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LG XBOOM speakers make powerful debut

Audio Devices

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27 Sep 2024

LG Electronics proudly unveils its latest innovation in sound—the LG XBOOM speakers—during a high-energy launch event at Abenson Quezon Avenue. The highly anticipated lineup was introduced to an enthusiastic audience of media and music lovers, all eager to experience the bold, immersive sound the LG XBOOM delivers.

The event transformed into a vibrant music festival, alive with energy and festive decorations that perfectly highlighted the XBOOM’s cutting-edge technology. This lively atmosphere created an unforgettable experience, showcasing the speakers’ superior features and their versatility for any occasion—whether used outdoors, for traveling, or at a big party.

Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” also played a key role in the event, initiating the audience for a global movement of breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and living in the moment. As an iconic anthem, “Boom Boom Pow” perfectly complemented the XBOOM’s dynamic features, with the speakers’ bass amplifying the event’s party atmosphere. The collaboration highlighted the synergy between innovative technology and high-energy music, making the launch event a truly unforgettable experience.

LG Philippines managing director Nakhyun Seong expressed his excitement, emphasizing how the XBOOM movement is designed to revolutionize the way we experience music.

“In perfect harmony with the LG XBOOM, we’ve partnered with the legendary hit ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas. This iconic track isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and immersing ourselves in the pure joy of the moment. This philosophy of living boldly and fully is at the core of what LG XBOOM represents.,” he said.

Mildred Bugay, product manager for audio, detailed the features of the LG XBOOM XL9T and LG XBOOM Go speakers, highlighting their advanced sound technology. “The Dynamic Bass Optimizer in the LG XBOOM XL9T delivers punchy bass while maintaining balanced sound even at low volumes. LG XBOOM Go is a portable party speaker that is perfectly designed for outdoors that you can bring wherever you go,” she explained. The event demonstrated how LG XBOOM speakers are designed for exceptional usability and convenience.

The LG XBOOM XL9T is a powerhouse in portable sound, featuring two 8-inch giant woofers for deep, bold bass and 3-inch tweeters for crisp highs. Its dynamic lighting includes unique ring lights around the woofers, pixel LED animations, and multi-color effects that sync with the music. The XL9T also offers karaoke functionality and guitar inputs for live performances, and its handle and wheels make it easy to transport. With an IPX4 rating, it withstands water splashes, making it ideal for poolside gatherings.

The LG XBOOM Go is designed for outdoor adventures with remarkable sound and deep bass. The new track-type woofers of XG7Q and XG5Q, produce stunningly loud and clear audio. Its bass enhancement algorithm ensures that every note is heard and felt, even at low volumes. It displays dynamic lighting with up to 16 million colors that sync with the music for an immersive experience. The XG7Q has a 30W output that offers up to 24 hours of playback, while the XG5Q has a 20W output that provides playback up to 18 hours.

The LG XBOOM XG2T, known as “mighty in mini,” delivers powerful sound from its compact design for up to 10 hours. It features a unique string structure for secure attachment and has passed seven US military durability tests.

With an IP67 rating, the LG XBOOM Go is designed to withstand both water and dust, ensuring the music keeps playing no matter the environment.

The event also featured a dynamic performance from VXON, a rising P-pop group known for their energetic stage presence. VXON thrilled the audience with a global collaboration rendition of “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas and their original hits “Saksak Sa Puso” and “Sandal.”

The group also expressed their excitement about music, with VXON stating, “Music is truly a universal language, and we’re really happy with this opportunity to connect with all of you through our performances this afternoon.”

In closing, Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines product director for home entertainment, emphasized LG’s belief in pushing the limits of innovation, which redefines sound quality and enhances the way we experience music in our daily lives.

“The LG XBOOM isn’t just a speaker—it’s your go-to for transforming any gathering, adventure, or chill day at home with amazing sound and smart features. LG XBOOM will be your perfect partner in elevating the mood with powerful sound and features.”

Bang & Olufsen relaunches flagship store at Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Gadgets Magazine 17

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27 Sep 2024

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Bang & Olufsen relaunches flagship store at Shangri-La Plaza Mall

When it comes to sound, there is no room for compromise. Luxury Danish audio and video brand Bang & Olufsen announces the reopening of its Philippine flagship store, bringing beautiful timeless design, unrivaled craftsmanship, and the next generation of beautiful acoustic experiences to Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

The flagship store, spanning 124 square meters, features state-of-the-art home theater systems and showcases the brand’s finest offerings. It is built to reflect the Scandinavian design aesthetic synonymous with Bang & Olufsen’s new store concept.

Scandinavian Luxury at the Philippine Flagship Store

The new Bang & Olufsen Philippine flagship store features the brand’s complete product portfolio. Vistors can experience first-hand the innovation and quality behind Bang & Olufsen, with a selection of portable speakers and headphones on display. A store section is also dedicated to a unique sound and visual experience. Here, customers can explore Bang & Olufsen’s Home Theatre and Connected Speaker solutions, immersing themselves in unparalleled studio-grade sound that calibrates to the room and listener’s position for a flawless cinematic experience.

Beolab 8: Fidelity from every angle

Marking its debut in the Philippine market, the Beolab 8 is a powerful compact speaker that exemplifies versatility. From walls to floors, ceilings, and tables, the Beolab 8 stands wherever and however you need it to, providing an elevated audio experience through advanced acoustics. Tuned by Bang & Olufsen’s renowned tonmeisters, its three-driver setup offers rich, clear, and immersive sound, no matter the environment. The Beolab 8 is available at a starting price of PHP504,400 per pair.

Beoplay H100: Sound that moves with the times

In line with the celebration of the new flagship store, Bang & Olufsen Philippines is also proud to showcase a new addition to its portfolio, the Beoplay H100 headphones. It has been crafted from the finest quality materials to give fuller, finer sound, wherever needed. It elevates the listening experience with unrivaled high-quality sound, state-of-the-art noise cancellation, and a design that emanates luxury and functionality.

Featuring 40mm custom-made titanium drivers, adaptive EarSense™ technology, and Dolby Atmos-optimized spatial audio, Beoplay H100 delivers high-resolution sound with up to 96kHz / 24bits. It also boasts a sleek, modular construction with a scratch-resistant glass touch interface, detachable components, and a cradle-to-cradle design for enhanced durability and sustainability. With quick charging, up to 32 hours of playtime, and intuitive controls for effortless transitions, Beoplay H100 sets a benchmark in wearable audio for its superior craftsmanship and advanced technology. Available in Sunset Apricot, Infinite Black, and Hourglass Sand, the Beoplay H100 is priced at PHP115,000.

Bringing Impeccable Musical Moments

A brand synonymous with excellence, Bang & Olufsen offers the most sophisticated and luxurious technology in the market, each meticulously crafted to create sound that’s richer, rounder, and full of fidelity.

For the ultimate home cinema experience, the Beovision Theatre takes center stage with its unparalleled audio and visual capabilities. It can be paired with the state-of-the-art Beolab 28, a slim, wireless stereo speaker with high-resolution sound. Watch the magic unfold with the 97″ Beovision Harmony, Bang & Olufsen’s largest 4K OLED screen, which works seamlessly with the iconic Beolab 50 and the advanced Beolab 90 floor-standing speakers.

