Her GadgetMatch

Making the case for white smartphones

White over gradient, any day

Published

September 12, 2018

Chay Lazaro

Trends come and go. Apart from notches and tall displays, 2018 saw playful colors and gradients make a big splash in the world of smartphones. I appreciate and celebrate this trend not only because as a producer I want our videos to look different each time, but also because it’s consumers who really benefit the most from having more options.

We’re seeing so many bold colors and gradients on phones this year because the line between technology and fashion is as blurry as ever. Smartphones in particular are no longer just handy computing devices; they’ve slowly become a status symbol and a fashion statement.

While I always wish phones came in more colors and never hide my excitement every time a new phone is released in my favorite shade of blue, I found myself drooling over those that come in white more. Even if flashy gradients are all the rage these days, here’s why I’d rather buy a white smartphone in 2018.

Mixing and matching is not a problem

The Mi Mix 2s is an all-white phone that comes with a matching matte white case out of the box

Having a colored phone doesn’t stop anyone from buying cases that may or may not match them, but do know that color blocking takes a whole different level of sartorial power. Using a clear plastic case to show off that beautiful back isn’t exactly making a statement either, lest you should look kitschy.

In the case of white phones (no pun intended), it’s easier to find one in whatever color and material you might like. Whether you’re feeling bold, feminine, or effortless, you’re sure to find a whole range of options that won’t clash with both your device and your look.

It’s not a fingerprint magnet

The Nokia 7 Plus has a matte back and metallic copper accents

Unlike clothes, shoes, or bags wherein white almost always attracts stains, smudges aren’t as visible on white phones, a pain point of a lot of gadgets these days, glossy or matte. Use it without a case and a white phone will look just as pristine as it did on day one — unless you drop it.

White is timeless

A white, pearlescent Huawei P20 Pro was recently announced in Berlin, some six months after the phone launched

If fashion shows are any indication, whether it’s several brands’ 2019 spring/summer collection or autumn/winter looks from five years ago, white will always be on trend.

Gadgets are an investment, and like a lot of classic pieces in your wardrobe, they should last a few years without going out of style. If you’re spending so much on a smartphone, wouldn’t you want to buy something you’d want to use for a really long time, instead of a color that was cool for just one season?

For some people, that classic shade is black, but in so many ways it’s become a generic choice in my eyes. I also associate black more with either hardcore tech or the cheap-looking devices of the past, instead of modernity and panache.

It’s bold, not boring

In an industry that puts a premium on standing out and being different, there’s value in carrying a device that doesn’t scream for attention all the time. Take it from the Duchess of Cambridge herself, a fashion icon, trendsetter, and outfit repeater: toning it down is a virtue.

Picking white over colored phones is safe, but like all-white outfits, it’s a choice that also represents confidence, simplicity, and elegance all at the same time.

Some may argue that white is too plain, that bold colors are the future, or that once you go black you’ll never go back. What I know is this: White doesn’t have to be boring; there are so many subtle ways to make it look different without being over-the-top. It’s flexible and chic; you can dress it up or dress it down as you please.

At the end of the day, one color isn’t really better than the other as it ultimately boils down to preference, and options are important in finding one’s ultimate GadgetMatch. But if standing out is what you feel will get you far in life, ask yourself if you’d really rather let a phone steal the spotlight away from the one that truly matters — YOU.

Related Topics:featured Huawei Huawei P20 Pro Mi Mix 2S Nokia Nokia 7 Plus P20 Pro specials Xiaomi Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Her GadgetMatch

TECNO and Angélica Dass team up for a global portrait project

Dass aims to photograph 100 people across five countries using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra

Published

July 8, 2026

Vincenz

TECNO has partnered with Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass in launching “100 Portraits of Becoming.”

It is a two-year global initiative that explores identity, representation, and how AI sees people.

The project officially kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya — where Dass began photographing participants using the latest TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra.

Who’s Angélica Dass?

Angélica Dass is best known for exploring identity and self-expression through portrait photography.

Her award-winning “Humanæ” project challenged conventional ideas of race and skin color by highlighting the diversity of human skin tones.

ICYMI, Dass and her project gained much recognition from:

TED
World Economic Forum
UNESCO
American Museum of Natural History
Vogue
National Geographic

Portraits beyond appearances

With this portrait project, Dass teams up with TECNO to photograph 100 people across five countries.

Rather than simply documenting faces, 100 Portraits of Becoming aims to tell the stories behind each participant. Every portrait is paired with a personal narrative about growth, identity, and life experiences. Creating what TECNO calls a “Living Archive.”

Participants are photographed in natural light, without filters, and while wearing clothing of their own choice to better reflect their authentic selves.

The collaboration also explores how AI can go beyond simply recognizing faces. Asking instead how technology can better reflect the complexity of human identity and give people more control over how they choose to be seen.

Powered by TECNO’s Universal Tone imaging

All portraits are shot using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, which features the company’s Universal Tone imaging technology.

Introduced in 2023, Universal Tone is designed to improve how smartphone cameras capture different skin tones. According to TECNO, the system is built on a database covering hundreds of skin tone samples, allowing photos to produce more natural and accurate results across a wider range of complexions.

The company says the technology aligns with the project’s goal of promoting more authentic and inclusive representation in photography, especially as AI-powered imaging becomes increasingly common nowadays.

