Philippines

Best Premium Smartphones above P30,000 (May 2017 Edition)

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If you’re looking for the very best high-end smartphones available, you’ve come to the right place! Every month, GadgetMatch updates this list with the finest devices money can buy, no matter how much they cost.

As a follow-up to our February compilation, this May list takes every newly launched flagship costing more than PhP 30,000 into consideration, but doesn’t discount the smartphones that continue to make an impact since their launch last year.

Here they are in no particular order:

Galaxy S8+

Samsung Galaxy S8+ (PhP 45,990)

Was there any doubt about Samsung’s most gorgeous phone making this selection? Armed with the finest processor ever built in the Snapdragon 835, possibly the best single camera in a handset today, and the most refined Android skin to date, the Galaxy S8+ looks to stay on our radar for a long time.

REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

iPhone 7 Plus

Apple iPhone 7 Plus (PhP 44,990)

You can’t complete a selection like this without including Apple’s latest handset. And it’s not because an iPhone has to be included; the iPhone 7 Plus is so fast and so smooth, there’s no way we could ignore it. It also gets the nod over the regular iPhone 7 thanks to its far more impressive dual-camera setup.

REVIEW: Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Pixel XL

Google Pixel XL (PhP 41,200)

While the Pixel XL has its shortcomings — the lack of serious water resistance and oddly plain design spring to mind — you can’t find a more optimized Android smartphone right now. Everything about it is snappy, from the incredible camera to its witty Google Assistant. It’s also got the most up-to-date operating system, unlimited storage for all your photos, plus a better screen resolution and battery life than the smaller Pixel.

REVIEW: Google Pixel (3 months later)

LG G6

LG G6 (PhP 37,990)

After what many considered to be a failure in the G5, LG went back to the drawing board and crafted a smartphone that looks and feels great, and — more importantly — simply works. We’ve been so fond of the G6’s generous but not-too-tall display, extra-wide-angle camera, and super-solid build quality since we got our hands on it. Buh-bye, modules!

REVIEW: LG G6

Mate 9

Huawei Mate 9 (PhP 31,990)

With the introduction of the LG G6 and Galaxy S8+, the Mate 9 isn’t as compact for a large-screen smartphone as it used to be. But still, depending on where you live, Huawei’s offering can be significantly cheaper than its newer counterparts. Factor in its equally generous battery life, sleek Android interface, and pair of Leica-branded cameras at the back, and you have a nice bang-for-buck in the premium segment.

REVIEW: Huawei Mate 9 (3 months later)

[irp posts=”10008″ name=”Best Premium Smartphones (February 2017 Edition)”]

Philippines

OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines

Pocket Studio arrives

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OPPO Reno16 Series | BABYMONSTER

OPPO has confirmed that the Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines.

The upcoming smartphone series will introduce the company’s new Pocket Studio imaging experience alongside OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View. The launch also continues OPPO’s partnership with K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER, the brand’s global ambassadors.

Pocket Studio puts the focus on photography

OPPO positions the Reno16 Series 5G as a camera-first smartphone. The series features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, and Dual View Video for capturing photos and videos from multiple perspectives.

The company says these upgrades are designed to make mobile photography and content creation more versatile. Users can capture wide group selfies, detailed portraits, and creative videos without carrying dedicated camera gear.

OPPO Bubble brings remote camera controls

A standout feature is OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View.

The new feature lets users pair the Reno16 Series 5G with compatible OPPO devices. From there, they can preview the camera feed remotely and trigger the shutter wirelessly.

This also allows users to frame selfies and group photos using the phone’s rear cameras while viewing the composition from another device. OPPO says the feature makes it easier to capture everyone in the frame without relying on timers.

Coming soon

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G will arrive in the Philippines soon.

OPPO has yet to announce the official launch date, pricing, and local availability. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9: Price, availability in the Philippines

Prices start at PHP 24,990

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Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 in the Philippines alongside the new Galaxy Z8 Series.

The new wearables expand Samsung’s smartwatch lineup with upgraded health tracking, AI-powered wellness features, and faster performance. The Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health and fitness, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 caters to users looking for a more rugged smartwatch for outdoor adventures.

Here’s how much they cost in the Philippines.

Pricing

Galaxy Watch Ultra2

  • PHP 44,990

Galaxy Watch9

  • 40mm — PHP 22,990
  • 46mm — PHP 24,990

Availability

Pre-orders begin on July 23 through Samsung Philippines and authorized retailers. Both smartwatches will be offered in multiple color options depending on the model. 

Pre-order offers

Customers who pre-order either smartwatch can enjoy several launch offers, including:

  • Up to 15% off
  • Up to 36 months of 0% installment plans with participating banks
  • Up to 50% off through eligible trade-ins
  • Up to 36% off Samsung Care+ device protection 

Galaxy Watch9

The Galaxy Watch9 is Samsung’s latest everyday smartwatch. It features the company’s newest health and wellness platform with AI-powered insights, comprehensive health tracking, and everyday activity monitoring.

Powering the experience is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which promises faster performance while supporting Samsung’s latest wellness features. The watch is available in 40mm and 46mm sizes.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 builds on Samsung’s premium outdoor smartwatch with a durable titanium construction, improved comfort, and new sport tracking modes such as Trail Run and Diving.

Like the Galaxy Watch9, it runs on the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and supports Samsung’s latest AI-powered health and wellness tools. 

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Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series: Price, availability in the Philippines

Prices start at PHP 77,990

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Galaxy Z8 Series

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines, bringing three foldables to the local market. The lineup includes the new passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8, the flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip8.

Pre-orders are now open nationwide. Alongside updated Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung’s latest foldables cater to different lifestyles—from productivity-focused power users and those looking for a more portable Fold experience to fans of compact flip phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series price in the Philippines

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at PHP 123,990, while the new Galaxy Z Fold8 begins at PHP 109,990. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at PHP 77,990.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Storage Price
256GB PHP 123,990
512GB PHP 137,990
1TB PHP 165,990

Colors: Violet Shadow, Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow (Online Exclusive)

Galaxy Z Fold8

Storage Price
256GB PHP 109,990
512GB PHP 123,990
1TB PHP 151,990

Colors: Lavender, Cream, Graphite, Pistachio (Online Exclusive)

Galaxy Z Flip8

Storage Price
256GB PHP 77,990
512GB PHP 91,990

Colors: Coral, Cream, Graphite, Mint

Availability and pre-order offers

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines run from July 23 to August 13.

During the pre-order period, customers can enjoy a free storage upgrade worth up to PHP 7,000, trade-in savings of up to PHP 14,000, and three months of Samsung Care+ at no additional cost.

Samsung is also offering up to 15% off and 0% installment for up to 36 months through participating banks. Monthly installment plans start at PHP 1,841.43 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and PHP 542.82 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.

Participating banks include BDO, BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, PNB, Security Bank, HSBC, RCBC, and Chinabank.

Customers can also take advantage of Samsung’s trade-in program through CompAsia and bolttech, with guaranteed trade-in values of up to PHP 16,000 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and up to PHP 7,000 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.

For added peace of mind, Samsung is offering up to 36% off Samsung Care+ through bolttech. The protection plan includes unlimited repairs for up to two years, up to two device replacements, global coverage across 55 countries, and free nationwide pick-up and delivery.

Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new Fold experience

Galaxy Z Fold8

Headlining the lineup is the new Galaxy Z Fold8, which introduces an entirely new take on Samsung’s book-style foldable.

Instead of simply shrinking its flagship Fold, Samsung designed the Fold8 around a different idea: making a book-style foldable that’s easier to carry and use every day. Its passport-inspired form factor prioritizes portability and one-handed usability while retaining the large inner display for multitasking, productivity, and entertainment.

The new Fold8 joins—not replaces—the Fold8 Ultra, giving buyers another option depending on how they use their foldable.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra builds on Samsung’s flagship foldable

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Existing Fold users should note that the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold7. This year, Samsung renames its traditional book-style foldable as the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra while introducing an entirely new model simply called the Galaxy Z Fold8.

Rather than redesigning the device, Samsung focuses on refinement. The Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, Flex Titanium Technology, a brighter display, improved performance, and expanded Galaxy AI capabilities for users who want Samsung’s most advanced foldable.

Galaxy Z Flip8 refines Samsung’s compact foldable

Galaxy Z Flip8

Samsung also updates its clamshell foldable with the Galaxy Z Flip8.

The latest model builds on its familiar design with upgrades to FlexWindow, FlexCam, Galaxy AI, and overall performance. Samsung says the larger cover display allows users to accomplish more everyday tasks without unfolding the device, while its compact design continues to make it the most pocket-friendly model in the lineup.

Galaxy AI powers the Galaxy Z8 Series

Galaxy AI remains a central part of Samsung’s latest foldables.

The company introduces new features such as Gemini-powered Notebooks for organizing information from multiple sources, alongside expanded Photo Assist editing tools and My Filter for more personalized image creation. Across the Fold lineup, Samsung also continues to optimize AI features for multitasking and productivity on larger displays.

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