Tablets

Apple unveils new iPad Air with M2 chip

New 13-inch model available

Published

May 7, 2024

GadgetMatch

Apple has announced the redesigned iPad Air, which now comes supercharged by the M2 chip. That’s not all: aside from the 11-inch iPad Air, Apple has unveiled an all-new 13-inch model for the first time.

The latest iteration of the iPad Air features a faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, ensuring users of even more powerful performance and a device more suited for AI. The tablet also boasts of faster Wi-Fi and 5G speeds on cellular models, all-day battery life, and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Smart Folio.

Price, availability

The new iPad Air is available in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Both models have configurations ranging from 128GB to 1TB internal storage, along with 8GB of RAM. The prices are as follows:

11-inch iPad Air: US$ 599 / PhP 42,990 / SG$ 899
13-inch iPad Air: US$ 799 / PhP 54,990 / SG$ 1,199

Customers may now order the new iPad Air, while general availability starts on May 15, 2024. The Apple Pencil Pro also releases on the same day. This accessory supports more capabilities, like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback for a more intuitive usage.

Now in two sizes

With two sizes, the redesigned iPad Air offers users exactly what they need. The smaller 11-inch model is portable as it gets, while the 13-inch model provides a larger display for those who need more room where it is needed, like Freeform or when utilizing Split View.

Both models sport a Liquid Retina display with anti-reflective screen coating, True Tone technology, and support for P3 wide color. Content viewed on the latest iPad Air’s display looks rich and vibrant, with better brightness and deeper blacks. Text also comes out sharp, no matter the lighting condition.

More performance

The M2 chip features a faster 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It offers a handful of improvements over M1, for those upgrading from previous-generation iPad Air models. For reference, the M2 chip clocks at at maximum of 3.49GHz, while the M1’s peak processing speed is just at 3.2GHz.

Combined with faster memory bandwidth, the new iPad Air is about 50% faster than its predecessor with M1. Moreover, compared to the iPad Air with A14 Bionic, the latest counterpart delivers up to three times faster performance.

The incredibly fast chip will allow users to work or create and render faster on the latest iPad Air, as well as play graphics-intensively games smoothly and easily.

Powerful device for AI

Moreover, the M2 has a 16-core Neural Engine that is 40% faster than the M1. Along with accelerators, the new iPad Air boosts on-device machine learning along with Apple silicon’s architecture for exceptional AI performance.

Users will feel this change when enjoying iPadOS features like Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, or Live Text. They also do more when using Auto Enhance in Photomator, or Onform’s motion-tracking.

And as the newest iPad Air also runs on iPadOS 17, users will have better personalization options for various apps and services.

Faster connectivity

Furthermore, the tablet now supports Wi-Fi 6E, faster 5G on cellular models, and Bluetooth 5.3. That’s twice the performance from the previous generation. The cellular models are also eSIM compatible, so users may opt for a non-physical version or have multiple mobile plans on a single device.

Landscape front camera

The redesign also sees the ultra-wide 12MP front camera now located along the landscape edge. The change is mainly due to the fact that more iPad users prefer the orientation. This sensor features Center Stage, which uses machine learning to keep everyone in the field of view.

At the back is a 12MP wide camera that delivers up to 4K video and support for 240fps slow-motion. Complementing the cameras are dual microphones that capture audio while minimizing background noise.

When it comes to content consumption, the new iPad Air also has landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio. The 13-inch model, in particular, delivers double the bass for better quality for music, videos, and other content.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.

Tablets

TechLife unveils Pad Plus 2 with 2K display, better battery, 4G

Productivity and entertainment companion

Published

May 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

TechLife has officially expanded its tablet portfolio with the launch of the TechLife Pad Plus 2.

This latest productivity and entertainment tablet comes with upgrades in the screen size and battery capacity departments, as well as 4G connectivity.

Priced at about above US$ 200, the overall package is competitively priced and is an accessible option for consumers it is targeting.

In front is a 12-inch 2K IPS display, with a 2000 x 1200 resolution. This screen features a 90Hz refresh rate and a 450 nits peak brightness.

Inside is a MediaTek Helio G100 processor, along with 8GB RAM (plus up to 4GB expansion) and 128GB of internal storage. There is also a microSD slot for up to 1TB storage expansion.

The slate has a 9,000mAh battery, a significant capacity increase from the previous 8,000mAh. This is more than enough for powering through long sessions, workdays, or binge-watching.