For music at home, let sound follow you from room to room with a versatile selection of Connected Speakers: the minimalist yet powerful Beosound A9, the portable Beosound Level, the room-filling Beosound Balance, and the elegant Beosound 2.

On-the-go soundscape is made exceptional with Beoplay H95 premium over-ear headphones, Beoplay HX do-it-all headphones, and Beoplay EX next-generation wireless earbuds. For gatherings or outdoor activities, keep the atmosphere inviting with the Beosound A5 powerful portable speaker, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen portable Bluetooth speaker, and the Beosound Explore outdoor Bluetooth speaker.

For a personalized music experience, the Beosound Shape is the ideal choice. This wall-mounted speaker system, available in a wide selection of colors and a modular design, allows discerning music lovers to create unique visual statements through various patterns and arrangements.

Offering the finest in sound, design, and craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen is setting new standards in the Philippines. Set to not only be a destination for music and design lovers to hear, see, and feel the full range of Bang & Olufsen products, the flagship store located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall seeks to reflect the brand’s spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and vision through their iconic audio and home entertainment solution. For more information, follow @bangolufsenphilippines on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.bang-olufsen.com/.

Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 reviewed

Gadgets Magazine 4

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27 Sep 2024

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The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 is a sleeper agent that looks more suited for office presentations than a late-night gaming marathon. But don’t let its sophisticated exterior fool you. Beneath that sleek facade lies a powerhouse ready to take on demanding tasks. Read on to find out what we think of Lenovo’s newest gaming model.

Design: 5/5

At first glance, the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 is unassuming. Unlike traditionally-conceived gaming laptops with obvious gamer aesthetics such as aggressive colors and angles, the Legion 5i’s design is more on the professional side. It has a sleek and matte Luna Grey color tone all around, with only the shiny “Lenovo” and “Legion” branding marks in silver breaking the monotone design. It’s blocky and mostly rectangular, and the only true giveaways of its power are the latter branding and the three hexagonal rear exhaust vents.

Open the lid and the same story goes for the inside. You have a full Lenovo Legion TrueStrike keyboard—which looks like a Lenovo ThinkPad’s by the way—with a half-sized “enter” key and a numpad. Being reminiscent of a ThinkPad, the design screams more “office” than “gaming” when the backlights are off. Should you want it to be flashier, there is a customizable 4-zone RGB backlighting available.

A huge trackpad sits below the keyboard, off-center to the left. The upper half of the clamshell folds down flat 180-degrees and is occupied by the huge 16-inch 16:10 display with reasonably slim bezels, as well as the webcam. Meanwhile, the laptop’s bottom has decently high rubber feet to let the bottom exhaust grille breathe, as well as bottom firing stereo speakers.

Taking a tour of the I/O around the edges, the bottom edge is bare. The left edge has the 3.5mm combo jack, two USB-C ports, and a full-sized USB 3.0 port. The right edge has another two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, a reset pinhole, a webcam privacy shutter toggle, and an RJ45 ethernet jack. Between the three exhaust grilles of the back edge are the full-size HDMI and charging ports.

It doesn’t look like a gaming laptop, but the minimalist in me is absolutely fine with that. After all, what use are gamer aesthetics if the laptop can’t actually perform strongly?

Hardware: 5/5

And perform strongly the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 promises. The base model starts with an Intel Core i5-13450HX processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, and white backlit keyboard; while the highest tier maxes out with an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, 32GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, a 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD, a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard; and webcam privacy e-shutter.

This latest line of Intel processors promises oodles of features that gamers will surely appreciate. First, it has what is branded as “Performance Hybrid Architecture,” where there are two types of cores on a single chip: performance-cores (P-cores) and efficiency-cores (E-cores). The former are physically bigger and are designed for sheer performance in single-core tasks such as gaming, editing, and animation. Meanwhile, the latter are ideal for less stringent multi-core tasks such as background processes. Second, these cores are managed by the Intel Thread Director which frees up system resources to ensure maximum gaming performance. Third, dynamic power sharing technology optimizes power delivery to the CPU and the GPU, boosting the type of performance you need when you need it.

All models have the same 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display with anti-glare coating, 100% sRGB coverage, 350 nits of peak brightness, HDR capability, 165 Hz refresh rate, and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility; 4 Cell Li-Polymer 80Wh battery and 230W charger which Lenovo claims to be able to charge 30% of battery life in just 10 minutes and 70% in 30 minutes; Intel Wi-Fi 6E 2×2 AX chip; and 1080P FHD camera with dual microphones.

Cooling is handled by Lenovo’s Legion Coldfront technology which features inward-spinning fans that draws cold air from the bottom then expels hot air out the rear instead of out the sides to your hands. The cooling system is also designed to keep the keyboard, trackpad, and wrist rest area comfortable to use even during extended loads.

All that hardware makes the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 a backbreaker at 2.3kg, which could have been heavier if the entire body was built with aluminum. As it is, only the upper clamshell is metal, with all the equipment housed in the plastic bottom clamshell. Seeing as the plastic body itself is quite robust, I’d say the weight tradeoff is worth it.

While it may not be the highest spec’ed laptop out there, it is more than plenty enough to breeze through demanding games with most eye candy turned up.

User Experience: 5/5

My time with the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 was fantastic. Reviewing the i7-14700HX model with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, I knew I was never going to be short of power for both my working and gaming scenarios.

Starting with the display, the huge 16-inch screen was sharp and vibrant, with excellent contrast, dynamic range, and color accuracy thanks to its HDR capability and 100% SRGB coverage. Viewing and editing multimedia was thus a great experience. The 16:10 aspect ratio was great for productivity as it provided more vertical space for editing timelines and document work. The high 165Hz refresh rate was also very nice, and though not critical for productivity, the fluidity of onscreen visuals definitely made work feel more exciting.

Another boon for productivity was the keyboard. I found it a joy to type on with its 1.5mm key travel, satisfying feel on click, as well as the aforementioned number pad. The huge trackpad was also nice to use with a shallow but satisfying click. Speakers get decently loud and are quite nice even at high volumes. The camera is serviceable enough and looks decent when you’re in a brightly lit environment.

Moving on to gaming, the Legion 5i Gen 9 handled the games I tested with ease. Middle Earth: Shadow of War, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Doom were all buttery smooth at an average of over 80fps, even at the highest graphics presets available. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto V kept a steady 40+ framerate, even with everything turned up to the possible maximum; though at this level of detail, graphic pop-ins were common. For synthetic benchmarks, it scored 2,310 on the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 test and 7,555 on PCMark 10.

As for battery life, the Legion 5i Gen 9 lasted around 4 hours from 100% to empty with full brightness, battery saver mode on, and doing regular office work. For charging, it went from dead to 100% in just around an hour while in use. Don’t expect the same run times and charging speeds if you’re going to be using it for gaming.

