Philippines

Best Budget Smartphones below P15,000 (June 2017 Edition)

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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 May 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.

REVIEW: OPPO F1s

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 Note 4X (PhP 9,800)

We finally had to take out Xiaomi’s Redmi 4 Prime on this list to make way for the Redmi Note 4X. It’s bigger and more fun to play with; plus, it has all the same features we loved from its smaller sibling, including the large battery, efficient processor, and solid build quality.

REVIEW: Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

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.

REVIEW: Vivo Y53

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News

Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

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February 4, 2026

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Globe at Home The Loop

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Globe at Home The Loop

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

Globe at Home The Loop

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Globe at Home The Loop

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

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Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

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February 1, 2026

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The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

  • Open to Canon users only
  • Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
  • Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.

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Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

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January 29, 2026

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VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.

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