It hasn’t even been a full two months since 2020, but rumors about the next cheapest iPhone have been overflowing since October last year. Whether it’s about the price, renders, specs, and even in-store pre-orders, leaksters can’t keep their mouths shut.
Disclaimer: Everything you see here are just leaks and rumors and nothing has been confirmed yet.
iPhone 8-like design (plus red color option)
Image by GadgetMatch
The images we made are based from OnLeaks and Svetapple’s renders. They both show that the design is based from the two-year-old iPhone 8. Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent iPhone leakster, has further solidified that this next iPhone will have the same form factor. The materials will mostly feature an aluminum and glass sandwich. It’s never early to tell that a stainless steel frame is unlikely going to happen considering the minimal cost of production.
While it’s unfortunate that both the Max and Pro series of iPhones never had a Product (RED) option, Kuo has confirmed that this model will come with the special colorway. Though there are no news whether this iPhone will have a gold finish or not.
Same 4.7-inch Retina Display (and Touch ID isn’t dead yet)
Image by GadgetMatch
With the same design in mind, the second generation iPhone SE will most likely have a Retina Display found on the iPhone 8. Although the 4.7-inch screen size has been evolving since the iPhone 6 from five years ago, expect little to no display improvements other than the inclusion of Apple’s True Tone technology.
It’s also expected that it’ll have Touch ID (instead of Face ID) to keep manufacturing costs low.
iPhone 11-grade performance
Image by GadgetMatch
We’ve heard that the next A14 Bionic Chipset is reserved for the upcoming iPhone 12, so the iPhone 9 will likely feature the A13 Bionic Chipset found on the iPhone 11 series. The RAM might be limited to just 3GB like the iPhone X and iPhone XR, but it’ll still have a major bump in processing power. Who knows? It might even beat the iPhone XS and XS Max altogether considering the inclusion of a newer processor.
iPhone XR-esque camera sensor
Image by GadgetMatch
Remember when the iPhone SE had an edge by having the same sensor as the iPhone 6s with 4K video over the 5s’ lackluster camera? Apple might just do the same with the SE’s successor. Although no specifics were given, it’s probable that this will still ship with a single-rear camera setup with a larger image sensor — similar to the iPhone XR.
Launch date and pricing
Image by GadgetMatch
It’s rumored that the base model of the iPhone 9 or SE 2 (with 64GB of onboard storage) will cost around US$ 399 — which was the same retail price as the iPhone SE when it was launched four years ago.
As reported by the popular leakster Evan Blass weeks ago, it might be launched around mid-March. Consumers should expect less units though due to the 2019-coronavirus strain (COVID-19) outbreak that halted a lot of businesses and production lines in China and parts of Asia.
News
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9: Price, availability in the Philippines
Prices start at PHP 24,990
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 in the Philippines alongside the new Galaxy Z8 Series.
The new wearables expand Samsung’s smartwatch lineup with upgraded health tracking, AI-powered wellness features, and faster performance. The Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health and fitness, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 caters to users looking for a more rugged smartwatch for outdoor adventures.
Here’s how much they cost in the Philippines.
Pricing
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
- PHP 44,990
Galaxy Watch9
- 40mm — PHP 22,990
- 46mm — PHP 24,990
Availability
Pre-orders begin on July 23 through Samsung Philippines and authorized retailers. Both smartwatches will be offered in multiple color options depending on the model.
Pre-order offers
Customers who pre-order either smartwatch can enjoy several launch offers, including:
- Up to 15% off
- Up to 36 months of 0% installment plans with participating banks
- Up to 50% off through eligible trade-ins
- Up to 36% off Samsung Care+ device protection
Galaxy Watch9
The Galaxy Watch9 is Samsung’s latest everyday smartwatch. It features the company’s newest health and wellness platform with AI-powered insights, comprehensive health tracking, and everyday activity monitoring.
Powering the experience is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which promises faster performance while supporting Samsung’s latest wellness features. The watch is available in 40mm and 46mm sizes.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 builds on Samsung’s premium outdoor smartwatch with a durable titanium construction, improved comfort, and new sport tracking modes such as Trail Run and Diving.
Like the Galaxy Watch9, it runs on the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and supports Samsung’s latest AI-powered health and wellness tools.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines, bringing three foldables to the local market. The lineup includes the new passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8, the flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip8.
