Features
17 biggest hits and misses of 2017
We can all agree that 2017 was a tough year for everyone, but it wasn’t all bad. There were bright spots too, as proven by this list we’ve compiled.
With hundreds of stories in both tech and lifestyle to run through, cutting this list down to 17 was difficult. Striking a balance wasn’t easy either, yet here we are: These are what piqued our interest most in 2017 — both good and bad.
Hit: Apple will start making iPhones in India
In order to set up official stores in India, Apple had to first locally manufacture iPhones in order to comply with the “Make in India” initiative. After months of rumors leading into 2017, it finally happened.
Hit: Nokia 3310 steals thunder from Nokia 3, 5, 6
Nokia made a successful comeback by joining the Android bandwagon with their Nokia 6, but it was the resurrected 3310 that made the most headlines in 2017 with its ability to tug on everyone’s nostalgia strings.
Miss: Essential Phone continues to face hurdles leading to delayed launch
What could’ve been the biggest newcomer of 2017 turned out becoming the floppiest introduction of the year. Essential’s first phone looked great when it was first revealed, but shipping delays and mismanagement ruined a potentially great company.
Hit: Vivo shows off Under Display fingerprint scanning
Although the technology didn’t make it in time for any 2017 smartphone, Vivo’s demo of their Under Display fingerprint scanning was one of the most exciting handset features of the year. We can’t wait to see it on all phones one day!
Miss: Uber suspended in the Philippines for a month
Uber has had legal trouble in countries all over the world, and the Philippine branch wasn’t exempted. Because of the company’s failure to comply with rules set by the local transportation regulating body, the ride-sharing service was suspended for a month.
Hit: Samsung is still the top smartphone vendor in the world
Despite 2016’s Galaxy Note 7 recall and the rise of every other smartphone brand, Samsung managed to maintain their position as the world’s top smartphone vendor with nearly a quarter of the total worldwide smartphone shipments.
Miss: Google acquires part of HTC’s smartphone business
Depending on how you look at it, this could also be viewed as a hit, but ultimately, it’s sad to see HTC lose a large chunk of its team to the search giant’s hardware division. On the bright side, Google made good use of their acquisition with the production of the Pixel 2.
Hit: SNES Classic solves NES Classic’s two biggest flaws
2016’s NES Classic had two issues: limited availability and overly short controller cables. 2017’s SNES Classic handled those flaws while making it one of the most memorable gaming consoles of the entire year.
Hit: Huawei finally overtakes Apple in smartphone sales
It took a while, but Huawei finally made good on their promise to go beyond the number three spot in the world’s smartphone market and overtake Apple at number two earlier this year. While they still have a long way to go to secure their position, this put Samsung and Apple on notice.
Miss: OnePlus confirms they secretly collected user data
Security was a major topic going into 2017, and OnePlus became one of the bad guys after being caught secretly taking user data without the proper permissions. They quickly changed their policies and apologized, but the damage was already done.
Miss: Windows Phone is dead, but Microsoft tried to make it better
One of the biggest what could have been moments of 2017 was when a former Microsoft employee revealed that his company had plans of releasing a near-borderless Lumia phone in 2014. It would’ve cost less than US$ 200, and prototypes showed how gorgeous it could’ve been.
Hit: Android One was never really dead
Android One, if you recall, was Google’s platform for bringing a pure Android interface to less-expensive smartphones. After months of silence, consumers thought the program was dead, but it suddenly got revived thanks to a partnership with Xiaomi and the launch of the Mi A1.
Miss: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are facing serious defects early on
In a sad turn of events, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were marred by defects as they came out of the factory. The media was all over their rocky start, and some reviews were even pulled or revised with the bad press in mind.
Miss: Smartphones are indeed getting more expensive
A research institute confirmed what we’ve all been noticing in the past year: Smartphones are definitely getting more expensive. 2017 saw US$ 1,000 become the new mark for the high-end segment, and it only looks to go higher in 2018.
Hit: Apple iPhone X sells out instantly, doing better than expected
Despite the unworldly price, the iPhone X sold beyond expectations and proved that Apple’s allure is stronger than ever. Shipments went as far as being delayed by weeks because of the incredible demand. Reviews were mostly glowing, too.
