Philippines

Best Midrange Smartphones (Philippine Edition)

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When premium phones are out of financial reach and entry-level handsets just don’t make your cut, something in between is the next best thing. This is our updated list of the best midrange smartphones retailing from PhP 15,000 to PhP 30,000.

Formulating this category was tricky, since you can’t set an exact price and some of these devices are, in fact, the flagship phones of their respective brands. To simplify things, we chose a price range that simply sits between our two other lists for best budget and premium smartphones.

Here they are in no particular order:

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 (PhP 25,000)

It was the original Mi Mix that put borderless phones on the map, but it’s only with the Mi Mix 2 that Xiaomi can say they finally refined the concept. Now easier to hold and smarter in execution, the newest Xiaomi flagship has an improved pair of cameras and some of the best specs you can find on a phone priced at around PhP 25,000.

REVIEW: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

OnePlus 5 (PhP 25,990)

The OnePlus 3T has finally been unseated from our list, and what better way than by its successor, the OnePlus 5. The price may have gone up, but you get even more flagship-level features this time around: a much faster Snapdragon 835 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and an additional camera at the back capable of zooming in on subjects.

REVIEW: OnePlus 5

Huawei P10 (PhP 28,990)

While it may seem odd placing Huawei’s latest and greatest smartphone on a midrange list, the P10’s price is surprisingly competitive, especially when compared to other flagships launched alongside it at Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC). If you’re after something a little more beefed up, there’s always the more expensive P10 Plus.

REVIEW: Huawei P10

Vivo V7+ (PhP 17,990)

Slim bezels have finally become mainstream on midrange smartphones thanks to the Vivo V7+. Although it no longer has a dual-camera setup like its predecessor, image quality is still top-notch for the price, and the new Snapdragon 450 chipset proves its worth in terms of performance and energy efficiency.

REVIEW: Vivo V7+

Moto Z2 Play (PhP 24,999)

We’re not including the Moto Z2 Play on our list just because it’s one of the few modular smartphones to come out this year (the Moto Z2 Force being the other one); in fact, it’s a solid handset with or without Moto Mods. We can thank the efficient Snapdragon 626 processor, super-fast fingerprint sensor, and clear Android skin for that.

REVIEW: Moto Z2 Play

Updates as of October:

  • Replaced Xiaomi Mi 6 with Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
  • Replaced OPPO R11 with Vivo V7+

Updates as of September:

  • Replaced ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom with Xiaomi Mi 6

[irp posts=”19163″ name=”Best Midrange Smartphones from $300 to $600″]

Laptops

Apple MacBook Air M3 has finally reached the Philippines

With exclusive pre-order perks

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After a month (or two) of waiting for the local launch of Apple’s newest MacBook Air, Power Mac Center has finally unveiled and brought the MacBook Air M3 to the Philippine shores this May 3, 2024 at their Premium Partner Store in Greenbelt 3.

This goes live hand-in-hand with select Power Mac Center branches as well as The Loop stores nationwide.

Lean and Mean

Just like its predecessor, the new generation of Silicon-powered MacBook Air is either available in 13 or 15-inch Liquid Retina displays.

Both sizes are lean at just around 0.45-inches in thickness — or thinness, rather. The laptops are lightweight too weighing at just 1.24 kilograms and 1.51 kilograms respectively.

But being light in heft doesn’t mean it’s light in features. In fact, the MacBook Air M3 is power-packed to consider it as “the world’s best consumer laptop for AI“.

There are several configurations like choosing between 8GB or 16GB of unified memory and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.

But the highlight of the show is none other than its new M3 chipset. This has an 8-core CPU that’s powerful than ever and promises 13x faster than its last Intel-based countepart. Aside from that, GPU can be configured between 8 or 10 cores.

Moreover, the new MacBook Air M3 boasts a Wi-Fi 6E connectivity support as well as a promising all-day battery life of up to 18 hours! Also, there’s an extra support for another external display — that’s when you use it closed.

Mac and Me

Hosted by Aiyana Perlas

To further hype up the launch of the much-awaited MacBook Air powered by M3, Power Mac Center has invited some renowned Mac users and using it to further hone their craftsmanship.

First is none other than Hey! Hey! Hey! Janina Vela here — a sought after content creator in the Philippines who’s also a “proud Power Mac Consumer since Forever” ✨

This was then followed by Merphi Panaguiton, the Creative Director and Co-Founder of ATOMM Studios — one of the country’s leading self-shoot studios.

Last but definitely not the least is Sid Maderazo, a prominent film director especially in terms of brand filmmaking.

Pricing and Availability

The M3 MacBook Air, just like its predecessor, is still available in four color choices: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.

Both display sizes are available in three different configurations:

Configuration 13-inch 15-inch
8GB unified memory + 256GB storage** PhP 76,990 PhP 89,990
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage PhP 89,990 PhP 102,990
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage PhP 102,990 PhP 115,990
**Base configurations are only limited to an 8-core GPU

If straight payment isn’t your cup of tea, Power Mac Center offers flexible payment options via select banks and credit issuers. There’s even a 24-month installment if you’re really that decided to own one without much savings in mind.