Pre-orders are now open nationwide. Alongside updated Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung’s latest foldables cater to different lifestyles—from productivity-focused power users and those looking for a more portable Fold experience to fans of compact flip phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series price in the Philippines
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at PHP 123,990, while the new Galaxy Z Fold8 begins at PHP 109,990. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at PHP 77,990.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 123,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 137,990 |
| 1TB | PHP 165,990 |
Colors: Violet Shadow, Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow (Online Exclusive)
Galaxy Z Fold8
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 109,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 123,990 |
| 1TB | PHP 151,990 |
Colors: Lavender, Cream, Graphite, Pistachio (Online Exclusive)
Galaxy Z Flip8
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 77,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 91,990 |
Colors: Coral, Cream, Graphite, Mint
Availability and pre-order offers
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines run from July 23 to August 13.
During the pre-order period, customers can enjoy a free storage upgrade worth up to PHP 7,000, trade-in savings of up to PHP 14,000, and three months of Samsung Care+ at no additional cost.
Samsung is also offering up to 15% off and 0% installment for up to 36 months through participating banks. Monthly installment plans start at PHP 1,841.43 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and PHP 542.82 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.
Participating banks include BDO, BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, PNB, Security Bank, HSBC, RCBC, and Chinabank.
Customers can also take advantage of Samsung’s trade-in program through CompAsia and bolttech, with guaranteed trade-in values of up to PHP 16,000 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and up to PHP 7,000 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.
For added peace of mind, Samsung is offering up to 36% off Samsung Care+ through bolttech. The protection plan includes unlimited repairs for up to two years, up to two device replacements, global coverage across 55 countries, and free nationwide pick-up and delivery.
Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new Fold experience
Headlining the lineup is the new Galaxy Z Fold8, which introduces an entirely new take on Samsung’s book-style foldable.
Instead of simply shrinking its flagship Fold, Samsung designed the Fold8 around a different idea: making a book-style foldable that’s easier to carry and use every day. Its passport-inspired form factor prioritizes portability and one-handed usability while retaining the large inner display for multitasking, productivity, and entertainment.
The new Fold8 joins—not replaces—the Fold8 Ultra, giving buyers another option depending on how they use their foldable.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra builds on Samsung’s flagship foldable
Existing Fold users should note that the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold7. This year, Samsung renames its traditional book-style foldable as the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra while introducing an entirely new model simply called the Galaxy Z Fold8.
Rather than redesigning the device, Samsung focuses on refinement. The Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, Flex Titanium Technology, a brighter display, improved performance, and expanded Galaxy AI capabilities for users who want Samsung’s most advanced foldable.
Galaxy Z Flip8 refines Samsung’s compact foldable
Samsung also updates its clamshell foldable with the Galaxy Z Flip8.
The latest model builds on its familiar design with upgrades to FlexWindow, FlexCam, Galaxy AI, and overall performance. Samsung says the larger cover display allows users to accomplish more everyday tasks without unfolding the device, while its compact design continues to make it the most pocket-friendly model in the lineup.
Galaxy AI powers the Galaxy Z8 Series
Galaxy AI remains a central part of Samsung’s latest foldables.
The company introduces new features such as Gemini-powered Notebooks for organizing information from multiple sources, alongside expanded Photo Assist editing tools and My Filter for more personalized image creation. Across the Fold lineup, Samsung also continues to optimize AI features for multitasking and productivity on larger displays.
News
Samsung unveils intelligent eyewear with Gentle Monster, Warby Parker
AI meets everyday eyewear
Samsung has unveiled its first intelligent eyewear, expanding the Galaxy ecosystem beyond smartphones with a new wearable developed alongside eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
Introduced at Galaxy Unpacked in London, the new glasses combine lightweight everyday designs with Google’s Android XR platform and Gemini, bringing hands-free AI experiences into a familiar form factor.
Designed for everyday wear
Rather than taking a technology-first approach, Samsung says it designed the eyewear to look and feel like a regular pair of glasses.
The company partnered with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to offer different frame styles, colors, and lens options while keeping the glasses lightweight enough for daily use. Samsung says the eyewear can last up to nine hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing up to seven additional full charges.
Gemini, without reaching for your phone
The intelligent eyewear serves as a hands-free extension of the Galaxy experience.
Powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 platform and developed with Google, the glasses integrate Gemini directly into the wearable experience. A built-in camera provides visual context, allowing the AI assistant to better understand what users are looking at while responding to requests in real time.
Samsung says users can summarize long messages, hear information read aloud, translate conversations, and control the experience using voice commands or gestures through connected Galaxy devices. The glasses can also capture information from a whiteboard or meeting, organize it in Samsung Notes, provide navigation guidance, and share a live point of view during video calls.
Two launch designs
Samsung introduced two launch designs at Unpacked.
The Gentle Monster edition features a slim black frame with softly rounded edges, while the Warby Parker version adopts a richer brown finish with a subtly upswept brow line for a more classic everyday look. Samsung says it worked closely with both partners to refine the fit around the forehead and ears for improved comfort during extended wear.
Samsung did not announce pricing or availability during the presentation.
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