News
China bans the iPhone from the government
To reduce reliance on foreign brands
Years ago, the United States government issued a blockbuster decision to ban its officials from using Huawei’s smartphones. The decision snowballed into a graver trade sanctions against American companies doing business with the Chinese brand. Now, China is getting its revenge. The Chinese government is restricting officials from using an iPhone or other foreign devices.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the government reportedly told officials to not use foreign-branded devices for work including the iPhone. Though the focus seems to be on cybersecurity, the decision to ban the smartphone brand is also to reduce reliance on foreign branding.
At the moment, the brand isn’t completely gone from the country. Consumers can still purchase the American brand for themselves. Apple is doing quite a bit to comply with policies from country to country.
Besides China, Apple is also struggling in the European Union. The region is forcing all device makers, especially Apple, to adopt USB-C as a universal standard. It’s reported that the upcoming iPhone 15 series will finally use USB-C, instead of the proprietary Lightning cable.
However, amid the continued drive from Apple, China is finally bouncing back. Huawei, for example, is finding replacement components for all the ones it lost from the American bans. The brand continues to release new smartphones amid the crackdowns. Though the brand already fell from its former spot atop the smartphone rankings, it is slowly finding ways to crawl back into the limelight.
SEE ALSO: The iPhone 15 is coming: Apple sends invites for Sept 12 event
The HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR’s latest flagship smartphone, has been officially launched Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Customers can place preorders starting December 11 across UAE via the HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, Emax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon, and Lulu.
The pricing are as follows:
- 12GB+512GB (Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black): AED 3,999
- 16GB+1TB (Sunrise Gold, Black): AED 4,699
Those who preorder will get the following as part of a preorder gift package worth AED 2,299:
- HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection
- 3-month Google AI Pro trial
- HONOR Watch5 Ultra
HONOR Magic8 Pro: AI imaging, mobile intelligence, creator-focused tech
The introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro reinforces the company’s leadership in AI Imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology.
The phone boasts of groundbreaking on-device AI innovations, including Low-bit Quantization Technology for AI Models and Next-Generation Hybrid Retrieval Technology.
Powering the Pro model is the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. It is the first phone in UAE to have the processor.
HONOR’s agentic AI capabilities and Qualcomm’s mobile platforms make it possible for the device to be more efficient and packed with computing power.
The phone also comes with a 7100mAh Silicon-carbon battery. More advanced features include the AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.
For its camera package, the HONOR Magic8 Pro has a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera and an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode.
The device also introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments.
For more of the innovations on the HONOR Magic8 Pro, read: HONOR reveals 1st images of Magic8 Pro, introduces new AI technologies
TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.
Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.
(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)
This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.
Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.
Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.
Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.
Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.
Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.
Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
News
OPPO Find X9 now available through Smart Postpaid, Infinity
OPPO’s latest flagship has triple Hasselblad cameras, more advanced features
The flagship OPPO Find X9 is now available through Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity plans for customers in the Philippines.
Subscribers can get the device through Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 and Smart Infinity Device Plans 5000/8000.
Here are the inclusions:
Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 (PhP 32,500 one-time cashout)
- 15GB data
- Unli 5G data for 12 months
- Unli AllNet Calls & Texts
- Unli Landline Calls
- Access to Smart Postpaid Perks
- Extra 30GB free data for 6 months
- Free Landers Premium Membership (for eligible subscribers)
- PhP 1,000 worth of shopping GCs (Dec. 6 to 12 only for new line)
Infinity Device Plan 5000 (PhP 7,200 one-time cashout)
- Unlimited data
- Unli calls and texts
- PhP 1,500 monthly consumables for in-app purchases, content subscriptions, more
- 1GB roaming for 5 days/month
- Personalized assistance
- 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
- More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges
Infinity Device Plan 8000 (device is complimentary)
- Unli data, calls, and texts
- PhP 3,000 monthly consumables
- 2GB roaming for 7 days/month
- Personalized assistance
- 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
- More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges
As an exclusive launch offer, in-store subscribers will also receive a complimentary DJI Osmo Mobile SE stabilizer.
The Smart website also shows that the Find X9 is bundled with a free Enco Buds3 Pro.
Flagship find
The OPPO Find X9 features a triple Hasselblad camera system powered by OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.
It has three 50MP cameras at the back — one rear, one telephoto, and one ultra-wide — as well as a 32MP front camera.
OPPO’s latest flagship handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. It has a 16GB+512GB configuration and a massive 7,025mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC charging.
In front is a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a remarkable 95.4% screen-to-body ratio, 1,800 nits HBM brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and 460ppi pixel density.
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