News

Xiaomi announces Mi 5X with the latest MIUI 9

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After some teasing, Xiaomi has formally announced its latest smartphone that’ll surely be another hit, not only to the Chinese market, but to anyone who wants the best package without the hefty price tag.

This is the Xiaomi Mi 5X.

We already have the Mi 5 from last year, but this new Mi 5X is more than just a rehash or a cheaper variant of Xiaomi’s former flagship. First, it’s got a new metal unibody design that looks a lot like the iPhone 7 Plus (or the OPPO R11 and the OnePlus 5 — depends on who you’re asking). But instead of having the Apple logo, you get a more functional fingerprint reader in its place.

The Mi 5X sports a 5.5-inch 1080p display fitted into its body. Xiaomi promotes the phone’s rounded edge corners which make the phone easier to hold, plus anti-fingerprint coating to avoid unsightly smudges.

In addition, it sports dual-rear cameras. Both are 12-megapixel shooters with the one having a telephoto lens. Like with other dual-camera phones, the Mi 5X has a portrait mode to achieve artificial bokeh for your pictures. Here are some official samples from Xiaomi’s forum:

More importantly, the Mi 5X is the first phone to run the latest version of Xiaomi’s custom interface, MIUI 9, which is based on Android Nougat — that’s a big deal for a phone that isn’t considered a flagship. For now, MIUI 9 is only available in Chinese, but Xiaomi promises a global version soon.

Specs-wise, the phone is powered by a midrange Snapdragon 625 processor, and it comes with 4GB of memory and 64GB of internal storage. Battery capacity is at 3080mAh which could easily last a whole day of moderate usage.

The Mi 5X is priced at CNY 1,499 (US$ 222) for its sole variant. Xiaomi usually has a number of memory and storage configurations, but that’s not the case for the Mi 5X, making it a simple choice for those looking for a fresh smartphone.

SEE MORE: Xiaomi Mi MIX Review: 6 Months Later

[irp posts=”16594″ name=”Xiaomi Mi MIX Review: 6 Months Later”]

News

realme 16 series 5G launches in the Philippines

Pro Plus variant, telephoto lens return; price, availability, offers

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realme has officially launched the realme 16 series 5G in the Philippines, composed of three variants: the 16 5G, 16 Pro 5G, and the 16 Pro+ 5G.

The latest numbered series entries promise improved photography, longer battery life, and smarter AI features.

The series is now available nationwide for the following SRPs:

  • realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 25,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 31,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 37,999
  • realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 43,999

To make the most out of purchasing any of realme’s new releases, customers can pre-order until April 30 for freebies such as the realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2.

Also up for grabs are a 5,000mAh power bank, Privilege Card, and discounts of up to PhP 2,000. These put the total perks’ value at about PhP 8,900.

In addition, Shopee customers can enjoy up to PhP 9,000 off until May 5 and get a free AKASO EK7000 series action camera. This means the device can be checked out for as low as PhP 22,499.

Master Portrait for moments that matter

The biggest highlight of the realme 16 series is the 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System on the Pro models.

This is designed for detailed shots across different focal lengths. Moreover, the Pro+ 5G brings back a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens for more versatile portraits and zoom photography.

It can be recalled that the previous 15 series didn’t have a Pro+ model and also ditched the telephoto lens.

The more accessible realme 16 5G, on the other hand, has a dual 50MP portrait camera system powered by a Sony IMX852 sensor.

AI tools are available across all variants, including AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Instant Clip, and AI Portrait Glow. There’s also more room to play with Vibe Master Mode and AI Photo Popout.

Built to last longer

All three variants are equipped with 7,000mAh batteries for extended daily use, with the Pro variants supporting 80W SUPERVOOC charging as well.

The Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, while the Pro houses a Dimensity 7300 Max.

Both Pro models likewise have an Airflow Vapor Chamber Cooling System and have 144Hz AMOLED displays.

The base model, meanwhile, is powered by a Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset and comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form.

Another key highlight is durability, as the entire lineup features IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance.

The realme 16 series features these distinct colorways:

  • Pro+ 5G: Master Gold
  • Pro 5G: Pebble Grey, Orchid Purple
  • 16 5G: Air White, Air Black (with built-in Selfie Mirror at the back)
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Entertainment

DC’s Clayface teaser shows off a horror-filled superhero movie

Our first taste of James Gunn’s Gotham City will be frightening.

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Last year, James Gunn’s Superman sparked an impressive wave of excitement for the new DC Universe. Though this year’s spotlight is on Supergirl, Clayface is also getting an eponymous film, giving us our first taste of Gotham City in this bustling universe.

There’s been a lot of mystery surrounding this film. For one, Gotham City’s DCU debut is based on, arguably, a secondary villain, rather than any member of the Bat-Family. Secondly, Gunn has confirmed that the movie will heavily lean towards the horror genre, a feat others have tried but often failed.

Today, DC Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Clayface. And no, Gunn wasn’t kidding when he said this is going to be a horror film.

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising movie star suddenly scarred by a violent attack. Desperate to resurrect his career, he resorts to a scientific experiment that turns his skin into moldable clay.

As the teaser hints, the film will not shy away from body horror, including shots of Hagen’s disfigured face either from the attack or from the clay. It’s a big departure from the more traditional style of Superman or Supergirl. But it’s a gamble that might pay off for a universe as young as the DCU.

It’s also apropos that the DCU’s first horror film is getting a horror-themed premiere. Clayface will premiere in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027

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Automotive

VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.

According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.

The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.

These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.

Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.

This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.

This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.

Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.

It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.

This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.

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