Buyer's Guide

Best 5G smartphones you can buy today (Philippines)

From flagships to lower midrange smartphones

Published

on

5G smartphones are becoming increasingly common these days. Once a flagship-exclusive feature, more and more smartphones are featuring 5G, especially those in the midrange segment. In the Philippines, you have many options nowadays thanks to OEMs bringing their competitive offerings to the market.

While more and more smartphones are coming in with 5G, adoption of the next-gen network is still at a breakneck pace in the country. Major telcos are upping their game though, with many areas receiving 5G connectivity sooner than later. Still, you have to be mindful of the areas without 5G yet — there are still a lot in the country, to be exact.

You don’t have to wait for a country-wide adoption of 5G to take advantage of its benefits though. Through these smartphones, you can now enjoy faster network speeds and flaunt the venerable “5G” icon to your friends. Here are the some of best 5G smartphones you can buy in the Philippines now, sorted by categories.

Flagship (PhP 30,000 and above)

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Starts at PhP 69,990)

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra could arguably be the best 5G smartphone from the beloved Korean company to date. It has all the features one can ask from a flagship, including cutting-edge cameras and top-notch performance. 5G connectivity is made possible by next-gen processors such as the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.

Yes, the camera hump is still there but a refined design and the 108MP wide-angle primary camera should be enough to gloss this over. The Infinity-O display is also here to stay, along with 1440P+ resolution. Coupled with the fact that it now receives up to four years of software updates, the Galaxy S21 Ultra surely delivers in both the hardware and software front.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Starts at PhP 68,990)

This year’s iPhone 12 Pro Max is one of the first Apple devices to feature 5G conectivity. Upon first glance, Apple’s most expensive and largest flagship may look the same as last year’s model. After all, it still has the same three cameras on the back, and a notch that seems out of place in 2021. Make no mistake, however, since Apple has actually refreshed the design of its flagships to have flatter edges. Plus, there is a brand-new LiDAR sensor on the back along with MagSafe — Apple’s new proprietary wireless charging connector.

These changes and additions may not interest all users, but it is enough to give the iPhone 12 Pro Max a competitive edge. Couple that with six years of software support and you basically have a flagship worth your hard-earned money.

Huawei Mate 40 Pro (PhP 55,999)

This may not be the best time to adopt a Huawei flagship given the precarious situation the company finds itself in, but the Mate 40 Pro impresses at almost every level. The back design is arguably the one of best out there in the market today.  It hides the camera setup very well, which by the way is perfectly versatile and well-rounded. With a Kirin 9000 chipset running the show, buyers can expect a top-notch performance that punches its weight against Qualcomm and Samsung’s offerings.

The chipset also has a 5G modem built-in to support the next-gen network. For those worried about the app situation, Huawei has come a long way in remedying the lack of Google apps and Play Store on their devices. However, getting some of popular apps still proves to be a challenge though.

ASUS ROG Phone 5 (PhP 39,995)

A 5G-enabled gaming smartphone is what the ASUS ROG Phone 5 is all about, and it never failed on that front. The gaming-centric design is still here to stay, but ASUS surely fitted some cool tricks on the ROG Phone 5 that you may have seen before on certain ROG laptops.

Powering the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 with a Qualcomm Game Quick Touch included for best-in-class responsiveness. Truly, responsiveness is the name of the game since its display comes with a whopping 144Hz refresh rate. If those aren’t enough, it also has a 6,000 mAh battery is to keep going whatever tasks you throw at it.

Xiaomi Mi 11 (PhP 36,990)

Unarguably one of the first smartphones to launch with the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, Xiaomi Mi 11 offers 2021 flagship specs at a bang-for-the-buck price. That has been the case for Xiaomi’s flagships anyway, which always have shook the competition with an attractive pairing of specs with prices.

One of the notable elements for Xiaomi’s latest flagship is the more rounded corners of the camera bump, which helps the Mi 11 stay distinct from its competitors. By the way, the camera bump houses a humongous 108 MP primary wide-angle lens paired with a 13 MP ultra-wide and a 5 MP depth sensor. Xiaomi also took the time to refine MIUI for version 12 in the Mi 11. Granted, ads are still a part of the OS but users now have more control over which apps they can uninstall or disable.

Upper Midrange (PhP 20,000 to PhP 29,999)

OnePlus 8T (PhP 29,990)

OnePlus’ tradition of bringing flagship features at bargain prices continues with the 8T, which is more than a refinement of the highly-popular 8 series. 5G connectivity is possible thanks to the included Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. That processor alone is indicative of flagship performance, and it shows on this device. Everything just runs smoothly, which is also thanks to OxygenOS 11.

Buyers expecting flagship camera performance, however, would be a bit disappointed on the 8T. It is a great all-around camera for sure, but it lags behind flagships in night-time situations. Water-resistance ratings are also absent here as a cost-cutting measure. Finally, it lacks a curved display which is one of the highlights of the OnePlus 8 Pro.

vivo V20 Pro (PhP 24,999)

vivo continues to enjoy success on its V-series devices, which are predominantly midrange devices. The V20 series offers a Pro variant that features 5G, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor. This Pro variant is exactly the V20 Pro, which the company touts as the world’s slimmest 5G smartphone yet.

Aside from its thin profile, the device packs respectable specs for its class. The processor itself is quite capable, handling games, apps, and some intensive tasks. Likewise, the camera setup is versatile for almost every scenario thanks to the 64MP wide-angle lens coupled with an 8 MP ultra-wide and a 2MP depth sensor.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G (PhP 23,990)

For 2021, Samsung is finally getting more serious about its A-series lineup and the latest Galaxy A52 5G is an evidence for this. Gone are the flashy yet equally divisive design of the yesteryear, now replaced by a minimal yet almost-professional look thanks to a unibody matte finish all throughout the device.

The display also gets a nice bump in the refresh rate department, which is now a whopping 120Hz for the 5G-enabled variant. The processor here is also a win, with Samsung fitting in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G. The primary rear camera gets a bump to 64MP, while the battery sees modest increase to 4,500 mAh. Almost everything here gets a nice bump, and Samsung is even generous to include IP67 dust and water resistance.

OPPO Reno5 5G (PhP 23,990)

OPPO is shaking things up on the upper midrange segment with the release of OPPO Reno5 5G. It is the smaller brother of the Reno5 Pro 5G, having a 6.4-inch FHD+ resolution instead. Beyond that, it retains almost all of the features including the quad-camera setup in the form of 64MP wide-angle + 8MP ultra-wide-angle + 2MP depth + 2MP macro lens.

With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, the device supports 5G connectivity and features modest performance for almost everyone. It’s not exactly flagship class, but it has the chops to play even the most graphically intensive games. And yes, the 3.5mm headphone jack is still here, which is getting quite rare to find in this price segment.

OnePlus Nord (PhP 21,990)

OnePlus stole the scene again last 2020 when it launched its first Nord device. It was the brand’s another attempt in the midrange segment after the ill-fated OnePlus X. So far, OnePlus’ strategy is working, with Nord driving sales for the brand thanks to its unique set of features including OxygenOS. When it launched in the Nord, it represented an Android purists’ dream.

Since then, the OS underwent major changes in its latest version mimicking another brand’s signature design. Still, it is not as bloated as the others. Beyond the OS, OnePlus Nord offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor and a quad-camera setup. That camera setup may not excel in one particular area, but it is decent enough for most situations.

Huawei Nova 7 5G (PhP 17,990)

Huawei has put compelling options in recent years, and the Nova 7 5G is no exception. It is one of the first devices in the upper midrange segment to feature 5G, all thanks to the in-house Kirin 985 chipset. The chipset definitely keeps up with everything thrown at it, even on the most intensive tasks. Battery life is also a big plus for the midrange. Finally, its camera is definitely capable of any situation.

The plastic build and lack of a 3.5mm audio jack may put off some buyers, but it definitely is a well-made phone featuring everything one can ask for a flagship at a reasonable price. The biggest drawback though: the lack of Google apps and Play Store.

