News

The world’s first fully-automated imaging lab is here in Chongqing

All thanks to TECNO and DXOMARK’s budding partnership

Published

August 27, 2025

Vincenz

What do TECNO and DXOMARK have something in common? Well, it’s their focus on bringing out the best in a smartphone’s camera system.

Today, both mark a milestone as they jointly unveil the world’s first fully-automated imaging lab here in Chongqing, China.

What’s it even?

As DXOMARK continues to strive with their lab-tested metrics when giving out ratings in smartphone cameras, their joint partnership with TECNO in building a fully-automated imaging lab would not only ease the process, it will be more accurate and technically-advanced too.

This all-new laboratory is the first to implement the DXOMARK sixth-generation Smartphone Evaluation Protocol.

Not only this establishes a new scientific benchmark for smartphone imaging, it will also give a more precise and standardized camera technology with just automation.

Moreover, it sets new standards for testing efficiency, consistency, and objectivity.

Frédéric Guichard, the CEO of DXOMARK is proud with what this lab can assess and achieve.

In his words, he said that DXOMARK’s scientific expertise in advanced automated lab capabilities paired with TECNO’s technological advancements in building a fully-automated laboratory gives utmost efficiency, precision, and more comprehensive evaluations during the process.

Head of Imaging Quality Lab Fanyi Zhou also added that DXOMARK’s new-gen Evaluation Protocol will help further towards an objective imaging analysis.

He also said it will dramatically speed up their imaging innovation — which enables more authentic and inclusive experiences among users worldwide.

What’s in it?

The Joint Imaging Lab by TECNO DXOMARK establishes a new imaging evaluation standard alongside three core innovations.

Fully-Automated Testing

The joint imaging lab’s precision automation system is revolutionary for a reason. From calibration to final reports, this system runs automatic full testing workflows.

Instead of hands, there are robotic arms for micron-level positioning accuracy. There’s also a fully-automated chart switching and environmental simulation based on and controlled by AI.

Inclusive Imaging

TECNO is known for their utmost inclusivity with Universal Tone. Now, the facility also boasts the same thing.

There are six 3D head models as well as scientifically-calibrated 2D color charts that exude skin tone diversity.

The multi-dimensional skin tone adaptation enables precise calibration of color science and texture reproduction across the full spectrum of human complexions.

Customized Evaluation

Lastly, an intelligent regional customization.

These capabilities enable smart, region-specific customization with tailored evaluation protocols that match the taste of various markets.

As example, African markets might prefer brighter photos while Southeast Asia lean more towards clearer and noise-free night shots.

This approach delivers insights for localized optimization, speeding up imaging technologies that truly connect with users worldwide.

Quick Fire Q&A

After the talk session, both Frédéric and Fanyi joined a talk session along a couple of media friends.

1. Why rely on automated when you can do it manually?

An automated imaging lab not only saves gruelsome labor, it also saves time.

2. Why DXOMARK instead of any other camera partnership?

TECNO is focusing more the fundamentals / basics of their smartphone cameras.

3. How do you Visualize and quantity those changes / improvements?

DXOMARK has measurement of many details (i.e. overexposure/underexposure) where they do various conditions under different setups.

4. How do actual users benefit from this?

DXOMARK relies on user survey — or what most users prefer instead of sticking what’s “scientifically correct.”

How the body quantifies scores is based on many scenarios / targets. The higher the rating means it’s what most users want in their smartphones.

What does the future hold?

TECNO is said to integrate the capabilities of this imaging lab into its imaging roadmap.

Not only it enables continuous algorithm improvements with date involving multiple skin tones it also makes way for better and more adaptive imaging solutions for markets that are even more diverse.

Moreover, TECNO will drive the smartphone imaging to an even inclusive future along their “Stop At Nothing” ethos.

News

nubia to launch new Neo 5 series gaming phones on March 28

Head to SM Megamall for activities, guest appearances, surprises

Published

March 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

nubia Philippines will officially launch the nubia Neo 5 series gaming smartphone on March 28 at their “Enter The NEOVerse: Born To Win” event. It will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Metro Manila.