Miss: Android Oreo distribution is still terrible
Android Oreo has been experiencing the same sad fate as Nougat’s; even though it’s been out for several months already, only a fraction of the Android smartphone population has it. As of this month, only 0.5 percent of all handsets have Oreo.
Hit: OPPO still tops market share in China, rivals quickly catching up
China’s smartphone market is currently being led by four homegrown brands: OPPO, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. OPPO is the current leader, but not by much. The tight competition is great for consumers since it pushes companies to never settle for mediocrity.
SEE ALSO: Where GadgetMatch has been in 2017
[irp posts=”26528″ name=”Where GadgetMatch has been in 2017″]
Features
OPPO A6s 5G: Practical longevity, reliable essential
Sound return on investment for smart spenders
Finding a smartphone that balances performance, longevity, and price is crucial for smart spenders. Practicality matters, especially in an era where prices all seem to have risen.
Designed for long-term value, the OPPO A6s 5G enters the scene as that reliable handset that you can expect to work for years to come — a daily driver that balances giving your needs with sensible spending.
Reliability that lasts: 60-Month Fluency
A smartphone shouldn’t just feel new the day you unbox it. The OPPO A6s 5G is headlined by 60-Month Fluency Protection.
OPPO optimizes software and hardware to ensure lag associated with aging phones won’t keep up with the A6s 5G.
This is an assurance that the device will have maintained steady performance for up to five years – for everyday scrolling, gaming, and multitasking.
Complementing this is a capable MediaTek 6300 processor, plus ample memory and storage.
Users also benefit from OPPO’s features like AI LinkBoost 3.0 for network optimization and GameBoost 2.0 for smooth gaming.
All these truly make the OPPO A6s 5G a smart return on investment for practical users.
Unrivaled endurance: 7000mAh Large Battery
When it comes to staying connected, the A6s 5G sets a high bar with a massive 7000mAh battery.
This handset doesn’t just last a full day to cover essential usage; it can power through an entire weekend without ever reaching for a cable.
From commutes to documenting a busy day, to staying online 24/7, the OPPO A6s 5G endures.
When you finally run low on power, 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge ensures you spend more time on the move and less near a power source. It’s an impressive fast-charging speed for its class.
Rugged durability: IP69 resistance
As with previous OPPO A series releases, the physical build of the OPPO A6s 5G is designed to survive the unpredictable nature of daily life.
It has IP69 water and dust resistance to withstand sudden downpours, accidental spills, high-pressure water jets and even high-temperature environments.
Beyond software longevity, this signature ruggedness OPPO’s budget devices are known for offers the ultimate peace of mind for users.
Smart imaging for every moment
Imaging remains a core strength of the OPPO A6s 5G, which has an AI-powered camera system.
It has a 50MP main camera, designed for the “everyday photographer” – and everyday keepsakes.
The smart features work behind the scenes to optimize skin tones, balance exposure, and enhance details in various lighting conditions.
Every shot is social media-ready, with ample clarity and detail, without having to fiddle with complex settings.
OPPO A6s 5G offers
The OPPO A6s 5G is currently available nationwide in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown variants through OPPO Stores and the OPPO Online Store, starting at PHP 21,999.
As part of the launch offers, customers can get these exclusive perks when they order online from May 1 to May 21:
- OPPO Enco Buds3 (worth PHP 1,799)
- OPPO 1 Year Standard Warranty (worth PHP 1,999)
- OPPO 1 Year Extended Warranty (worth PHP 2,499)
- Up to PHP 2,000 discount
The OPPO A6 is also part of the lineup, available in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, starting at PHP 16,999.
This feature is a collaboration between OPPO Philippines and GadgetMatch.
Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.
From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.
But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?
Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!
Accessories
11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
What to pack for your next vacation!
Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.
It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.
But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.
After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)
Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.
For the high-octane adventurer
If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.
While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.
Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.
For the unstoppable power player
For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.
But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.
When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.
For the hands-free curator
Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.
These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.
They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.
The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.
This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.
For the seamless traveler
Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.
The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.
You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.
For the sophisticated urbanite
As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.
Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.
But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.
Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.
For the beach club connoisseur
No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.
The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.
For the private villa host
One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.
It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.
The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.
For the street-style visionary
For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.
Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.
For the globetrotter
If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.
This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.
It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)
For the high-society ironist
When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.
Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”
It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.
For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist
Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.
There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.
A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.
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