Buyer's Guide

BUYER’s GUIDE: Galaxy S22 vs S22+

Which one is your GadgetMatch?

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So there’s a new Galaxy S22 Series and three models to choose from.

The top-of-the-line Galaxy S22 Ultra is branching out into a different class of device — basically the reincarnation of the Galaxy Note. We’re left to choose between the S series regulars, the Galaxy S22 and the S22+.

If you’re torn, let me help you out. 

The easy answer would be to pick the size that’s right for you, but with a US$ 200 dollar premium, it’s important to go over the key differences between the S22 and S22+ to justify the additional spend or not.

Peak Brightness

What you should know about peak brightness is that by default, your phone doesn’t even come close to hitting it, even if you move your slider all the way up. You’ll actually need to go into your display settings and turn on Adaptive Brightness. 

Peak brightness comes in handy most when you’re outdoors, under the sun. When you need the display to crank up as much as it can so everything is legible.

It will also kick in whenever viewing HDR content, some Netflix shows for example are available in HDR.  

Unless you use your phones outdoors under the sun a lot, peak brightness won’t matter as much. Also a caveat, it also drains your battery faster.

Battery Size and Charging

Apart from display and phone size, the other big determining factor and reason to go for the S22+ is its larger battery. On paper, that extra 800mAh is a lot of extra juice and could spell the difference between lasting the whole day or not. 

Do keep in mind though that the bigger display on the S22+ also consumes more power. 

Expect an extra 2.5 hours on average with the S22+. But at the end of the day it will all boil down to real world use. 

Faster charging is another pro of the S22+ the phone supports 45W charging. But there’s a caveat. A Samsung 45W charger is an optional US$ 50 purchase. If you have no plans to buy one, then the rest of this is moot.

But even if you do, don’t expect the improvements to be massive. In the first 30 minutes of charging, expect about an 8% difference. Quick top ups are great when you’re in a pinch, but if you’re the type of person who charges overnight, then a slower charger is kinder on the overall health of your battery .

Ultra Wide Band

UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band and it has something to do with spatial awareness. Anything with a UWB chip theoretically should be able to tell, more or less, where another UWB device is. 

iPhones, for example, know when you are pointing at a Home Pod mini speaker and will ask if you want to transfer the music you’re listing to over to it. They also work with AirTags — trackers that you can attach to things like keys. When used alongside your phone’s camera — your phone will display virtual arrows that lead you to your missing items. 

In the Samsung ecosystem, UWB only currently works with one device. Their AirTags competitor called the Galaxy SmartTag + (not to be confused with the non plus SmartTag that retails for US$10 less). That said, I imagine a day where UWB might be built into other Samsung appliances and there might be a way for these devices to work together

Will you hold on to your phone for five years – maybe invest in future tech. Otherwise it’s not a feature that would affect my buying decisions today.

WiFi 6E 

Every few years or so, a new WiFi standard is introduced. The latest is WiFi 6E. Long story short, it has its own spectrum so theoretically you don’t have to compete with congested networks. 

That’s an oversimplification. But basically it’s better and potentially faster. 

But as always there are caveats. How fast is your home connection to begin with? Do you already have a WiFi 6E router and if not do you intend on buying one? Should you wait for WiFi 7, I heard it’s coming soon too.

At home I currently have one of the best routers out there, an Amlifi Alien. Of course, I got it two years ago and it’s a WiFi 6 router, so unless I plan on getting a new one, WiFi 6E will not benefit me.

So ask yourself these same questions. Just like UWB I don’t think WiFi 6E is a reason to get the S22+ over the S22. It’s not something you will miss.

S22 vs S22+

I’m a believer that the S22 makes more sense for most people. It also offers the best bang for your buck. After all, when it comes to performance power and cameras, these phones are identical.   

While last year’s S21 came with a plastic back, the S22 is made of all the same tough materials as the S22+ and S22 Ultra even. 

Get the S22+ if you like bigger phones and need a bigger battery. But ask yourself if $200 is worth the premium. 

Watch our Galaxy S22 and S22+ Hands-On.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB Unlocked here.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22+, 128GB Unlocked here.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22, 128GB Unlocked here.

Buy the Samsung 45W Charger (White) here.

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Buyer's Guide

Before you buy: NBA 2K26

CliffsNotes from the Courtside Reports

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August 27, 2025

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NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 is more than just a roster update. With sweeping changes across gameplay, player creation, and even how MyTEAM works, this year’s release is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in the series. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new before you buy in.

