GadgetMatch doesn’t revolve with just smartphones alone.

2025 has been bombarded by all sorts of gizmos — cameras, laptops, earbuds, and a whole lot on the table.

And, much like our approved smartphones list, here goes our 2025 GadgetMatch Approved Devices.

* This listicle has been arranged in a descending order — from the latest to oldest article published.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro by Luigi

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro made me eat humble pie. After years of snobbery towards ultra-light wireless mice, Razer’s latest peripheral mended my ways and convinced me to drop the weightier mouse.

But that’s just me. If you’re already a fan of wireless mice, the DeathAdder V4 Pro is a no-frills gaming mouse that brilliantly prioritizes function over form. It’s simple, fast, and reliable as a plug-and-play peripheral. But when it needs to be better, it can tailor your entire experience to give you a competitive edge.

The only aspect that might make you think twice is its price. At US$ 169.99, the DeathAdder V4 Pro asks you to pay for a bit more than other alternatives. It’s still within the range of its contemporaries, but the price tag is a heavy ask.

It’s still a Super Swipe for me, though. Price aside, it’s a perfect mouse for all occasions.

Shokz OpenFit 2+ by MJ

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ is not for everyone. But, it is for people like me. The ones who train and the ones who move. The ones who sweat through sessions and still have a full day ahead of them.

It is for people who want comfort, durability, awareness, and audio that levels up their way of life.

At PhP 11,990 / US$ 199.95, it feels like a steal when you consider how much higher other open-ear wearables cost for similar quality.

More importantly, it has earned a place in my life longer than any other open-ear earbuds I have owned. Long enough that when I lost one pair, I got another. That alone tells the full story.

DJI Osmo Action 6 by MJ

The DJI Osmo Action 6 excelled in every environment I threw it into. Water, low light, heat, fast movement, and unpredictable conditions? It handled everything with ease.

If you live an active life and thrive outdoors, the Osmo Action 6 will meet your needs. You will appreciate how quick it is to use, and you will love the size, durability, and picture quality.

It feels like the kind of gadget you bond with. And, anyone who wants a companion for adventures will find comfort in the Osmo Action 6.

QCY H3S by Vincenz

The QCY H3S has a shockingly affordable price of only US$ 49.99 / SG$ 43 / RM 299 / as little as PhP 1779 in the Philippines.

Just like me, you’re probably wondering how on earth was it possible for QCY to deliver excellent sound and affordable price tag at the same time. It’s something only the company can answer. For me though, my answer is as crystal clear as how the pair sounds.

Given, the QCY H3S may not be the flashiest and most elegant of the bunch. However, its clean aesthetics, mean sound punch, and even lean pricing all make this a deserving pair.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro by Michael Josh

While I still firmly believe that the MacBook Air is the MacBook for most people, think of the base M5 MacBook Pro as the “Pro without the overkill.”

It’s perfect for someone who loves the MacBook Air’s portability, but needs a little more power, ports, and longevity.

Maybe if you’re a student in design or film, a content creator, or someone who just wants a quieter, cooler Mac that will last longer under heavy loads, this is the device I recommend.

If you need it now, I say go for the upgrade!

Apple M5 iPad Pro by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is, without question, a device for professionals. Every part of its hardware shines — power, performance, fast connectivity, studio-quality cameras and mics. This is the iPad Pro we’ve been waiting for!

It’s almost as if Apple is saying “this isn’t just a tablet. It’s a new kind of computer.” One powerful enough for work, creative enough for play.

While the M5 iPad Pro might seem like another refresh, to me it’s another start of a new chapter. A powerful, intelligent tool, that finally feels ready for the future of creativity.

BOYA Magic by Luigi

I love the BOYA Magic. The 4-in-1 mic is easily the most versatile audio solution for any creator. The number of ways to use the mic easily trumps any other option today. Besides being a great mic, the package is also filled with several just-in-case accessories for the unpredictability of outdoor shoots.

Plus, the price is just right. The base package — with only a USB-C receiver — comes at only US$ 89.99. All three will set you back by US$ 129.99. The tripod, unfortunately, is a separate purchase, costing you US$ 30.00.

Still, just for the sheer flexibility and audio quality, the BOYA Magic is an easy Super Swipe.

DJI Osmo Nano by MJ

I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one that never slows you down, and the Osmo Nano fits that perfectly — especially for an athlete and storyteller like me.

Even if you’re not living life on the move, it’s still a Swipe Right, especially considering how complete the package is for its price: PhP 15,990 for the 64GB model and PhP 18,390 for the 128GB model.

Of course, it’s not flawless. But as a new device, the Osmo Nano is promising. So promising that five automotive journalists I was with in Zhengzhou bought one on the spot after seeing mine in action.

