Hands-On

Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime Hands-On

Published

May 23, 2017

Leez

With smartphones transitioning to the size of tablets, it can be hard to navigate your way around one with convenience. It’s a petty complaint but if you have small hands, want to just check your phone, and reply quickly without having to fumble with both hands, you’ll get why.

Do I feel like the dinosaur in Meet the Robinsons? A bit. But to be fair, I sometimes still shop in the kid’s section of the clothing store, so this might not be a big deal to a lot of people.

Good specs in a smaller package

The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime runs on Android Marshmallow; has 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and up to 256GB expandable storage via microSD; is powered by a 2400mAh non-removable battery; and has a 5-inch display with HD resolution. It looks like the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime Mini-Me.

Besides the home button on the phone doubling as the fingerprint scanner, the Gorilla Glass protection on this phone can take some clumsy drops. Not to mention, the 13-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera are just like the J7 Prime with not as big a price tag on it.

The J5 Prime’s front camera even has the same gesture control as on the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime that scans for your palm with a five-second delay for quick and easy selfie snaps. Forget straining your arm to get everyone in the photo; you can use gesture control to take the shot.

Goodbye, single-SIM phones

Why keep two SIM cards on separate phones when you can have both in one? The Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime is dual-SIM, so both your work and personal numbers can stay in a single phone with less the bulk of two phones. This way, you don’t have to keep switching from one phone to the next when answering calls and replying to texts.

Can I play mobile games on it?

Yes, you can. The Galaxy J5 Prime is powered with an Exynos 7570 quad-core processor, making gameplay smooth on light to medium titles. There’s a ton of mobile games you can play on this phone. As for me, Hearthstone and Mobile Legends worked fine. However, there is no auto-brightness feature on this phone, so you might need to manually transition when you move around the house while playing.

That aside, the Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime looks to have standard features with small interesting tweaks packed into a premium build. The phone looks and feels top-quality as well as it performs without such a fuss on an attractive display.

The Galaxy J5 Prime starts at INR 13,790 in India and PhP 9,990 in the Philippines. This phone looks like it delivers on design, battery life, and display.

[irp posts=”13524″ name=”Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) review”]

Hands-On

Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested

Published

October 22, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!

Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.

Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!

Convenient Smart Home

30 days with the LG AeroMini

The upgrade my new space ~badly~ needed

Published

October 5, 2026

Noela

Moving into a new space comes with a long list of things to figure out, and lately, I’ve been paying more attention to something that’s easy to overlook: air quality.

After using the LG AeroMini for about a month, it has become a subtle but welcome addition to my space. It helps make the room feel fresher, while its compact and stylish design fits naturally into my setup. Here are the things that stood out to me most after living with it for a month.

360° purification for a fresher space

One of the things I appreciate about the AeroMini is its 360° air purification, designed to bring purified air in every direction.

For me, this is particularly useful in a new space where I’m spending a lot of time working, relaxing, and just settling in.

Combined with its True HEPA filter, which is designed to remove 99.999% of 0.01μm fine dust and allergens, it gives me added peace of mind about the air I’m breathing every day.

After a month, I can genuinely say that the space feels fresher with it running.

Surprisingly quiet

This is probably my favorite feature.

The LG AeroMini operates at just 26dB, and after using it for a month, what stands out is how easy it is to forget that it’s even running.

I can have it running while I’m working or sleeping without the noise becoming a distraction. For an appliance that’s designed to continuously improve the air around you, I think that’s a big deal.

Sometimes, the best feature is the one you barely notice.

Design that fits my space

Since I recently moved, I’ve been pretty conscious about what I bring into the space. I want things to be functional, but I also don’t want appliances that feel like they’re taking over the room.

The AeroMini’s slim and compact design makes it easy to incorporate into my setup. It doesn’t feel bulky or industrial, and I like that I can leave it out without feeling like I need to hide it away.

For me, that balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it feel more like part of the space rather than just another appliance.

Air quality at a glance

Another feature I’ve found convenient is its Smart Control. Through the app, I can monitor and control the AeroMini while getting real-time updates on the indoor air quality.

It’s a small convenience, but being able to check the air quality without having to interact with the purifier directly makes it easier to keep track of what’s happening in the room.

Easy to maintain

I also appreciate that the AeroMini is designed with an all-in-one dust and deodorization filter that makes replacement and maintenance easier.

That matters to me because the best home gadgets are the ones that don’t create another complicated chore. I want something I can set up, use regularly, and maintain without too much fuss.

After a month, would I keep it?

Yes, and mainly because it quietly fits into my everyday routine.

The LG AeroMini has helped make my new space feel fresher and more comfortable, while its compact design means it doesn’t compromise the look of the room. But if I had to pick just one thing I appreciate most, it’s still how incredibly quiet it is.

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply works in the background.

If you’re also looking to make your home a fresher and more comfortable space for yourself and your family, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/ to learn more about the LG AeroMini and how it can fit into your everyday life.

Hands-On

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

Published

September 13, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

The latest Apple event isn’t just about the shiny new Apple Duo. There’s a lot to talk about!

In this video, we break down everything Apple has announced during their September 2026 keynote.

First, there’s the updated iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. That’s alongside their design and color changes, battery and performance improvements. Even that massive camera upgrade.

There’s even the ANC-infused AirPods 5 alongside the newer Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Plus, the latest software updates coming to both these wearables.

So, are these worth the upgrade?