Lower Midrange (PhP 10,000 to PhP 19,999)

Mi 10T (PhP 19,990)

Xiaomi is only one of the few that dared to offer a 5G smartphone in the Philippines with a sub-PhP 20K price. Yes, the Mi 10T is still dangerously close to PhP 20K, but it represents one of the best bang-in-the-buck devices right now.

First, it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor for flagship performance. It is quite rare for any brand to offer a device with a flagship processor in this price segment, but Xiaomi is not like any of those brands. The Mi 10T also gets a capable camera setup, with triple cameras in the rear providing flexible shooting modes.

TCL 10 5G (PhP 17,990)

Some of you out there may get confused with the inclusion of a TCL smartphone. Include this on your “today I learned” — TCL makes smartphones that are worth a second look. Chief among that is the TCL 10 5G with a price so appealing for buyers who really wanted to have a 5G-capable smartphone.

It’s no slouch too with the features it packs. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G runs the show, and the HDR-capable full HD display is something worth looking at. It even has a glass body which is truly quite rare for the price. Bundle in a headphone jack, and you clearly have a winner with the TCL 10 5G.

moto g 5G Plus (PhP 16,990)

It’s no secret that the primary draw of the moto g 5G Plus is its 5G capability. But there’s more to this phone. It sports a tall 6.7-inch FHD+ display with support for a 90Hz refresh rate, comes with a satisfyingly clean My UX, and equipped with a no-slouch Snapdragon 765G chipset.

Furthermore, this phone promises up to two days of battery life with its 5000mAh battery. And it fills up quickly with its 20W TurboPower charging. It’s easily one of the affordable options you can have if you’re looking for a future-proof handset.

No budget option yet

There are now quite a few 5G smartphones in the Philippines, and there’s more incoming as adoption continues to grow. However, it is quite baffling to see that there are no budget 5G smartphones yet. By the way, budget here means smartphones costing less than PhP 10,000.

One of the probable reasons why is the cost involved in the manufacturing process. Like every other technology, it takes time for the cost of manufacturing to go down especially with the strained capacity and logistics. The same goes for the manufacturing of modems that enable 5G connectivity.

As general advice, buyers rocking a 4G smartphone shouldn’t outright buy a new 5G-enabled smartphone just yet. Yes, it is the future of cellular networks but it doesn’t mean the end for 4G yet. For the greatest and the latest though, smartphones with 5G are the way to go.

Buyer's Guide

iPhone Duo Philippines: Prices, installments, and where to buy

Compare prices and payment options

Published

on

The iPhone Duo is now available for pre-order in the Philippines. Apple’s first foldable iPhone comes in four storage configurations, with promotional prices ranging from PhP 159,990 to PhP 254,990.

But which model should you buy, and where should you get it?

Several authorized retailers offer discounted launch prices, 0% credit card installments, and pre-order bundles. Eligible bank promotions can also reduce the price by thousands of pesos.

Here’s what you need to know before ordering.

iPhone Duo Philippines price list

Storage Regular SRP Promotional price
256GB PhP 170,990 PhP 159,990
512GB PhP 187,990 PhP 175,990
1TB PhP 221,990 PhP 207,990
2TB PhP 271,990 PhP 254,990

The promotional prices are based on Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer. Other retailers may have different payment requirements or participating bank promotions.

Prices reflect Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer and may differ across retailers. We’ll update this guide as we verify each store’s latest offers.

Pre-orders run from October 16 to 29, 2026, ahead of the October 30 launch.

Which storage should you buy? Get the 512GB

Our recommendation is simple: skip the 256GB and get the 512GB iPhone Duo.

At PhP 159,990, the 256GB version is already an expensive purchase. While it offers enough storage for everyday tasks, it could become restrictive as your photo library, videos, games, and downloaded files grow.

The 512GB model costs PhP 16,000 more under the promotional pricing. That buys twice the storage capacity without the significantly larger price jump to 1TB.

Spread across 24 months, the difference is approximately PhP 667 per month.

For a phone this expensive, we’d rather pay that difference than constantly manage storage or rely on cloud subscriptions.