If that’s not convincing enough, I don’t know what is. Because right now, as most people see it, the DJI Osmo Nano deserves a spot in your camera arsenal, and perhaps, a place in the story of your life on the move.

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro by Luigi

At PhP 7,699 (US$ 130), the OpenWear Stereo Pro places itself firmly as a midrange earbuds option. However, for its audio quality and its elegant design, this feels like a steal.

Personally, there are other (more expensive) options I’d go for, but that’s purely based on subjective opinion because of auditory preferences. However, if you’re in the market for somewhere around this price range, Xiaomi’s latest wearable is a worthy option.

Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition by Luigi

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 by Michael Josh

If you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds, there’s nothing better than the AirPods Pro 3 — both in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation. All other features like the Heart Rate Sensor and Live Translation are icing on an already yummy cake.

The best part? AirPods Pro 3 have the same US$ 249 launch price as the AirPods Pro 2. Definitely a must-have accessory if you’re an iPhone user. More so, if you’re often on the road.

QCY MeloBuds N70 by Vincenz

With a price of just US$ 59.99, most people will doubt how reliable the QCY MeloBuds N70 are. But, the buds’ price-to-performance is just unmatched. There’s honestly no reason to Swipe Left except if you don’t prefer the sucker type of wireless buds.

In contrast to the previous earbuds I have reviewed, QCY’s offering is more compelling for being able to beat them (or at least be in the same level) in terms of battery life, ANC effectivity, and overall sound quality — all for an even lower, more affordable price tag that major brands barely slap on nowadays.

Backed by a good software experience, hi-res LDAC audio alongside Lossless audio playback, plus the additional wireless charging support, what more can you ask for?

ASUS Gaming V16 by Luigi

The ASUS Gaming V16 starts at only PhP 59,995. With how high a gaming notebook can usually go, this price tag is an absolute steal. Now, if you had some more cash to spare, I’d still recommend going for a TUF Gaming laptop. But honestly, the new ASUS Gaming lineup is still the perfect choice for beginners.

It’s an easy Super Swipe for students or young professionals who want to start their gaming journeys while saving up for something more robust in the future. To be clear, this notebook can easily stand on its own, but it’s also a good bridge to more setups in the future.

Sony WH-1000XM6 by Michael Josh

Whether you’re looking for solid noise cancellation, or headphones that can produce dynamic, well-balanced audio, you currently can’t get any better than the Sony WH-1000XM6.

They’re comfortable to use, take up less space in the bag, and do everything we expect them to do right, and do it better.

I guess the only consideration is price. It is a little bit pricier compared to its competitors. But, if you’re looking for the best of the best, I definitely believe it’s worth every penny.

Still a mouthful, still a great buy!

ROG Flow Z13 (2025) by Rodneil

Personally, the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) fits seamlessly into my lifestyle. It’s a perfect match for the kind of work, chill, and play loop I throw myself into.

The AMD Ryzen AI+ 395 processor powering this machine is promising. It’s already impressive as it is, but it’s bound to get better over the years. I’m excited for its potential and what other possible form factors it can manifest into in the near future.

Its USD 2799.99 / PhP 174,995 price makes it a little tough to recommend. I can think of a few other ways to spend that sum that would satisfy my personal work, chill, and play loop in a different way on a platform I’m more comfortable working on.

Still, it’s a unique device. There’s literally nothing quite like it in the market right now that offers the same overall package.

Apple M4 MacBook Air by Michael Josh

I’ve always loved the MacBook Air. And this year, it’s really quite near-perfect.

If you’re in the market for a new MacBook, I highly recommend the M4 MacBook Air. It’s the laptop I recommend to most people. Because, there really is no laptop quite like it. It balances power, portability, and price quite nicely.

Apple M3 iPad Air by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is way more powerful for what I use my iPad for. And for that reason, I’d be more than happy with the iPad Air.

And when it comes to iPads, there’s nothing more well-rounded, more worth your money, than the iPad Air.

I’ve said this over the years, and I still believe it’s true today: the iPad Air is the iPad for most people. This iPad delivers on everything most users will need, and then some.

Xiaomi Pad 7 by Luigi

Normally, I don’t gush over tablets. After all, the form factor is essentially just a smartphone on a much bigger screen. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7 changes everything for me. I can’t stop talking about how great the tablet is for entertainment and productivity.

Now, if you’re already a connoisseur of tablets, you might have a much more robust set of options that accurately caters to your needs. But, if you’re looking for a clean all-around experience on a larger screen, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is worth every penny.

And speaking of, the tablet costs only EUR 399 (or approximately US$ 416 or PhP 24,078). That’s bang for your buck!

