News

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE brings Galaxy AI upgrades

enhanced cameras, Galaxy AI, and One UI 9

Published

August 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has announced the Galaxy S26 FE, the newest addition to its Galaxy S26 lineup. It is also the first phone in the series to launch with One UI 9.

Samsung says the phone focuses on the features users value most. It combines enhanced cameras, more context-aware Galaxy AI, and a thin and light design.

Sharper capture and easier editing

The Galaxy S26 FE features an enhanced triple rear camera system. Samsung says its improved image processing helps users capture both still scenes and fast-moving subjects.

The phone also gets My FanCam, which first appeared on Samsung’s latest foldables. The feature automatically tracks a selected person and keeps them centered in the frame. It can then reframe the video as the scene changes.

For video, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock helps keep footage smoother and more level. Samsung positions it for everything from fast-moving activities to travel and everyday scenes.

The Galaxy S26 FE also supports 3x optical zoom. Its upgraded 12-megapixel front camera captures a wider 80-degree field of view.

Samsung’s Nightography returns for low-light photography. It aims to produce brighter and clearer shots while retaining detail in challenging conditions.

Photo Assist also makes its way to the phone. Users can edit photos with natural language prompts. They can change the time of day, add elements, or restore missing parts. Samsung also lets users review edits step by step and undo them.

The phone also supports Gemini Omni for creating and editing video clips from photos and videos stored in the Gallery. Samsung says this can turn existing media into polished, ready-to-share videos.

One UI 9 brings smarter AI

The Galaxy S26 FE launches with One UI 9 and a range of context-aware Galaxy AI features.

Samsung has updated Now Brief with customizable briefing cards. These can include information such as weather and wellness insights. Users can also create their own cards with a simple prompt.

Now Nudge now extends to select third-party apps and notifications. It surfaces timely suggestions throughout the day to help users act on relevant information.

Samsung has also expanded Circle to Search with Google. Users can now search for multiple items in an image at the same time.

Built for all-day use

The Galaxy S26 FE packs a 4,900mAh battery. Samsung says it can reach up to 69 percent charge in around 30 minutes with a 45W adapter.

It also has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Samsung says the screen is designed for streaming, gaming, browsing, and creative work.

Samsung has also improved the setup experience. Smart Switch can wirelessly transfer data from Android and iOS devices by scanning a QR code. This includes passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and eSIM data.

The company promises up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. Samsung Care+ also provides additional coverage and device support.

The phone also comes with a six-month trial of Google AI Pro. The offer includes expanded AI capabilities and 5TB of cloud storage.

Price and availability

In the Philippines, the Galaxy S26 FE starts at PhP 46,990 for 128GB. The 256GB model costs PhP 53,990, while the 512GB model costs PhP 67,990.

The phone comes in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio. It is now available at Samsung Experience Stores nationwide. Samsung.com availability begins September 11.

Samsung is also offering introductory discounts until November 30. The 512GB model gets PhP 7,000 off, while the 256GB model gets PhP 5,000 off. The release also lists a PhP 4,000 discount for 256GB, which appears to be a duplicate in the supplied press release.

Customers can also get up to 15 percent off for up to 36 months through select bank partners. Trade-ins come with up to PhP 6,000 in guaranteed savings.

News

Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection

Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.

Published

October 6, 2026

Her

Sony has teamed up with Hello Kitty for a limited-edition collaboration that combines selected Sony products with exclusive merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved character.

Available exclusively through Sony Store channels, the collection marks Sony’s first collaboration with Hello Kitty. It covers the Xperia 10 VIII smartphone and three wireless headphone models: the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530.

Each collaboration model comes with exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise designed specifically for Sony Store customers.

Sony x Hello Kitty collection

The Xperia 10 VIII collaboration model is priced at SGD 919. It comes with an exclusive Hello Kitty sacoche-style shoulder bag designed to carry the smartphone and other small essentials, along with a Hello Kitty tote bag.

Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 collaboration model costs SGD 609. The WH-CH730N is priced at SGD 249, while the WH-CH530 costs SGD 149.

Each headphone collaboration package includes a Sony Store-exclusive Hello Kitty pouch for carrying the headphones and personal belongings, as well as a Hello Kitty tote bag.

The products retain Sony’s existing designs while adding Hello Kitty-themed accessories. The collection aims to bring the character’s signature charm into everyday use without changing the core design of the Sony devices.

Available now in Singapore

Pre-orders for the Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration models are now available through Sony Store channels in Singapore.

Sony is also showcasing the collection at the Sony Store at 313@somerset. Visitors can try the products firsthand and take photos at a dedicated Hello Kitty photo wall.

The collaboration models are available in limited quantities.

For more information, visit the official Sony Store Singapore website.

News

iPhone 18 series breaks records in Vietnam as pre-orders triple

Despite hefty price tag, market saw immense demand for latest Apple devices

Published

October 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

The iPhone 18 series saw immense demand upon its availability in Vietnam, with reports indicating that pre-orders at some local retailers for the latest Apple devices more than tripled compared to the previous generation during the same window.

Pre-orders in the market officially opened last month and saw hundreds of thousands of deposits in just days. Devices officially began hitting shelves and delivering to consumers last September 18.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has been the sought-after model, as XO Tours noted, accounting for about 80% to 90% of the total number of pre-orders. Meanwhile, Burgundy has been the hit color option.

Retailers did have a few safeguards in place, like limiting each customer to a maximum of two Pro or Pro Max units combined.

And in spite of the hefty price tags, the availability of 0% interest installment plans, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later options kept the flagship models as an accessible luxury for consumers, with trade-ins also providing additional discounts.

As with many developing markets, Vietnam also relies heavily on smartphones as everyday devices over laptops, tablets, or PCs.

News

vivo V80 Lite launches in the PH: Price, availability, pre-order details

Pre-order until October 16 for perks

Published

October 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

vivo has launched the Guinness World Records holder vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines for a starting price of PhP 24,999.

The midrange offering is available for pre-order until October 16. Customers can enjoy the following benefits when they place pre-orders during the period:

vivo Buds Air3, worth PhP 1,799
PhP 1,000 pre-order discount
vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app
four-year battery warranty, worth PhP 1,510
100GB Google One cloud storage for six months (can be claimed until October 2, 2027)

Customers can also get an additional PhP 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. Use the voucher code HCV80LITE.

The vivo V80 Lite comes in two configurations: