Philippines

Best Budget Smartphones in the Philippines below P10,000

January 2021 Edition

Published

December 28, 2020

GadgetMatch

Welcome to GadgetMatch’s list of the best smartphones priced below PhP 10,000! 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 this entire year, there have been a few surprisingly good entry-level handsets coming out lately, as well. So good, in fact, that we had to reassess our entire list.

Here they are in no particular order:

Samsung Galaxy A21s (PhP 9,990)

You might consider this cheating as it is originally priced at PhP 11,990. However, it is currently discounted and we’re willing to bet this is gonna be its price even as 2021 truly rolls around. That makes the Galaxy A21s somewhat of a steal at this price range. Samsung has really made good strides in the non-flagship category ever since ditching the J-series. In its place is the expanded A-series — and this phone specifically checks most boxes you need out of a basic smartphone.

REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy A21s

realme Narzo 20 (PhP 7,990)

Easily the best gaming-skewed smartphone in the this price range. Budget phones these day tend to be focused on a few things and then have comprises in some areas. That seems to be the case here as you shouldn’t expect much from this phone’s cameras. But what it lacks in shooting, it makes up for in letting you play the most popular mobile gaming titles with relative ease.

REVIEW: realme Narzo 20

POCO M3 (PhP 7,990)

Judging this solely on paper alone, the POCO M3 is in collision course with the realme Narzo 20 in terms of pricing and overall target market. POCO was relentless in releasing good value for money smartphones in 2020 and the POCO M3 is no different. It has fun camera features that you can play with. Granted, the image quality won’t leave jaws dropping, the output is still… fine. It’s also slated to perform relatively well. A fine option at this price range.

SPECS: POCO M3

Infinix Note 7 (PhP 7,990)

Here’s another phone in the same price range as the realme Narzo 20 and the POCO m3. Like the latter, this appears to be aiming at a more balanced approach — a smartphone for a smartphone’s sake. It has all the essentials, performs just about as advertised, and takes fairly decent photos.

REVIEW: Infinix Note 7

realme C15 (PhP 6,990)

The realme C15 is essentially just the realme C11 but on steroids. Specs-wise, they have many similarities with a few improvements here and there. This is still a reliable purchase for people (or even oldies) who just want a basic phone without spending too much.

REVIEW: realme C15

Redmi 9C (PhP 5,990)

Many people are struggling to get by and shelling out cash for a phone is potentially not within the priorities of survival. If anything, it could be what someone needs, but cannot afford. So, as much as phones like the Redmi 9C have a catch to their low cost, it’s well worth it.

REVIEW: Redmi 9C

Redmi 9 (PhP 6,490)

Probably the best compromise if you want a capable budget phone but don’t necessarily want to be near the top-end of the budget spectrum. You’ll have to settle for using Lite apps to not feel any slow down, but other than that, this thing works and is built well.

HANDS-ON: Redmi 9

Related Topics:OPPO Realme Redmi Samsung

News

Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Get the devices for as low as PhP 2,433 a month

Published

February 26, 2026

GadgetMatch

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

News

Globe partners with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell, advances connectivity initiatives

Globe pushing for more growth this 2026

Published

February 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

At the most recent edition of its quarterly event, The Blueprint, Globe Telecom bared key initiatives as they emphasized reliable, affordable, and accessible connectivity as a national lifeline.

The program themed “Every Filipino Connected” highlighted initiatives to further strengthen digital inclusion across the country.

Among the event’s key announcements was the network provider’s partnership with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology. After a successful pilot trial, Globe plans to expand testing to more areas, aiming to extend coverage to such challenging locations.

As for the calendar year, Globe outlined some of their strategies, reflecting these three pillars: “Connectivity You Can Count On”, Connectivity for Every Filipino”, and “Experience Globe Connectivity”.

Globe is also introducing key initiatives focused on customers, businesses, and communities to enrich everyday experiences.

First, Globe Business introduced enterprise solutions, including a managed data streaming platform, with Confluent and the Globe Omnichannel Cloud Contact Center. These are designed to lower barriers to AI-powered engagement.

Meanwhile, Globe At Home advanced its “Built-in Broadband” initiative by integrating fiber ports into new property developments. Bundled offers under Globe Mobile and Globe At Home Advantage provide up to PhP 500 in savings as well.

Moreover, Globe’s budget sub-brand TM celebrated its 25th anniversary nationwide with promos and caravans.

Lastly, the company has expanded its premium portfolio with Platinum GPlan and PAL Mabuhay Miles promos. This makes the network provider the first in the market to reward customers with airline miles.

News

HUAWEI launches Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, FreeClip 2

Price, availability, preorder freebies in the Philippines

Published

February 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

HUAWEI has officially launched its latest flagship foldable offering, the HUAWEI Mate X7, in the Philippines.

The powerful device was introduced alongside the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 tablet and HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds.

The Mate X7 is dubbed as the “King of Foldables”, with top-tier photography features. It has a 50MP Ultra Lighting HDR main camera with 17.5 EV dynamic range.

This is complemented by a 50MP camera that serves as both a telephoto and macro shooter.

Unfolded, the Mate X7 has a large 8-inch display, with features like Live Multitask. Users can also explore Google apps on the X7.

The foldable also comes with 360-degree protection, as well as IP58 dust and water resistance.

MatePad 11.5 S 2026: PC-like efficiency

Meanwhile, the MatePad 11.5 S 2026 offers 4-in-1 productivity for modern users. It has WPS Office 3.0, which supports advanced math functions and inserting documents or links.

The bundle includes the HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, Smart Magnetic Keyboard, and HUAWEI Bluetooth Mouse, all powered by NearLink Tehnology.

The slate’s panel features 2.8K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and comfortable viewing. HUAWEI’s Notes and GoPaint apps have also been upgraded.

Inside is an 8,800mAh battery for extended usage. This battery has support or 40W SuperCharge.

FreeClip 2: Immersive listening

Completing the flagship triumvirate is the HUAWEI FreeClip 2, which comes with a unique Airy C-Bridge design.

The lightweight, open-ear wearable serves as both a reliable audio device and fashionable piece. It is powered by an NPU AI Processor and Dual-Diaphragm Driver for better bass performance and a fuller, more dynamic audio.

Meanwhile, its 3-mic noise cancellation system keeps calls crystal-clear on both ends. The FreeClip 2 also comes with IP57 protection and can last up to 38 hours with its charging case.