HONOR Buds Open by Luigi

The HONOR Earbuds Open will immediately become my go-to pocket earbuds owing to its combination of being comfortable to wear, sounding great, and a cool extra AI translation feature.

This has been one of the easiest gadgets to recommend. Of course, if circumstances allow, it’s still best to go to a store and try one for yourself. Comfort and fit matter a lot for a device like this and you have to make sure it’s to your liking.

Outside of that, I’m confident people will enjoy its sound quality, noise cancellation, and other features.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro by Rodneil

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, bundled with its Pro suite of accessories is a Super Swipe. The whole set is exactly what I want and need for a tablet. The 11.5-inch display and overall footprint is the sweet spot in terms of size. The IPS LCD display can be better, sure, but it’s adequate for what it is. And the performance is just what the doctor ordered for an all-rounder tablet.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you might want to just get the same set but opt for the Xiaomi Pad 7 instead. Our editor who has been testing it says it’s also more than decent for what you need a tablet to do, all the while coming with a suite of accessories that offer great value to the product.

Lemokey L5 HE 8K by Luigi

For a long time, I never understood the hype for high-quality mechanical keyboards. The Lemokey L5 HE 8K educated me on how a good keyboard can drastically change your experience. Increased actuation sensitivity, even at an absurd 0.01mm, is a godsend and will have you never looking back again.

On its own, the keyboard costs US$ 199 via the company’s Kickstarter page. It’s pricey for a new keyboard, but you get exactly what you paid for — and you get a lot of features. If you’re looking for a highly customizable keyboard with a lot of comfort, this is the one for you!

Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD 4K TV by Vincenz

The Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD is a smart TV worth considering this 2025. It was able to delight me with its harmony of hardware and software features that totally made the product compelling. It’s mid in price but not in performance.

Moreover, the price is justifiable especially for budget-conscious consumers who want to buy a shiny, new Smart TV in 2025 from a Korean tech giant that’s been tried, tested, and trusted for several decades.

That’s also an honest opinion from someone who doesn’t earn that much and is living in an inflation-fested third-world country.

Naga LAKAN 15 by Luigi

The Naga LAKAN 15 starts off at PhP 73,500, touting a Ryzen 7 processor and an RTX 4060 GPU. The Intel variants start off at PhP 79,900 and top off at PhP 115,000.

As a gaming notebook, it does cost a pretty penny. However, compared to similar gaming notebooks with top-of-the-line specs, the Naga LAKAN 15 is impressively priced. Being able to play the latest Call of Duty for only a fraction of what you might pay for a new PC is amazing.

SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds by Rodneil

As great as it is, we can’t say the SteelSeries isn’t for everyone. It also comes at a price range that might turn some off.

Still, the Arctis Gamebuds is a dream in-ear headphones for multi-platform gamers. It sounds phenomenal for play and more than adequate for other listening activities. The customization and control capabilities are cherries on top that make this deserving of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

Where did 2025 go? The year felt like a whirlwind. In one moment, it was January, and then, after an excruciating blink, it’s December once again. Though it doesn’t feel that way, a lot of newsmakers happened in 2025.

And it’s not just all about AI. We saw so many developments in the world of technology, gaming, and enterprise. This, as with every year, is your one big ICYMI for 2025.

TikTok shuts down for a day

The year started with a dark interlude for the chronically online. For a single day right before the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president, TikTok went down in the United States.

The brief shutdown was in anticipation of a potential ban from the Trump presidency. It was sparingly brief, though. After a day, TikTok came back online, albeit with the added burden of finding an American buyer to fully stave off a definitive ban. The saga is still ongoing today.

Tri-fold phones have arrived

Last year ended with a potential teaser for the first tri-fold phone. The year then quickly started with its official launch. In February, Huawei debuted the Mate XT. The foldable smartphone features three screens and two hinges, creating the world’s first tri-fold device.

Currently, Huawei still holds a strong grip over the niche segment. However, the year was filled with rumors of future developments from competitors. This December, Samsung announced the strongest challenge to the Mate XT. The Galaxy Z TriFold is already available in South Korea and will debut early next year.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here

Console gaming got a wake-up call this year. Nintendo has launched the much-awaited follow-up to the globally successful Switch. The Switch 2 immediately turned heads, promising a deserved upgrade to the dated predecessor’s hardware.

Plus, this is without massively changing the formula. The Switch 2 is more of a moderate upgrade, rather than an entirely new segment. It’s a classic example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And yet, the console is already on its way to breaking the Switch’s records.

Nano Banana takes over the internet

By the end of 2024, it was clear that AI has (and will continue to have) an iron grip over the world of tech. This year, generative AI photos and videos took the internet by storm, none more so than Nano Banana.

