News

TECNO’s two new telephoto tech redefines the future of mobile imaging

Slimmer telephoto structure and seamless continuous zoom, comin’ thru!

Published

December 3, 2025

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

TECNO continues to break boundaries in imaging with their recent line of smartphones — the CAMON 40 Premier highlighting that claim as it’s one of the market’s midrangers that deliver excellent camera quality without compromising overall price.

At this year’s event, not only this marks the fifth anniversary of its annual Future Lens showcase, they are delivering two new innovations in mobile imaging.

Two New Tele-nnovation

From 2023’s W-Shaped Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens to last year’s (very mouthful) Tap Any Zoom Dual Prism Telephoto, TECNO introduces two new flagship-level telephoto zoom innovations for future smartphones.

Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto

First and foremost, this new type of telephoto tech is based on a smaller telephoto module 50% smaller than traditional systems.

That’s all thanks to its coaxial optical structure that enables an evern slimmer design slimmer without totally compromising the zoom performance.

Moreover, this type of telephoto module also creates a distinct “doughnut-shaped” bokeh and low-light shots that are also strong.

Freeform Continuum Telephoto

This is another breakthrough of TECNO in terms ofd telephoto zoom tech.

From the term itself, the Freeform Continuum Telephoto tech provides true continuous optical zoom from 1x to 9x. By that, it totally eliminates those unwanted “focal jumps” very apparent in modern-day smartphone camera systems.

TECNO says this achieves with a pro-grade zoom performance comparable to camcorders. Still, providing full image quality and sharp detail at every distance and angle.

Advancing the TECNO Image Matrix

That said, it’s not always limited to just announcing an upgraded camera hardware and advanced optics alongside an intelligent camera software experience . TECNO seamlessly bridges all of these with its already-existing imaging architecture, the TECNO Image Matrix (TIM).

The uprising brand is also committed to imaging that favors humans in all races, as well as providing industry-leading color science with their very first automated imaging lab collab with DXOMARK.

ICYMI, it unifies AIGC-enhanced hardware and intelligent algorithms. This system also powers technologies such as TECNO’s revolutionary Universal Tone (UT) technology that continues to deliver accurate and inclusive color rendering of diverse skin tones — eliminating the racial bias in image processing.

TECNO’s Universal Tone Demonstration at MWC 2025

Technology that understands culture makes it possible. Cultural accuracy at the center — cultural fidelity the core in mobile photography. And in the wisest words of Amateur Photographer’s Musa Bwanali, “Every culture has a story worth telling.”

Musa Bwanali of Amateur Photographer

In addition to that, she told her that TECNO truly knows the path they’re aiming for. “This is not just about technical progress. It’s human progress.”

Why Focus on Telephoto?

Shenghao Bai, a Senior Analyst from Counterpoint, has revealed that more and more phone brands have invested and applied telephoto and periscope zoom lenses among their smartphones during the first half of 2025 — regardless if it’s a flagship model or a midrange one.

Shenghao Bai, Senior Analyst of Counterpoint

Furthermore, periscope zoom lenses is the most challenging part among smartphones nowadays. Not only with all the varying sizes of lens modules, quality also differs from one brand to another.

TECNO’s latest tech developments in telephoto modules demonstrate the clear alignment with these trends. And it’s not just zooming in and capturing light. Also, intelligently understand scenes and intention of users.

Quick Fire Q&A

After the very-detailed presentation, some media friends were encouraged to ask anything and everything under the sun.

* These were answered in Mandarin by TECNO’s Director of Image R&D Centre, Xiaohan Huang, and was translated live for us by a human translator. The answers you will see here are non-verbatim and was simplified by the author during the writing process.

1. Is it possible to fuse these two new tech together?

Technically and mechanically speaking, it is impossible and incompatible.

Xiaohan Huang, TECNO’s Director for Image R&D

Other than the high-precision requirement, processing and manufacturing these modules are already very challenging to begin with.

2. Are there any realistic timeline for these to be available for users?

All I can tell is that, 2026 will be challenging for commercialization. For the freeform telephoto, it is very difficult. The two lens module groups in this unit have a high requirement for processing and manufacturing.

