News
Why TECNO is the next big thing in smartphone photography
Three new camera technologies that will break boundaries in imaging
Most smartphone brands nowadays invest much of their R&D into professional smartphone photography. TECNO isn’t an exception in this list.
Not only are they bringing the best smartphone hardware they could provide for their wallet-friendly handsets, they’re also getting serious in delivering new camera technologies to the masses.
These will open doors to a new world of imaging. It will also provide exceptional results that were not possible before due to hardware and/or software limitations.
Xiaohan Huang, TECNO’s Director for Image R&D Center, presented three main pain-points when it comes to shooting photos in a smartphone. Those could be addressed with TECNO’s latest innovations in mobile imaging.
Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens
The problem most brands encounter when producing smartphones is that telephoto zoom lens takes too much space. TECNO solves this with their headlining “liquid” telephoto macro lens.
This new type of telephoto shooter incorporates a liquid-filled lens into the actual telephoto module. It adapts a lens curvature depending on how close or far you are from a subject.
This unique liquid lens also ensures better macro shots. It can get to as close as 5cm that traditional periscope telephoto lens fail to provide. Those lenses rely on increasing the overall motor drive — which is also inefficient and expensive to make.
TECNO’s approach relies on adjusting and utilizing the voltage to adjust the lens curvature. This not only gives the best details in a shot possible, but also maintains the thinness and the compact form factor of the smartphone.
W-Shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture
Unlike usual flagship smartphone cameras with the traditional aperture opening, TECNO steps it up a notch with their very-own W-Shaped aperture. This was inspired from the eyes of a cuttlefish.
Much like a standard smartphone lens with dual variable aperture system, TECNO’s patented technology allows users to manually adjust the camera’s aperture. It also precisely manages light while eliminates that annoying glare. This is one of the biggest pain-points in smartphone cameras.
This new type of aperture also ensures better photographs even when challenged by scenarios with harsh backlight. No need to compromise between having poor/dark subjects or overexposed skies.
Universal Tone (UT) Technology
TECNO is among the few phone brands that connect its partners to its users. And ICYMI, TECNO is the leading phone brand in Africa as well as being a rising brand among Southeast Asian nations.
They say most AI algorithms that phone brands have do not deliver the true color of people in color.
But with TECNO’s plethora of R&D centers across the globe alongside leading global universities such as Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), they have more than enough sample sets to make Universal Tone (UT) technology a reality when taking picture-perfect and accurately-colored portraits.
With this, people of color will also feel they are respected and accepted. Something many smartphone manufacturers fail to deliver.
Sony x TECNO
While Computational Photography is becoming more prevalent, it would still not be possible to achieve a desirable image output without having a great image sensor. Phones still need hardware components in order to make smartphone photography even better. These are: image sensor, lens, back-end processor, camera module, and other necessary components.
Jun Zhang, the Director of Sony’s Semiconductor Mobile Engineering in China, told us that they constantly improve to make their sensors even better. And with TECNO stepping into the scene, they are teaming up with Sony in bringing the best camera tech possible. This results in a more seamless collaboration with one another.
And with the debut of Sony’s dual-layer stacked sensor “LYTIA”, Sony’s director also told us that they’re moving forward with that direction to ensure excellence in imaging quality without sacrificing the overall heft of a smartphone. Something we’ve encountered with 1-inch mobile sensors. No definite word though if TECNO plans on bringing us a smartphone with the latest LYTIA sensor just yet.
The Future of Lens
Nigel Atherton, the Editor in Chief of UK’s leading photography magazine Amateur Photographer is very thrilled with how the smartphone photography scene will look like in the next one to two years thanks to TECNO’s imaging innovation. As someone who has a culturally-diverse family, he told us that the UT technology would be further utilized when taking portraits and photos with family and friends.
For him, the two other camera technologies by TECNO together with Sony’s promised improvements in sensor also meant better dynamic range, reduced noise, and improved signal processing for faster imaging output.
We never witnessed how any of these new imaging technologies by TECNO work in real life. However, the ever-growing Chinese smartphone brand proudly says these three new technologies are compatible with one another and might be in a future (flagship) device soon (Clue: three letters?)
More so, TECNO has also kept video shooting in mind while they are working with these new camera innovations. As Universal Tone (UT) is software-based, it’s been continuously observed by TECNO. Meanwhile, the two other imaging innovations are hardware-based so TECNO said they could definitely be used for dynamic shooting as well.
Samsung is making it easier for Galaxy users to share files across devices with the introduction of AirDrop support to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 series.
The update allows Galaxy S26 users to send and receive files more seamlessly, expanding Quick Share’s functionality beyond Samsung’s own ecosystem. It’s a notable step toward improving interoperability, especially for users who frequently interact with devices outside the Galaxy lineup.
The feature begins rolling out on March 23, starting in Korea. Samsung says availability will expand to additional markets including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. As with most rollouts, timing may vary depending on the region.