The 1TB and 2TB configurations remain options for people who regularly shoot large amounts of video or need substantial offline storage. However, most buyers won’t need to spend that much.

The 512GB iPhone Duo offers the best balance of storage and price.

Where to buy the iPhone Duo in the Philippines

Power Mac Center

Power Mac Center offers the iPhone Duo 512GB at an exclusive launch price of PhP 175,990.

Its published installment options include:

Term Monthly payment
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
36 months at 0% PhP 4,888.61

The 24-month option is available with credit cards and Home Credit under the published offer. The 36-month option is subject to eligible bank cards and promotional periods.

Installment amounts are based on Power Mac Center’s published promotional pricing and applicable 0% installment terms. Actual payments depend on the eligible card and transaction. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest terms.

Power Mac Center also operates UpTrade, which lets customers trade in eligible devices toward a new purchase.

Beyond the Box

Beyond the Box offers iPhone Duo pre-orders with installment options of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months at participating physical stores. Online payment options differ.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, a 0% installment would cost:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
36 months PhP 4,888.61
Monthly payments are illustrative calculations based on the PhP 175,990 promotional price, assuming 0% interest and no additional fees. Confirm the final price and available installment terms with Beyond the Box before purchasing. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Beyond the Box also advertises a pre-order accessory bundle worth over PhP 22,000 at listed retail prices. It includes a Speck case, Urbanista speaker, Function101 charger, Momax speaker flask, Bellroy tech kit, and other accessories.

The retailer says qualifying pre-orders receive the gift bundle, subject to availability. Buyers can also explore its BoxTrade program.

Digital Walker

Digital Walker participates in iPhone Duo pre-orders and selected bank promotions.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, the illustrative monthly payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,665.83
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples, not confirmed Digital Walker quotations. Actual pricing depends on the final transaction, participating bank, and installment terms. We’ll update this section when the retailer confirms its current offers.

Digital Walker also participates in the Live Beyond Grand Raffle, which gives qualifying iPhone Duo purchases a chance to win an exclusive dinner for two at Toyo Eatery. The raffle is a chance to win, not a guaranteed purchase benefit.

Digimap

Digimap offers the iPhone Duo through its retail channels, with participating bank promotions and its DigiTrade program.

Metrobank lists Digimap among its participating retailers offering special iPhone Duo cash pricing.

For the 512GB model, the reference promotional price is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, that would equal PhP 14,665.83 monthly over 12 months or PhP 7,332.92 over 24 months.

These amounts are illustrative calculations, not verified Digimap installment quotations. Digimap’s exact installment amounts and applicable terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Buyers should compare the final cash price against available credit card installment offers. Trade-in credits may also reduce the amount payable, depending on the assessed value of the device.

The Loop

The Loop participates in several iPhone Duo bank promotions, including an offer from Security Bank.

The retailer’s reference promotional price for the 512GB model is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, the illustrative payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples based on the reference promotional price, not confirmed quotations from The Loop. Actual payments depend on eligible bank cards and transaction terms. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest offers.

The Loop also participates in bank-specific discounts. Buyers should check whether their card qualifies and whether the discount can be combined with other retailer offers.

Bank discounts can make a difference

Security Bank currently advertises a PhP 5,000 discount on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at participating retailers, including Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and The Loop.

For the 512GB model, that brings the promotional reference price from PhP 175,990 to PhP 170,990.

Installment term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,249.17
24 months at 0% PhP 7,124.58
36 months at 0% PhP 4,749.72
Monthly payments are calculated from the PhP 170,990 discounted price, assuming an eligible 0% installment transaction with no additional fees. The discount is subject to the bank’s promotional terms and participating merchant conditions. We’ll update this section if the offer changes.

EastWest also advertises savings of up to PhP 17,000 on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at Power Mac Center and The Loop. Its promotion includes 0% installment options for 12 or 24 months, with the final discount depending on the applicable terms.

Metrobank separately lists iPhone Duo offers at Power Mac Center, The Loop, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and Digimap. Benefits differ by merchant and transaction.

