Philippines
Best Budget Smartphones below P15,000 (May 2017 Edition)
Welcome to GadgetMatch’s list of the best smartphones priced below PhP 15,000! Each month, we update our selection with the budget-friendly phones we believe are most deserving of your hard-earned savings.
Even though the spotlight has been on high-end smartphones since Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC), there have been a few surprisingly good entry-level handsets coming out lately, as well. So good, in fact, that we had to knock out some of our favorites in our February list.
Here they are in no particular order:

Honor 6X / Huawei GR5 2017 / Huawei Mate 9 Lite (PhP 11,990)
No matter what name it goes by in your region, Huawei’s borderline-midrange smartphone ticks all the right boxes in our ever-evolving criteria for what makes a handset great. We fell in love with its premium build and fun dual-camera mode, which are two features previously unheard of at this price point.
REVIEW: Honor 6X (aka Huawei GR5 2017 or Huawei Mate 9 Lite)
OPPO F1s (Updated Variant – PhP 13,990)
While the F3 hasn’t rolled out yet and we’ve yet to review it, the updated F1s with 4GB of memory (up from 3GB) and 64GB of expandable storage (up from 32GB) is our top pick from OPPO. This selfie-centric midranger offers a sleek metal design, one of the fastest fingerprint sensors in the market, and a user interface anyone — even iPhone users — can appreciate.
ASUS ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 (PhP 9,995)
ASUS has been releasing ZenFone 3 variants like there’s no tomorrow, but the one offering the most value for the price is the 5.5-inch ZenFone 3 Max. It’s the larger version of the original ZenFone 3 Max, and borrows the faster camera of the ZenFone 3 Laser.
REVIEW: ASUS ZenFone 3 Max 5.5

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime (PhP 8,700)
Xiaomi’s best-ever entry-level smartphone first came to mind when forming this list. The Redmi 4 Prime has everything: a responsive fingerprint scanner, sturdy metal body, a battery that lasts days, and surprisingly good camera, making it so complete for such a low price.

