Smartphones

Pixel 7a brings flagship specs for a cheaper price

Finally out

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One of the world’s worst-kept secrets has finally been uncorked. After months of endless leaks and rumors, Google has officially launched the Pixel 7a during this year’s I/O 2023 conference. As always, the new smartphone promises to extend the life of the Pixel 7 series before the Pixel 8 series later this year.

A middle ground for “just right” fans

Much like the Pixel 6a before it, the Pixel 7a presents a display somewhere between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. The new smartphone comes with a 6.1-inch FHD gOLED screen going up to 1080p resolution and 90Hz refresh rate.

Since the model has a smaller screen than the two main entries, the Pixel 7a is slightly smaller and lighter as a whole. The entire package measures up to 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm. It weighs in at 193 grams.

Everything else stays

The Pixel 7a will boast the same Google Tensor G2 processor and Titan M2 chip. It’s a last hurrah before the eventual Tensor G3 chipset. Further, it will have 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The phone is compatible with 5G sub6 and mmWave connectivity. It can also connect to Wi-Fi 6E.

Meanwhile, it has a slightly smaller battery, settled at 4385mAh, capable of 18W fast wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.

A beefier camera

Compared to the previous models, the Pixel 7a will sport a 64-megapixel main camera (with a 13-megapixel ultrawide shooter) embedded into the camera strip. It can shoot up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.

Meanwhile, the front-facing camera shoots at 13 megapixels. It shoots at 4K resolution and 30 frames per second.

Price and availability

As always, the Pixel 7a sells in select countries all over the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.

It starts at US$ 499 and goes up to US$ 549 for the mmWave variant.

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vivo V60 Lite starts at 14,999 pesos in the Philippines

V60’s smaller sibling focuses on gaming, entertainment

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The vivo V60 Lite is now available for preorder in the Philippines, offering customers a stylish smartphone for gaming and entertainment.

It starts at PhP 14,999 for the 4G variant and is priced at PhP 17,999 for the 5G variant. These models both have 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage.

Available colors for the device are Pop Pink, Titanium Blue, and Elegant Black.

Customers can now preorder via vivo concept stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers. Preorders until October 30 also come with the following perks:

  • vivo VIP Card worth PhP 4,020 (with 6-month Broken Screen Insurance and Extended Warranty)
  • Limited-edition vivo Buds worth PhP 1,699
  • PhP 1,000 discount
  • Extra PhP 500 off via Home Credit

In addition, there is a 5G variant with 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage for PhP 20,999.

The vivo V60 Lite is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset. This allows users to experience performance boost with faster frame rates, smoother graphics, and lag-free gameplay.

The phone also houses a 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90W FlashCharge. Furthermore, the battery supports Bypass Charging, which is a common feature among gaming-centric handsets.

Other gaming features include Game Boost, Esports Mode, Mistouch Prevention, and Game Small Window for zero interruptions.

In front is a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10 visuals, on a 94.2% screen-to-body ratio. This is complemented by dual stereo speakers with up to 400% volume mode.

Not to be outdone in the camera department, the V60 Lite features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor. This has a large 1/1.95-inch size and ensures 2x lossless zoom for crisp captures.

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Philippines

Power Mac Center iPhone 17 midnight launch draws massive crowd

Hundreds lined up as Apple fans welcomed the latest devices at midnight

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Power Mac Center | iPhone 17 Series

Power Mac Center once again turned the iPhone launch into a nationwide spectacle. The Premiere Apple Partner officially rolled out the iPhone 17 Series and iPhone Air in the Philippines. It held simultaneous midnight events at Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, and 41 more stores across the country.

At Greenbelt 3, student Marc Dave Afran was first in line. He was ahead of more than 600 patrons who queued up for hours to be among the first to unbox the iPhone 17. The energy stayed electric through midnight, with fans cheering as doors opened and the first units were handed out.

A night of spectacle and rewards

Clara Benin performing ahead of the Power Mac Center iPhone 17 Series Midnight Launch

The celebration blended music, excitement, and massive freebies. Performances by Lola Amour, Rob Deniel, and Clara Benin set the tone at Greenbelt 3. Meanwhile, SunKissed Lola and Janine Teñoso headlined the SM Mall of Asia launch.

Early patrons went home with premium freebie bundles worth up to PhP 30,000. They also got exclusive partner perks from Bo’s Coffee, Grab, and Lojel. Special trade-in offers were also on hand—up to PhP 57,000 off for an iPhone 16 Pro Max—along with up to 50% off select iPhone cases and 30% off premium accessories.

Nationwide participation

Beyond the two main venues, 40 more Power Mac Center and The Loop stores across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao joined in at midnight, giving hundreds more fans a chance to bring home their new iPhone right as the clock struck twelve.

“By opening our doors at midnight, we invite customers to be the first to experience what’s next,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management. “It’s a celebration of how technology continues to move people and the world forward.”

Exclusive offers continue

Missed the midnight fun? PMC’s “iPhone for All” campaign keeps the excitement going with extended deals, including up to PhP 9,000 savings, 0% installments, and cashbacks depending on your payment partner. Customers can still enjoy trade-in offers, accessory discounts, and even special promos like customized phone cases and gashapon giveaways at select The Loop stores until October 19, 2025.

The iPhone 17 Series and iPhone Air are now available nationwide. Get the via Power Mac Center and The Loop stores. They are also available online at powermaccenter.com and The Loop by Power Mac Center on Shopee.


Here are more photos from the event:

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OPPO Find X9 series are now live in China

Global launch to follow on October 28

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Just days after vivo’s widely-anticipated X300 series, its sister brand OPPO releases the Find X9 series. It’s their latest line of flagships for 2025.

Flagship Find

The OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are the next line of smartphones equipped with MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 9500 SoC based on a powerful and power-efficient 3nm process.

Much like its closest cousins, the base and Pro models of the Find X9 differ in certain aspects.

First and foremost, the Pro has the bigger 6.78-inch display. Meanwhile, the vanilla variant has a “more compact” 6.59-inch.

OPPO says though that both units boast an ultra-thin 1.15mm symmetrical bezels on all sides.

Moreover, battery capacities are also different.

The Find X9 has 7025mAh while the Find X9 Pro possess a larger 7500mAh battery.

These phones are expected to run the all-new ColorOS 16 with primary focus on silky-smooth animation, as well as smarter AI feats, seamless connectivity between PCs, Macs, and other accessories, as well as band overall user experience.

Hasselblad Legacy

Different from what OnePlus is doing, OPPO continues to strengthen its partnership with the renowned Swedish camera-maker Hasselblad.

With this continuous collaboration, both the Find X9 and X9 Pro feature the Hasselblad Camera System alongside OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.

Furthermore, the Find X9 Pro offers a 200MP telephoto camera co-developed with Hasselblad — both in sensor calibration and optical design.

Additionally, these Find models also deliver exceptional video capabilities with up to 4K / 120fps Dolby Vision support as well as LOG recording with ACES support for that seamless and professional workflow.

The Find X9 series are also concert-ready with cutting-edge telephoto optimizations such as Stage Mode and AI Sound Focus.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO Find X9 are available in three colorways: Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red.

Meanwhile, the Find X9 Pro is being offered in two shades: Silk White and Titanium Charcoal.

In line with the China-exclusive launch, the announcement of the Find X9 series slated for global markets will be held in Barcelona, Spain on October 28th.

Mark your calendars!

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