Value: 4/5

Starting at around PHP95,000 for the base model, the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 is undoubtedly positioned as a premium gaming laptop. While that price can make one go “ouch,” you are getting elite specs in a nicely designed package with Lenovo’s signature build quality. It certainly is not the most affordable gaming laptop in the market, but between its performance, sleek design, nice cooling system, and fantastic keyboard for typing, it’s more than just a gaming laptop—it’s an all around workhorse.

Specifications:

Display: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS, Anti-Glare, 100% sRGB, 350 nits, HDR, 165Hz, G-SYNC
Processor: Intel Core Raptor Lake i7-14700HX, 20-cores (8-performance + 12-efficient), 28-threads, P-core up to 5.5GHz, E-Core up to 3.9GHz, 33MB cache
Integrated GPU: Intel UHD Graphics for 14th Gen Intel Processors
Dedicated GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, 8GB VRAM, 55W TDP
RAM: 32GB GDDR5 (16GB x 2) 5600MHz
Storage: Samsung MZVL21T0HCLR 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD
Battery: 80Wh, with included 230W charger
Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, RealTek Semiconductor RTL8168/8111 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC
I/O: 3x USB 3.0, 1x USB -C with PD, 1x USB-C 3.1 10Gbps, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Power connector
Dimensions: 25.2 x 359.7 x 262.3mm
Weight: 2.3kg

What’s Hot:

Performs like a desktop
Huge, immersive, and fluid display
Fantastic keyboard
Minimalist design

What’s Not:

Weighs like a desktop
No Thunderbolt port
Pricey

Bottomline:

If you are looking for a laptop for both work and play, look no further.

Reviewed and Photos by Chris Noel Hidalgo
Also published in GADGETS Magazine October 2024 Issue

Kia PH rolls out Technician’s Boot Camp for future-ready talent

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

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Kia PH rolls out Technician’s Boot Camp for future-ready talent

Kia Philippines is excited to announce the launch of its Kia Technician’s Boot Camp, a high-impact, intensive training program designed to produce well-rounded and highly skilled technicians for the Kia dealership network. The program which began on September 24, 2024, and is supported by Kia Headquarters, aims to transform the training landscape within the automotive industry.

The Kia Technician’s Boot Camp is tailored to address the industry’s challenges, such as reducing training costs and improving technician retention. With the new program, Kia is committed to strengthening its dealership network with a new generation of expert technicians by focusing on these areas.

“The Kia Technician’s Boot Camp is more than just a training program—it’s our commitment to nurturing the best talent in the industry. By equipping our technicians with advanced skills and knowledge, we’re ensuring that Kia continues to lead in providing exceptional service to our customers in the whole journey of being a Kia owner, from pre-purchase, purchase, to aftersales. This initiative is a crucial step in building a sustainable future for our brand and our people,” says Brian Buendia, chief operating officer of Kia Philippines.

The program targets graduating students from technical vocational automotive courses, selecting 16 scholars for its inaugural batch. The Boot Camp spans four months, with the first two months dedicated to instructor-based training and two other months of on-the-job training. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics such as Kia’s brand values and behavior, the Technician Recognition Program (TRP) — from Certified to Master level—, and TRP Electric Vehicle (EV) certification.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in preventative maintenance services for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and electric vehicles (EVs). They will become proficient in using Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tools, reading workshop manuals and Electrical Troubleshooting Manuals (ETMs), and navigating service portals and standard service systems.

Kia Philippines’ Technician’s Boot Camp represents a significant investment in the future of automotive service excellence, ensuring that Kia dealerships are equipped with top-tier technicians capable of delivering the highest standards of service and expertise.

To learn more about the Kia Technician’s Boot Camp, an intensive training program for aspiring top-tier technicians check out the Kia Philippines official website at https://www.kia.com/ph for more details.

UA&P vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament kicks off with exciting matches

Active Lifestyle

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

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UA&P vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament kicks off with exciting matches

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament officially kicked off on September 21, 2024, with thrilling matches and an exciting start to the season. Organized in partnership with vivo, the UA&P Physical Education Department, and the Men’s Futsal Varsity Team, the tournament promises weeks of intense competition among top university teams.

In his opening remarks, Glenn Chiu, vivo Assistant Brand Marketing Manager, highlighted vivo’s commitment to fostering both fitness and innovation. He shared, “We’re proud to partner with UA&P’s Futsal Team, as it aligns with our passion for promoting an active lifestyle and excellence. This tournament is a testament to the positive impact sports bring to communities.”

vivo Assistant Brand Marketing manager Glenn Chiu (in black shirt) is accompanied by the Futsal Tournament chair Nikko Alquiros, University Chaplain Father Carlos Estrada, and University officer John D Borra during the opening kick.

This year’s Futsal Tournament league showcases some of the country’s best university futsal teams, including UA&P, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Enderun Colleges, Rizal Technological University, University of Makati, and Treston International College. The tournament will run every Saturday until November 2024, held at the UA&P gymnasium.

In a dominating performance, the UA&P Men’s Futsal Team secured a resounding 13-3 victory over UPLB, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.

Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges and Treston International College also delivered a thrilling match on opening day, giving fans a taste of the fierce competition ahead. Enderun won with a score of 7-2.

vivo raffled off exclusive prizes during the event, including a speaker, bags, and Bluetooth earbuds, adding more excitement for attendees.

In addition to the tournament, vivo set up a two-day booth inviting students to join the vivo Club. This platform offers students exclusive perks, including internship opportunities, special event invitations, and other exciting experiences designed to help them connect with vivo and explore career-building opportunities.

Catch the Futsal Tournament games live at the UA&P gymnasium every Saturday or stream the matches through the UA&P Men’s Futsal Varsity Facebook page.

The collaboration marks vivo’s continued support of both local sports and community engagement, offering a platform for athletes to showcase their skills.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series now available for pre-order, starting at PHP12,999

Wearables

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

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HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series now available for pre-order, starting at PHP12,999

HUAWEI has launched its latest innovation in wearable technology, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, now available for pre-order.

With its sophisticated design and advanced capabilities, the latest smartwatch lineup from HUAWEI is bringing the future of wearable tech right to users’ wrists. The pre-order period for the all-new HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate begins September 26 to October 3, 2024.

Elegant Design in Sizes That Fit Everyone

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series revives the octagonal watch face with a modern design featuring sharp, reflective angles. The lightweight ceramic construction ensures comfort without compromising on toughness. The WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm incorporates sapphire glass, titanium alloy, and ceramic for a luxurious yet durable feel, while the 42mm model features a thin nanocrystal ceramic body with gold accents. Both models come with vivid AMOLED displays—1.43-inch for the 46mm and 1.32-inch for the 41mm and 42mm. Adding to the 30,000 watch faces available, HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro features 13 new vibrant watch faces. Users can choose among a variety of straps available: black fluoroelastomer, blue fluoroelastomer, blue woven, brown woven, white ceramic, white leather or titanium.

Move Smarter with Upgraded Sports and Fitness Features

The WATCH GT 5 Series boasts advanced fitness tracking features like running form analysis and trail running functions. The AI-powered “Running Coach” offers real-time metrics and insights to improve performance and minimize injuries, catering to runners at all levels. Trail runners benefit from offline maps, route previews, and real-time navigation. The watch also includes safety features like route reminders should runners start running off-track.