Vivo Y53 (PhP 6,990)
When you talk about great value, you must include Vivo’s Y53. Despite having no fingerprint scanner, its processor and build quality are among the things you used to find on phones twice the price of this handset — truly a serious consideration when you can’t spend more than PhP 7,000.
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Laptops
ASUS Zenbook 14 lineup expands with new colors and processors
Three chip options, one design
ASUS has launched the new Zenbook 14 (UX3480) in the Philippines, featuring new Ceraluminum colorways, Copilot+ PC capabilities, and Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon processor options. The ultraportable laptop starts at PHP 76,995 and weighs as little as 1.1kg.
The new Zenbook 14 became available nationwide on October 7, with configurations in Arctic Blue and Komodo Coral. A Snapdragon variant in Zabriskie Beige will arrive later in the fourth quarter of 2026.
ASUS Zenbook 14 features
The Zenbook 14 features an all-metal chassis with an ASUS-exclusive Ceraluminum lid. The material offers a ceramic-like finish designed to resist scratches, smudges, and everyday wear. Its three color options are Arctic Blue, Komodo Coral, and Zabriskie Beige.
ASUS also claims up to 33 hours of battery life, along with fast charging and a compact USB-C charger. The laptop features an OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, a backlit keyboard, and a smart-gesture touchpad.
The new lineup includes three processor platforms, each with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for AI workloads.
- Intel: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors with a 50 TOPS NPU.
- AMD: Up to AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 processors with a 50 TOPS NPU.
- Snapdragon: Snapdragon X processors with a 45 TOPS NPU.
All three configurations are certified as Copilot+ PCs, supporting AI-assisted productivity, content creation, intelligent search, and other compatible features.
ASUS has also improved the laptop’s cooling system with a larger fan and refined airflow. The updated thermal design supports up to 35W TDP, a 25% increase over the previous generation.
Connectivity options include USB-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack.
ASUS Zenbook 14 Philippine prices
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is available in several configurations, with introductory prices starting at PHP 76,995.
| Configuration | Specifications | Introductory price |
|---|---|---|
| UX3480AA-U2489WSM | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch WUXGA OLED touchscreen | PHP 129,995 |
| UX3480AA-U2477WSM | Intel Core Ultra 7 355, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch WUXGA OLED touchscreen | PHP 106,995 |
| UX3480KA-U1137WSM | AMD Ryzen AI 7 345, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch WUXGA OLED | PHP 94,995 |
| UX3480KA-U1135WSM | AMD Ryzen AI 5 330, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch WUXGA OLED | PHP 86,995 |
| UX3480QA-U1004WSM | Snapdragon X X1 26 100, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, WUXGA OLED | PHP 76,995 |
| UX3480QA-U1204WSM | Snapdragon X X1 26 100, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, WUXGA OLED | PHP 76,995 |
The Intel and AMD configurations are available in Arctic Blue, while the Snapdragon model is available in Komodo Coral. The Snapdragon variant in Zabriskie Beige is coming later in Q4 2026.
Each laptop comes with the ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service Package, an ASUS laptop sleeve, a lifetime license for Office 2024 Home, a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription with 100GB of cloud storage, up to 700GB of ASUS Cloud Storage, and three months of Google AI Pro.
The Zenbook 14 is available at authorized ASUS Exclusive Stores nationwide.
ASUS ZenMouse MD202 price and availability
ASUS also announced the ZenMouse MD202, a wireless mouse designed to complement the Zenbook series with a matching Ceraluminum top cover. It comes in Moher Gray and Scandinavian White.
The mouse supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect up to four devices. Its Track-on-Glass sensor enables tracking on various surfaces, while the rechargeable battery offers up to seven months of use.
Through the MyASUS app, users can customize shortcuts and adjust sensitivity from 800 to 4,200 DPI. ASUS also claims that one minute of USB-C charging provides up to 16 hours of use.
The ASUS ZenMouse MD202 will be available exclusively at ASUS Exclusive Stores starting mid-October for PHP 4,995.
Automotive
Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long
Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.
BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.
The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.
BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program
BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.
BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.
DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT
DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.
The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.
The weekend moves to 5th Avenue
On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.
The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.
Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.
News
Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection
Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.
Sony has teamed up with Hello Kitty for a limited-edition collaboration that combines selected Sony products with exclusive merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved character.
Available exclusively through Sony Store channels, the collection marks Sony’s first collaboration with Hello Kitty. It covers the Xperia 10 VIII smartphone and three wireless headphone models: the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530.
Each collaboration model comes with exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise designed specifically for Sony Store customers.
Sony x Hello Kitty collection
The Xperia 10 VIII collaboration model is priced at SGD 919. It comes with an exclusive Hello Kitty sacoche-style shoulder bag designed to carry the smartphone and other small essentials, along with a Hello Kitty tote bag.
Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 collaboration model costs SGD 609. The WH-CH730N is priced at SGD 249, while the WH-CH530 costs SGD 149.
Each headphone collaboration package includes a Sony Store-exclusive Hello Kitty pouch for carrying the headphones and personal belongings, as well as a Hello Kitty tote bag.
The products retain Sony’s existing designs while adding Hello Kitty-themed accessories. The collection aims to bring the character’s signature charm into everyday use without changing the core design of the Sony devices.
Available now in Singapore
Pre-orders for the Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration models are now available through Sony Store channels in Singapore.
Sony is also showcasing the collection at the Sony Store at 313@somerset. Visitors can try the products firsthand and take photos at a dedicated Hello Kitty photo wall.
The collaboration models are available in limited quantities.
For more information, visit the official Sony Store Singapore website.
UPDATE: Sony x Hello Kitty arrives in the Philippines
The Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration will also be available in the Philippines starting October 16, 2026, at select Sony Centres.
Customers who purchase the WH-1000XM6 can add the exclusive Hello Kitty Collaboration package for PHP 4,999. The WH-1000XM6 is available in Black, Silver, Midnight Blue, Sand Pink, and Sandstone.
The collaboration will be available at the following Sony Centres:
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM Megamall
- Glorietta by Ayala Malls
- The Sony Centre-exclusive collaboration goods are designed to complement Sony products with Hello Kitty’s signature charm, adding a playful touch to everyday music experiences.
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