Philippines
Best Premium Smartphones above PhP 30,000 (July 2017 Edition)
If you’re looking for the very best high-end smartphones available, you’ve come to the right place! Every month, GadgetMatch updates this list with the finest devices money can buy, no matter how much they cost.
As a follow-up to our June compilation, this July list takes every newly launched flagship costing more than PhP 30,000 into consideration, but doesn’t discount the smartphones that continue to make an impact since their launch last year.
Here they are in no particular order:
Samsung Galaxy S8+ (PhP 45,990)
Was there any doubt about Samsung’s most gorgeous phone making this selection? Armed with the finest processor ever built in the Snapdragon 835, possibly the best single camera in a handset today, and the most refined Android skin to date, the Galaxy S8+ looks to stay on our radar for a long time.
REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
Apple iPhone 7 Plus (PhP 44,990)
You can’t complete a selection like this without including Apple’s latest handset. And it’s not because an iPhone has to be included; the iPhone 7 Plus is so fast and so smooth, there’s no way we could ignore it. It also gets the nod over the regular iPhone 7 thanks to its far more impressive dual-camera setup.
REVIEW: Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Google Pixel XL (PhP 41,200)
While the Pixel XL has its shortcomings — the lack of serious water resistance and oddly plain design spring to mind — you can’t find a more optimized Android smartphone right now. Everything about it is snappy, from the incredible camera to its witty Google Assistant. It’s also got the most up-to-date operating system, unlimited storage for all your photos, plus a better screen resolution and battery life than the smaller Pixel.
REVIEW: Google Pixel (3 months later)
LG G6 (PhP 37,990)
After what many considered to be a failure in the G5, LG went back to the drawing board and crafted a smartphone that looks and feels great, and — more importantly — simply works. We’ve been so fond of the G6’s generous but not-too-tall display, extra-wide-angle camera, and super-solid build quality since we got our hands on it. Buh-bye, modules!
Sony Xperia XZ Premium (PhP 45,490)
Say whatever you want about its traditional design and seriously high-end pricing, but the Xperia XZ Premium is the only smartphone that competes well against Samsung’s pride and joy, which sits at the top of this list. That’s because this Sony flagship has an equally capable Snapdragon 835 processor and a screen that’ll make you go, “Woah!”
REVIEW: Sony Xperia XZ Premium
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The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has officially launched. This collaboration between HUAWEI and HONMA Golf, Japan’s prestigious golf house, brings professional golf management to users’ wrists.
Along with advanced smart technology and decades of craftsmanship tailor-made for golf, the premium wearable transforms the way golfers play, track, and enjoy every round.
The limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro comes in a Premium Gift Box. It is priced starting PhP 17,999 (~ US$ 307) until March 11 in the Philippines before it reverts to its original price of PhP 19,999 (~ US$ 341).
The Premium Collection Gift Box comes with golf accessories: a commemorative golf ball, divot toll, and special ball marker.
The golf-centric premium smartwatch features professional-grade golf intelligence. It also comes with more than 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including more than 100 local maps.
This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones in advance to plan each hole with confidence.
Instead of guessing, players can manage risks better, commit to their shots, and focus on execution.
Moreover, Green Slope Direction gives clearer insight into how a putt will break. Play-Like Distance, meanwhile, factors in elevation changes and wind conditions.
Furthermore, AI Caddie works quietly in the background, analyzing swing history, performance trends, and course layout to offer smarter recommendations moving forward.
Complementing these are Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards which automatically capture every swing and score. This way, users can understand their insights and track progress after each round.
And using the HUAWEI Health app, users can also access Through Ball Trajectory Sharing to relive their best shots and review key moments.
Here’s the complete set of on-course tools with the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro:
- Greens View
- Fairway View
- Fairway Panoramic View
- Front / Middle / Rear Green Distance
- Obstacle View Ranging
- View Obstacle Zone/Target
- Free Point Ranging
- Wind Speed/Wind Direction
- Electronic Scorecard
- Half-Court Scoring
- Switch Court function
- Play-Like Distance
Luxurious designs
Design wise, every detail of the wearable reflects premium Japanese craftsmanship. Its default HONMA Elemental Dial features a traditional Japanese Pine Leaf Pattern.
This is paired with a putter-shaped second hand. There is also another HONMA-exclusive option with a BERES 7S dial in vibrant blue with Mt. Fuji for a truly iconic look.
The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and HONMA-engraved gold buckle for a luxurious yet durable build.
In front is a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch also lasts up to 21 days on a single charge.
Health features are likewise advanced, including heart rate, HRV, breathing, and interruptions. Stress and emotional wellbeing are also tracked every 10 minutes and integrated into the HUAWEI Health app.
Aside from golf, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, including pro-level activities. There’s also support for freediving for up to 40 meters with depth and duration tracking.
Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.
Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.
While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.
With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.
Price and availability
Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.
Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.
- 🛒 Shop Exclusive Deals: @enjoyglobe on TikTok
- Globe AT HOME Website: https://shop.globe.com.ph/gah5gwifi/
Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.
Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.
Cameras
Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories
Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig
The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.
The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.
For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:
Main Category (Photo)
- Open to Canon users only
- Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
Open Category (Photo)
- Open to all camera brands
- Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm
Video Category
- Open to all camera brands
- Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
- Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1
The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.
To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.
To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.
These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.
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