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Android P Beta extends to non-Pixel phones

All thanks to Project Treble

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Whenever Google makes the beta build of the latest Android version available, its very own Pixel phones naturally get first dibs. It’s going to be a little different for the rollout of Android P, however. This time, even non-Pixel devices are receiving early access to the latest software.

This is mostly thanks to Google thinking ahead and providing third-party manufacturers with a feature called Project Treble, allowing their products to easily update to the newest version of Android without much delay.

Aside from the expected handsets to get Android P Beta as early as today — specifically the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL — the following phones will also be part of the lucky group:

– Essential Phone

– Nokia 7 Plus

– OPPO R15 Pro

– Sony Xperia XZ2

– Vivo X21 (and its UD counterpart)

– Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

– OnePlus 6 (once it’s launched)

While it’s not surprising for the Essential Phone and Nokia 7 Plus to be included with their stock Android builds, it’s unusual to see the likes of Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi here. Those three brands (and Sony to an extent) tend to add a heavy layer of their own user interface on top of the Android operating system, making it more difficult to adapt fresh coatings of the OS.

This also makes us wonder: Where are Samsung, Huawei, LG, and ASUS? They missed a golden opportunity to be on this list. Only time will tell when they’ll get their chance at Android P — which doesn’t have a real name yet.

You can learn more at Android’s Developer website.

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HONOR Magic8 Pro launches in Dubai

Price, preorder perks, availability

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The HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR’s latest flagship smartphone, has been officially launched Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Customers can place preorders starting December 11 across UAE via the HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, Emax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon, and Lulu.

The pricing are as follows:

  • 12GB+512GB (Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black): AED 3,999
  • 16GB+1TB (Sunrise Gold, Black): AED 4,699

Those who preorder will get the following as part of a preorder gift package worth AED 2,299:

  • HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection
  • 3-month Google AI Pro trial
  • HONOR Watch5 Ultra

HONOR Magic8 Pro: AI imaging, mobile intelligence, creator-focused tech

HONOR Magic8 Pro | Sky Cyan

The introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro reinforces the company’s leadership in AI Imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology.

The phone boasts of groundbreaking on-device AI innovations, including Low-bit Quantization Technology for AI Models and Next-Generation Hybrid Retrieval Technology.

Powering the Pro model is the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. It is the first phone in UAE to have the processor.

HONOR’s agentic AI capabilities and Qualcomm’s mobile platforms make it possible for the device to be more efficient and packed with computing power.

The phone also comes with a 7100mAh Silicon-carbon battery. More advanced features include the AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.

For its camera package, the HONOR Magic8 Pro has a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera and an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode.

The device also introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments.

For more of the innovations on the HONOR Magic8 Pro, read: HONOR reveals 1st images of Magic8 Pro, introduces new AI technologies

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TNT network recognized for having Best Mobile Latency

According to Ookla analysis

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.

Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.

(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)

This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.

Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.

Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.

Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.

Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.

Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.

Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

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OPPO Find X9 now available through Smart Postpaid, Infinity

OPPO’s latest flagship has triple Hasselblad cameras, more advanced features

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The flagship OPPO Find X9 is now available through Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity plans for customers in the Philippines.

Subscribers can get the device through Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 and Smart Infinity Device Plans 5000/8000.

Here are the inclusions:

Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 (PhP 32,500 one-time cashout)

  • 15GB data
  • Unli 5G data for 12 months
  • Unli AllNet Calls & Texts
  • Unli Landline Calls
  • Access to Smart Postpaid Perks
  • Extra 30GB free data for 6 months
  • Free Landers Premium Membership (for eligible subscribers)
  • PhP 1,000 worth of shopping GCs (Dec. 6 to 12 only for new line)

Infinity Device Plan 5000 (PhP 7,200 one-time cashout)

  • Unlimited data
  • Unli calls and texts
  • PhP 1,500 monthly consumables for in-app purchases, content subscriptions, more
  • 1GB roaming for 5 days/month
  • Personalized assistance
  • 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
  • More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges

Infinity Device Plan 8000 (device is complimentary)

  • Unli data, calls, and texts
  • PhP 3,000 monthly consumables
  • 2GB roaming for 7 days/month
  • Personalized assistance
  • 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
  • More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges

As an exclusive launch offer, in-store subscribers will also receive a complimentary DJI Osmo Mobile SE stabilizer.

The Smart website also shows that the Find X9 is bundled with a free Enco Buds3 Pro.

Flagship find

The OPPO Find X9 features a triple Hasselblad camera system powered by OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.

It has three 50MP cameras at the back — one rear, one telephoto, and one ultra-wide — as well as a 32MP front camera.

OPPO’s latest flagship handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. It has a 16GB+512GB configuration and a massive 7,025mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC charging.

In front is a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a remarkable 95.4% screen-to-body ratio, 1,800 nits HBM brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and 460ppi pixel density.

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