Gameplay gets a serious upgrade

At the center of NBA 2K26 is ProPLAY™, a motion system powered by real NBA footage. The result: footwork looks sharper, players move more naturally, and that old “ice skating” feel has been cut down.

Shooting, post moves, and layups have been refined, with added customization options. The AI also plays smarter on both ends of the floor, and even rebounding now comes with timing feedback.

The MyPLAYER Builder is more detailed than ever

Creating your player isn’t guesswork anymore. The new Animation Glossary lets you preview signature moves and check requirements before committing. You can now build by badges—choosing abilities first and letting the game shape your stats around them.

Build Templates based on NBA stars, pro builds, and even community submissions offer a starting point, while the new Scouting Report clearly lays out your strengths and weaknesses.

Add to that new Badge Perks, reworked Takeover mechanics, and questlines that let builds specialize, and the mode feels deeper than before.

MyNBA and MyGM lean into story

For franchise mode fans, 30 new storylines aim to keep long seasons from getting repetitive. Dynamic Banners spotlight key achievements, the simulation system has been refined, and there’s more support for online playoffs.

MyTEAM finally mixes things up

The biggest change in MyTEAM is the ability to run NBA and WNBA players on the same squad. That means all-time legends from both leagues can share the floor, creating new fantasy matchups that haven’t been possible in past games.

The W gets a stronger push


Women’s basketball continues to expand in 2K26. The W mode keeps its focus on progression and going up against WNBA stars, but the integration into MyTEAM suggests a more central role for the league this year.

Presentation feels closer to the real thing

Arenas, crowd reactions, and broadcast packages have been updated again. The focus is on making each game feel like a proper event, not just a match you play through.

Worth an early purchase? 

We can’t really say for sure as we haven’t played the game. But these early presentations suggest that NBA 2K26 brings upgrades that go beyond cosmetic changes. The new motion system makes gameplay more realistic, the player builder has added depth, and MyTEAM finally gets a shake-up with WNBA integration. If you’ve been waiting for something fresh in the series, this might be the year worth jumping back in.

NBA 2K26 preorder

Players can now preorder NBA 2K26, which is available in four editions. Here’s what they’ll be getting when they preorder via the PlayStation Store.

Standard Edition

  • 2x MyTEAM Promo Packs
  • MyPLAYER Gamerplate
  • 10,000 VC

Superstar Edition

  •  Everything from Standard Edition
  • 100,000 VC
  • Up to 7-Day Early Access
  • Full Series 1 Team Selection
  • Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
  • 5x Series 1 Packs
  • 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
  • 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
  • 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey

Leave No Doubt Edition

  • Everything from Superstar Edition, but with 135,000 VC
  • Puffer Jacket on top of MyCAREER Content inclusions
  • Leave No Doubt Promo Pack on top of MyTEAM inclusions (1x Galaxy Opal Player Card in December 2025; 1x Invincible Player Card in May 2026)
  • Season 1 Pro Pass
  • Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes)
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Buyer's Guide

Which new Samsung monitor is your GadgetMatch?

Samsung releases latest Smart, ViewFinity, and Odyssey monitors

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August 15, 2025

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Samsung monitors

As far as monitors go, there are plenty of options coming in different sizes, features, and materials. If you’re planning on upgrading or simply getting started for your endeavors, Samsung has just released its latest monitors.

They come with impressive gaming features, Knox Security, and other nifty additions like Samsung OLED Safeguard+ for burn-in protection. In case you don’t know where to look and how to get going, here’s a quick buyer’s guide.

For those looking for lifelike visuals on a larger scale: 37″ ViewFinity S7

The 37-inch ViewFinity S7 displays unmatched color accuracy on Samsung’s largest 16:9 4K monitor yet.

It features 99% sRGB color gamut, 1.07 billion colors, and HDR10 for true-to-life visuals. Faithfully representing colors as seen by the naked eye makes this model ideal for creatives.

This monitor also has a built-in LAN port for seamless Ethernet connectivity, and a DisplayPort.

And for those having to work tirelessly for projects, the ViewFinity S8 is also TÜV-certified Intelligent Eye Care. It is also Flicker-Free and has an Eye Saver Mode.

Regardless of content, be it exhilarating live sports or gut-wrenching movies and series, as well as the popping colors of your favorite girl group’s music videos, the ViewFinity S8 delivers an unmatched spectrum of shades.

