Smartphones

TECNO rolls out SPARK 30 series Transformers Edition

SPARK 30 Pro Optimus Prime, SPARK 30 Bumblebee Editions announced

Published

September 23, 2024

GadgetMatch

TECNO has officially launched the SPARK 30 series Transformers Edition in collaboration with Hasbro. The famed alien robots franchise has just turned 40 this year, and what better way to celebrate than by owning smartphones that come themed in fans’ favorite Transformers characters.

Part of TECNO’s latest smartphone series that includes five models, the Transformers Edition variants are the SPARK 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition and SPARK 30 Bumblelee Edition.

The two Transformers-themed models feature a Cybertronian-inspired design texture. They incorporate a DECO design crafted with a metallic sheen and precision color coordination. In addition, both phones sport the “TECNO SPARK” imprint and the Autobots’ iconic badge at the back.

The SPARK 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition, of course, comes in the standout blue and red colors of the Autobots’ leader. Half of the back is also in metallic gray, reminiscent of the cargo truck color when Optimus is transformed.

On the other hand, the SPARK 30 Bumblebee Edition comes in thorax yellow and black, well representing Optimus’ loyal sidekick. It has a more symmetrical pattern compared to the diagonal steel plates on the Optimus version. It also comes with yellow and black stripes on the camera island which reminds you of the pattern seen on bees.

For those opting for a non-Transformers look, the TECNO SPARK 30 series also includes the SPARK 30C, SPARK 30 5G, and SPARK 30C 5G.

Fluent, durable

Beyond its design, the SPARK 30 Series Transformers Edition is certified by TÜV Rheinland to offer up to five years of lag-free operation. The devices support up to 16GB of RAM (8GB base plus 8GB Extended RAM), 256GB internal storage, and 33W Fast Charge in three intelligent charging modes.

The SPARK 30 Pro, in particular, is powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 processor. This variant supports 4.5G Lighting Network, which is faster than traditional 4G. Moreover, the phone has super WiFi, enabling it to connect to networks 616% better than counterparts without the feature.

In front, the SPARK 30 Pro boasts of a 120Hz AMOLED display with 100% DCI-P3. Both phones likewise have Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified stereo speakers to complement the screen.

Lastly, the SPARK 30 Pro has a 108MP main camera which supports 3x lossless zoom. The SPARK 30, meanwhile, has an equally capable Sony IMX682 main sensor.

News

Next iPhone might get rid of the Action Button

Both functions will be in one button instead.

Published

November 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

In a world with a love-hate relationship with extra buttons on a phone, Apple has gone to the deeper end and included two buttons in the latest iPhones: the Action Button and the Camera Control. Next year, Apple might consolidate the two buttons into one, ridding itself of the Action Button.

According to a Weibo leak from Instant Digital, Apple will merge the two buttons starting with next year’s iPhones. Though technically a new button in itself, the merged version will, based on the leak, retain more Camera Control than the Action Button.

Of course, both functions can coexist in the same button. The Camera Control activates with a single press, while the Action Button needs a longer press. In the merged button, a single press can still open the camera and a longer press can activate whatever the user sets it to.

Both buttons have had a storied past. The Action Button came in 2023, replacing the Ring/Silent Switch. Meanwhile, the Camera Control debuted a year later, offering control over the camera with a capacitive button. The current iterations retain both buttons on the same phone.

Personally, as someone used to creating content, the Camera Control button is ultimately a boon to get those shots quickly while in the moment. Retaining that functionality is definitely worthwhile.

Philippines

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition: Price, availability in the Philippines

Hogwarts magic meets smartphone design

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is now available in the Philippines for PHP 39,999. This limited-edition smartphone features a color-changing Hogwarts crest, an exclusive Harry Potter-themed interface, and a collection of Wizarding World memorabilia.

Limited to fewer than 200 units nationwide, the special edition is designed for fans and collectors of the beloved franchise.

Hogwarts magic in every detail

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition comes in Magic Brown, featuring an Enchanted Texture Leather back with a three-dimensional diamond pattern inspired by wizard chessboards.

Its centerpiece is the Hogwarts Four-House Crest, which reveals the signature colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff when exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light. This effect uses realme’s Quadra Light-Sensing Color-changing Tech.

The phone also features a gold Hedwig-inspired camera design, matching gold accents along its edges, and a laser-engraved “Welcome to Hogwarts” inscription on the side.

A Hogwarts-inspired interface

The Harry Potter theme extends to the phone’s software. Exclusive wallpapers depict Hogwarts Castle at different times of the day, with Golden Dawn for daytime and Mystic Dusk for nighttime.

Other customizations include boot-up and fingerprint animations inspired by Hogwarts acceptance letters, more than 30 redesigned app icons, and camera watermarks inspired by the four Hogwarts houses.

A trunk full of collectibles

The limited-edition packaging takes the form of a Harry Potter-inspired trunk featuring the Hogwarts crest and the realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition branding.

Inside, fans will find a Hogwarts acceptance letter addressed to Mr. Potter, character postcards featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and bookmarks representing all four Hogwarts houses.

The package also includes Hogwarts Crest pins and a Hogwarts Express-inspired ticket bearing the route from London to Hogwarts via Platform 9¾.

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition price and availability

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is priced at PHP 39,999 in the Philippines. Only fewer than 200 units will be available nationwide.

Hogwarts-inspired store displays will be available at the following locations:

SM Fairview
SM North EDSA
SM Calamba

The device will also be available at kiosks in SM Clark, SM Dasmariñas, and SM Megamall.

For further updates, visit realme’s official Facebook page.

Philippines

Samsung Galaxy A18, Galaxy A08 now in the Philippines

Everyday smartphone experience

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has unveiled the new Samsung Galaxy A18 and Samsung Galaxy A08 smartphones in the Philippines.

These affordable A series handsets bring more capable performance, long-term reliability, and core AI experiences to users.

The Galaxy A18 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by a Helio G99+ processor.

It comes with an upgraded DDR5 memory and supports RAM Plus, which uses available storage as virtual memory.

At its back is a 50MP wide camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A08 comes with a 6,000mAh battery, Helio G99+ processor, and upgraded memory.

It also comes with a similar 50MP main camera, along with a 2MP depth camera, and 8MP front camera.

Core AI experiences, long-term reliability

Both the Galaxy A18 and Galaxy A08 come with core AI experiences, including Circle to Search.

Moreover, both phones come with multiple AI agents to help users move more seamlessly between supported Galaxy native apps, Google apps, and select third-party apps.

Both handsets also feature IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

Furthermore, the devices support up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates.