GADGETS | Power, AI, lifestyle: Smartphones level up this season
The Philippine smartphone market is pushing brands to differentiate not just on specs, but also on lifestyle value.
The Philippine smartphone scene is heating up with a flurry of new device launches and promos, as top brands OPPO, vivo, HONOR, Samsung, and Smart Communications unveil products designed to keep users connected, creative, and productive in every situation. From rainy-day durability to foldable AI productivity, this season’s lineup reflects how much our daily lives are now shaped by mobile innovation.
OPPO: Power, perks in any weather
OPPO’s new A5 Pro 5G is built for the country’s stormy season, boasting a 5,800mAh battery that can keep devices alive through blackouts with up to 35.7 hours of voice calls or 16.1 hours of video playback. Its 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging brings 10 percent power in just five minutes and a full charge in under an hour and a half. Designed for everyday spills and slips, the phone comes with triple IP69, IP68, and IP66 resistance ratings, plus military-grade shock resistance.
The A5 Pro 5G headlines OPPO’s 10.10 Mega Sale, which runs until October 12. Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to ₱3,000 across devices, flexible installment options on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, and freebies like OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro. Lucky buyers also stand a chance to win limited-edition OPPO x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang gift boxes and hoodies, underscoring the brand’s push to blend lifestyle with gaming culture.
vivo: Smarter photography with AI
For users obsessed with perfect shots, vivo has launched the V60, introducing its AI Imaging Studio. This suite includes AI Image Expander, which extends photo borders seamlessly; AI Magic Move, which lets users reposition subjects while intelligently reconstructing backgrounds; and AI Erase 3.0, which removes distractions for clean, professional-looking photos.
The V60, priced at ₱28,999, is positioned for travelers, content creators, and professionals who want pro-level photography tools without third-party apps. Available online and in stores nationwide, it represents vivo’s push to bring advanced creativity straight into the hands of everyday users.
HONOR: Smarter connections, water-resistant future
HONOR is doubling down on its Philippine expansion with two big moves. The new HONOR 400 is now bundled with Smart’s Signature Plan Plus 1499, giving subscribers unlimited 5G data for a year, hefty call and text allocations, and perks like free Netflix Mobile. Every unit comes with a JISULIFE Handheld Pro 1S, though freebies are only available until September 30. The device also supports Video-over-LTE (ViLTE) on Smart’s network, offering high-definition native video calls without third-party apps.
Looking ahead, HONOR teased an upcoming X Series smartphone with all-angle water resistance, a breakthrough in durability aimed squarely at Filipino users concerned about water damage. The model will also introduce a dedicated AI Button for instant shortcuts or advanced tools like AI translation and creation, a sign that AI is becoming a central part of HONOR’s design philosophy.
Samsung: From foldable AI to everyday awesome
Samsung continues to expand its lineup across price ranges. The Galaxy Z Fold7, its thinnest and lightest foldable yet, integrates Galaxy AI for productivity. Tools such as Note Assist for summaries, Transcript Assist for multilingual transcriptions, Writing Assist for tone adjustments, and Gemini Live multimodal AI turn the foldable into a mobile office. Combined with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite power and a 4,400mAh smart battery, the Z Fold7 is being positioned as a serious workhorse for professionals
For more accessible options, the Galaxy A Series covers different lifestyles. The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G feature AI-powered enhancements like Gemini Live, AI Select, and Object Eraser. The A26 5G brings IP67 durability and Google’s Circle to Search, while the A17 5G packs a 50MP triple camera with OIS and Knox Vault security. At the entry level, the A07 LTE offers slim design and all-day performance at just ₱5,290. With pricing that spans the budget to midrange spectrum, Samsung ensures there’s a Galaxy A for every user.
Smart: Video calls without apps
Adding another layer of convenience, Smart Communications has rolled out Video-over-LTE (ViLTE) nationwide. This lets Smart and TNT subscribers make video calls directly from the phone’s dialer, charged as voice calls and included in unlimited call promos. The technology ensures stable, battery-efficient connections even in crowded environments, while maintaining simultaneous data use. It also builds on Smart’s earlier VoLTE rollout, which set the stage for clearer, uninterrupted voice calls
Taken together, these announcements showcase how competition in the Philippine smartphone market is pushing brands to differentiate not just on specs, but also on lifestyle value. Durability, AI-powered creativity, bundled services, and seamless connectivity are becoming the markers of modern devices. For consumers, it means more choices—and more reasons to upgrade.
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