Philippines

Best Budget Smartphones in the Philippines below P10,000

January 2021 Edition

Published

December 28, 2020

GadgetMatch

Welcome to GadgetMatch’s list of the best smartphones priced below PhP 10,000! Each month, we update our selection with the budget-friendly phones we believe are most deserving of your hard-earned savings.

Even though the spotlight has been on high-end smartphones this entire year, there have been a few surprisingly good entry-level handsets coming out lately, as well. So good, in fact, that we had to reassess our entire list.

Here they are in no particular order:

Samsung Galaxy A21s (PhP 9,990)

You might consider this cheating as it is originally priced at PhP 11,990. However, it is currently discounted and we’re willing to bet this is gonna be its price even as 2021 truly rolls around. That makes the Galaxy A21s somewhat of a steal at this price range. Samsung has really made good strides in the non-flagship category ever since ditching the J-series. In its place is the expanded A-series — and this phone specifically checks most boxes you need out of a basic smartphone.

REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy A21s

realme Narzo 20 (PhP 7,990)

Easily the best gaming-skewed smartphone in the this price range. Budget phones these day tend to be focused on a few things and then have comprises in some areas. That seems to be the case here as you shouldn’t expect much from this phone’s cameras. But what it lacks in shooting, it makes up for in letting you play the most popular mobile gaming titles with relative ease.

REVIEW: realme Narzo 20

POCO M3 (PhP 7,990)

Judging this solely on paper alone, the POCO M3 is in collision course with the realme Narzo 20 in terms of pricing and overall target market. POCO was relentless in releasing good value for money smartphones in 2020 and the POCO M3 is no different. It has fun camera features that you can play with. Granted, the image quality won’t leave jaws dropping, the output is still… fine. It’s also slated to perform relatively well. A fine option at this price range.

SPECS: POCO M3

Infinix Note 7 (PhP 7,990)

Here’s another phone in the same price range as the realme Narzo 20 and the POCO m3. Like the latter, this appears to be aiming at a more balanced approach — a smartphone for a smartphone’s sake. It has all the essentials, performs just about as advertised, and takes fairly decent photos.

REVIEW: Infinix Note 7

realme C15 (PhP 6,990)

The realme C15 is essentially just the realme C11 but on steroids. Specs-wise, they have many similarities with a few improvements here and there. This is still a reliable purchase for people (or even oldies) who just want a basic phone without spending too much.

REVIEW: realme C15

Redmi 9C (PhP 5,990)

Many people are struggling to get by and shelling out cash for a phone is potentially not within the priorities of survival. If anything, it could be what someone needs, but cannot afford. So, as much as phones like the Redmi 9C have a catch to their low cost, it’s well worth it.

REVIEW: Redmi 9C

Redmi 9 (PhP 6,490)

Probably the best compromise if you want a capable budget phone but don’t necessarily want to be near the top-end of the budget spectrum. You’ll have to settle for using Lite apps to not feel any slow down, but other than that, this thing works and is built well.

HANDS-ON: Redmi 9

Related Topics:OPPO Realme Redmi Samsung

Laptops

Apple MacBook Air M3 has finally reached the Philippines

With exclusive pre-order perks

Published

May 3, 2024

Vincenz

After a month (or two) of waiting for the local launch of Apple’s newest MacBook Air, Power Mac Center has finally unveiled and brought the MacBook Air M3 to the Philippine shores this May 3, 2024 at their Premium Partner Store in Greenbelt 3.

This goes live hand-in-hand with select Power Mac Center branches as well as The Loop stores nationwide.

Lean and Mean

Just like its predecessor, the new generation of Silicon-powered MacBook Air is either available in 13 or 15-inch Liquid Retina displays.

Both sizes are lean at just around 0.45-inches in thickness — or thinness, rather. The laptops are lightweight too weighing at just 1.24 kilograms and 1.51 kilograms respectively.

But being light in heft doesn’t mean it’s light in features. In fact, the MacBook Air M3 is power-packed to consider it as “the world’s best consumer laptop for AI“.

There are several configurations like choosing between 8GB or 16GB of unified memory and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.

But the highlight of the show is none other than its new M3 chipset. This has an 8-core CPU that’s powerful than ever and promises 13x faster than its last Intel-based countepart. Aside from that, GPU can be configured between 8 or 10 cores.

Moreover, the new MacBook Air M3 boasts a Wi-Fi 6E connectivity support as well as a promising all-day battery life of up to 18 hours! Also, there’s an extra support for another external display — that’s when you use it closed.

Mac and Me

Hosted by Aiyana Perlas

To further hype up the launch of the much-awaited MacBook Air powered by M3, Power Mac Center has invited some renowned Mac users and using it to further hone their craftsmanship.

First is none other than Hey! Hey! Hey! Janina Vela here — a sought after content creator in the Philippines who’s also a “proud Power Mac Consumer since Forever” ✨

This was then followed by Merphi Panaguiton, the Creative Director and Co-Founder of ATOMM Studios — one of the country’s leading self-shoot studios.

Last but definitely not the least is Sid Maderazo, a prominent film director especially in terms of brand filmmaking.

Pricing and Availability

The M3 MacBook Air, just like its predecessor, is still available in four color choices: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.

