Accessories

2023 GadgetMatch Approved Devices

Gadgets that truly deserve the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval

Published

December 19, 2023

Vincenz and GadgetMatch

We wouldn’t call ourselves “GadgetMatch” without being able to recommend you “gadgets” that “match” your needs, right?

Aside from smartphones, our members also gave other devices the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval — whether that’s a tablet, smartwatch, smart TV, desktop, laptop, wireless earbuds. Heck, there’s even more than just one handheld gaming console!

Just like the smartphone version of GadgetMatch’s Approved list, this is in descending order from most recently published.

GameSir G8 Galileo

“Most smartphone controllers prioritize portability. Thus, they’re more compact. The GameSir G8 Galileo changes all of that because of its size. It’s also not just larger. Its ergonomics are great too. Your hands will sit nicely on the nice, curved handles for a more comfortable, more enjoyable handheld gaming session.

The feel of the controller is fantastic and is easily the most enjoyable out of every other smartphone controller that I’ve tried before.” — Rodneil

Samsung HW-Q600C Q Soundbar

“The Samsung HW-Q600C Q Soundbar makes you feel your entertainment in both tangible and intangible ways. It adds something extra to your favorite movies, shows, music, and everything in between.” — Rodneil

ROG Zephyrus G14 (2023)

“I have already said this at the start of the article, but it bears repeating. The ROG Zephyrus G14 is an all-eggs-in-one-basket machine that can keep up with you in play, work, and everything else in between.

If I, a long-time Mac user, absolutely HAD TO switch to Windows, this is the laptop that I will go for. “ — Rodneil

Lenovo Legion Go

“Is this your GadgetMatch? If you’re new to the handheld console market, absolutely. For its price point, you’re getting more than your money’s worth. While Sony is currently struggling with its return to handheld gaming, the Lenovo Legion Go offers an all-around, powerful solution for mobile entertainment.” — Luigi

Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2)

“As I transition into becoming a recreational athlete who aims to stand on the podium one day, the Garmin epix Pro is the smartwatch I’ve always dreamt of. It’s not my ideal type, but it’s everything I need. I think that’s what matters — both in smartwatch preferences and in our love life.” — MJ

Apple M3 iMac

“If you’re looking for an all-in-one computer for your home, there’s no better choice than the 2023 iMac.

If you’re a PC user looking to switch to a Mac, this might just be your best bet. If you own an Intel model, now is a great time too.” — Michael Josh

Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro

“If you feel like you need more power, more performance, more battery life, go out and buy an M3-powered MacBook Pro. I can go on and on, but simply put, there’s nothing like it in the market today.” — Michael Josh

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

“When it comes to Android tablets, nothing quite comes close to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra from Samsung. It’s definitely best in its class.” — Michael Josh

Xiaomi Pad 6

“The Xiaomi Pad 6 has to be the easiest Android tablet to recommend right now. It’s the ultimate bang-for-your-buck tablet, squeezing out plenty of features and functionality for a package price that’s more than reasonable. Xiaomi has a winner on their hands. One that deserves the GadgetMatch seal of approval.” — Rodneil

ROG Ally

“The ROG Ally is an exciting handheld gaming console. On its own, the ROG Ally is a truly compelling gaming gadget. A relatively affordable handheld with the power to play AAA titles whenever and wherever. It’s pretty easy to justify its place in your gaming lifestyle. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty polished for a first generation device.” — Rodneil

Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C

“If you’re in the market for a new TV, I highly recommend the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C. I think it offers excellent picture quality, plenty of connectivity options, and some extras, all at a reasonable price tag. — Michael Josh

Apple Mac Studio

“If you would consider yourself semi-pro or pro and require more power, then a Mac Studio is definitely worth checking out. Get the Mac Studio if more of your high-end work is done at a desk — whether that be at home or office. I love my Mac Studio, and I know you will too.” — Michael Josh

Apple M2 Max MacBook Pro 16”

“If you need more power and performance, then I also highly-recommend the MacBook Pro. These new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are so powerful and while it may be more power than what you need right now, if you plan on holding onto your machine for say 5 years — maybe even more, then as apps get more and more demanding, you’ll find that your machine will still be able to handle anything you throw at it for many, many years to come.” — Michael Josh

Apple M2 MacBook Air 15″

“It’s so easy to recommend the MacBook Air. It’s a well-built, thin and light laptop, with an affordable price tag. It has enough power for most users. And, it’s complemented by a rich Apple ecosystem.” — Michael Josh

ROG Zephyrus M16

“Overall, the ROG Zephyrus M16 was always designed to be one of the best gaming laptops out there, and this iteration is just no different. There are more affordable options for this model, with one of them at PhP 169,995 for the RTX 4070 model. Even so, that’s still an impressive piece of work that will elevate the gaming experience further.” — GadgetMatch

Uperfect X14 Pro

“I can wholly recommend this product for people who, like myself, like to live off of their phones as their main computing gadget. It gets the job done, usage is just like using any laptop you’ve ever used before.” — Kevin

ROG Flow X16

“The ASUS ROG Flow X16 is a great 2-in-1 device that holds its own with nothing extra needed. With powerful hardware embedded inside a relatively slim form factor, it has everything you need for work and play. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a content creator at heart, you won’t go wrong with this as an option.” — GadgetMatch

Apple M2 Mac mini

“If you’re just looking to get the most affordable Mac that you can get today, then, don’t even think about it. I highly recommend the new 2023 M2-powered Mac mini.

