You’ve likely seen your fair share of sci-fi flicks. You know how in many of them, the main character has some form of Cyber Assistant they talk to summarizing their day, giving them suggestions, and in some instances exchanging in playful banter? The Galaxy S25 series offers some of that with Now Brief and Now Bar.
We’re probably a ways away from the playful banter type. But in terms of offering useful information as well as being conversational, that’s what Now Brief promises and it’ll be displayed through the Now Bar.
The Now Brief will work across the apps installed on your phone. It will learn your schedules, tendencies, priorities, and what not. You can then ask it to do things on your behalf.
In the demo that Samsung showed us, the person received an alert about a meeting the following day. This appeared in the Now Bar that’s a pill-shaped notification-like visual cue on the bottom of the lockscreen.
Without even opening the Galaxy S25, the person asked the phone to move the schedule to another time and it did so. The idea isn’t new and the jury is still out on the actual execution and implementation But it’s a promising tool – one that lets you be more present in your immediate environment.
Working across apps
It’s not just your schedule, too. It can do many things for you like provide or look for restaurant recommendations. Just tell it where to look and what you’re craving.
If you’d rather stay home and cook than eat out, you can take a quick snap of your fridge and it’ll suggest recipes given the ingredients you already have. If you’ve been following Smart Home tech over the years, some Smart Fridges have this function too. Now, your fridge doesn’t have to be that smart, you can just leave it to your Galaxy S25 smartphone.
Samsung said this will work with Google Apps, Galaxy native apps, and select third-party apps.
Now Bar
The Now Bar, available on your lockscreen, will display all of these and more. And you can take actions on supported apps based on what’s being shown.
These can be your schedules, sports scores, navigation, and what not. At first glance it looks like the Dynamic Island moved to the bottom. But that’s an oversimplification. And there’s plenty of AI baked into it to make our lives easier.
Samsung Security
Samsung foresees the security questions users may have given the amount of information that the smartphone learns about you to help aid you better.
The company promises both Cloud and On-device security to make sure all your data is protected.
Double down on AI
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series doubles down on AI. It comes additions and refinements to Galaxy AI along with other improvements in hardware and performance
Circle to Search
Some of the more notable ones include an expanded Circle to Search function. It now anticipates what action you might take with your selection and opens an Edge Panel to help you decide. There’s even two additional two icons: one for finding out the music in your surroundings and another for AI Translate.
Content Creation things
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series adds a 50MP Ultra Wide camera that offers four times better detail than its predecessor.
Meanwhile, you get key additions to your content creation suite with features like Nightography Video that denoises the videos you capture in night and low light shooting conditions.
There’s also Audio Eraser that offers you granular control on the volume of your video. You can adjust the volume levels of Speaker, Music, Wind, Nature, and Crowd.
In addition, you also have Galaxy Log and Virtual Aperture for improved color correction and shot composition.
More content-adjacent AI things are improved Generative Edits (Magic Erase, etc), and a more accurate Portrait Studio.
Hardware and Performance
The entire Galaxy S25 line is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC that’s especially tuned for Galaxy.
As for hardware changes, the Galaxy S25 series is slimmer and lighter compared to the Galaxy S24 series. The corners and edges have also been rounded for a better grip. For durability, there’s improved titanium and Corning Gorilla Armor 2.
Colorways
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series come in various color options:
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Black. With online exclusives being the following: Titanium Blackgold, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Jadegreen.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 share the following color options:
Navy, Icyblue, Mint, and Silver Shadow. Online exclusives are: Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold.
Galaxy S25 Series specs:
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25+ | Galaxy S25 | |
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (1~120Hz) Vision booster Adaptive color tone |
6.7-inch QHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (1~120Hz) Vision booster Adaptive color tone |
6.2-inch FHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (1~120Hz) Vision booster Adaptive color tone |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | ||
| Camera | 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera F1.9, FOV 120˚200 MP Wide Camera OIS F1.7, FOV 85˚50MP Telephoto Camera 5x Optical Zoom, OIS F3.4, FOV 22˚10MP Telephoto Camera 3x Optical Zoom, OIS F2.4, FOV 36˚12MP Front Camera F2.2, FOV 80˚ |
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera F2.2, FOV 120˚50 MP Wide Camera OIS F1.8, FOV 85˚10MP Telephoto Camera 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4, FOV 36˚12MP Front Camera F2.2, FOV 80˚ |
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| Memory & Storage |
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| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Charging |
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| OS |
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| Network and Connectivity | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi , Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v 5.4 | ||
| Water Resistance | IP68 | ||
Usually a stickler for grand launches, Apple has jumped the gun and unleased the iPhone 17e ahead of its scheduled event on March 4.
The iPhone 17e will build on the tradition started by the iPhone 16e, itself an evolution of the iPhone SE lineup. Like its predecessor, the newest member of the iPhone lineup will meld affordability with the classic iOS experience.
Inside, the iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, the same one powering the main iPhone 17 series. It will also feature the latest-generation C1X modem, which promises to be twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.
Meanwhile, outside the iPhone 17e is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, sporting Ceramic Shield 2, which offers thrice as much scratch resistance compared to the previous generation, and up to 1200 nits of brightness. For durability, it has an IP68 rating.
You won’t find the large camera island in this iPhone, but it will still rock a capable 48-megapixel Fusion camera, paired with a 2x Telephoto lens. It’s capable of shooting 4K Dolby Vision videos, up to 60 frames per second.
You’ll also find the traditional fare of iPhone accoutrements including MagSafe, Emergency SOS, and Roadside Assistance.
Finally, the iPhone 17e’s battery features an all-day battery life, which can charge up to 50 percent in only 30 minutes using the USB-C charger.
Price, availability
The iPhone 17e will be available for preorder starting March 4 and will be available starting March 11. It will have three colorway options: black, white, and soft pink. You can grab it in 256GB and 512GB configurations. It starts at US$ 599 (or PhP 44,990).
News
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
Xiaomi’s latest flagship devices have arrived
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19
Early purchases also come with the following perks:
- Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
- Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
- Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
- Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.
Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:
- Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
- Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
- Raffle entry to win Leica Q3
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.
It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.
This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.
The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.
For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Xiaomi Pad 8 series
In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:
- Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
- Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.
It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.
Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.
Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.
For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
News
vivo opens pre-orders for V70 in PH; discounts, more await
Pre-order early for discounts and freebies
The vivo V70 is now available for pre-order in the Philippines, with discounts and more freebies awaiting customers until March 13.
The latest V series smartphone from the brand retails starting at PhP 31,999, available in Golden Hour and Alpine Gray colorways.
Customers who secure their unit early can enjoy a PhP 2,000 off discount, as well as limited-edition freebies.
Freebies include a vivo VIP Card with 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance. Customers will also take home a vivo Buds Air3.
Meanwhile, those availing through Home Credit can get an additional PhP 500 discount, available until April 30. Buyers can take home the V70 for as low as PhP 42 per day at 18 months 0% interest installment.
Bring the stage closer
The vivo V70 features helpful tools for travel, concerts, and other occasions, with its familiar 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera leading the way.
This telephoto camera has a pro-grade, 1/1.95-inch sensor and OIS for sharper shots in low-light and challenging conditions. Its advanced periscope design also allows for higher zoom levels without adding bulk.
The shooter is coupled with a 1/1.56-inch 50MP ZEISS main camera. There is also an 8MP ZEISS ultra-wide angle camera and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera.
The vivo V70 also features AI Stage Mode, 4K 60fps video, and AI-powered editing tools for creative content and storytelling.
Particularly, the new AI Stage Mode is tuned for stage photography. Shots are enhanced by AI Image Portrait Enhancement Algorithm and AI Style Portrait Technology.
As with previous iterations of the V series, the latest handset is also equipped with ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, along with options like 85mm ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh or 100mm Close-Up Portrait in ZEISS Planar Style.
And for the first time in the V series, the phone introduces 4K 60fps video for cinematic and smooth captures.
CASETiFY launches Samsung Galaxy S26 collection
Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026
Apple announces the iPad Air with the M4 chip
Apple unveils the iPhone 17e
Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more
Xiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China
TECNO will showcase the CAMON 50 and POVA 8 series at MWC 2026
PlayStation, LE SSERAFIM Chaewon team for the ‘Love of Play’ campaign
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