Philippines

The Loop PH rebrands as lifestyle-tech destination

From devices to everyday experiences

Published

April 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Loop PH is entering a new phase. The retailer has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that shifts its focus from being device-first to becoming a lifestyle-tech partner for everyday life.

The move reflects how technology now blends into daily routines. Instead of simply selling gadgets, The Loop wants to position itself as a place where consumers discover how tech fits into work, travel, wellness, and downtime.

“People use technology very differently now, and we felt it was time for The Loop to evolve, too,” said Marketing Director Francis Warren Chua. “More than just a tech retailer, we want The Loop PH to be the first curated lifestyle brand and a trusted partner in everyday Filipino life.”

A shift beyond devices

The rebrand signals a broader approach. The Loop is moving away from purely product-driven retail and leaning into experience-driven categories such as productivity, mobility, self-care, and entertainment.

Instead of asking “what’s the latest device,” the brand now centers on “what does this enable in your life.”

This positions The Loop as a curated space where customers can explore tech based on lifestyle needs rather than specifications alone.

Expanding beyond Apple

While The Loop continues to be a key destination for Apple products, the refreshed direction also highlights a wider mix of brands and categories.

The lineup now includes Android devices and accessories, alongside brands such as ADAM elements and Rokid for personal tech, Polaroid for travel, Shokz for audio, and Activfit for health and wellness.

This expanded offering supports the brand’s goal of giving customers more flexibility in choosing tech that aligns with their lifestyle.

A more distinct identity

Alongside the product shift, The Loop is also refining its voice and visual identity. The updated branding leans more expressive, modern, and human—aimed at younger consumers who value relevance and self-expression.

“Today’s customers want more than just access to devices—they want relevance,” Chua added.

The company sees this transformation as both visual and strategic. It reflects a broader view of retail—not just as a place to buy products, but as a space to explore how technology fits into everyday life.

What’s next for The Loop

Customers can check out The Loop PH’s updated offerings through its social media channels and physical stores nationwide, as well as its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Founded in 2014, The Loop now operates 48 stores across the Philippines. With this rebrand, it is positioning itself not just as a retailer, but as a lifestyle-tech destination for students, young professionals, and everyday users.

Philippines

HONOR Pad X8b launches with durable design

Php 9,999 TikTok Shop price

Published

April 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

HONOR has officially launched the HONOR Pad X8b in the Philippines. It’s positioning as a durable, entry-level tablet built for everyday use.

The tablet is available from April 14 to 21 via TikTok Shop. It comes with a special introductory price of Php 9,999 and includes a free stylus pen .

The HONOR Pad X8b continues the brand’s push into accessible smart tablets. It’s targeting students, first-time buyers, and families looking for a device that balances entertainment, learning, and durability.

Built tough for everyday use

HONOR highlights durability as the tablet’s defining feature.

The device features a metal body with improved structural strength, offering resistance against drops, pressure, and everyday wear. It also carries SGS certifications for both drop and crush resistance, reinforcing its positioning as a “Tablet Made Tough” .

This focus makes it suitable for shared environments, particularly for households with children or users who need a more resilient device for daily use.

Display, audio, and battery for media consumption

The HONOR Pad X8b is equipped with an 11-inch FullView display. It has a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.

For entertainment, it features a quad-speaker system tuned with HONOR Sound technology and Hi-Res Audio certification. The setup aims to deliver clearer vocals and a more immersive audio experience.

Powering the device is a 10100mAh battery, which HONOR claims can deliver extended usage, including up to 21 hours of online video playback on a single charge .

Snapdragon 680 and MagicOS 10

Under the hood, the tablet runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor. paired with MagicOS 10 based on the latest Android version.

The software includes features such as multi-window support, split-screen functionality, and app optimization tools designed to improve multitasking on a larger display.

HONOR also includes a dedicated Kids Mode, offering parental controls, app restrictions, and eye comfort features tailored for younger users.

Pricing and availability

The HONOR Pad X8b is available in Space Grey and can be purchased via TikTok Shop from April 14 to 21 for Php 9,999, bundled with a free stylus pen .

Philippines

realme 16 Series 5G previewed ahead of PH launch

200MP portraits take focus

Published

April 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

realme has given a first look at the upcoming realme 16 Series 5G, highlighting a mix of refined design and upgraded portrait photography ahead of its local debut.

The new Number Series leans into tactile materials and nature-inspired aesthetics, while positioning its camera system as a key upgrade.

Nature-inspired design, refined finish

At the center of the update is the Urban Wild Design, developed with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa. The approach blends organic textures with a clean, urban look.

Leading the lineup is the realme 16 Pro+ 5G in Master Gold, inspired by sunlit wheat fields. The realme 16 Pro 5G follows in Pebble Grey and Orchid Purple, while the standard realme 16 5G opts for a minimalist “Air” aesthetic in White and Black.

The Pro+ model uses a bio-based silicone back panel derived from plant-based straw, designed to feel soft while remaining durable and resistant to wear. Meanwhile, the base model shifts to a horizontal camera strip, replacing the Pro series’ rounded square module and integrating a selfie mirror beside the main camera.

200MP portrait system leads upgrades

Photography takes center stage with a 200MP multi-focal camera system on the Pro models. The realme 16 Pro+ 5G pairs its 200MP OIS main sensor with a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP front camera.

It also introduces what realme claims is the industry’s first TÜV Rheinland-certified LumaColor Image Camera, aimed at improving color accuracy, balancing exposure, and delivering more natural skin tones.

The realme 16 Pro 5G retains the 200MP OIS main sensor alongside an 8MP ultra-wide, while the realme 16 5G features a 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera and a 50MP front shooter.

realme will officially launch the 16 Series 5G in the Philippines on April 23 at 5:30 PM via a livestream on its official Facebook page.

News

vivo V70 FE pre-orders now open, starts at PhP 25,999

Offers, perks available throughout pre-order period

Published

April 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

vivo has officially opened pre-orders for the vivo V70 FE, the more affordable follow-up to the vivo V70 launched last February.

The pre-order period is until April 24 and the midrange smartphone is available in two memory configurations:

8GB+256GB: PhP 25,999
12GB+256GB: PhP 29,999

Customers who place pre-orders at vivo stores nationwide will receive:

limited-time vivo VIP Card with a 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance
limited edition vivo Buds Air3
PhP 1,000 discount

Customers can also bring home the vivo V70 FE for as low as PhP 37/day with 0% interest installment plans up to 18 months via Home Credit.

In addition, Globe has been tapped as the official network partner for a free prepaid SIM with 1-year unli 5G.

The vivo V70 FE has a POP MART Zsiga Exclusive Photo Border, thanks to its partnership with the IP. You may recall that the vivo V70 also released an exclusive Golden Hour colorway earlier.

The device is built for creators with a 200MP main camera, which can deliver portraits at different focal lengths, including an 85mm zoom.

In front is a 32MP camera and a 6.81-inch 120Hz 1.5K AMOLED display.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo processor. It houses a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging.

Customers can choose from three colorways: Muse Purple, Ocean Blue, and Urban Silver.