The nubia Neo 5 series’ design and details will be unveiled during the event. It is inspired by the REDMAGIC Gaming Lab, which is behind the REDMAGIC’s high-performance gaming ecosystem.

The nubia Neo 5 series will introduce a bold gaming-centric aesthetic, paired with performance-driven specs.

Customers can expect a sleek, futuristic styling, as well as powerful hardware engineered to elevate everyday mobile gameplay.

Across the lineup, users can expect high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, advanced cooling systems, and the familiar gaming triggers from the previous series.

It does look like nubia is adding AI-powered gaming optimization to give players an extra edge for every competitive match.

All these, of course, minus the flagship price tag.

Enter the NEOverse

At nubia’s launch event, the activity area will be transformed into a gaming-inspired universe.

Guests can explore interactive zones, participate in challenges, and experience the nubia Neo 5 series firsthand. They can also unlock exclusive rewards and prizes.

Moreover, the event will feature appearances from nubia ambassadors Sanya Lopez and ONIC Philippines.

From there, there will be 1v1 gaming sessions with ONIC PH players, as well as a special “Play” segment featuring a yet-to-be-revealed cosplayer.

nubia will also offer event-exclusive deals for early shoppers during the launch. Customers can enjoy up to seven premium freebies per nubia Neo 5 model. This is available for the first 100 customers.

Furthermore, nubia will officially announce its TikTok Super Brand Week, as well as partnerships with Yanlala and Geely.

News

REDMI Note 15 Series named Presenting Partner for Spartan Race Philippines 2026 season

Titan Toughness takes center stage!

Published

March 20, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Being a Spartan athlete for five years has taught me that endurance isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about the mental grit to keep moving when your body begs you to stop.

In this world, “toughness” becomes more than just a marketing buzzword. Now, it’s a requirement for survival. That’s why the partnership between Spartan Race Philippines and the REDMI Note 15 Series feels like a shared philosophy.

Partner for a tough course

Starting March 21, 2026, at Parklinks, Pasig City, the REDMI Note 15 Series officially joins the Spartan circuit.

For someone who has navigated these obstacles for years, I know that technology usually doesn’t belong in the mud. But the “Titan Tough” promise of the REDMI Note 15 is built for this exact routine.

It’s designed to be there for the moments that matter. For capturing the raw, unpolished triumph of the finish line; for surviving the grit of the course so you can focus on the next hurdle; and for finding the device at the heart of the festival area and the winner’s circle, mirroring the resilience of the athletes themselves.

Join the journey

Whether you are a seasoned elite racer or stepping into your first Open heat, this season is about testing your limits.

To help you get to that starting line, you can use the discount code REDMINOTE15 to get 10% OFF on all Spartan Race OCR, Spartan Kids Race, and Hurricane Heat events.

See you at the starting line. AROO!

News

Stylish, student-friendly HONOR X8d launches

Price, pre-order offers

Published

March 19, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

HONOR Philippines has launched its latest mass-market smartphone entry that caters to students and the youthful market in general: the HONOR X8d.

The budget smartphone is priced at PhP 15,999 and is available in Blue, Velvet Black, and Velvet Grey colors.

As part of launch offers, those who pre-order until March 27 can get a free accessory and can also avail of 0% installment plans via credit cards and Home Credit.

Customers can get the device through Lazada, Shopee, and HONOR stores.

REVIEW: The HONOR X8d is serviceable

The HONOR X8d is powered by a Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM (plus 8GB expansion) and 256GB of storage.

It has a large 7,000mAh battery which supports 45W charging, making it a very long-lasting daily value companion.

The device features a 6.77-inch 120Hz display which has up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making it useful for practical situations.

The handset comes with usual display certifications and protections, including 3840Hz PWM dimming, E-Book mode, SGS drop resistance, and an IP65 rating.

For its cameras, the X8d has a 108MP main camera, plus a 16MP front camera. The main shooter can capture decent quality at 1x, 2x, and 3x zoom ranges.

There are also handy AI editing tools like AI Eraser, AI Cutout, and AI Upscale.

Out of the box, the HONOR X8d runs on MagicOS 10 based on Android 16. It also has staple productivity tools like AI Translate, AI Writing, AI Notes, and AI Recorder, alongside features such as Magic Portal and Circle to Search.