Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”
It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.
However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.
Specs at a glance
| Product | Xiaomi Pad 8 | Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| Display | 11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz) | 11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz) |
| Surface | Ultra-Glossy Glass | Optional Matte Nano-Texture |
| Storage/RAM | Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB | Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP |
| Charging | 45W Turbo Charge | 67W HyperCharge |
| Pricing | Starts at PhP 20,999 | Starts at PhP 38,999 |
Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8
The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.
It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.
It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.
Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.
The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.
Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.
You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.
Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.
Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?
Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.
It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.
Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.
Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.
It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.
Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.
From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.
But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?
Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!
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
A closer look at these W superstars in #NBA2K26 💫 pic.twitter.com/ICi9FtQaj3
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 15, 2025
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
A new voice is joining the commentary team! 🎙️@legsESPN is ready to bring his extensive hoops knowledge and excitement to #NBA2K26 🔥 pic.twitter.com/B090p3zbEZ
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 26, 2025
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)
Buyer's Guide
Which new Samsung monitor is your GadgetMatch?
Samsung releases latest Smart, ViewFinity, and Odyssey 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
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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