Despite its price, don’t be fooled, this is one powerful machine that can do everything you need for work or play.” — Michael Josh

Accessories

IQOS x Isabel Santos turns heated tech into a cool, design statement

A limited-edition collaboration where product innovation meets contemporary Filipino art.

Published

February 24, 2026

MJ Jucutan

IQOS unveiled its latest collaboration with contemporary Filipino visual artist Isabel Santos.

Titled Curiosity Without Limits, the partnership places product design and personalization at the forefront, using art as the medium that reshapes the experience.

When hardware becomes a canvas

On a Friday night in Makati, RCBC Plaza felt less like a business address and more like a portal. The third floor glowed in deep blues and music echoed through concrete walls.

Inside, a crowd gathered not for a board meeting, but for something far more immersive. At the center stood a curated installation of IQOS devices and limited-edition accessories wrapped in Santos’ signature visual language.

Her works, known for their fluid motion, layered forms, and bold interplay of blue, teal, and bursts of warmth, extended beyond framed canvases and into physical objects people could carry.

Hand-painted IQOS devices, tote bags, pouches, luggage tags, and magnetic snap wallets were displayed like collectible pieces rather than merchandise.

Personalization as part of the ecosystem

Beyond display, the event emphasized interaction. Legal-age IQOS club members were given access to on-site customization stations, where devices could be personalized with exclusive Isabel Santos designs.

The process turned a familiar tech ritual into something participatory, aligning with the broader theme of curiosity driving experimentation.

A digital sensory wall responded to movement, animating Santos’ artwork through ripples and waves.

Nearby, a sketch station allowed guests to draw digitally. Guests were able to see their creations projected in real time onto a large screen. The experience reinforced IQOS’ positioning at the intersection of product innovation and experiential design.

Design meets contemporary culture

Isabel Santos, known for her motion-driven compositions and layered abstractions, unveiled and signed a central artwork created exclusively for the collaboration.

Her ability to translate emotional rhythm into visual form brought dimension to IQOS’ structured aesthetic.

The partnership was announced by PMFTC Inc., the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International, framing the initiative as a design-led project for legal-age nicotine users who would otherwise continue to smoke.

While IQOS devices are engineered around heated tobacco technology, the collaboration highlighted how design can influence perception and experience. The devices remained technologically consistent. What evolved was the narrative around them.

Beyond the launch

IQOS is positioning its hardware not only as a technological alternative, but as a lifestyle object shaped by collaboration and customization.

The IQOS x Isabel Santos collection extends to participating IQOS boutiques nationwide. Select locations in Bonifacio Global City, SM Mall of Asia, and Glorietta offer personalization services for a limited time, with a dedicated in-store installation unveiled at the Glorietta boutique.

Accessories

Jackery portable power solutions makes appearance at Doraemon Run

New portable power solutions provider set to make official launch soon

Published

February 23, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

Jackery recently made its first public presence in the Philippines quietly after being among the sponsors of the Doraemon Run 2026 Manila.

The portable power solutions provider founded in 2012 in California showcased three of their innovative charging products at their booth: the Explorer 100 Plus, Explorer 300 Plus, and Explorer 1000 V2.

Naturally, participants at the fun run were able to recharge their small devices for free with Jackery’s products at the booth.

The biggest variant, the Explorer 1000 V2, has a total power storage of 1070Wh. Along with a 1500W maximum output power, it can easily recharge gadgets like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, cameras, and even drones.

It also has multiple USB-C, AC, and DC ports for simultaneous charging of such devices.

Interestingly, the smallest variant, the Explorer 100 Plus, does champion portability. It costs just about PhP 6,999 and comes with a 99.2Wh capacity. That’s about more than 26,000mAh and is enough to recharge five smartphones.

It comes with a USB-A and two USB-C ports, and is much like a slightly larger power bank. Although, make no mistake, it is also approved for flights.

All three of Jackery’s Explorer models also have an informative digital display. The brand also had the Solar Saga 100W foldable solar panel on display. This standalone backup power solution has an IP68 water resistance.

Currently, Jackery’s products are available online via Lazada and Shopee. An official launch event is expected later this year.

The brand name is an amalgamation of the words “jacket” and “battery”. This is a nod to what Jackery produced a decade ago: jacket batteries for consumer tech companies.

Accessories

Apple AirTag 2 Review

Range, Sound, and REAL-WORLD Tests!

Published

February 15, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

THE Michael Josh puts AirTags in his bags, suitcases, keys, heck, even his TV remote.

They’ve saved him many times and keep anxiety at bay when it comes to delayed or missing baggage.

And just about last month, Apple announced a new model — the same size, shape, and price. But, it comes with a whole bunch of improvements that make it more findable.

So, should you rush out to get the new ones? In this review video, we test the range and sound of the all-new AirTag 2 in the real world.