With 40 meters of water resistance and a dedicated freediving mode, the WATCH GT 5 is tested to diving standards for user safety.

For cyclists, the watch syncs with the HUAWEI Health App to turn the phone into a cycling computer. It tracks real-time location, heart rate, calories, and more. The watch supports full-color cycling maps, track return functions, and external power meters for detailed data on cycling efficiency. After each ride, the app provides detailed post-ride analyses of performance, helping users optimize their training and progress.

Swing Like a Pro with Advanced Capabilities

For golf enthusiasts, the smartwatch now features “golf mode,” which features over 15,000 tier-1 courses across the globe, including more than 100 golf courses in the Philippines. Upgraded with 3D Course Effects, it provides a detailed view of the course. Along with real-time distance measurements, these features offer golfers a more precise shot planning experience. The “Green View” provides a reference line for better navigation and strategic play.

The smartwatch also includes a “Practice Mode,” helping users fine-tune their swings and track their swing performance, making it a valuable tool for golfers at any skill level. These features enhance course navigation, strategy, and overall golfing experience.

Advanced Health and Wellness Monitoring

Earlier this year, HUAWEI introduced its innovative HUAWEI TruSense System. This technology, featured on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, enables HUAWEI smartwatches to offer precise health and fitness tracking. The device also comes with the HUAWEI Sunflower Positioning System, which improves positioning accuracy with an adaptive software algorithm for satellite signal tracking, improving users’ outdoor experience.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series introduces various improved health-tracking features. Users can now stay on top of their heart health as the latest HUAWEI smartwatch incorporates vital signs monitoring including ECG, blood pressure, SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), and heart rate. The watch also offers improved respiratory rate, and body temperature tracking, which may come in handy for day-to-day health monitoring.

As HUAWEI continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it also seeks to advocate for a more holistic approach to health and wellness. The smartwatch also introduces the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. This feature enables users to monitor their emotional states, tracking emotional changes by analyzing physiological indicators such as heart rate variability. The device provides long-term emotional data, helping users have a better grasp of their emotions and suggesting lifestyle adjustments to improve their emotional states. The watch includes an interactive Pet Panda face that reflects the user’s mood through animated expressions. The panda mirrors the user’s emotional state, adding a playful and personalized touch to the device.

The WATCH GT 5 Series incorporates Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis to detect irregular heartbeats and ECG Readings for real-time heart data with a press of a button. Additionally, the Sleep Breathing Awareness feature monitors sleep quality and detects potential breathing issues like Sleep Apnea. Users can then review their sleep patterns on the HUAWEI Health App, allowing them to understand and improve their sleep quality.

Convenient, Intelligent, and Long-Lasting Experience

There’s more: the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is looking to offer a more convenient smartwatch experience as it plans to integrate the country’s first-ever GCash payment feature via QR on a wearable device this Q4 of 2024! Whether users are grabbing a coffee or shopping for groceries, now they can make secure, contactless payments directly from their wrist. It also supports NFC-enabled door access, speech-to-text input, and a virtual keyboard experience with full Tagalog support for enhanced convenience.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is built to keep up with users’ busy days. With just a quick 1-hour charge provides enough power for up to 14 days with the 46mm sizes. Meanwhile, the battery on the 41mm and 42mm supports up to 7 days of use.

Discover the “Ultimate” Partner on the Course

The newest edition of the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate is available for pre-order from September 26 to October 3. designed for users seeking a luxurious smartwatch with advanced Golf Course features including plays-like distance, shot distance, and AI Caddies, as well as enhanced Expedition mode with Route Import. The watch also supports up to 100m water resistance, making it the ideal scuba diving companion. The watch features a striking dual-tone ceramic bezel in green and white. With its sleek, sporty design, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate is perfect for both golfing and formal occasions.

Secure your HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Today!

Pre-order the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and get a bundle including a pair of HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i worth PHP3,599 on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, HUAWEI Online Store and HUAWEI Experience Stores.

You can also still avail the early bird promo. Deposit PHP1000 via HUAWEI Online Store, and you get a one-year warranty extension on your unit and a PHP2000 token in return. While on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok you can get a PHP1000 voucher.

If you’re looking to purchase your device through staggered payments, take advantage of ShopeePay Later or LazPay Later and enjoy 0% interest for up to 6 months. In our offline stores, you can also avail a special 0% installment promo of up to 18 months for Home Credit purchases and up to 24 months for credit card purchases. Should you want to trade in your old device, you can participate in HUAWEI’s trade-in promo where you can get a PHP2,000 trade-in token at select HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate in Green is also available for pre-order for PHP45,999. Secure the exclusive pre-order bundle with the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 3 worth PHP10,999, a one-year warranty extension and a two-year (APAC) regional Accidental Damage Protection Service, with up to two claims, on top of that. Purchases through the HUAWEI Experience Stores get to trade in their device and get a token worth PHP4,000. Avail a special 0% installment promo of up to 24 months for credit card purchases and up to 18 months for Home Credit purchases. These exclusive pre-order offers are available starting September 26 to October 3, 2024.

To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate, sign up for the VIP preview or visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Pre-order period runs from September 26 to October 3, 2024.

Globe at Home, Samsung partner to elevate Filipino home entertainment

TV Displays & Monitors

Gadgets Magazine 11

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26 Sep 2024

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Globe at Home, Samsung partner to elevate Filipino home entertainment

Globe At Home and Samsung, the undisputed Global No. 1 TV and Soundbar brand have joined forces in a first-of-its-kind offer sure to give Filipinos an upscaled home entertainment experience.

With every purchase of a Samsung Smart TV, customers will get a free GFiber Prepaid installation worth PHP1,499. This exclusive offer is available at select authorized Samsung dealers until December 31, 2024.

With Samsung’s cutting-edge AI TV technology, powered by Globe’s reliable and consistent GFiber Prepaid, the industry leaders commit to delivering a seamless viewing experience. This allows customers to enjoy a world of endless content immediately after setting up their TV without the hassle of arranging internet service separately.

Globe At Home — Samsung’s Super Big TVs, the 85″ Crystal UHD 4K DU7000 Smart TV, 98″ Crystal UHD 4K DU9000 Smart TV, and 75″ Crystal UHD 4K DU7000 Smart TV, made their debut, creating buzz ahead of their October launch.

Samsung TVs are renowned for their advanced features and superior picture and sound quality, making the brand a top choice for home entertainment. This reputation is further reinforced by Samsung’s long-standing commitment to durability, security, connectivity, and technological excellence.

Meanwhile, GFiber Prepaid offers reloadable UNLI internet connection, providing customers with reliable internet connection at speeds of up to 50 Mbps with no lockups. GFiber Prepaid is designed to be as flexible as it is reliable, with pay-per-use options and a 24-hour installation guarantee, making it an ideal choice for households seeking convenience and quality.