It’s a good step up from inferior monitors, and one that still has an accessible asking price of just below US$ 600.

For those looking for a smart and powerful 4K display: Smart Monitor M9

Samsung monitors

Price: PhP 80,100

Meanwhile, if you want to jump further from your current display to one that can carry its own weight exceptionally well, the Smart Monitor M9 is the ideal offering.

The Vision AI-powered monitor uses 4K AI Upscaling Pro technology to enhance lower-resolution content to 4K quality on a QD-OLED display.

It is one of the first Samsung monitors to incorporate OLED technology in the screens, providing viewers with deep blacks, rich color contrast, and a Glare-Free experience.

Gamers can also take advantage of the 165Hz refresh rate and low 0.03ms response time. Furthermore, the monitor easily recognizes the genre of the game being played using AI Picture Optimizer, subsequently fine-tuning the picture settings.

Talk about a smart monitor that delivers an optimal and immersive gaming experience suited to your liking.

Elsewhere, this monitor even has Click to Search and Copilot, for whatever scenarios you might need them.

For gamers who want the best picture quality and performance: 32″ Odyssey OLED G8

Price: PhP 73,099

Furthermore, the 32″ Odyssey OLED G8 takes detail and picture quality to the next level. It packs a 166 pixels-per-inch pixel density in a QD-OLED screen.

The Glare-Free monitor is VESA Display HDR TrueBlack 400 certified for true and rich blacks. But quality is just half of the equation.

This monitor also delivers on performance with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and a response time of as low as just 0.03ms.

Pair this screen with an equally-capable system and you’ll prevent screen tearing, ghosting, and other gaming-related graphics problems.

It also comes with Samsung OLED Safeguard+ to protect the display from burn-ins, ensuring the display lasts long even when it is pushed to the limit each time.

For those wanting a new dimension of immersion: Odyssey 3D 27″ monitor

Price: PhP 130,999

If you want an entirely new level of immersion, there’s the Odyssey 3D 27″ monitor. It uses advanced eye-tracking technology and a proprietary lenticular lens to deliver a natural-looking, high-definition 3D image.

There’s no need for specialized glasses. The visuals will just pull you in as the action jumps out of the 4K screen.

This monitor can even unlock possibilities with a 3D AI Video Conversion feature that adds depth and realism to your content.

Of course, as it also caters to gaming, players can leverage its 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, and support for advanced graphics features with the proper accompanying systems.

For the ultimate gamer wanting to be transported: 49″ Odyssey OLED G9

Price: PhP 111,399

Lastly, if your space permits and you want to take the immersion further up a notch, nothing beats the Odyssey OLED G9.

With a 32:9 aspect ratio and a 1800R curvature, this 49-inch behemoth will transport you from your seat to what’s in front of you.

The screen provides wide QHD visuals with excellent contrast, color gamut, and dynamic range. It supports 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and HDR10+ Gaming.

And like the other Samsung offerings above, the Odyssey OLED G9 has advanced features for eye care and protection, in case you’re going to be in front of it for countless hours.

These latest Samsung monitors are now available for purchase at www.samsung.com/ph or at any of Samsung’s authorized dealers nationwide.

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Buyer's Guide

Hisense C2 Projectors: Buyer’s Guide

Best Laser Projectors of 2025?

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August 7, 2025

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and

Have you ever dreamed of watching a movie under the stars, gaming on a massive screen, or maybe turning your ceiling into a private cinema?

What if I told you that there’s a gadget, or a family of gadgets that’ll help you do that and more?

Whether you’re a casual movie night fan or a hardcore gamer, there’s a Hisense C2 Projector for you.

The C2 Series is part of a lineup of laser projectors from Hisense – a company known for bringing great display solutions to homes without breaking the bank.

Across the three projectors we’re featuring you’re getting triple-laser technology which means the light source uses three separate lasers — red, green, and blue – instead of just one.

You also get 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, projection size of up to 300 inches, VIDAA Smart OS TV which includes your favorite streaming apps Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and more.

All three have autofocus and auto keystone correction, a gimbal stand for 360 degree horizontal or 135-degree vertical viewing, and up to 25,000 hours of viewing. This means any of these projectors will last you for a really long time.

SHOP NOW!

Hisense C2  

Hisense C2 Pro

Hisense C2 Ultra

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