News
ASUS ZenFone 4 launches with Pro, Selfie, and Max models
ASUS hasn’t shied away from teasing its next-generation ZenFone 4 lineup for the past few weeks, but all that build-up ends now. The ZenFone 4 series is finally here, bringing with it several variants for all sorts of markets.
We’re currently looking at a total of six officially named ZenFone 4 models: the midrange ZenFone 4, a high-end ZenFone 4 Pro, two selfie-centric phones in the ZenFone 4 Selfie and Selfie Pro, the ZenFone 4 Max that was quietly launched in Russia last month, and an additional ZenFone 4 Max Pro.
Those don’t include the minor variations some of these models possess. Already confused? Let’s break them down:
ASUS ZenFone 4
Despite being the torch bearer of the new lineup, the ZenFone 4 is in fact a midrange smartphone. That’s because it makes use of one of Qualcomm’s new efficiency-first processors — either the Snapdragon 660 or 630. So yes, there are two versions under its name, but the one equipped with the Snapdragon 660 will be slightly faster.
The rest of the specifications are what you’d expect from a phone of this caliber: a 5.5-inch Full HD LCD, up to 6GB of memory and 64GB of storage, and 3300mAh battery. What makes this special compared to the ZenFone 3 is its dual-camera system, wherein in the secondary 8-megapixel sensor delivers wider-angled shots compared to the primary’s 12-megapixel shooter. There’s another, single 8-megapixel camera on the front.
Pricing starts at US$ 399.
ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro
As the top-of-the-line model, the ZenFone 4 Pro has something the others don’t: Qualcomm’s best processor to date, the Snapdragon 835. That’s a big deal, because that puts this phone in line with the likes of the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, HTC U11, and OnePlus 5 — that’s seriously good company to be associated with.
Another special feature is the 16-megapixel secondary camera at the back that’s capable of 2X optical zoom. Combined with the optically stabilized 12-megapixel shooter and 8-megapixel selfie cam, we’ve got all bases covered. Sealing the deal are the 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED, 6GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and 3600mAh battery.
As expected, it’s the costliest of the bunch. We’re looking at a price tag of US$ 599.
ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie
ASUS has finally brought its Selfie series back after total absence from the ZenFone 3 line. Like the aforementioned models, the 5.5-inch ZenFone 4 Selfie has a pair of side-by-side cameras — except this time, they’re in front.
The main selfie shooter offers a large 20-megapixel resolution, while the secondary lens provides wide 120-degree photos to fit more people into a shot. There’s a front-facing LED flash, as well, and its 16-megapixel rear camera is on its own, but should be enough for daily grinds. A lower-end Snapdragon 430 chip powers the phone, along with 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage, and a 3000mAh battery.
You can purchase one for US$ 279.
ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro
If the ZenFone 4 Selfie isn’t enough to satisfy your vanity, you may opt for the more capable 5.5-inch Selfie Pro. It has a faster Snapdragon 625 processor and DuoPixel front-facing camera technology that combines two 12-megapixel images into a higher-resolution 24-megapixel photo. Wide-angled selfies with the second camera are also possible, and beside it is another LED flash.
Other than that, the Selfie Pro is similar to its non-Pro counterpart. You get the same 16-megapixel rear camera, 4GB of memory, 64GB storage, and 3000mAh battery. In addition, there’ll be a bright red color option available, while the ZenFone 4 Selfie will settle for more basic pink and teal choices.
It’ll retail for US$ 379.
ASUS ZenFone 4 Max and Max Pro
Finally, we have the most budget-friendly of the set, the ZenFone 4 Max. Like its super-popular predecessor, the ZenFone 3 Max, the newer model prioritizes battery life with a 5000mAh capacity. Different this time, however, is the inclusion of a dual-camera setup at the back, which is rare at this price point.
One rear camera is 13 megapixels, while the other handles 120-degree wide-angle shots. The front-facing camera is less special with a single 8-megapixel shooter, but interestingly, there’s a LED flash beside it, as well. Keeping the electronics going is a Snapdragon 430 chipset with 3GB of memory and 32GB of storage under a 5.5-inch HD 720p LCD.
Take note that there’s also a ZenFone 4 Max Pro with a slightly higher-resolution 16-megapixel rear camera. Aside from that, it’s nearly identical to the regular ZenFone 4 Max.
Pricing and availability for all handsets will be added as soon as we get them.
SEE ALSO: ASUS ZenFone AR review
[irp posts=”15440″ name=”ASUS ZenFone AR review”]
News
Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series
Get the devices for as low as PhP 2,433 a month
Smart has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
The newly-launched lineup includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.
These new flagship devices are being offered across Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid bundles with various storage and installment options.
As part of Smart’s pre-order offer, customers can get double the storage when they avail of an S26 series device with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 as soon as possible.
This plan includes 12 months of unlimited 5G, 20GB of data per month, and unlimited all-net calls and texts, aside from Smart Postpaid perks.
In addition, the first 26 customers to pre-order via the Smart Online Store will get a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A9.
Moreover, those who pay via straight payment or 0% credit card installment will get double data for postpaid plans.