“Our strategic partnership with Samsung reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that address the needs of modern Filipino households,” said Abigail Cardino, VP and Head of Brand Management for Globe’s Broadband Business.

“With free GFiber Prepaid installation, we’re not only delivering a dependable internet connection but also ensuring that our customers can fully enjoy the best in entertainment technology,” she added.

Samsung’s vision is to provide customers with a new and exciting way to upscale their home entertainment with AI technology, according to Samsung Electronics Philippines Head of AV Chris Almazan. “As the Global #1 TV and Soundbar brand for 18 and 10 years, respectively, it is our tradition of innovation that enables us to provide a best-in-class experience for our users consistently. And with this partnership with Globe at Home, we are excited to be part of even more Filipino households with an offer that will truly upscale their home entertainment experience.”

Read our GadgetsLab review of a Samsung NEO QLED SmartTV here.

With this limited-time promotion, customers can take advantage of the best in TV technology alongside a dependable internet connection, ensuring a superior viewing experience from day one.

Visit the nearest authorized Samsung dealer to make the most of this exclusive deal.

Sun Life Foundation turns over Barangay Health Station to Brgy. Maasin in Tarlac

CSR

Gadgets Magazine 11

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26 Sep 2024

0

Sun Life Foundation turns over Barangay Health Station to Brgy. Maasin in Tarlac

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, recently handed over the completed Maasin Barangay Health Station (BHS) to residents of Brgy. Maasin in Pura, Tarlac.

This brings the community closer to basic primary health services such as consultations, prenatal check-ups, immunizations, health education, and referrals to larger health facilities as necessary. This is complemented by the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program, where a Community Health Nurse trains a barangay nutrition scholar, barangay health workers, and Cluster Leaders to serve the community.

“Sun Life Foundation has always been at the forefront of bringing health services to underserved populations,” says Sun Life Foundation executive director Kristine Millete. “This program is not just about improving the health of communities, but also about strengthening the foundations upon which Filipinos can build brighter futures.”

The turnover is part of a multiyear project launched in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), which aims to build fully equipped health facilities in remote areas nationwide.

“HFI and Sun Life Foundation are planting the seeds for a thriving community,” says HFI executive director Pedrito de la Cruz. “We have faith that the community will be able to maintain the Barangay Health Station’s operations with help from the local government’s health unit.”

The turnover of Maasin BHS brings the number of operational stations to nine, following the turnover of eight stations in Batangas in 2023. As an advocate of social welfare, Sun Life Foundation transforms communities through programs encompassing health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Remove unwanted elements with vivo V40’s AI Erase feature

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 11

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26 Sep 2024

0

Remove unwanted elements with vivo V40’s AI Erase feature

The newly launched vivo V40 has an AI Eraser feature that can easily eliminate unwanted objects or photobombers.

The feature was demonstrated at the vivo V40 Grand Launch held at Okada Manila with National Basketball Association (NBA) seven-time champion Robert Horry.

As a part of vivo’s partnership with the NBA, Horry was the event’s star guest. At the AI Erase photowall, Horry posed for a picture and effortlessly removed a distracting blue platform from the shot using the feature.

To use vivo V40’s AI Erase tool, simply encircle or tap on the elements you wish to remove. The feature ensures that every photo is flawless, putting the focus entirely on the subject.

The AI Erase is a game-changer for those who value picture-perfect moments, whether they’re capturing memories or sharing them on social media.

It takes convenience and creativity to the next level, helping users achieve a professional look in just a few taps.

Pre-orders for the vivo V40 are available until September 27, offering customers an exclusive PHP2,000 discount when they reserve their phone with a PHP500 deposit.

Starting at PHP26,999, the vivo V40 will be ready for claiming from September 28 to October 6. Customers who pre-order will also receive a free vivo TWS 3e worth PHP1,999.

Visit any vivo store or shop online through the vivo website, Shopee, and Lazada to secure your vivo V40 today.

Experience the power of pro-level portrait photography with vivo V40’s ZEISS All Main Camera and the innovative AI Erase feature!

Read our article on the Six Reasons That Make the vivo V40 the Best Camera in Its Class.

Grab, MOVE IT hold Health & Wheelness Driver Care Event to underscore dedication to driver wellbeing

Gadgets Magazine 11

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26 Sep 2024

0

Grab, MOVE IT hold Health & Wheelness Driver Care Event to underscore dedication to driver wellbeing

Grab Philippines and motorcycle taxi company MOVE IT are empowering their fleet of driver-, delivery-, and rider-partners to attain a more holistic approach to health and wellness through the recent Health & Wheelness Driver Care Event 2024.

Over 4,000 partners from the platforms’ driver communities and their families participated in seminars and workshops during the event. The MMDA, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), First Metro Asset Management, and Pag-IBIG shared their expertise on healthy diet, social protection, road safety, and financial well-being.

The attendees at the Health & Wheelness Event 2024 were also given access to various health check-ups, including medical, dental, and optometric. Together with partner Generika Pharmacy, Grab and MOVE IT gave away vitamins, health supplements, and appropriate medications following the free consultations. The platforms also provided 700 pre-registered participants with complimentary dentures customized to their dental prescriptions.

Grab and MOVE IT also continued to leverage its partnerships with Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth for an efficient accreditation and membership application process for its partners. With dedicated booths at the event, these government social protection agencies efficiently issued new Loyalty Card Plus and health IDs.

Grab Philippines head of cities and business operations CJ Lacsican shares, “Totoo na walang tatalo sa sipag at diskarte ng mga Grab driver- and delivery-partners at MOVE IT rider-partners. Sa kanilang kasipagan, minsan nakakaligtaan nilang bigyang pansin ang kanilang kalusugan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy tayo sa pagsasagawa ng iba’t ibang hakbangin upang kanila rin namang mapangalagaan nang husto, hindi lamang ang kanilang hanapbuhay, kundi na rin ang sarili nilang kalusugan.”

Participants also enjoyed an array of self-care services offered at the event. These services included complimentary haircuts, massages, and nail cleaning sessions – providing a much-needed respite for the platforms’ hardworking partners.

Leading to the event, Grab and MOVE IT hosted an online seminar for partners, ensuring wide access to wellness education, and to support partners unable to attend the on-ground activities. Esteemed speakers from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the Department of Agriculture, and Shell Philippines engaged the audience with insightful discussions on topics such as healthy eating, and vehicle maintenance.

Grab and MOVE IT also extended their support to their partners’ vehicles with complimentary oil change services offered by Shell and Mechanigo.Ph.

Grab and MOVE IT’s shared commitment to the wellness of drivers and riders also encompasses harnessing the power of technology to encourage healthier lifestyles within their driver and rider communities. One such innovation is the Fatigue Nudge for Grab driver- and delivery-partners, a feature designed to prompt partners who have been online for more than 10 hours to take a break and rest. Additionally, in-app learning platforms GrabAcademy and Ka-MOVE IT Academy offer a variety of courses on physical and mental health, as well as financial well-being, readily accessible to drivers at their convenience.