For now, AirDrop support is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung notes that support for other devices will be announced at a later date.
Expanding what Quick Share can do
Quick Share has long been Samsung’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop — offering fast, wireless file transfers between Galaxy devices. Over time, Samsung has expanded compatibility to include Windows PCs and select Android devices.
With this update, the experience becomes more flexible. Users can expect fewer limitations when sharing photos, videos, and documents, particularly in mixed-device environments.
While Samsung has not detailed the exact technical implementation, the move signals a broader push toward making Galaxy devices easier to use alongside other platforms.
A software-driven upgrade for the S26
The addition of AirDrop support reinforces one of the key themes behind the Galaxy S26 series: improving everyday usability through software.
Launched in February, the Galaxy S26 lineup — consisting of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — focuses on refinement rather than dramatic hardware changes. Samsung has leaned heavily into what it calls “effortless intelligence,” with features powered by Galaxy AI designed to simplify daily tasks.
These include tools like Now Brief and Now Nudge, which surface contextual suggestions, as well as AI-powered editing features such as Photo Assist and Audio Eraser. Privacy also plays a bigger role this year, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra introducing a built-in Privacy Display that limits viewing angles in public spaces.
On the hardware side, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, paired with a redesigned vapor chamber for improved thermal performance. It also introduces faster 60W charging, a bump from the previous generation.
Making sharing more seamless
With AirDrop support coming to Quick Share, Samsung is addressing a common friction point for users: moving files between different ecosystems.
It may not be the most headline-grabbing feature, but it’s one that could have a meaningful impact on day-to-day use — especially for users who regularly share content across devices.
As the feature rolls out globally, it further positions the Galaxy S26 series as a device focused on practical improvements that make the overall experience smoother and more connected.
News
nubia to launch new Neo 5 series gaming phones on March 28
Head to SM Megamall for activities, guest appearances, surprises
nubia Philippines will officially launch the nubia Neo 5 series gaming smartphone on March 28 at their “Enter The NEOVerse: Born To Win” event. It will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Metro Manila.
The nubia Neo 5 series’ design and details will be unveiled during the event. It is inspired by the REDMAGIC Gaming Lab, which is behind the REDMAGIC’s high-performance gaming ecosystem.
The nubia Neo 5 series will introduce a bold gaming-centric aesthetic, paired with performance-driven specs.
Customers can expect a sleek, futuristic styling, as well as powerful hardware engineered to elevate everyday mobile gameplay.
Across the lineup, users can expect high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, advanced cooling systems, and the familiar gaming triggers from the previous series.
It does look like nubia is adding AI-powered gaming optimization to give players an extra edge for every competitive match.
All these, of course, minus the flagship price tag.
Enter the NEOverse
At nubia’s launch event, the activity area will be transformed into a gaming-inspired universe.
Guests can explore interactive zones, participate in challenges, and experience the nubia Neo 5 series firsthand. They can also unlock exclusive rewards and prizes.
Moreover, the event will feature appearances from nubia ambassadors Sanya Lopez and ONIC Philippines.
From there, there will be 1v1 gaming sessions with ONIC PH players, as well as a special “Play” segment featuring a yet-to-be-revealed cosplayer.
nubia will also offer event-exclusive deals for early shoppers during the launch. Customers can enjoy up to seven premium freebies per nubia Neo 5 model. This is available for the first 100 customers.
Furthermore, nubia will officially announce its TikTok Super Brand Week, as well as partnerships with Yanlala and Geely.
News
REDMI Note 15 Series named Presenting Partner for Spartan Race Philippines 2026 season
Titan Toughness takes center stage!
Being a Spartan athlete for five years has taught me that endurance isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about the mental grit to keep moving when your body begs you to stop.
In this world, “toughness” becomes more than just a marketing buzzword. Now, it’s a requirement for survival. That’s why the partnership between Spartan Race Philippines and the REDMI Note 15 Series feels like a shared philosophy.
Partner for a tough course
Starting March 21, 2026, at Parklinks, Pasig City, the REDMI Note 15 Series officially joins the Spartan circuit.
For someone who has navigated these obstacles for years, I know that technology usually doesn’t belong in the mud. But the “Titan Tough” promise of the REDMI Note 15 is built for this exact routine.
It’s designed to be there for the moments that matter. For capturing the raw, unpolished triumph of the finish line; for surviving the grit of the course so you can focus on the next hurdle; and for finding the device at the heart of the festival area and the winner’s circle, mirroring the resilience of the athletes themselves.
Join the journey
Whether you are a seasoned elite racer or stepping into your first Open heat, this season is about testing your limits.
To help you get to that starting line, you can use the discount code REDMINOTE15 to get 10% OFF on all Spartan Race OCR, Spartan Kids Race, and Hurricane Heat events.
See you at the starting line. AROO!
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