up to RTX 4090 laptop GPUs with 175W max graphics power to create beastly gaming rigs.
The Strix SCAR 18 can be configured with up to RTX 4090 graphics, while the SCAR 16 houses RTX 4080 graphics. On the more affordable front, the ROG Strix G18 and G16 models are equipped with RTX 4070 and RTX 4060 GPUs respectively.
Sophisticated Cooling Design for Optimal Thermals
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16/18
To allow the powerful hardware to sustain peak performance, ASUS has engineered advanced cooling technologies into the 2024 ROG Strix models. This includes the Tri-Fan system with an extra tertiary fan to direct airflow towards the internals.
Additionally, ASUS is utilizing Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal compound for thermal interface on both the CPU and GPU. This drastically improves heat dissipation compared to traditional thermal pastes.
ROG Strix SCAR 18 Pricing in the Philippines
These new ASUS ROG laptops will be available in the Philippines this February 2024:
SERIES
MODEL
COLOR
SPECS
BUNDLE
PRICE
STRIX SCAR 18
G834JYR-R6065WS
OFF BLACK
18″ WQXGA MINI LED / 240Hz / i9-14900HX / 16GB x 2 / 1TB PCIE4 SSD x 2 (PERFORMANCE) / RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6
ROG Backpack, ROG Gladius 3, Type-C PD Adapter / MS Office Home & Student 2021
₱299,995
STRIX SCAR 16
G634JZR-RA091WS
OFF BLACK
16″ WQXGA MINI LED / 240Hz / i9-14900HX / 16GB x 2 / 1 TB PCIE4 SSD / RTX 4080 12GB GDDR6
ROG Backpack, ROG Gladius 3, Type-C PD Adapter / MS Office Home & Student 2021
Are you on the hunt for a new smartphone without breaking the bank? Well, the new realme C67 might be worth considering.
Now available in the Philippines, this device boasts good specs, a sleek design, and a powerful camera system. But is it worth your hard-earned cash? Find out as you read this review!
realme C67
realme C67 Design
Okay, let’s talk style first because who doesn’t want a phone that looks as good as it performs, right? The realme C67 totally nails its physique. It has a sleek and sophisticated design, available in two stunning color options: Sunny Oasis and Black Rock. We’ve got the latter, which features diagonal stripes. You’ll also see its glitterish, stripes-like design depending on how the light strikes the panel.
Camera Lens
If you’re a fan of not using a phone case, the good news is that it’s practically resistant to fingerprints, so you can flaunt its beauty without worrying about smudges. This adds a touch of elegance to your everyday carry. Just a heads up that its lenses are protruding, hence, they might get scratched if not protected by a case.
Black Rock variant
Additionally, the phone sports a slim and lightweight profile, making one-handed usage easy and comfortable. The placement of ports and buttons, including the USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack, and volume rockers, is thoughtfully positioned for easy accessibility.
realme C67 Display
Display
The unit features a decent 6.72-inch LCD display. Although its rivals could beat its display quality, its colors still deliver a vibrant viewing experience suitable for multimedia consumption and gaming. In fact, streaming movies on it provides crisp details and an enjoyable experience. However, playing games with heavy graphics may feel underwhelming compared to other handsets in the same price range. We’ll delve deeper into this in the performance section later.
Meanwhile, one aspect we appreciate about its display is its outdoor visibility, as it remains viewable even under sunlight.
realme C67 Software
The realme C67 runs on Android 14 with realme UI, so similar to other realme devices we’ve played around with, its interface is clean, intuitive, and super easy to navigate. Hence, you’ll feel right at home from the get-go.
Android 14 with realme UI
The device also has a Mini Capsule 2.0 feature, copying the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. If you’re unfamiliar, this feature functions like a separate display that pops up when needed, adding convenience to your daily usage. Whether listening to music or charging your device, the Mini Capsule 2.0 seamlessly integrates into your user experience, enhancing overall experience.
Mini-Capsule 2 Settings
For instance, it appears when playing music. This feature can also notify you about your battery status. Furthermore, it can display details of your scheduled events, the weather, data usage, and step stats.
realme C67 Performance
Under the hood, the realme C67 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While it may not boast the newest and best hardware, it easily handles day-to-day tasks, ensuring smooth multitasking and app navigation.
Benchmark Scores:
realme C67 Benchmark Scores
Casual gamers will also appreciate the C67’s ability to run most games without hiccups, although demanding titles may require tweaking settings for optimal performance.
CODM Settings
For instance, when playing Call of Duty Mobile, we kept its graphic quality low while keeping its frame rate medium. In addition, expect that the display quality isn’t exceptional, but considering its price point, it’s acceptable. We also noticed it got a bit warm while gaming, but it was tolerable.
