Philippines
Best Midrange Smartphones from P15,000 to P30,000 (July 2017 Edition)
When premium phones are out of financial reach and entry-level handsets just don’t make your cut, something in between is the next best thing. This is our updated list of the best midrange smartphones retailing from PhP 15,000 to PhP 30,000.
Formulating this category was tricky, since you can’t set an exact price and some of these devices are, in fact, the flagship phones of their respective brands. To simplify things, we chose a price range that simply sits between our two other lists for best budget and premium smartphones.
Here they are in no particular order:
ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom (PhP 23,995)
The ZenFone 3 Zoom is best known for its dual-camera setup that lets you zoom in without quality loss, but less advertised is the massive battery and efficient processor it comes with. Combine both, and you get an ASUS gadget perfect for this selection.
OnePlus 5 (PhP 25,990)
The OnePlus 3T has finally been unseated from our list, and what better way than by its successor, the OnePlus 5. The price may have gone up, but you get even more flagship-level features this time around: a much faster Snapdragon 835 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and an additional camera at the back capable of zooming in on subjects.
Huawei P10 (PhP 28,990)
While it may seem odd placing Huawei’s latest and greatest smartphone on a midrange list, the P10’s price is surprisingly competitive, especially when compared to other flagships launched alongside it at Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC). If you’re after something a little more beefed up, there’s always the more expensive P10 Plus.
OPPO R11 (PhP 22,500)
It took a while, but OPPO’s R series of smartphones has finally been given its much-anticipated update in the R11. It’s the first in OPPO’s growing lineup to sport two cameras at the back (the additional lens serves zooming purposes) and one of the first to come with Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 660 chipset.
Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 (PhP 19,990)
Samsung hit all the right notes with its newest Galaxy A5 variant, owning a design reminiscent of older Galaxy flagships, as well as specs fit for its price point. Best of all, it has both water and dust resistance, which no other phone on this list can boast.
REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)
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Automotive
Green GSM, Xentro partner to boost all-electric ride hailing
Collaboration to bring 2,000 EV units for co-branded fleet
Green GSM and Xentro Group have partnered to boost the all-electric ride-hailing scene in the Philippines even further.
The collaboration involves Green GSM, which is the brand of GSM’s ride-hailing fleet, and AMRC Renewable Corporation/Xentro Motors from the Philippines.
The latter is a subsidiary of the Xentro Group of Companies.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Green GSM will supply 2,000 VinFast electric vehicles to support future operations under the Green GSM platform.
A thousand units have already been secured and the remaining half is expected to be delivered within two years.
The fleet will operate under the co-branding Green Xentro powered by Green GSM. In case you missed it, Green GSM has been in operation in the Philippines for a few months now, utilizing VinFast EVs for ride-hailing across Metro Manila.
Following the completion of all necessary regulatory and accreditation processes, the fleet is expected to cater to even more major urban areas.
The Green Xentro fleet will showcase Green GSM’s signature cyan color and follow eco-friendly standards.
Known for their quiet operation, zero tailpipe emissions, and comfortable interiors, VinFast electric vehicles aim to offer passengers a cleaner and more enjoyable ride.
In addition, Green GSM is developing a partner-based operational approach to increase EV adoption while fully complying with local regulations.
AMRC Renewable Corp/Xentro Motors viewed this collaboration as an opportunity to contribute to the country’s growing sustainable transportation movement.
Once all approvals are secured, the fleet will begin operations under the Green GSM platform.
For their side, the Xentro Group of Companies will let Xentro Malls nationwide offer accessible pick-up zones, EV charging stations, and parking areas.
Of course, the partnership will also benefit from VinFast’s service ecosystem. This includes fleet maintenance, charging infrastructure, and driver support.
Apps
ChatGPT Go now available in the Philippines, more Asian countries
Access to more popular ChatGPT features for an affordable subscription plan
OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Go in 16 Asian countries, including the Philippines. This is the most cost-friendly subscription option yet at just PhP 300 (~ US$ 5.15).
This development gives users in the serviced regions greater access to ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities at a more affordable price.
To get started, simply visit chat.openai.com or download the ChatGPT mobile app, then create an account and select ChatGPT Go as your plan. The payment process is simple.
On the other hand, those who already have accounts may simply upgrade to Go.
The launch comes amid strong growth adoption of OpenAI’s tools in the Philippines. In fact, the country ranks among the top five countries for weekly ChatGPT users in Asia.
In addition, the top five use cases locally are tutoring, editing, personal writing, “how to” advice, and creative ideation.
At PhP 300 a month, ChatGPT Go subscribers will gain access to ChatGPT’s most popular features, including higher message limits, image generation, file uploads, and memory.
These are all powered by GPT-5, OpenAI’s most-advanced model.
Specifically, here’s the perks for the Go plan compared to free:
- 10x higher message limits
- 10x more image generations per day
- 10x more file or image uploads per day
- 2x longer memory for personalized responses
ChatGPT Go will join existing subscription options Plus (PhP 1,100) and Pro (PhP 9,900).
Plus is for subscribers who need more advanced thinking models and features like deep research, agent mode, and Sora video creation.
Meanwhile, Pro is for professionals, researchers, or organizations who need enterprise-grade scale, pro-level reasoning, and the most advanced features.
16 countries in Asia get ChatGPT Go
The Go rollout builds on strong momentum for cost-friendly subscriptions in the region.
Since launching first in India, the number of paid subscribers has more than doubled in a month.
Other countries to get the Go tier subscription are:
- Afghanistan
- India
- Myanmar
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Thailand
- Bhutan
- Laos
- Pakistan
- Timor-Leste (East Timor)
- Brunei Darussalam
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Maldives
Deals
OPPO Service Day Anniversary: Games, giveaways, discounts
Enjoy perks and discounts on services, exciting games
OPPO Philippines is inviting users to join its OPPO Service Day Anniversary. Already in its fifth year, the event is bigger than ever.
What started out as a simple act of gratitude for OPPO users has transformed into a nationwide tradition for treats, exclusive deals, and special perks.
This year, the campaign will last from October 10 to 17. Customers can take part in both online games and avail of in-store discounts and perks.
On the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page, customers can take part in a “Guess the Mystery Emoji” challenge.
By identifying the emoji correctly, participants can win a Mini Portable Fan which can be claimed at any OPPO Service Center. Winners do not have to avail of repair services at all.
OPPO also invites fans to their “Share Your O-Moment” activity by posting Service Day stories.
Participants who join will have the chance to win prizes, including:
- OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro
- OPPO Enco Air 4 Pro
- OPPO Pad Neo
- food e-vouchers
There will be 10 lucky winners to be announced on October 24.
Meanwhile, offline, customers who avail of repairs during the anniversary period will receive a free 2-in-1 Pillow.
They can also enjoy special 10% discounts on:
- screen and motherboard repairs
- battery replacements
- OPPO accessories and IoT devices
- OPPO Protection Plan products
- Ollie Elemental Set
Visitors will also benefit from waived labor fees, free software upgrades, complimentary phone cleaning, and refreshments.
The fifth OPPO Service Day Anniversary campaign will be held in several OPPO Service Center branches across the country.
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