From Kenya to the world

As previously mentioned, Kenya serves as the project’s first stop. With TECNO citing the country’s growing technology ecosystem and young population as reasons for beginning there.

Over the next two years, the initiative will travel to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil. The first collection of portraits and stories expected to go live online in August.

As of writing, TECNO is currently accepting participants from the Philippines where Dass is expected to take part from August 16 until August 22, 2026.

Through 100 Portraits of Becoming, TECNO hopes to spark conversations around identity, diversity, and how technology can better reflect the people it captures—not just visually, but through their stories as well.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson’s viral portable fan arrives in the Philippines

Published

June 23, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

If there is one Dyson launch that has generated unusual levels of anticipation this year, it is the Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan.

The compact cooling device quickly gained a following after its international release, reportedly selling out within a day in several markets. Now, just in time for the hottest and most humid months of the year (no thanks to climate change), it is finally arriving in the Philippines.

With temperatures continuing to climb, the timing feels almost inevitable. Lightweight and designed for use on the move, the HushJet™ Mini brings Dyson’s airflow technology into a portable format that fits easily into everyday life—whether commuting through the city, attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending long days under the sun.

Its appeal extends beyond functionality. Finished in Dyson’s Stone/Blush colorway, the device combines cooling performance with a sleek aesthetic that feels at home alongside the accessories people already carry daily.

The new Dyson HushJet Mini is your new companion against heat and humidity.

The launch also marks one of the most accessible entry points into the Dyson ecosystem. Priced at PhP6,499, the HushJet Mini offers consumers a practical way to experience the brand’s engineering and design in a product built for everyday use.

Given the strong demand seen overseas, interest is expected to be high when the fan officially launches in the Philippines.

Where, when, and how to get your own Dyson HushJet

The Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan in Stone/Blush will be available beginning June 25, 2026 at 3 p.m. at participating Dyson stores, including Mall of Asia, Podium, Greenbelt 5, and One Bonifacio High Street.

For those hoping to get their hands on one, it may be worth keeping a close eye on Dyson Philippines’ official social media channels and Dyson.ph. If international demand is any indication, this could be one of the season’s most sought-after releases.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson is making it very easy to upgrade everything this May

Published

May 11, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

From a three-day takeover at SM Megamall to an exclusive Super Brand Day on Lazada, the brand is bringing its best deals and newest launches together in one compelling window.
If you’ve been quietly adding Dyson products to your wishlist and waiting for the right moment, May is making a rather strong case for itself.

The brand has two major events lined up in quick succession — a one-day sale on Lazada on May 11, followed by a three-day immersive experience at SM Megamall from May 15 to 17 — and together, they cover just about every reason you’d want to upgrade your home or beauty routine.

First stop: Lazada’s Super Brand Day, May 11

Kicking things off is Dyson’s Super Brand Day on Lazada, a one-day event that brings the brand’s most recognisable products together with vouchers worth up to ₱5,000 off, free shipping, and installment options of up to six months.

The floor care lineup leads with some of the sharpest discounts of the sale. The Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy moves from PhP28,900 to PhP19,230 after discounts, while the Dyson WashG1 sees the biggest drop of the day — from PhP45,900 down to PhP31,130, unlocking PhP14,770 in savings on the wet floor cleaner that makes a compelling case against the mop-and-bucket. For those who want both, the wet-and-dry pairing suddenly becomes a very reasonable investment.
Environmental control gets a moment too. The Dyson Cool AM07 tower fan drops from PhP29,500 toPhP20,240 — a saving of up to PhP9,260, and a timely one given the country’s reliably unrelenting heat.

With Mother’s Day arriving on May 11 itself, the hair care lineup feels particularly well-timed. The Dyson Supersonic HD15 in Nickel Copper lands at PhP19,930 from PhP29,900, while the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina drops to PhP27,782 from PhP36,900 — the kind of gift that feels equal parts indulgent and practical. The Dyson Airstrait in Ceramic Pink and the Dyson Corrale round out the lineup at PhP26,120 and PhP25,320 respectively.

The full sale is available via the official Dyson LazMall flagship, where vouchers can be accessed ahead of checkout at Dyson’s online storeDyson’s online store.

Then: the Trade to Upgrade experience at SM Megamall, May 15 to 17

For those who prefer to experience the technology in person — or have an old machine they’ve been meaning to do something about — Dyson is transforming the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall into a three-day hub of live demonstrations, expert sessions, and exclusive deals.

The centrepiece is the Trade to Upgrade program, which lets guests bring in their old machines — any brand, working or not — and trade them in for exclusive discounts on Dyson products. It’s a rare opportunity to finally make that long-overdue switch without the full sticker shock.

Each day of the event has its own focus. Day 1 opens with the launch of the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, an intelligent floor care innovation with real-time stain detection and precision cleaning capabilities. Dyson Experts will be on hand for live demos throughout the day.

Day 2 shifts to beauty, with the Dyson Supersonic Travel taking centre stage — a smaller, lighter version of the iconic hair dryer that delivers the same performance in a more portable form. Celebrity hairstylists will be running live styling sessions for those curious about what the machine can do.

Day 3 brings a limited-edition drop: the Ceramic Apricot colorway across Dyson’s styling range, alongside masterclasses and guest appearances from top local stylists. Those ready to invest in a full beauty upgrade will also find the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina available at up to 30% off through the Trade to Upgrade program — making it one of the more compelling deals of the entire event.

Catch the full experience at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, from May 15 to 17, 2026.