Meanwhile, for everyday use, including social media browsing and content consumption, the C67 delivers a satisfactory experience.
realme C67 Camera
Now, let’s talk about the real selling point of this device—the camera. With its 108MP main shooter and 2MP depth sensor, the realme C67 captures stunning photos that’ll make your Instagram feed pop. Its images are sharp and vivid, requiring minimal editing before you share them on your favorite social media platforms.
Scenery
Outdoor
Food
Indoor
Night Mode
Night
And what about selfies? The 8MP front-facing camera guarantees that you always look your best, thanks to features like in-app Retouch, Portrait mode, and various filters.
Selfie (Night)
Selfie (Night w/ Portrait)
Selfie (Indoor w/ Portrait)
Selfie (Indoor)
Meanwhile, with its Night mode, the C67’s camera performs impressively in low-light conditions, although you may notice some noises.
Night (w/ Portrait)
Night
On the other hand, although it allows you to zoom up to 10x, the image quality isn’t something you can really flex online.
1x
3x
5x
realme C67 Battery Life
It’s such a relief to have a budget-friendly phone like the realme C67, which boasts a 5000mAh battery with a 33W fast charging solution.
During our test, the device effortlessly powered through a full day with moderate usage, including social media browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming. However, when we heavily used it, the device only lasted up to 8 hours max. Activities include heavy social media browsing, casual gaming, and watching on Netflix.
Meanwhile, when charging the phone, the device could go from 30% to 100% in just under 2 hours.
realme C67
realme C67 Verdict
Priced competitively at Php10,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the realme C67 offers a compelling package of features. For us, its standout camera system and impressive battery life make it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Hence, if you prioritize camera performance and long-lasting battery life in a smartphone, the realme C67 is definitely worth considering.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
HUAWEI is expected to launch their three new products in the Philippines soon — the HUAWEI WATCH 4, MatePad 11.5” PaperMatte edition, and the nova Y72. All of these devices cater to different needs and consumers.
HUAWEI WATCH 4
The HUAWEI WATCH 4 takes wearable technology to the next level with its advanced health features. This new watch from HUAWEI boasts an eSIM connectivity, allowing seamless integration with GCash that is coming soon and Spotify for hands-free calls and music on the go. Sleep and activity tracking, respiratory checks, and ECG analysis provide in-depth insights into your overall health. There are also fitness apps like Strava, and prioritize well-being with smart health reminders. The WATCH 4’s impressive battery life just like their other HUAWEI Watch devices lets you stay connected with 4 days in Smart mode and 14 days in Ultra-long Battery Life mode.
Reading and writing with the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition is giving you a paper-like experience. Its PaperMatte Display minimizes eye strain and glare, creating a comfortable viewing experience ideal for extended study sessions. The nano-scale etching process ensures a smooth writing experience with the included stylus, replicating the tactile feel of paper. Additionally, powerful software like WPS Office and Huawei Notes, coupled with multi-device interconnection and multi-screen collaboration. It also supports magnetic smart keyboard and also a touchpad.
HUAWEI nova Y72: Style Meets Efficiency
The HUAWEI nova Y72 features a 6000mAh battery and 22.5W HUAWEI SuperCharge, keeps you powered throughout the day. It also offers quick access to your most-used apps, saving you time and effort. It also comes with 6.75-inch display and also a50MP camera featuring Super Night Mode and AI Snapshot. The nova Y72’s sleek Starry Circle Design and EMUI 12 operating system make it a perfect blend of style and intelligence.
Experience the Future with Huawei
These new devices from HUAWEI offers different features that can cater the needs of the consumers. The HUAWEI WATCH 4 empowers you to prioritize your health, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition helps in media consumption and also learning, and the HUAWEI nova Y72 seamlessly integrates efficiency and style into your daily life.
Starting February 13, 2024, Metrobank will officially retire its old mobile app and transition users to a brand-new experience designed for a smarter, simpler, and more secure banking experience.
Current Metrobank Online and old mobile app users can seamlessly log in to the NEW Metrobank App using their existing credentials. Simply download the app from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery and access your funds instantly. Forgot your password? No problem! The app facilitates quick password resets to ensure uninterrupted access.
The NEW Metrobank App goes beyond basic transactions, offering:
Smart Features: Cardless ATM withdrawals, waived InstaPay fees (below P1,000) until June 30, 2024, credit card-powered money transfers via PayNow, and cash conversion through Cash2Go service.
Simple Customization: Create a personalized dashboard for quick access to frequently used features and activate dark mode for battery efficiency.
Enhanced Security (coming soon): Appkey feature adds another layer of protection for your hard-earned money.
You can download the NEW Metrobank App at the Google Play, Apple App Store and the HUAWEI App Gallery.
HONOR Philippines has recently launched the HONOR X9b, their follow up to their widely successful smartphone, the HONOR X9a. Just like before, the new smartphone packs a tough glass on its display but this time, it’s tougher and it has a better design and hardware as well.