Before choosing a payment method, check the final amount payable. Some bank offers cannot be combined with other promotions.

iPhone Duo

Postpaid options: Smart and Globe

Smart Communications

Smart offers the iPhone Duo through Postpaid Plans+ 1999, with advertised monthly payments starting at PhP 6,304.

The offer includes an open-line device, a choice of Unli App bundle, 12 months of UNLI 5G, and high-priority network access.

Customers who qualify for the pre-order promotion can also receive 18GB of additional Open Access Data valid for three months, a PhP 5,000 voucher for select Smart accessories, and 18% off select Digimap accessories.

Online pre-orders also qualify for a complimentary AirTag, subject to the offer’s conditions.

Smart supports zero-interest credit card installments over 24 months with select banks. Renewing subscribers may qualify for 36-month device payments charged to their postpaid bill.

Advertised monthly payments and promotional benefits are subject to Smart’s eligibility requirements and offer conditions. The total cost depends on the selected device configuration and plan. We’ll update this section as we verify the complete cost breakdown.

Globe Telecom

Globe also offers Apple devices through its postpaid channels.

However, we have not independently verified a complete iPhone Duo price and installment breakdown for its current GPlan offers.

Buyers considering Globe should compare the device cashout, monthly plan fee, contract duration, and total payable amount against the outright retail price.

Globe’s current iPhone Duo device pricing and installment terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section when the relevant details are available.

Should you trade in your old phone?

Trading in an existing device can reduce the cost of upgrading.

Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, and Digimap operate trade-in programs. However, final valuations depend on the device’s condition, storage, and assessment results.

Before committing, compare the assessed trade-in value against potential private-sale prices. Also check whether a trade-in bonus can be combined with the promotional price and bank discounts.

What should you check before buying?

Before placing an order, keep these points in mind:

  • Final price: Confirm the amount you’ll actually pay after eligible discounts.
  • Installments: Compare total cost, monthly payments, and any additional fees.
  • Freebies: Check which gifts are guaranteed and whether they’re subject to availability.
  • Stock: Confirm the availability of your preferred storage configuration and color.
  • Trade-ins: Ask for the final assessed value and any promotional bonus.
  • Warranty: Understand the standard warranty and any optional protection plan.
  • Network compatibility: Confirm eSIM support if you’re keeping your existing number.
  • Delivery: Ask when your order is expected to arrive, particularly if the model is on back order.

Is the iPhone Duo worth buying?

The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990, putting it firmly in premium flagship territory. Its foldable design offers a larger screen for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking while retaining a compact outer display when closed.

For most buyers, we’d recommend the 512GB model at PhP 175,990. It offers twice the base storage for PhP 16,000 more, without the much larger price jump to 1TB.

Power Mac Center currently provides one of the clearest published installment schedules, while Beyond the Box offers a substantial pre-order accessory bundle.

Security Bank cardholders should pay particular attention to the PhP 5,000 discount available at participating retailers. Smart is another option for buyers who already want a postpaid subscription, although its total contract cost deserves closer examination.

Ultimately, compare the final amount payable, not just the advertised monthly payment. The right offer should give you the storage you need without unnecessary charges or restrictions.

Last updated: October 17, 2026. We are verifying retailer-specific prices, installment terms, trade-in offers, and freebies. This guide will be updated as additional details are confirmed.
Continue Reading

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: TECNO SPARK 50 Pro vs SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

Published

on

By

Within two months, TECNO separately launched the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G.

Clearly, the uprising brand aims to target consumers who want to buy a shiny new smartphone within their means. This also meant budget buyers might get confused which to get between the two.

Interested yet still confused? Read more to know which SPARK is your GadgetMatch.

Design

While design is (and will always be) subjective, the design of the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are on two different sides of the coin.

The newer SPARK 50 Pro is offered in stronger color choices — from Midnight Blue to the Dynamic Orange I own. Albeit, there are the less flashy Ink Black, Titanium Grey, and Cloud White shades.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

On the other hand, the SPARK 50 5G has classier colorways: Champagne Gold, Mint Green and Fantasy Purple. That’s alongside the subdued Ink Black and Titanium Grey options.