Click here to know more about Power Mac Center’s installment pricing plans for the new MacBook Air M3.

Exclusive Perks Await

From May 3rd until the 5th, prospective MacBook Air M3 buyers can enjoy up to 40% discount on select premium accessories plus a free Microsoft 365 Personal Electronic Software Delivery.

If you’re planning to join this weekend’s launch at Greenbelt 3, you will also get a free backpack and laptop stand courtesy of Tuscano.

And that’s not all! Between May 6th to 12th, buyers of the M3 MacBook Air regardless of the size and the Power Mac Center or The Loop branch you purchase it automatically gets an entry to win the raffle. Those include:

  • 1 winner of Power Mac Center Gift Certificates worth PhP 30,000
  • 1 winner of LaCie Rugged Mini USB 3.0 1TB worth PhP 6,800
  • 4 winners of Seagate One Touch Slim USB 3.0 1TB worth PhP 4,190
  • 10 winners of SanDisk iXpand Flip OTG Flash Drive Lightning + Type A 128GB worth PhP 4,999
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Deals

Lenovo back to school deals: Freebies for every laptop purchase

On IdeaPad, LOQ, Yoga, and Legion models

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Lenovo is offering students the perfect chance to purchase a new laptop or upgrade their existing one. The Lenovo Back to School deals promo gives customers the chance to take home up to PhP 5,295 worth of freebies for every laptop purchase.

Participating laptops in the promo include models from the Lenovo IdeaPad, Lenovo LOQ, Lenovo Yoga, and Lenovo Legion laptop lines. These devices boast power, performance, and portability to help students maximize their potential.

Each purchase of any participating device lets buyers select a free add-on item. There are many options for their freebie:

  • Lenovo Go USB-C Wireless Mouse
  • Peripage Mini Printer
  • Canon Pixma MG2570S
  • Lenovo D24-40 monitor
  • ADATA-free 8GB RAM upgrade

The promo period is until June 1, 2024, so there’s still time to decide. For more information on Lenovo’s promos, visit the brand’s official website.

Lenovo laptops: More AI-enabled features

Recently, Lenovo unveiled smarter Yoga, Legion, and LOQ lineups, enhancing them with more innovative AI-enabled features. Selected models come with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Windows 11 with Copilot.

The latest Yoga devices come equipped with PureSight Pro and Puresight OLED displays, for better brightness, contrast, and accuracy. The Legion 7i and 5i, meanwhile, get the exclusive Coldfront: Hyper thermal solution for optimized heat exchange.

And with Lenovo’s latest LA AI Core chips, the laptops can now support even higher FPS and improved power efficiency for gaming and other demanding tasks.

SEE ALSO: LOQ and LOAD: The Lenovo LOQ 2024 is for gaming and more

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Automotive

HATASU ebike announces latest 2-wheeler

The HATASU TARA

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HATASU TARA

HATASU ebike has announced its latest two-wheeler model and first offering for 2024: The HATASU TARA. It will be available in authorized dealers and HATASU’s official Shopee store for PhP 54,999. More details will be revealed during its official livestream launch event on May 10th.

HATASU’s stylish, sports scooter-looking two-wheeler addresses the short distance coverage problem from past models. The TARA will allow riders to go up to 70 kilometers on one full charge, something previously possible only with the brand’s three-wheel offerings like the HERO and MAKO 2.

Travel longer, better

Inside, the ebike features a larger, more long-lasting 72v 32Ah lead acid battery and a capable 1500W Dynamo motor. The motor allows riders to drive the vehicle at a faster top speed and a longer range. In front of the rider is a display panel that shows the battery level, speed level, signal light, and more relevant information.

For its exterior, the vehicle has a hydrated ABS plastic finish that is chemical and heat resistant. For the first time on a HATASU model, disc brakes are also utilized for its front wheel. HATASU is using motorcycle tires to help the TARA achieve its distinct look. Moreover, it also has a higher ground clearance.

Furthermore, the TARA has a 150-kilogram capacity so riders can accommodate a back ride. Alternatively, they may utilize the ebike to transport parcels and cargos. At just about PhP 20 per charging cycle, the TARA promises a reliable no-gas-needed alternative for casual riders or even food delivery workers, as apps like FoodPanda and Grab now allow bikes for such services.

HATASUmmer Fest 2024

The announcement of the HATASU TARA coincides with HATASU’s latest promotion for its customers: the HATASUmmer Fest 2024. A total of 42 lucky winners will take home prizes. The TARA itself will be given away as part of the promo.

To earn raffle entries, customers simply have to purchase HATASU’s previous models:

  • KUMI 2023, NERO: one (1) raffle entry
  • HARU, MAKO 2, NERO LITE, KUMI LITE: two (2) raffle entries
  • HERO, TARA, AYA: three (3) raffle entries

Aside from the grand prize, HATASU will also be giving away an air conditioning unit, a portable handheld fan, a water flask, and consolation prizes worth PhP 500. The promo period is from May 15 to June 30, 2024.

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