GADGETS | Flagship AI smartphones, OS systems dominate the global launch scene
Major tech brands — vivo, OPPO, Samsung, and HONOR — unveiled AI-driven flagships and next-gen operating systems that redefine mobile imaging, performance, and cross-device connectivity for 2025.
A new era for mobile imaging
The global smartphone market is entering a new phase of AI-driven imaging and performance, as major brands including vivo, OPPO, Samsung, and HONOR unveiled flagship devices and software upgrades that highlight the industry’s growing emphasis on computational photography, seamless ecosystems, and intelligent user experiences.
In Shanghai, vivo celebrated its 30th anniversary with the launch of the vivo X300 Series, headlined by the “Dual Kings of 200MP ZEISS Imaging.” The lineup features the X300 Pro with a ZEISS APO 200MP telephoto system and the X300 with a ZEISS 200MP main camera. Both are powered by the Dimensity 9500 platform and vivo’s in-house V3+ imaging chip, achieving 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video recording. The series also introduces OriginOS 6, a system designed for sustained fluency and seamless cross-device performance.
“While technology never stops advancing, vivo’s commitment remains unchanged — to conscientiously create excellent products,” said Huang Tao, vivo vice president of product.
OPPO redefines flagship imaging
Following its strong debut in China, OPPO announced the Find X9 Series will go global on October 28 in Barcelona, marking another milestone in mobile photography. Co-developed with Hasselblad, the Find X9 Pro features a 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto camera and the LUMO Image Engine for advanced computational imaging. The series supports 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video, LOG recording with ACES, and cinematic features tailored for professional creators.
Powered by the Dimensity 9500 3nm chip and ColorOS 16, the new models boast two-day battery life and a refined matte design. OPPO’s partnership with Discovery Channel also continues through the Culture in a Shot campaign, highlighting global diversity through the lens of its flagship camera.
ColorOS 16: A new benchmark for smoothness
Complementing the Find X9 launch, ColorOS 16 introduces the Luminous Rendering Engine and Trinity Engine, setting a new benchmark in visual fluidity and multitasking performance. Its refreshed, nature-inspired design integrates AI Portrait Glow, AI Eraser, and O+ Connect for seamless interaction between OPPO, Mac, and Windows devices.
ColorOS 16 marks OPPO’s leap into ecosystem-level intelligence, where devices collaborate across platforms with intuitive motion, lighting, and AI-powered editing tools
Samsung expands its galaxy ecosystem
Samsung unveiled its new “FE” lineup — the Galaxy S25 FE, Tab S11, and Buds3 FE — reinforcing its cross-device ecosystem strategy. Designed for accessibility, the trio integrates flagship features such as Flow from Phone to Tablet, Intuitive Audio Switching, and Quick Share for real-time productivity and entertainment.
The S25 FE features a 50MP triple camera, Exynos 2400 chipset, and 120Hz AMOLED display, while the Tab S11 introduces Samsung DeX Extended Mode for multi-screen flexibility. The Buds3 FE complete the ecosystem with Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4, and AI-powered real-time translation. Prices start at P39,990 for the S25 FE and P6,990 for the Buds3 FE.
HONOR Pushes AI and durability
HONOR showcased its dual commitment to innovation and practicality through two distinct announcements. The HONOR Robot Phone, teased as part of the company’s ALPHA PLAN, merges robotics, multimodal AI, and imaging, signaling a bold leap toward hybrid AI hardware ahead of its full reveal at MWC 2026
At the same time, the company launched the HONOR X7d, a budget-friendly AI phone priced from P7,299, offering IP65 water resistance, 108MP camera, AI Button, and MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15. The model promises premium durability, a 6,500mAh battery, and AI features such as AI Eraser, AI Translation, and Magic Capsule, making it a strong entry-level contender in the local market.
vivo’s OriginOS 6: The next intelligent layer
Following the X300 launch, vivo expanded its software ecosystem globally with OriginOS 6, emphasizing “smoothness mastery” and AI-enhanced personal intelligence. Built on 8+1 Ultra-Core Computing and Memory Fusion, the OS improves app performance by over 18 percent and delivers SGS-certified smoothness for five years.
OriginOS 6 also integrates Google Gemini and Circle to Search, enhancing contextual AI capabilities, while Origin Island brings real-time dynamic notifications to the top of the display. Its minimalist “Origin Design” aesthetic and productivity tools like DocMaster and Smart Call Assistant position it as a full-fledged AI OS for the next mobile era
Local flavor: Gaming meets lifestyle with vivo V60 Lite
Rounding out the month, vivo Philippines is set to host the vivo V60 Lite Launch Event on October 18 at SM North EDSA, blending technology with gaming culture. Themed “Game at Full Power. Style in Your Hand,” the event features a 5v5 Honor of Kings exhibition, cosplay runway, and activity zones showcasing the V60 Lite’s 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery and sleek colorways such as Pop Pink and Titanium Blue.
From ultra-premium flagships to AI-enhanced OS systems and affordable yet powerful midrange options, these launches signal a new competitive phase in mobile innovation — where imaging intelligence, fluid system performance, and cross-device collaboration define the next generation of smartphones.
With brands such as vivo, OPPO, Samsung, and HONOR pushing the boundaries in both hardware and AI integration, 2025 is shaping up to be the most transformative year yet for the intelligent mobile ecosystem.
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