Personally, the SPARK 50 5G’s clean-looking horizontal camera bar design was the clear giveaway. While the SPARK 50 Pro is a bit slimmer at 7.8mm, the SPARK 50 5G is still comfortable to hold despite being thicker at 8.18mm.

Furthermore, the Champagne Gold unit I rock looks more premium and doesn’t try to be in with the unnecessary “orange” trend.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Durability

Usually, design and durability coincide with one another. But, that’s not always the case.

Despite the SPARK 50 5G having an aviation-grade body, it only has an IP64 rating. It can withstand dust particles but, only water splashes and light sprays. Good to note though that it is MIL-STD-810H compliant.

Meanwhile, the less premium-looking SPARK 50 Pro actually boasts the sturdier IP68 and IP69 water and resistance ratings. This means it can withstand dust, water immersion, and even stronger, high-pressure sprays.

This makes the SPARK 50 Pro one of the few phones to have an IP rating previously limited to flagships and higher-end midrangers.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Audiovisual

Both the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G share a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. Both are also 720p in resolution and refresh rate maxes out at 120Hz.

Obviously, these phones don’t have the best in class displays. But, for such segment and price, having such display tech alongside a punch-hole cutout (instead of a raindrop notch) means a lot.

Stereo speakers are also powered by DTS sound. Undoubtedly, these two phones are like identical twins in this segment.

The only thing that the SPARK 50 5G has the upper-hand is none other than its inclusion of 3.5mm audio jack that the SPARK 50 Pro lacks. Still beneficial for people who fully rely on wired audio.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Performance

While the front part is harder to distinguish from one another, each inner core is what separates these phones apart.

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 SoC.

Of course, it’s not the most powerful out there. But, for its league, it’s a capable chipset that can multitask and run most game titles. Even 5G support never forgotten.

Meanwhile, the SPARK 50 Pro, despite having that “Pro” superlative, only runs the Dimensity G100 Ultimate. CPU speeds are obviously lower. Worse? It’s only limited to 4G speeds.

On the positive note, it gives better camera support.

Memory sizes are available in 4,6, and 8GB with storage options in either 128 or 256GB. Fortunately, these phones still have a dedicated microSD slot.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Camera

With the camera talk already mentioned, most would think that the 50MP main rear camera of the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are just the same. Well, they’re not.

Photography duties of the SPARK 50 Pro are mainly handled by Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) image sensor. For reference, that’s the same image sensor found on most modern midrangers.

The SPARK 50 5G uses an older Sony Exmor sensor. Aperture slightly differ at f/1.9 and f/1.8 respectively.

For further context, here’s how the two smartphones produce photos.

To compensate for that, the SPARK 50 5G tends to over-sharpen and color boost its photo output over SPARK 50 Pro’s natural image rendering.

The SPARK 50 Pro also has a better-looking bokeh falloff than its 5G counterpart.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Power

Finally, the highlight of both phones: battery capacity.

ICYMI, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro has two versions: a single-cell 5600mAh model and a bigger 6000mAh dual-cell version.

The SPARK 50 5G takes it up a notch with an even bigger 6500mAh capacity.

Although that is only a 500mAh (or 900mAh) discrepancy, that battery boost still means a lot for an every day user.

Charging-wise, the SPARK 50 Pro has a faster 60W speed over the regular 45W charging in the 5G version.

IMHO, I would still choose a bigger battery over faster charging speeds. Still, it’s great to have both in a single package.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

If we are going to tally the scores, the clear afforda-phone choice is none other than the TECNO SPARK 50 5G.

It ticks 4 out of 6 boxes — from that classier design to its beastly battery despite that thin chassis. Even better, a 5G-capable chipset and 3.5mm audio jack inclusion that the “Pro” variant simply lacks.

However, that doesn’t mean the SPARK 50 Pro is lackluster.

If you value the cameras and durability more than anything else, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is clearly the one you should get.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to how much of your hard-earned savings you are willing to let go.

Continue Reading

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending