GADGETS | Gadget brands enter 2026 targeting creators, power users
The early 2026 launches point to a Philippine market where smartphone makers are competing less on raw specifications and more on defined use cases.
MANILA, Philippines — Major smartphone and consumer electronics brands are opening 2026 with new device launches in the Philippines that emphasize advanced camera systems, extended battery life, and durability, signaling a continued push to differentiate in an increasingly saturated midrange and flagship market.
Recent announcements from vivo, HONOR, OPPO, and Samsung highlight how manufacturers are targeting creators, power users, and families with devices positioned around specific use cases rather than incremental specification upgrades.
Concert cameras, creator focus
vivo has introduced the X300 Series, positioning the flagship line around live-event and concert videography. The company said the device’s camera system is optimized for long-range video capture, with Stage Mode 2.0 supporting up to 30x video zoom while maintaining stability and detail under low light and high-motion conditions.
The X300 Series includes features such as 4K Stage All-in-One Recording, Dual-View Stage Video for simultaneous multi-camera capture, and 4K 60fps portrait video. vivo said the device is designed for users who frequently record performances, festivals, and other large-scale events from within the crowd.
The vivo X300 Series is priced starting at P67,999 and is available through vivo concept stores and major e-commerce platforms.
Midrange durability, battery arms race
In the midrange segment, HONOR Philippines has launched the HONOR X9d 5G, focusing heavily on physical durability and battery capacity. The company said the device carries SGS Triple Resistant Premium Performance Certification and SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification, with drop resistance of up to 2.5 meters.
The HONOR X9d 5G is equipped with an 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery, which the company claims can support up to three days of typical use. The device supports 66W wired fast charging and includes AI-assisted touch features designed to maintain usability in rain or while wearing gloves.
Camera features include a 108MP main sensor with optical and electronic image stabilization, alongside AI-powered editing tools such as AI Eraser and AI Upscale. The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor and supports up to a 24GB RAM equivalent through virtual memory expansion.
The HONOR X9d 5G carries an introductory price of P17,999 and is available in multiple color options, with preorder promotions running through January.
Flagship imaging without modes
OPPO, meanwhile, is positioning the Find X9 around default high-resolution photography rather than shooting modes. The company said the device captures full-resolution 50MP images across all three rear cameras by default, enabled by its LUMO Image Engine.
The Find X9 features a Hasselblad Master Camera System composed of a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera supporting up to 120x digital zoom. OPPO said the system is designed to preserve detail and color accuracy even after heavy cropping or zooming.
Additional imaging features include spectral sensing for improved color accuracy and real-time parallel processing intended to reduce power consumption during photo capture. The OPPO Find X9 (16GB + 512GB) is available nationwide through physical stores, online platforms, and postpaid plans.
Tablets for families, everyday productivity
Beyond smartphones, Samsung has expanded its tablet lineup with the Galaxy Tab A11+, offered in Wi-Fi and 5G variants. The company said the tablet is aimed at families, students, and everyday productivity users.
The Galaxy Tab A11+ features an 11-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, an octa-core processor, and a 7,040mAh battery with 25W fast charging. Software features include Samsung Notes with math-solving tools and support for Google Gemini Live for real-time assistance via screen or camera sharing.
The tablet starts at P14,990 for the Wi-Fi model and P17,990 for the 5G version, with launch promotions including bundled storage and discounted accessories.
The early 2026 launches point to a Philippine market where smartphone makers are competing less on raw specifications and more on defined use cases — concert videography, extreme battery endurance, default high-resolution photography, and family-oriented productivity. As replacement cycles lengthen, brands appear to be betting that specialized features, rather than incremental upgrades, will drive consumer attention and upgrades this year.
————————————————————————-
WATCH TECHSABADO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
WATCH OUR OTHER YOUTUBE CHANNELS:
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