Moreover, there is an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing sensor for essential documentation needs.

The TechLife Pad Plus 2 ships with Android 16, and users can expand the setup with a stylus and keyboard case.

Available colors are Storm Grey, Moonlight Silver, and Starlight Pink.

News

HUAWEI Pura X Max overtakes the iPhone Fold as the first wide foldable

Also goes ahead of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Wide Fold

Published

April 20, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Months ahead of the much-awaited foldable from Apple, HUAWEI has decided to get in the way of the Cupertino-based company by announcing the world’s first wide foldable.

The HUAWEI Pura X Max is the earliest and biggest clapback to Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold and Samsung’s rumored “Galaxy Z Wide Fold.”

World’s first wide foldable

HUAWEI’s Pura X Max isn’t a direct successor to last year’s Pura X.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Last year’s offering only had a measly 3.5-inch cover screen. This time, it has a full 5.4-inch wide display outside. Unfolding it reveals a 7.7-inch foldable display instead of Pura X’s smartphone-like 6.3 incher.

Both are LTPO 2.0 OLED displays with an adaptive 1~120Hz refresh rate. They are not compromised with support for 1.07 Billion Colors as well as DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut.

This new form factor solves the biggest issue seen among standard foldables — especially when consuming content or playing games.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Stylus support is also expected with HUAWEI’s M-Pen 3 Mini stylus — best for jotting down, scribbling, doodling, drawing, or even just for navigation.

Supporting this foldable screen is HUAWEI’s so-called “basalt water droplet hinge” with core components made of steel.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As for the cover glass, it uses second gen Kunlun glass. And while we’re already at it, the Pura X Max supports IP58 and IP59 ratings for durability.

Maxed out fold

What runs this wide foldable is HUAWEI’s very own Kirin 9030 Pro chipset. The super brand promises up to 30% performance improvements.

Gaming should not be compromised thanks to its extra large VC Graphene Heat Dissipation System. Battery capacity is rated at 5300mAh with 66W wired and 50W wireless SuperCharge speeds.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

HUAWEI’s latest HarmonyOS 6.1 not only brings in that translucent trend, they have also adapted to the user’s needs through Immersion Layout.

When used, the app’s controls automatically adjusts if you are left- or right-handed — no matter how you hold them.

Much like most smartphones, HarmonyOS also relies on its AI tools to make things easier.

Last but definitely not the least, it’s camera system.

The HUAWEI Pura X Max boasts a 50MP main (wide) camera with a variable aperture of f/1.4 ~ f.4.0 — much like last year’s Pura 80 Ultra and the latest Pura 90 Pro Max.

It also has another 50MP f/2.2 3.5x periscope telephoto camera that can also take optical-quality 7x shots and as far as 100x digital zoom.

Lastly, the ultra-wide camera is capped at 12.5MP with an aperture of f/2.2. All these cameras are based from HUAWEI’s RYYB image sensor.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Additionally, there’s a spectral sensor called “Red Maple camera” in its second iteration.

Selfie cameras inside and out are 8MP f/2.4.

Pricing and Availability

HUAWEI’s Pura X Max will be available in five colorways: Olive Gold, Phantom Night Black, Starblue, Vibrant Orange, and Zero Degree White.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pricing does not come cheap. The HUAWEI Pura X Max are divided into two editions with four configurations in total:

Regular Edition

12+256GB = CNY 10,999 (US$ 1615 / EUR 1370 / GBP 1190 / SG$ 2050 / MYR 6370 / PhP 96,850 / INR 149,650)
12+512GB = CNY 11,999 (US$ 1760 / EUR 1490 / GBP 1300 / SG$ 2240 / MYR 6950 / PhP 105,650 / INR 163,260)

Collector’s Edition

16+512GB = CNY 12,999 (US$ 1905 / EUR 1615 / GBP 1410 / SG$ 2425 / MYR 7530 / PhP 114,460 / INR 176,860)
16+1TB = CNY 13,999 (US$ 2050 / EUR 1740 / GBP 1520 / SG$ 2610 / MYR 8110 / PhP 123,260 / INR 190,465)

* These are only rough price conversion estimates

Collector’s Edition supports China’s Beidou Satellite Services that the Regular Edition models don’t have.

It’s currently open for pre-orders in their home turf while global availability remains bleak. ICYMI, Last year’s Pura X was not released outside China.