If you’re looking for the very best high-end smartphones available, you’ve come to the right place! Every month, GadgetMatch updates this list with the finest devices money can buy, no matter how much they cost.
Updated monthly, this list takes every newly launched flagship costing more than PhP 30,000 into consideration, but doesn’t discount the smartphones that continue to make an impact since their launch last year.
Here they are in no particular order:
Huawei Mate 40 Pro (PhP 55,999)
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is everything you’ve come to expect from Huawei’s flagship Mate line — fantastic hardware and smart AI. Of course, there is the lingering issue of zero access to Google Mobile Services, but Huawei has done all it can to mitigate this. A change in leadership in the US provides hope but it’s not something we would hang our hats on.
WATCH: Huawei Mate 40 Pro Unboxing and Review
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (PhP 35,990)
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is meant to be a sub-flagship smartphone but its pricing still lands it on our premium category — something we probably need to revisit sooner than later. That said, this is a GadgetMatch favorite. It has all the “necessities” of a flagship smartphone in a plastic, easy-t0-grip build and is just an easy recommendation for people who can’t spend north of PhP 40,000 on a smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 (PhP 109,990)
This is about as premium and as cutting edge as it gets. Samsung followed up its Galaxy Z Fold with a much more refined and polished Galaxy Z Fold2. It smoothens the rough edges of the first generation device and the result is what probably is the best foldable on the market right now.
iPhone 12 series (starts at PhP 43,990)
Design-wise not much has changed for the iPhones, but that’s not where you should be looking. Not only does the A14 chip deliver the usual performance bump, the cameras are also reportedly better and all these iPhones can now access 5G. It also helps that there’s four of them to choose from so there’s likely an iPhone just for you.
WATCH:
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Buyer’s Guide
Unboxing iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max
ASUS ROG Phone 3 (PhP 54,995)
ASUS doubled down on everything that made the previous generations of the ROG Phone great and gave us yet another spec-monster. Maxed-out specs, maxed-out mobile gaming. It has more competition in the mobile gaming smartphone space this year, but it’s still firmly ahead of everyone else in the pack.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (PhP 67,990)
The Snapdragon 865 Plus vs Exynos 990 hullabaloo notwithstanding, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra continues to represent the best that the Galaxy Note line has to offer. The S Pen’s latency has improved and the cameras are a refined version of the S20 Ultra. Galaxy Note loyalists will find that everything they love are still here — improved and refined.
WATCH: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Review
Huawei P40 Pro+ (PhP 69,990)
The term “feels premium” gets thrown around too much needlessly. This phone has a legitimate claim to that. One touch and you’ll feel right away that you’re holding something luxurious. You can’t say that about every phone. Oh and, definitely go for the white one.
OnePlus 8 Pro (PhP 45,990)
OnePlus is now firmly in the premium flagship category. OnePlus phones have traditionally been pretty darn great with a lot of the focus being on just how fast it feels. On the OnePlus 8 series, it addresses a few things that were missing — the addition of wireless charging and an improvement to its long-time “weakpoint”, its cameras.
Huawei P40 Pro (PhP 50,990)
Huawei still has US government and Google problems, but they have come a long way since the ban last year. The company has found ways to bring or at least give you a way to download frequently used apps over to the AppGallery. That, along with their usual top-tier hardware, earns it a spot on this list. You’ll just have to make do with browser versions of certain Google apps for the time being.
vivo X50 Pro (PhP 39,999)
A gimbal system on a smartphone camera? Now that sounds new! Not only did vivo make a flagship-grade smartphone with an innovative camera system, they also made sure all the rear cameras are actually useable. Elsewhere on the phone, it performs day-to-day tasks with ease and also supports 5G connectivity.
News
Two new Xiaomi audio wearables join REDMI Note 15 Series
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite
Xiaomi has launched two new audio wearables on the same day it launched the REDMI Note 15 in the Philippines.
These two wearables are the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and the REDMI Buds 8 Lite.
The two new offerings expand Xiaomi’s ecosystem, bringing innovative features in different form factors to users.
Mijia Smart Audio Glasses
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses house a speaker system and four built-in microphones in a stylish eyewear design.
This enables users to stay aware of surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio and 4.5m/s wind noise reduction.
It is an ideal accessory for city walks, outdoor travel, and even more discreet scenarios like meetings and calls with a new privacy mode.
This mode leverages a custom algorithm to ensure clear audio while significantly reducing sound leakage.
Inside the glasses are non-coaxial steel-cased batteries. Full charging takes just about an hour, and fuels up to 13 hours of music playback.
Users can connect the wearable to the Xiaomi Glasses app for greater customization and control.
The Mijia glasses are available in three styles: Titanium, Pilot-Style, and Browline. All lenses can be replaced with prescription ones if needed.
In addition, the Browline and Titanium come with up to 25% blue light protection lenses while the Pilot-Style features up to a 99.99% UV light blocking rate.
Pricing:
- Browline and Pilot-Style: Starts at PhP 10,999
- Titanium: Starts at PhP 12,999
REDMI Buds 8 Lite
On the other hand, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite are built for those who seek practicality and crystal-clear sound at the same time.
The buds house large 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm drivers for clear sound and rich detail. They support Bluetooth 5.4 connection for AAC and SBC audio codecs for high-quality audio across a wide range of devices.
Moreover, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite feature up to 42dB hybrid active noise cancellation, on top of a Transparency Mode.
The ANC uses a combination of talk and feedback microphones to effectively detect and suppress ambient noise.
And with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, users can tailor-fit the sound better to their liking with five pre-installed EQ modes and the option to customize EQ tuning.
The Buds 8 Lite is available in Black, White, and Blue starting at PhP 1,199.
Joining the two new Xiaomi audio wearables are other AIoT devices that are now available at online and offline Xiaomi stores: the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6, and 6 Lite.
News
REDMI Note 15 Series unveiled: Price, availability in the Philippines
4 models available starting at PhP 9,999
The REDMI Note 15 Series has been officially launched in the Philippines. It comes in four variants: the Note 15 Pro+ 5G, Note 15 Pro 5G, Note 15 5G, and Note 15.
Featuring “REDMI Titan Durability”, the lineup highlights long-lasting battery performance, reinforced drop resistance, and enhanced dust and water protection.
Alongside these physical upgrades, the REDMI Note 15 Series also comes with enhanced imaging capabilities, reliable performance, and a seamless overall user experience.
Xiaomi also introduced the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite, among others, expanding their ecosystem.
The top-of-the-line variants, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, feature 6,500mAh batteries with 100W HyperCharge.
Making its REDMI Note Series debut, the Silicon-Carbon battery technology enables higher energy density within a compact form factor.
The Pro variants also come with better protection, with the Pro having a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the Pro+ having a tough fiberglass back panel.
In addition, the Pro+ comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance ratings.
Meanwhile, the REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15 house 5,520mAh and 6,000mAh batteries, respectively. These two models also have SGS Comprehensive Shock and Drop-Resistance certifications.
Cameras
Onto the series’ cameras, both Pro models boast of a new 200MP ultimate-clarity camera, along with the global debut of a 200MP HPE image sensor.
This large, 1/1.4-inch sensor backs 2x and 4x optical-level in-sensor zoom, triple-focal length DAG HDR, and advanced AI processing. This way, users can get detailed and true-to-life images across in various lighting conditions.
The two Note 15 variants, meanwhile, come with 108MP main cameras. These offer up to a 3x optical-level telephoto experience.
Creative and AI-powered tools complement the shooting experience. There’s ultra-clear portrait algorithm, Dynamic shots 2.0, and AI Creativity Assistant on the Pro models.
Across the entire lineup are everyday creativity features like AI Remove Reflection and AI Beautify.
Upgraded performance, smarter connectivity
The REDMI Note 15 Series also delivers balanced performance in the segment. Powering the Note 15 Pro+ 5G is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 mobile platform and introduces the Xiaomi IceLoop cooling system.
The entire lineup also come with new generation Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets for faster performance and smoother graphics.
All models support Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google out of the box. The Pro+ also integrates Xiaomi HyperAI for a more personalized and intelligent experience.
And for enhanced connectivity, the Pro models support Xiaomi Offline Communication which allows for voice transmission even without network coverage.
Immersive audiovisual experience
In front, the series offers an upgraded viewing experience. The Pro models have 6.83-inch displays, while the base models have 6.77-inch screens.
These have up to 3,200 nits brightness and triple eye-care certifications. Complementing these are up to a 400% volume boost capability.
Price, availability
The REDMI Note 15 Pro models retail for the following prices:
- Note 15 Pro+ 5G: PhP 27,999 (Mocha Brown, Glacier Blue, Black)
- Note 15 Pro 5G: Starts at PhP 19,999 (Mist Purple, Black)
Early bird purchases (January 16 to 29) include a PhP 2,000 savings, Xiaomi Smart Band 10, and Black Box Gift Set.
From January 30 to February 8, the same freebies (minus the discount) are still available to claim.
On the other hand, the REDMI Note 15 base models are available for:
- Note 15 5G: Starts at PhP 14,999 (Glacier Blue, Mist Purple, Black)
- Note 15: Starts at PhP 9,999 (Glacier Blue, Purple, Black)
Customers can grab an additional PhP 1,000 off, REDMI Buds 8 Lite, and Xiaomi Black Backpack until January 29, with the two freebies available for purchases made until February 8.
Other perks include:
- 4-year battery replacement warranty
- 2-year liquid damage coverage
- 2-year front & back cover replacement
- 3 months Spotify Premium
- 3-month 100GB cloud storage
All models are now available across Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and mi.com.
News
TNT earns honors at 2025 International Business Awards
TNT Petmaloop campaign earns Gold Stevie
Philippines network provider TNT, the value brand of PLDT’s mobile wireless subsidiary Smart, earned multiple honors at the recent 2025 International Business Awards.
At the 22nd edition of the IBA, TNT bagged a Gold Stevie for Brand Experience of the Year – Consumer. This was for the groundbreaking TNT Petmaloop Challenge.
The campaign gathered content creators nationwide to feature highlights of their hometowns that give them “saya” (joy) using TikTok.
It culminated in an uninterrupted stream that earned a Guinness World Records title for the Longest Travel Livestream after running for 26 hours, 15 minutes, and 29 seconds.
Moreover, TNT also received a Silver Stevie for Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year for its SIM Registration campaign. This blended creativity and humor in urging subscribers to register their SIMs on time.
TNT’s awards form part of the broader recognition received by the PLDT Group and Smart at the same awards, also known as The Stevies.
These reflect the integrated telecommunications provider’s continued investments in network development, innovation, and customer-focused initiatives.
-
News6 days agoHONOR X9d 5G launches in the Philippines: Price, preorder, availability
-
Reviews2 weeks agoOPPO A6 Pro: Adequate tool, no definitive punch
-
Reviews1 week agoHONOR Magic8 Pro review: What sorcery is this?
-
Camera Walkthrough1 week agoHONOR Magic8 Pro Stage Mode at a TWICE concert
-
CES 20261 week agoThe ROG Flow Z13-KJP brings your Death Stranding dreams to life
-
CES 20261 week agoFirst Look: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
-
CES 20261 week agoLenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept was possible thanks to TCL
-
CES 20262 weeks agoSamsung thinks AI works best together