HONOR X9b Review: Design and Hardware
The HONOR X9b might have similar elements from last year’s smartphone but this time, we’re getting a vegan leather back for the sunrise orange variant and then there’s ring camera module design that looks a lot better and has more details which is inspired by a luxury watch.
As for the ergonomics, the HONOR X9b was excellent on this one as the weight is just great and the holding it along with its grip was just perfect. And since I got the Sunrise Orange variant, it really did feel premium to the hand because of the vegan leather back.
As for the frame, the smartphone comes with a solid frame but unlike its solid glass, we’ve noticed that you can get dents from this one and scratches unlike its glass. The power button and also its volume rocker are definitely reachable and ergonomically placed on the side. While below, there’s the USB-C port that supports 35w wired charging and beside it is the SIM card tray and also the volume rocker.
Despite having a large 5800mAh battery inside and a tough body, the HONOR X9b still managed to be light and also ergonomic to the hands.
HONOR X9b Review: Display
The Display of the smartphone is a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and also a 120hz refresh rate. As expected, the display was fine and it does produce a very good colors and the brightness was fine even when I was using the smartphone outside and under direct sunlight.
As for the glass, HONOR is calling it as the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display and not only it does come with a deep seal protection and also a reinforcement, it also comes with a wraparound cushioning which can absorb the impact of the drop.
In our test, we dropped the smartphone up to 50 feet to a wood surface, dropped it at shoulder level on an asphalt, or just threw it away on cement. Well, the smartphone does have a really tough display.
But that doesn’t mean that the smartphone is unbreakable. Somehow at some point, and if you get unlucky and Physics isn’t on your side, you can still break the display of the HONOR X9b. As for me, I can definitely say that the glass of the HONOR X9b is incredibly tough and even compared to other smartphones out there, the HONOR X9b does really shine in the glass toughness department.
HONOR X9b Review: Battery life
Screenshot
The HONOR X9b comes with a large 5800mAh battery inside. It’s larger than the predecessor and it’s a welcome upgrade for the X9b. The HONOR X9b does have a long battery life in our test and with the PCMark Work 3.0 battery test, we’ve got a score of 14 hours and 18 minutes on the smartphone. A pretty long one but it isn’t the longest one that we’ve seen.
HONOR X9b Review: Software and performance
For the software, the HONOR X9b comes with MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13. It’s fast and very responsive. It does have some similarities to HUAWEI’s UI but the HONOR X9b is definitely fresh to the eyes. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s free from bloatwares but nonetheless, it does come with a pretty hefty 12GB of RAM inside along with 256GB of internal storage. I’m thankful that the 12GB of RAM is definitely real and not a total of an addition of dynamic RAM from its storage.
As for its performance, it comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Processor which is quite new but in our benchmarks and testing, we saw that the new processor is quite able and it was able to outlast the predecessor’s processor in terms of CPU performance and it’s quite near to the CPU performance of the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset which is a decent midrange processor. We were also able to see an upgrade in terms of GPU however, it does fell short in terms of that compared to the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset.
Geekbench 6
3DMark Sling Shot
3DMark Slingshot Extreme
3DMark Wild Life
3DMark Wild Life Stress Test
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
GPUScore: Sacred Path
GPUScore: The Expedition
Nonetheless, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor is still a decent performer in terms of most basic apps and games. Even some of the latest games would work on this smartphone however, do set it at the mid settings. We’ve tried Honkai: Star Rail on the smartphone and it was able to run it well on mid settings. It might not be the most powerful chipset in its range but the HONOR X9b will be definitely swift and smooth for most of the basic tasks and apps that you need.
HONOR X9b Review: Camera
For the camera of the smartphone, we got here a 108MP main camera along with 5MP utlra wide-angle camera and also a 2MP macro camera. While for the selfie camera, the HONOR X9b comes with 16MP front-facing camera. It can do 4K video recording but up to 30fps only.
Main Camera:
Ultra Wide-Angle Camera:
We’ve tried the HONOR X9b for shooting different variations and objects and I’ve noticed that there are times that the colors are a little bit off for its ultra wide-angle lens but the main camera of the smartphone was decently sharp for a midrange smartphone.
The selfie camera of the smartphone does the job but it’s definitely not the best in its price range.
Overall, HONOR could improve the camera of the smartphone with updates but for now, the HONOR X9b did a pretty much average job on this one.
HONOR X9b Review: Verdict
The HONOR X9b is truly a tough smartphone. It might not look like one, but the glass of the smartphone is really tough and even stronger compared to other smartphones in the market, even the flagship ones. As for the design, we definitely liked it especially the vegan leather on the Sunrise Orange variant.
For the hardware inside it, it’s pretty much average as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a leap from the previous smartphone, the X9a, but it is still not on the same level as the Snapdragon 7 chips out there. Nonetheless, basic apps and multi-tasking on the smartphone won’t be a problem as the HONOR X9b can handle that just fine.
Fresh renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A35 and A55, courtesy of leakster Evan Blass, showcase exciting new hues alongside previously leaked design details, hinting at an imminent launch.
Under the hood, rumors suggest the Galaxy A35 will pack the Exynos 1380 chipset, while the A55 gets a bump up to the Exynos 1480. The leaked renders also hint at the inclusion of Samsung’s Knox security suite and an IP rating for dust and water resistance.
With these latest leaks painting a clearer picture, the launch of the Galaxy A35 and A55 appears to be just around the corner. While the leaks doesn’t give us the full features of the smartphone, both smartphones does have something new to offer despite the same design.
OPPO has recently launched the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G smartphones. Their latest addition to the Reno series, known as the “Portrait Expert,” raises the bar again with their telephoto lens as it offers outstanding portrait photos.
Elevating Telephoto Photography:
The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is boasting a Telephoto Portrait Camera with up to 2x Optical Zoom, featuring a 47mm optical focal length for classic, lifelike perspectives. Powered by the advanced Sony IMX709 sensor and an RGBW pixel structure. This lens brings 60% higher photosensitivity and 35% less noise compared to conventional sensors. Additionally, in-sensor zoom technology guarantees zoom performance up to 5x.
Flagship-Level Main Camera:
The OPPO Reno11 5G’s main camera boasts a combination of 50MP resolution, Sony LYT600 sensor, f/1.8 aperture lens, OIS, and a 26mm focal length. The OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G takes it up a notch with its f/1.8 aperture lens, wide 24mm equivalent focal length, OIS, and large 1/1.56″ 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor.
Become Your Own Pro with Portrait Expert:
The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G empowers you to capture professional-grade portraits with just a click. Leveraging the improved Portrait Expert Engine, you’ll achieve natural skin tones, realistic soft-focus backgrounds, and undistorted faces. This engine, enhanced by renowned portrait photographers, offers features like Facial Recognition, Subject/Scene Separation, Skin Tone Protection, Clarity and Facial Enhancement, and Portrait and Environment Merging.
Precise Customization with Portrait Mode:
You can express your creativity with the precise and customizable Portrait Mode. Set your desired aperture between f/1.4 and f/16 for customized bokeh, flare patterns, and stacking, giving you creative control like pro-grade DSLR lenses. The 2x portrait look mimics the human eye’s natural viewing angle for lifelike results.
Two Stunning Color Options:
The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G comes in two nature-inspired colors: Wave Green for the OPPO Reno11 5G, reminiscent of sparkling sea green tones, and Pearl White for the OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G, with a mesmerizing pearl design. Both variants also have a Rock Grey option.
Premium Design and Innovative Features:
Both devices have 3D curved glass with a satin finish for a smudge-free back. The Sunshine Ring camera system elegantly rises from the sleek glass back, framing the advanced portrait camera within.
Get Your Own OPPO Reno11 Series 5G Today!
Pre-order your OPPO Reno11 Series 5G and receive a free S39 Ambient Light Bluetooth Speaker. Enjoy exclusive benefits for My OPPO app users, exciting collaborations with DJI, MAC Cosmetics, and Mabuhay Miles, and a chance to win amazing travel prizes in the “Portraits of Love” photo contest.
Cherry Philippines has just surprised us with the availability of their first mid-ranger smartphones to launch in more than a year, the CHERRY Aqua GR and the Aqua S11 Pro with both smartphones packing some competitive features inside.
Cherry Aqua S11 Pro
The Cherry Aqua S11 Pro is the affordable smartphone among the two. The smartphone packs a MediaTek Helio G99 processor which is a little bit dated and then there’s the 256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage as well. It does come however with an 8GB of RAM that can be expanded by an additional of 8GB RAM from its internal storage and then there’s the 5000mAh battery as well as the 33W of charging.
For the display, the smartphone will come a 6.7-inch AMOLED Full HD+ Display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While for the camera, it comes with a 64MP AI Triple Camera along with 16MP front-facing camera.
Cherry Aqua GR
The Cherry Aqua GR is the company’s best smartphone as it comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset along with a curved 6.8-inch AMOLED Full HD+ Display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone also comes with 256GB of UFS 2.2 Internal Storage and a 8GB+8GB of RAM.
For the battery, there’s the 4700mAh battery inside along with a 66W Charging speeds. There’s the 5G support as well while for the camera, it comes with a 108MP main camera along with a 16MP front-facing camera.
The Cherry Aqua GR and the Aqua S11 Pro are now available at CHERRY Stores nationwide and also at CHERRY Online Stores.
The Cherry Aqua S11 Pro and the Aqua GR are price at Php 7,999 and Php 11,999 respectively