Laury Bai, TECNO’s CMO

On the other hand, the Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto is ready to be commercialized.

However, TECNO is still testing what will be the effect for its intended users. Commercialization and market-size are key factors for this survey.

3. Is TECNO re-considering to go back in making flagship smartphones (like the Phantom X2 Pro) or just focus on CAMON series moving forward?

There’s no definite answer to going back and moving forward. New technologies are very costly with an expensive sale price.

Hosted by Nicole Scott

That said, TECNO’s main goal is to focus and bring the latest and greatest to these users. This technique can solve the painpoints of mobile photography in the middle or lower-end spectrum of the market.

4. Is it possible to bring these two telephoto technologies to phones like the TECNO Slim?

If you don’t mind getting the bump thicker, it is doable. But realistically speaking, it is still too thick for this product — thicker than we wanted it to be. Therefore, it’s merely impossible to do it just yet.

Paco Zheng of Gizmochina

There are phone markets that are willing to sacrifice overall camera performance in favor of a pleasing design and appearance. Also, cameras aren’t only the bottleneck, battery longevity is for another.

Bringing it to the Slim series may not be possible (for now) but should be doable for TECNO’s another set of phone series.

5. When can the DXOMARK collab be seen in TECNO’s phones?

Even though the first fully-automated imaging lab was announced just this year, TECNO and DXOMARK has already established a long-term partnership for many years now.

The first fully-automated Imaging Lab by TECNO x DXOMARK in Chongqing, China

At TECNO, we clearly focus and prioritize on portrait shooting. And, with our heavy reliance on DXOMARK’s professional quantifiable benchmarking tools and technologies, we are hoping to further deepen this relationship.

With all that being said, the collab can be felt and seen by 2026 without a specific date.

Shaping the Future of Mobile Imaging

Building on innovations ranging from periscope telephoto lenses to full-system imaging frameworks, TECNO reaffirmed its ambition to make pro-grade imaging accessible across global markets.

Through continued research partnerships and advanced testing facilities, it aims to deliver more personalized, authentic, and creatively empower photography experiences both for professionals, hobbyists, and even just casual users.

Together with TECNO’s “Stop At Nothing” mantra, they will continue to focus on breaking through the boundaries of smartphone camera innovation for the next five years — and the foreseeable future.

News

Infinix NOTE Edge debuts: High-end features for accessible pricing

Phone debuts Dimensity 7100 5G platform, more features

Published

January 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Infinix NOTE Edge, which combines premium aesthetics and cutting-edge all-around capabilities, has officially launched.

Infinix’s latest phone sets new standards for design and user experience, featuring a 7.2mm body and a 3D curved screen. And in spite the ultra-slim design, the phone packs innovative features for an asking price starting at just US$ 200.

It debuts the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G platform and runs on XOS 16. It also houses a 6,500mAh battery with support for 45W charging and a self-repairing system.

Performance wise, the handset can sustain 90fps for popular titles. Connectivity is also boosted with 13 joint 5G optimizations with MediaTek.

When fully drained, the NOTE Edge’s battery activates a low-current repair process. This uses dynamic recrystallization to heal micro-cracks in low-power cycles.

In front, the phone sports a 1.5K display that is ergonomically shaped to sit naturally in the hand. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and rated IP65 for water and dust resistance.

In addition, it has up to 4500 nits peak brightness and is complemented by a JBL-tuned dual stereo speaker system.

On the side is a customizable One-Tap Button that can activate the built-in FOLAX AI assistant.

On the outside, the Infinix NOTE Edge has a Pearl Light Ripple Shadow exterior. It is available on four colors: Lunar Titanium, Silk Green, Stellar Blue, and Shadow Black.

Particularly, the Silk Green variant introduces Infinix’s Polyurethane water-wave brushed texture process.

This makes up for a leather-like surface with silky smoothness that shimmers under sunlight.

Onto its cameras, the NOTE Edge comes with a 50MP main camera with a large 1/2 sensor. Infinix’s new Live Photo mode also lets users record 3-second dynamic clips with audio.

News

Two new Xiaomi audio wearables join REDMI Note 15 Series

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite

Published

January 15, 2026

GadgetMatch

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

Published

January 15, 2026

GadgetMatch

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: