Philippines

Best Premium Smartphones above PhP 30,000 (July 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 June compilation, this July 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:

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+

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

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 (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

Sony Xperia XZ Premium (PhP 45,490)

Say whatever you want about its traditional design and seriously high-end pricing, but the Xperia XZ Premium is the only smartphone that competes well against Samsung’s pride and joy, which sits at the top of this list. That’s because this Sony flagship has an equally capable Snapdragon 835 processor and a screen that’ll make you go, “Woah!”

REVIEW: Sony Xperia XZ Premium

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vivo V60 Lite starts at 14,999 pesos in the Philippines

V60’s smaller sibling focuses on gaming, entertainment

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The vivo V60 Lite is now available for preorder in the Philippines, offering customers a stylish smartphone for gaming and entertainment.

It starts at PhP 14,999 for the 4G variant and is priced at PhP 17,999 for the 5G variant. These models both have 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage.

Available colors for the device are Pop Pink, Titanium Blue, and Elegant Black.

Customers can now preorder via vivo concept stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers. Preorders until October 30 also come with the following perks:

  • vivo VIP Card worth PhP 4,020 (with 6-month Broken Screen Insurance and Extended Warranty)
  • Limited-edition vivo Buds worth PhP 1,699
  • PhP 1,000 discount
  • Extra PhP 500 off via Home Credit

In addition, there is a 5G variant with 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage for PhP 20,999.

The vivo V60 Lite is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset. This allows users to experience performance boost with faster frame rates, smoother graphics, and lag-free gameplay.

The phone also houses a 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90W FlashCharge. Furthermore, the battery supports Bypass Charging, which is a common feature among gaming-centric handsets.

Other gaming features include Game Boost, Esports Mode, Mistouch Prevention, and Game Small Window for zero interruptions.

In front is a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10 visuals, on a 94.2% screen-to-body ratio. This is complemented by dual stereo speakers with up to 400% volume mode.

Not to be outdone in the camera department, the V60 Lite features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor. This has a large 1/1.95-inch size and ensures 2x lossless zoom for crisp captures.

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Philippines

Power Mac Center iPhone 17 midnight launch draws massive crowd

Hundreds lined up as Apple fans welcomed the latest devices at midnight

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Power Mac Center | iPhone 17 Series

Power Mac Center once again turned the iPhone launch into a nationwide spectacle. The Premiere Apple Partner officially rolled out the iPhone 17 Series and iPhone Air in the Philippines. It held simultaneous midnight events at Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, and 41 more stores across the country.

At Greenbelt 3, student Marc Dave Afran was first in line. He was ahead of more than 600 patrons who queued up for hours to be among the first to unbox the iPhone 17. The energy stayed electric through midnight, with fans cheering as doors opened and the first units were handed out.

A night of spectacle and rewards

Clara Benin performing ahead of the Power Mac Center iPhone 17 Series Midnight Launch

The celebration blended music, excitement, and massive freebies. Performances by Lola Amour, Rob Deniel, and Clara Benin set the tone at Greenbelt 3. Meanwhile, SunKissed Lola and Janine Teñoso headlined the SM Mall of Asia launch.

Early patrons went home with premium freebie bundles worth up to PhP 30,000. They also got exclusive partner perks from Bo’s Coffee, Grab, and Lojel. Special trade-in offers were also on hand—up to PhP 57,000 off for an iPhone 16 Pro Max—along with up to 50% off select iPhone cases and 30% off premium accessories.

Nationwide participation

Beyond the two main venues, 40 more Power Mac Center and The Loop stores across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao joined in at midnight, giving hundreds more fans a chance to bring home their new iPhone right as the clock struck twelve.

“By opening our doors at midnight, we invite customers to be the first to experience what’s next,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management. “It’s a celebration of how technology continues to move people and the world forward.”

Exclusive offers continue

Missed the midnight fun? PMC’s “iPhone for All” campaign keeps the excitement going with extended deals, including up to PhP 9,000 savings, 0% installments, and cashbacks depending on your payment partner. Customers can still enjoy trade-in offers, accessory discounts, and even special promos like customized phone cases and gashapon giveaways at select The Loop stores until October 19, 2025.

The iPhone 17 Series and iPhone Air are now available nationwide. Get the via Power Mac Center and The Loop stores. They are also available online at powermaccenter.com and The Loop by Power Mac Center on Shopee.


Here are more photos from the event:

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Philippines

Maya unveils Pink Glitter Visa Card, BLACKPINK concert promos

Premium design, practical perks

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Maya Pink Glitter Visa Card

Maya has officially launched the Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card. It’s a sleek matte glitter debit card that’s taking over social media feeds for its standout look and smart everyday functionality.

A card that shines inside and out

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card blends eye-catching design with everyday practicality. Its smooth glitter finish gives it a premium feel while ensuring seamless use at ATMs and payment terminals. Beyond looks, it’s a globally accepted Visa debit card that lets users shop, pay, and withdraw anywhere Visa works. That’s all while earning up to 15% p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

Designed for both style and substance, the card fits any lifestyle. It works from daily coffee runs to grocery hauls and weekend shopping sprees.

Your swipe could send you to BLACKPINK

From October 1 to November 11, every PhP 500 spend with the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card qualifies as an entry to Visa and Maya’s BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila raffle. Winners can score VIP fan packages or daily ticket giveaways.

More Maya Visa cards, more chances

Aside from the Pink Glitter Edition, users can also join with:

  • The Maya Black Visa Credit Card – a minimalist, numberless card that offers instant miles, global lounge access, and no annual fees.
  • The Maya Visa Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card – a cashback card that rewards 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases.

To join, users can open the Maya app, head to the Tickets tab, and tap “Join today’s giveaway” to start earning entries for daily and monthly draws.

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