Juggling multiple apps? Let Maya simplify your financial life

FinTech

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

0

Juggling multiple apps? Let Maya simplify your financial life

In today’s fast-paced world, managing your finances can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between saving, investing, paying bills, and tracking expenses, it’s easy to find yourself bouncing between multiple apps just to keep everything in check. But what if you could simplify all of this with just one app? Enter Maya, the no. 1 Digital Banking app in the Philippines —the ultimate financial tool that brings everything you need under one roof.

One App for Total Financial Control

Why waste time and energy switching between different apps when Maya can do it all? Whether you’re saving for a goal, growing your investments, or managing daily expenses, this superapp puts every financial tool you need in one place. No more juggling passwords or losing track of your money—just seamless financial management that saves you time and stress.

Earn While You Spend

Imagine boosting your cash flow just by going about your daily routine. With Maya, you can earn up to 15% annual interest on your savings, simply by using the app for your everyday transactions. And if you’re a TNT subscriber, the app’s new ‘TNT Alkansya’ promo offers 1% cashback plus an extra 1% interest on your savings when you purchase at least PHP100 TNT load. Simplifying your finances never felt so rewarding.

Crush Your Financial Goals, Stress-Free

Have a big goal in mind? Maya’s Personal Goals feature helps you stay on track with a 4% annual interest boost while you work towards your dream vacation, a new gadget, or an emergency fund.

For those extra funds you want to park safely, Time Deposit Plus is your spot. Enjoy up to 5.75% annual interest, credited monthly. Manage up to five accounts, each with a maximum of ₱1 million, and lock in your funds for up to 12 months.

Invest Like a Pro, Without the Hassle

Ready to dive into investments? Maya Funds makes it a breeze. With this platform facilitating access to investment opportunities, you can manage 13 professionally curated local and global funds featuring major players like Apple, Microsoft, and PLDT. These funds are managed in collaboration with Seedbox Philippines, ATRAM Trust Corporation, and BIMI, giving you a diversified portfolio to manage risks effectively.

Prefer trading directly? Maya Stocks connects you with top brokers—Philstocks, 2TradeAsia, and DragonFi—so you can trade over 280 companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, like SM and Aboitiz. Just cash in to your broker account and start trading instantly through the superapp. With real-time insights and powerful tools, you’ve got everything you need to make smart moves effortlessly.

Instant Access to Cash When You Need It

Unexpected expenses can throw anyone off balance, but with this financial superapp, you don’t have to dip into your savings. Maya Easy Credit offers a revolving credit limit of up to PHP30,000 with instant approval, so you can access funds quickly and easily. For larger financial needs, Maya Personal Loan provides up to PHP250,000 with no collateral required, credited directly to your Maya Wallet. It’s financial flexibility, simplified.

Ready to Declutter Your Financial Life?

It’s time to stop juggling and start thriving. Download Maya, upgrade your account, and experience the ease of managing all your finances from one powerful app. Whether you’re aiming to boost your savings, diversify your investments, or simply keep better track of your spending, the superapp is here to help you achieve your goals—without the hassle. Visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @mayaofficialph on Twitter for more details.

Get ready to combat vishing scams with these tips from Metrobank

Cybersecurity

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

0

Get ready to combat vishing scams with these tips from Metrobank

Scams are now becoming more and more sophisticated. And as fraudsters think of smarter ways to trick customers, Metrobank equips you with the right knowledge to help protect yourself from fraud.

Picture this: you just received a call from Kate, a representative from your credit card provider, who shares that you just won PHP50,000 from a promo. While you don’t remember joining anything, this got you excited! As part of their protocol, Kate then asks you to share your credit card number, CVV, and later, a One-Time Pin (OTP), to help validate your identity. Will you give her your personal data to claim the reward?

If your answer is no, you made the right choice because this is 100% a vishing, or “voice phishing” scam — which is a common tactic for credit card fraud. Through this, scammers who sound like legitimate representatives of trusted organizations, call customers to entice them to divulge their sensitive personal information. Their messages are designed to elicit a sense of urgency, panic, or excitement so their victims will be inclined to share sensitive data immediately, which will later be used to conduct fraudulent transactions on their financial account.

Check out these useful tips from Metrobank on how to protect yourself from being a victim:

When in doubt, hang up ASAP!

Always verify calls coming from unknown numbers claiming to be a representative of an institution, especially your bank. When in doubt, hang up and directly call the company they claim to represent through the hotlines listed on their official pages.

Keep your personal information to yourself

This includes your financial information, credit card details, and One-Time Pin (OTP). When a caller claiming to be from a bank asks for your One-Time Pin (OTP), this is an immediate red flag and a sign to end the conversation. Legitimate employees from banks and similar companies will never ask for this information.

If you’re a Metrobank customer, enabling the AppKey feature on your Metrobank app can help make your transactions more secure. This safety feature utilizes your biometrics, or your fingerprint or facial recognition, to confirm transactions, instead of One-Time Pins (OTP).

Be wary of promos that are too good to be true

Be vigilant about callers pressuring you to accept a promo or offer in exchange of a cash reward or extravagant prize. While there are offers that are actually legitimate, be wary – especially if they require sharing your personal or bank information.

Block and report to authorities

When you get a suspicious call, block the number right away and report it to authorities. If you are a Metrobank client, make sure to immediately contact Metrobank’s Hotline at (02) 88-700-700 to report the incident and do any precautionary measures needed.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from sneaky vishing scams. Check out more guides to help you combat fraud on lifebanking.ph. Stay safe!

Toyota continues FUN TO DRIVE spirit with Race Weekend 2 of the GAZOO Racing PH Cup

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Sep 2024

0

Toyota continues FUN TO DRIVE spirit with Race Weekend 2 of the GAZOO Racing PH Cup

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) invites racing fans to experience the fun of the racetracks at the second race weekend of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup) happening on September 28, 2024, at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Anchored on the spirit of FUN TO DRIVE, TMP continues its mission to provide Filipinos with ever-better cars through motorsports, where racers and race cars alike are pushed to the limits for better. The mobility company launched its racing series in 2014 as the Vios Cup, showcasing the capability of the locally made Vios as a race car. Now known as the TGR Philippine Cup, fans can expect more Toyota cars to make their racetrack debut in the future.

Wheel-to-wheel action

The TGR Philippine Cup features two race formats: the Sprint Race, a 12-lap or 30-minute race, and the Endurance Race, a 1.5-hour race. Each format has four categories: the Novice Class, Promotional Class, Sporting Class, and Super Sporting Class. Racers will drive the one-make-race Vios or Vios OMR.

Participating in the Novice Class is TMP President Masando Hashimoto himself, who made his racing debut during the first race weekend. This class is made up of racers who have graduated from the Autocross Challenge, such as Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola, media racers Jamil Lacuna, Jose Altoveros, Pablo Salapantan, and John Rey San Diego, and sim racer Russel Reyes. Reyes also won 3^rd Place at this year’s TGR GT Cup, Toyota’s premier sim racing tournament.

Team TGR Philippines racers Ryan Agoncillo and Troy Montero will also be returning to the track in the Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class, respectively. In the Sporting Class, Kody Ng, a new member of Team TGR Philippines for Race Weekend 2, who was selected through a driver tryout, will join them. They will compete against seasoned racers from top racing teams in the country.

Grandstand excitement

Toyota car clubs will take their GR performance cars to the tracks for an exclusive track experience. Fans of the GR Supra, GR 86, and GR Yaris can enjoy the sound of revving engines and the sight of sleek supercars speeding through.

Another activity to look out for is the driving exhibition, where professional drifters take the GR 86 out for a spin on track – literally! A few lucky audience members will also get the thrilling opportunity to ride shotgun during the drifts for an experience to remember.

Sim racing enthusiasts can test their skills at the TGR GT Cup experience booth, where players set their fastest lap time for a chance to win a prize.

During the event, freebies will be available, official GR merchandise will be on sale, GR road cars will be on display, and a musical guest will perform on a special live stage to round off the weekend. The best thing is—admission to the TGR Philippine Cup is FREE!

TMP vice president for the marketing services department Elvin Luciano shares, “The fun never stops with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing! As we continue to help develop motorsports in the country through events such as the TGR Philippine Cup, we hope fans find more reasons to enjoy and experience for themselves the thrill of the track.”

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, and in cooperation with Official Timekeeper Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.

For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup, visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines. Follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram and TMP’s official pages—Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.

HONOR X6b reviewed

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Sep 2024

0

Last year, we reviewed the HONOR X6a, a budget smartphone that had some compromises but was a good basic smartphone. HONOR has updated the X6 lineup with the HONOR X6b, which comes with a much more powerful processor, more RAM, and a more durable body — all at an affordable price.

Design: 4/5

The HONOR X6b carries the same design elements found in last year’s HONOR X6a. It has the same boxy design and a square camera setup.

The HONOR X6b comes in three distinct colors: Forest Green, Starry Purple, and Midnight Black. Our Forest Green test unit looks great; it has a smooth back with a matte finish, plus the added shine effects add to its appeal.

You’ll immediately notice the heft when you take the phone out of the box. It’s not heavy but rather something that you can hold with confidence. Compared to other similarly-priced devices, you can immediately tell that the build quality of the HONOR X6b stands out. This is not surprising as HONOR received a 5-star rating from Switzerland’s SGS for the X6b durability (more on this later).

The device features a 6.56-inch TFT LCD display with a 720 x 1612 resolution. The display has a 90 Hz refresh rate and 780 nits of max brightness. Also on the front is the 5-megapixel selfie camera. At the back is the square camera bump with its dual-camera setup. On the left is the sim and microSD tray, while on the right is the volume rocker and the power button, which doubles as the fingerprint reader. Finally, beneath the phone is a 3.5mm headphone port, a USB Type-C charging port, and a single downward-firing speaker.

In terms of size, the HONOR X6b has a dimension of 163.6 x 75.3 x 8.4mm, almost the same as the HONOR X6a. It’s a bit heavier at 192g due to the SGS-rated protection HONOR added to the device.

Hardware: 4/5

The HONOR X6b is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor. The processor is not the most powerful, considering it’s already four years old. That said, it still is capable of performing everyday tasks. Paired with the processor are 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The RAM is expandable to another 6GB with HONOR’s RAM Turbo.

During testing, the G85 processor showed its age. While it can still run games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Genshin Impact (surprisingly), you’ll have to compromise graphic quality for smoother gameplay. I found that Mobile Legend’s sweet spot was a high frame rate with a medium setting. Meanwhile, Genshin Impact was playable in the lowest setting.

What’s impressive are the phone’s thermals. Despite heavy testing, the HONOR X6b did not heat up. Even during benchmarking, the phone remained cool and still raring to go.

Speaking of benchmarks, here are the numbers I got from the device: 245282 for Antutu v10.3.4, 434 single core and 1369 multi-core for Geekbench 6, 7334 Work 3.0 for PCMark on Android, and finally 743 in 3Dmark’s Wild Life.

In the camera department, the HONOR X6b has a 50-megapixel main shooter at the back paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Unlike last year’s HONOR X6a, the camera has no dedicated macro lens. At the front is a 5-megapixel selfie camera. In terms of video, the HONOR X6b can shoot 1080p videos with up to 30fps.

The camera is not as capable as the more expensive HONOR X-b series, but it still gets good images with good lighting. Outdoor shots are reasonably sharp, and the added AI processing gives a more vivid output. As for low-light and night mode, you’ll want to find a tripod or a stable hand for better effect.

For video, 1080p is sufficient if you have a tripod or a gimbal; otherwise, there is no stabilization whatsoever.

Finally, the Honor X6b has a 5200mAh battery similar to last year’s model. However, HONOR upgraded the charging speed to 35W fast charging, now capable of powering the device from 10% to 100% in just over an hour.

User Experience: 3.5/5

The HONOR X6b is a great budget-level phone. Its major strength lies in its decent processor and RAM combo. While the MediaTek Helios G85 may not be the latest, it delivers on most everyday tasks.

What makes the HONOR X6b stand out is its durability. As mentioned earlier, the HONOR X6b has a five-star rating from SGS. The device has collision reinforcement on its corners, buffer and anti-drop architecture, and a force-distributed design. This is a phone that can withstand most accidents and mishaps.

HONOR is so confident in its durability that they encourage reviewers to try to drop-test the device. Of course, we obliged, and after a few drops from different angles (face first, sides first, backside first, etc.) onto tile flooring and a wood table, the device carried on as if nothing happened. However, we don’t encourage anyone to do this at home, as deliberate damage voids any warranty.

Another thing I like about the phone is its 5200mAh battery that just kept chugging along. I got around two days’ worth of regular use — a bit of gaming here and there, and maybe an hour or two of Netflix at night. The large display was also great for binge-watching videos.

Speaking of media binging, one thing that is disappointing about the HONOR X6b is its speaker. The single speaker, although loud, lacked depth. Fortunately, it still has a 3.5mm headphone port, which is relatively rare among current smartphones.

The HONOR X6b is powered by MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14. Part of the UI’s feature is HONOR’s Magic Capsule feature. Magic Capsule turns the device’s small notch into an added notification bar under certain apps. Currently supported apps are the device’s timer, recorder, and media player. The Magic Capsule does recognize YouTube and Spotify although both are displayed as a media player. Hopefully, HONOR can continue expanding the recognized apps as they update the feature.

Value: 4.5/5

Coming in at just PHP6,999 the HONOR X6b has a very persuasive price point. What it lacks in certain aspects, it more than makes up for in others. Overall, it is a satisfactorily balanced phone for those on a tight budget.

Specifications:

Display: 6.56-inches TFT LCD, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 720 x 1612 resolution, Dynamic Dimming
Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
Graphics: Mali-G52 MC2
Memory: 6GB + 6GB via HONOR Turbo RAM
Storage: 128GB expandable via MicroSD
OS: MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14
Camera: Rear: 50-megapixel (f/1.8) Main Camera, 2-megapixel (f/2.4) Depth Camera, Front: 5-megapixel Camera (f/2.2)
Battery: 5200mAh with 35W HONOR SuperCharge
Connectivity: Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP, LE, and apt-X HD, USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack
Other features: Side-mounted Fingerprint
Dimension: 163.6 x 75.3 x 8.4mm
Weight: 192g
Colors: Forest Green, Starry Purple, and Midnight Black

What’s Hot:

5-star rated durability
Excellent battery life

What’s Not:

Single speaker felt lacking

Bottomline:

The HONOR X6b remains a compelling budget consideration for those in the market for an affordable smartphone.

Reviewed by Gabriel Pe
Also published in GADGETS Magazine September 2024 Issue.

Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G reviewed

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Sep 2024

0

One of Smart’s key initiatives is to broaden the reach of 5G technology by making it affordable and accessible to Filipinos. With this goal in mind, they are introducing the ZTE Blade A75 5G. This mid-range smartphone combines affordability with impressive features and is designed to deliver a seamless Smart 5G experience.

Design: 3.5/5

The ZTE Blade A75 5G stands out with its main camera size and placement, highlighting its photographic capabilities. The centrally positioned camera lens serves as a focal point for the design and adds to the smartphone’s visual appeal, giving the smartphone a sleek, DSLR-inspired look. Although the camera’s size might seem vulnerable in terms of durability, this smartphone includes a transparent jelly protective case and screen protector for added protection.

Apart from its camera design, the back of the smartphone features a minimalist look. Coated in a sky-mirror glass of pure black with glittering particles, ZTE calls this variant “Diamond Black,” which exudes a sophisticated and poised vibe, enhancing its overall elegance. For a more vibrant option, the ZTE Blade A75 5G is also available in “Mint Green.”

This smartphone weighs about 204.2g, making it slightly heavier than average, likely due to its larger main camera. Despite this, the weight doesn’t entirely affect the portability or gaming comfort. Other than its weight, the ZTE Blade A75 5G size is 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6mm, which is fairly comfortable to hold and use. The ZTE Blade A75 5G features a dual SIM card tray on the left side and a USB-Type C charging port with an adjacent headphone jack at the bottom. The right side houses the volume buttons above the power button, which incorporates a distinctive red fingerprint scanner, while the speaker is at the top.

Hardware: 4/5

With a Unisoc T760 chipset and an octa-core processor clocked at 2.2GHz, the ZTE Blade A75 5G provides surprisingly good performance, especially considering its budget-friendly value. Running on Android 13, this smartphone can deliver multitasking, more customization options, and enhanced security. The Geekbench 6 benchmark results show that it scored 749 for single-core, a multi-core score of 2,226, and a GPU of 1,726 OpenCL score, meaning it can easily manage everyday tasks and light gaming.

The ZTE Blade A75 5G is equipped with a 50MP AI main camera and a 2MP bokeh depth sensor that delivers good image quality and depth effects. Also, its 8MP front camera captures clear images. In terms of its memory, this smartphone features 4GB of RAM, expandable up to 4GB of additional storage, and 128GB of internal storage for all of your apps and media. At the same time, the smartphone speaker comes with DTS Audio. Its display screen measures around 6.6 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid and responsive viewing experience. With all these features and performance scores, the ZTE Blade A75 5G has made its battery life even longer with its 5000mAh battery.

User Experience: 3.5/5

The ZTE Blade A75 5G has a lot going for it, though there are a couple of limitations to be aware of. But let’s talk about its camera performance. Its 50MP main camera delivers impressive photos, though you might notice slightly less vibrant colors than higher-end models. It also offers a variety of color filters to personalize your photos. However, I encountered some issues when taking multiple shots. The camera’s responsiveness tends to lag, causing a delay that sometimes results in blurry images. Its 2MP bokeh depth sensor could be improved as it sometimes struggles to blur the background accurately, occasionally focusing on the subject instead.

The front camera performs well under proper lighting, delivering decent selfies. However, you might notice some graininess and a lack of vivid colors, especially in less optimal conditions. Don’t expect top-tier quality when it comes to video recording on the main and front cameras. Although it supports 720p, 1080p, and even 4K resolution, the frame rate is capped at 30fps, which can result in grainy footage, especially in lower light. Also, since there’s no built-in stabilization, videos may appear shaky, particularly when capturing handheld shots or movement.

Now, let’s talk about its Smart 5G performance. I used this smartphone as my hotspot while working, and I have to admit, it delivered fast internet speeds. Based on the test using Ookla’s Speedtest, it achieved impressive download speeds of 103Mbps and upload speeds of 15.9Mbps, which is more than adequate for handling demanding online activities such as streaming videos, working through documents, and downloading files.

Plus, the 128GB storage capacity of this smartphone stood out. It provides ample space for downloading games, capturing numerous photos and videos, and installing apps like Spotify and Netflix without running out of room. But if you’re curious whether this smartphone can work with other SIM cards, such as Globe, it’s important to note that it is locked to Smart, TNT, and SUN networks.

When it comes to gaming, the ZTE Blade A75 5G handles light gaming well. I was able to play Mobile Legends: Bang Bang smoothly with high frame rates and high graphics settings. I’ve also been playing Cats & Soup: Fluffy Town, and the graphics are impressively clear and well-detailed for such a light game. You can play more demanding games like Genshin Impact, but only with the graphics set to the lowest setting. Also, keep in mind that the device may heat up, and you might experience some lag during gameplay. With a 6.6-inch display, this smartphone delivers a good viewing experience for movies and gaming, and the 120Hz refresh rate adds fluidity.

The speaker is a significant downside, as the sound quality remains weak even at maximum volume due to having only one speaker. For better audio experience, headphones or an external speaker are definitely recommended.

Value: 4/5

True to its budget-friendly positioning, the ZTE Blade A75 5G is priced at PHP5,450 and comes with 8GB of RAM (4GB + 4GB virtual) and 128GB of storage. It supports Smart 5G connectivity for high-speed internet, but it’s important to note that the device may have some performance limitations, which are only to be expected at this price range.

Specifications:

Display: 6.6”HD+, Punch Hole for Front Camera, 120Hz
OS: Android T
Memory: RAM: (4+4)GBROM: 128GB UFS3.1
Processor: Unisoc T760, Octa-core 2.2Ghz
Camera: Rear: 50M AF + 2M; Front: 8M FF
Connectivity: WiFi 2.4G/5G
Battery: 5000mAh10W Charger
SIM: Dual SIM; SIM Slot 1: Data, Calls, and SMS – Smart/TNT; SIM Slot 2: Smart/TNT Data, Calls, and SMS – All networks (Calls and SMS using other networks will ONLY work if there is a Smart/TNT SIM inserted in SIM slot 1)
Others: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, BT5.2, Accelerometer Proximity, Ambient Light, VoLTE, DTS, NFC(Optional), Side Fingerprint, Live Island

What’s Hot:

Long battery life
Smart 5G connectivity

What’s Not:

Single speaker
Camera lags when taking rapid shots
No image stabilization

Bottomline:

Ideal for casual smartphone users, the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G is a budget-friendly option.

Reviewed by Alyssa Joji Silva
Also published in GADGETS Magazine September 2024 Issue.