Here are the pricing details for each model:
- Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 52,500 or PhP 2,433/mo (24 months)
- Galaxy S26+ (512GB): PhP 64,900 or PhP 3,008/mo
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 73,200 or PhP 3,388/mo
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB): PhP 94,800 or PhP 4,392/mo
For premium users, the Smart Infinity Plans (3500, 5000, 8000, and 9500) provide unlimited data and exclusive perks such as:
- a dedicated Relationship Manager
- 24/7 hotline support
- worldwide concierge services
Particularly, the new SIM-Only Plan 9500 also allows for one primary and two supplementary line under a single account.
For more on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, read here: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Chasing usability, not specs
MWC 2026
TECNO resurrects modular phones with this new concept
Lets you snap on extra cameras, longer power, and more
Just like the brand’s ethos, TECNO really stops at nothing. From the last tri-foldable concept of 2025, they are also resurrecting the modular phone design — a once imagined “future of mobile phones.”
Dubbed as the Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, it could re-shape the way we think about smartphones from 2026 and beyond.
Thinnest modular concept
Just like motorola’s defunct Moto Z line with moto mods from almost ten years ago, TECNO’s modular system uses magnetic attachment plus pogo-pin connectors for power delivery. Data transfers wirelessly (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even 5G mmWave), so everything pairs almost instantly when you snap a module into place.
The brand says this is its answer to growing AI and performance demands — that without making phones thicker and bulkier.
Surprisingly, it’s oh-so thin as well! The base phone is just 4.9mm. Meanwhile, the modular Power Bank is 4.5mm. When combined, it’s still comparable to thickness of conventional smartphones.
TECNO will showcase around ten (10) modules in this concept ecosystem. Some of those include a power bank, action camera, even a telephoto lens module wasn’t missed out.
That particular module can work as a standalone imaging system. All while using the phone’s display as a viewfinder with low-latency preview.
Moreover, TECNO is presenting two flavors for this concept:
-
ATOM edition — Clean silver aluminum with subtle red accents
-
MODA edition — A bolder, geek-inspired look
Both keep the glass back and modular alignment zones, which subtly guide where accessories snap into place.
MWC-ready
As mentioned, this is just a concept, not a retail-ready device (just yet). But, the bigger picture is clear: TECNO went back to the drawing board by re-thinking the former modular ecosystem of the yesteryears.
This new modular concept could eventually support AI tools, storage expansion, and lifestyle accessories in the long run. If you’re heading to Barcelona, Spain for MWC 2026 (March 2-5, 2026), you can visit TECNO’s booth at Hall 7, Stand 7A40.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy S26 Series, introducing refinements across design, performance, and AI-driven features.
The lineup consists of three models: Galaxy S26 Ultra (6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), Galaxy S26+ (6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), and Galaxy S26 (6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X). All models support 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates, with the Ultra offering S Pen compatibility.
The S26 Ultra leads with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor (3nm), while the S26 and S26+ use Samsung’s Exynos 2600 (2nm). Memory configurations reach up to 16GB RAM on the Ultra, with storage options up to 1TB.
Battery capacities remain consistent with previous generations: 5,000mAh on the Ultra, 4,900mAh on the Plus, and 4,300mAh on the base model. Charging improves on the Ultra with Super Fast Charging 3.0 (60W), capable of reaching approximately 75 percent in 30 minutes. Wireless charging and PowerShare functionality remain available.
Camera systems focus on computational improvements. The Ultra retains a 200MP main sensor with enhanced AI processing, stabilization, and Nightography optimizations. Generative editing tools and Audio Eraser features expand multimedia capabilities, including third-party app support for noise reduction.
Privacy Display and Private Album introduce additional privacy controls. Privacy Display restricts viewing angles at the pixel level and can be customized per app, addressing concerns about screen visibility in public spaces.
Design refinements emphasize cohesion. All models share a unified corner radius and updated material choices aimed at improving durability and heat dissipation. The Ultra is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor.
Pre-order, pricing, and availability in the Philippines
Pre-orders open February 26, 2026, with official availability following in March. Promotional offers include storage upgrades, discounts on accessories, and trade-in incentives.
Pricing in the Philippines starts at PHP58,990 for the Galaxy S26 (256GB), PHP74,990 for the Galaxy S26+ (256GB), and PHP86,990 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB). Higher storage tiers reach PHP121,990 for the 1TB Ultra variant.
Samsung positions the S26 Series as an evolution rather than a revolution — emphasizing usability, AI integration, and incremental refinement.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series – Specs
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 |
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
6.3″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
| Rear Camera: Ultra Wide | 50MP, F1.9, 0.7 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm |
| Rear Camera: Wide | 200MP, F1.4, 0.6 µm | 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm | 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm |
| Optical Quality 2x | |||
| Rear Camera: Telephoto 1 | 10MP, F2.4, 1.12 µm | 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm | 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm |
| 3x optical zoom | |||
| Rear Camera: Telephoto 2 | 50MP, F2.9, 0.7 µm
|
— | — |
| Front Camera | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm |
| Processor | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) | Exynos 2600 (2 nm)* | Exynos 2600 (2 nm)* |
| Memory (RAM) | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| (Micro SD: N/A) | |||
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
|
|||
| Dimensions | 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9 mm
214 g (Sub6/mmWave) |
75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3 mm
190 g (Sub6/mmWave) |
71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm
167 g (Sub6) |
| Colors | Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
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