Both display sizes are available in three different configurations:

Configuration	13-inch	15-inch
8GB unified memory + 256GB storage**	PhP 76,990	PhP 89,990
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage	PhP 89,990	PhP 102,990
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage	PhP 102,990	PhP 115,990

**Base configurations are only limited to an 8-core GPU

If straight payment isn’t your cup of tea, Power Mac Center offers flexible payment options via select banks and credit issuers. There’s even a 24-month installment if you’re really that decided to own one without much savings in mind.

Click here to know more about Power Mac Center’s installment pricing plans for the new MacBook Air M3.

Exclusive Perks Await

From May 3rd until the 5th, prospective MacBook Air M3 buyers can enjoy up to 40% discount on select premium accessories plus a free Microsoft 365 Personal Electronic Software Delivery.

If you’re planning to join this weekend’s launch at Greenbelt 3, you will also get a free backpack and laptop stand courtesy of Tuscano.

And that’s not all! Between May 6th to 12th, buyers of the M3 MacBook Air regardless of the size and the Power Mac Center or The Loop branch you purchase it automatically gets an entry to win the raffle. Those include:

1 winner of Power Mac Center Gift Certificates worth PhP 30,000
1 winner of LaCie Rugged Mini USB 3.0 1TB worth PhP 6,800
4 winners of Seagate One Touch Slim USB 3.0 1TB worth PhP 4,190
10 winners of SanDisk iXpand Flip OTG Flash Drive Lightning + Type A 128GB worth PhP 4,999

Deals

Lenovo back to school deals: Freebies for every laptop purchase

On IdeaPad, LOQ, Yoga, and Legion models

Published

May 3, 2024

GadgetMatch

Lenovo is offering students the perfect chance to purchase a new laptop or upgrade their existing one. The Lenovo Back to School deals promo gives customers the chance to take home up to PhP 5,295 worth of freebies for every laptop purchase.

Participating laptops in the promo include models from the Lenovo IdeaPad, Lenovo LOQ, Lenovo Yoga, and Lenovo Legion laptop lines. These devices boast power, performance, and portability to help students maximize their potential.

Each purchase of any participating device lets buyers select a free add-on item. There are many options for their freebie:

Lenovo Go USB-C Wireless Mouse
Peripage Mini Printer
Canon Pixma MG2570S
Lenovo D24-40 monitor
ADATA-free 8GB RAM upgrade

The promo period is until June 1, 2024, so there’s still time to decide. For more information on Lenovo’s promos, visit the brand’s official website.

Lenovo laptops: More AI-enabled features

Recently, Lenovo unveiled smarter Yoga, Legion, and LOQ lineups, enhancing them with more innovative AI-enabled features. Selected models come with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Windows 11 with Copilot.

The latest Yoga devices come equipped with PureSight Pro and Puresight OLED displays, for better brightness, contrast, and accuracy. The Legion 7i and 5i, meanwhile, get the exclusive Coldfront: Hyper thermal solution for optimized heat exchange.

And with Lenovo’s latest LA AI Core chips, the laptops can now support even higher FPS and improved power efficiency for gaming and other demanding tasks.

Automotive

HATASU ebike announces latest 2-wheeler

The HATASU TARA

Published

May 2, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

HATASU ebike has announced its latest two-wheeler model and first offering for 2024: The HATASU TARA. It will be available in authorized dealers and HATASU’s official Shopee store for PhP 54,999. More details will be revealed during its official livestream launch event on May 10th.

HATASU’s stylish, sports scooter-looking two-wheeler addresses the short distance coverage problem from past models. The TARA will allow riders to go up to 70 kilometers on one full charge, something previously possible only with the brand’s three-wheel offerings like the HERO and MAKO 2.

Travel longer, better

Inside, the ebike features a larger, more long-lasting 72v 32Ah lead acid battery and a capable 1500W Dynamo motor. The motor allows riders to drive the vehicle at a faster top speed and a longer range. In front of the rider is a display panel that shows the battery level, speed level, signal light, and more relevant information.

For its exterior, the vehicle has a hydrated ABS plastic finish that is chemical and heat resistant. For the first time on a HATASU model, disc brakes are also utilized for its front wheel. HATASU is using motorcycle tires to help the TARA achieve its distinct look. Moreover, it also has a higher ground clearance.

Furthermore, the TARA has a 150-kilogram capacity so riders can accommodate a back ride. Alternatively, they may utilize the ebike to transport parcels and cargos. At just about PhP 20 per charging cycle, the TARA promises a reliable no-gas-needed alternative for casual riders or even food delivery workers, as apps like FoodPanda and Grab now allow bikes for such services.

HATASUmmer Fest 2024

The announcement of the HATASU TARA coincides with HATASU’s latest promotion for its customers: the HATASUmmer Fest 2024. A total of 42 lucky winners will take home prizes. The TARA itself will be given away as part of the promo.

To earn raffle entries, customers simply have to purchase HATASU’s previous models:

KUMI 2023, NERO: one (1) raffle entry
HARU, MAKO 2, NERO LITE, KUMI LITE: two (2) raffle entries
HERO, TARA, AYA: three (3) raffle entries

Aside from the grand prize, HATASU will also be giving away an air conditioning unit, a portable handheld fan, a water flask, and consolation prizes worth PhP 500. The promo period is from May 15 to June 30, 2024.