GADGETS | Philippine smartphone market heats up with flagship launches, creative collaborations
The Philippine smartphone market is heating up in the final stretch of 2025, with major brands introducing flagships and feature-packed midrange models designed for Filipino users’ digital lifestyles. From OPPO’s cinematic Find X9 and waterproof Reno14 to HONOR’s durable X7d, vivo’s creative showcase at the Filipino Music Awards, and Samsung’s value-driven Galaxy A17 and A07, this quarter’s lineup blends innovation, reliability, and accessibility.
OPPO redefines flagship, midrange
OPPO has maintained a strong presence across market segments, led by the Find X9, its most sophisticated flagship yet. With Hasselblad-co-engineered optics, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a 50MP Sony LYT-900 sensor, it delivers precision imaging and 4K video capture. Priced at P49,999, the Find X9 balances artistry and performance.
For travelers and creators, the Reno14 brings waterproof imaging to the midrange tier with an IP68 rating, allowing underwater photography up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Its 64MP Ultra-Clear Camera and AI Smart Dive Mode automatically optimize exposure and color for underwater shots. Available in Coral Sea and Midnight Blue for P27,999, it embodies OPPO’s mix of design and practicality.
The brand’s newest addition, the OPPO A6 Pro, extends these capabilities to the mass market. Priced from P13,999, the A6 Pro blends performance, toughness, and AI-powered convenience. It introduces AI Smart Office tools such as AI Document Summary and AI Translate, plus AI Imaging features including AI Perfect Shot, AI Studio, and AI Unblur for social media-ready visuals.
Built for endurance, the A6 Pro features Military-Grade Shock Resistance, SGS-certified triple water sealing (IP66, IP68, IP69), and either a 7,000mAh or 6,500mAh battery depending on the variant. It supports 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge and reverse wired charging, while its MediaTek Helio G100 (4G) and Dimensity 6300 (5G) chipsets ensure smooth multitasking. Its 120Hz AMOLED display and AI LinkBoost 3.0 deliver steady performance even in crowded networks.
HONOR doubles down on durability
Following its viral water resistance challenge, HONOR Philippines unveiled the HONOR X7d, positioned as a durable companion for riders and outdoor users. With IP65 water resistance and SGS Premium Drop and Crush Certification, it withstands falls from 1.8 meters. Its Rhinoceros-inspired design and Wet-hand Touch Enhancement ensure reliable performance even in rain or grease-prone conditions.
Powered by a 6,500mAh battery, the X7d promises extended use and introduces an AI Button for instant app access or functions like AI Translation and AI Creation. The phone sells for P9,999 in Desert Gold, Ocean Cyan, and Velvet Black, while the 256GB variant is available online for P7,299.
vivo blends tech, culture at FMA 2025
Meanwhile, vivo took center stage at the Filipino Music Awards (FMA) 2025 at SM Mall of Asia Arena, capturing the event’s highlights through the vivo V60 co-engineered with ZEISS. The vivo V60 Glambot, powered by 4K @ 30fps video recording and Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization (OIS + EIS), transformed red carpet moments into slow-motion cinematic shots.
Celebrities such as Michelle Dee, LA Aguinaldo, Kira Balinger, and Jason Dy were captured through the phone’s 50MP Super Telephoto lens with 10x zoom. vivo also presented key awards including Artist of the Year (SB19) and Album of the Year (Cup of Joe – “Silakbo”), reinforcing its connection to Filipino creativity and performance.
Samsung expands reliability — and AI reach
Samsung strengthened its 2025 presence with two major fronts: dependable devices and expanding AI access. The brand’s new Galaxy A17 (5G | LTE) and Galaxy A07 emphasize everyday reliability with AI-powered tools, 90Hz Super AMOLED displays, upgraded processors, and Samsung Knox Vault security.
The Galaxy A17’s 50MP Wide, 5MP Ultra-Wide, and 2MP Macro cameras deliver stabilized shots with OIS, while its IP54 water and dust resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus ensure durability. Starting at P9,290 (A17) and P5,290 (A07), both offer 6 generations of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates—a long-term support promise rarely matched in this range.
Adding to this ecosystem, Samsung’s Galaxy AI platform continues to expand globally, now supporting 22 languages, including Filipino. The inclusion, developed in collaboration with Samsung Research Indonesia, brings Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist, and Transcript Assist features to more Filipinos, enabling seamless real-time communication.
“Galaxy AI is becoming more integrated into the lives of Filipinos — both in creative and productive ways,” said Jun Guevara, head of Mobile Experience for Samsung Electronics Philippines. “Our goal remains the same: to develop meaningful AI technology that truly makes the lives of our users better.”
Globally, Samsung projects 400 million Galaxy AI devices by the end of 2025, with adoption driven by the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy A-series lineup. In the Philippines, Samsung reports a double-digit rise in Galaxy AI interest, with 40% of users finding Live Translate and Call Assist the most appealing features.
The smarter, more human phone
Across brands, 2025 marks a turning point for smartphones in the Philippines — from hardware-driven competition to AI-powered experiences that adapt to how Filipinos work, create, and communicate.
OPPO and vivo continue to push imaging and artistry; HONOR champions durability and value; and Samsung extends AI’s reach to the masses. Together, they’re shaping a market where connectivity is not just faster, but smarter and more inclusive than ever.
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