Nano Banana is a massively popular service that turns static photos into realistic figurines, among other uses. Everyone wanted to turn their photos real with the service, earning it one of the most used AI services this year.

Valve enters the console wars

The Steam Deck is still a popular option for handheld gaming consoles. But that segment is only a portion of the entire gaming industry. Now, Valve wants to have its hands in more niches. Earlier this year, the company announced the upcoming Steam Machine.

As opposed to the portable Steam Deck, the Steam Machine is meant for desktop use. A dedicated mini-PC for gaming, it aims to introduce more affordable rigs for beginning gamers. Though it’s still slated for next year, the Steam Machine is already making so many waves for gamers.

Silksong is finally out

As is evident from the recent Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 owns this year. However, one massive title deserves its flowers, too — Hollow Knight: Silksong.

After six long years, Team Cherry, the developer behind the original Hollow Knight, finally released the much-awaited sequel, Silksong. Even if you aren’t a fan of the series, you would have definitely felt its palpable effect. On the day of its launch, players who sought to buy the title simultaneously caused all major platforms, including GOG and Steam, to crash. It also helped that the game itself was a masterpiece of a sequel.

RAM sales are going up

Even if you’ve successfully avoided the nauseating flood of AI-powered features, the pull of AI is now affecting the entire industry. As of late, the prices of RAM skyrocketed due to the demand put forward by AI data centers.

Unfortunately for everyone, the trend means that consumer chips will escalate beyond what people are usually comfortable paying for. And it’s not just for those building a PC, either. Smartphone makers, including Xiaomi, are already predicting that phone prices will also spike next year.

Netflix bids for Warner Bros.

Almost like a post-credits scene, Warner Bros. and Netflix made a huge splash this December. Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to put the first half of its name up for sale. The company will split into Warner Bros. and Discovery next year.

This month, Netflix made a blockbuster bid to claim the Warner library for itself. Of course, there’s still a lot of legal hurdles before the deal pushes through. But, in its wake, the announcement heralds a future where one of the biggest entertainment libraries in the world passes to one of the biggest streaming services.

What should we look out for in 2026?

There isn’t a single thing that binds 2025 together. There are so many different developments in the whole industry, some good and some bad. However, it’s pretty clear that what happened this year will have big effects for 2026.

For one, we still need a conclusion to the Warner Bros. saga. Who will buy the library? Does Netflix have it locked in?

Secondly, how will the rising RAM prices affect consumer technology? Which industries will feel the sting of price hikes?

Last year, we grumbled about how smartphone technology seemingly plateaued and obsessively relied on pushing AI onto hapless consumers. When it comes to AI, this year felt no different. Then again, we also saw a lot of breakthroughs for smartphone hardware.

From tri-fold phones to ultra-thin profiles to snazzy rear designs, 2025 marks a return to what we loved about the smartphone space in the first place: those oh-so-subtle design differences that make us go “my smartphone is better than yours.”

Now, it’s fair to say that everyone here at GadgetMatch has experienced their share of premium and flagship phones this year. Though you might not agree with everything here, these are what we consider as the Best Premium Smartphones of 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

As with every year, Samsung is one of the first ones out with a competitive flagship series. The Galaxy S25 series is a lineup that needs no introduction. And while we can go on and on about how the flagship remains a solid choice this year, we need to give the Galaxy S25 Edge its flowers.

The ultra-thin model, released later in May, kickstarted a trend for thinner form factors. Despite how thin the phone is, it still packed hardware worthy of the Galaxy S25 name.

Unfortunately, the ultra-thin phone trend is seemingly short-lived. The Galaxy S25, and its similarly slim compatriots, have supposedly canned future iterations because of poor sales. Still, Samsung’s spirited attempt is impressive enough to make it on this list.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max

Every year, this list always has the latest iPhone generation, specifically from the more premium Pro duo. This year is no different, but it’s for an even better reason.

For the first time in a while, the two Pro models feature a substantial redesign. It comes with a large camera island that packs three 48-megapixel lenses together to give off the equivalent of eight pro lenses. It also supports up to 8x optical zoom on 200mm.

Oh, and of course, who can forget that beautiful orange color?

ROG Phone 9 Pro

Hands down, the ROG Phone 9 Pro was the best gaming smartphone we’ve tried this year. It was a near-perfect experience. Every time we put it through the ringer, the phone came out looking stronger than ever. Inside, it’s got the purest smartphone experience with a high-performance chipset, an impressive array of cameras, and a superior battery.

On the surface, though, the ROG Phone 9 Pro also comes with AniMe Vision. It’s a unique feature that makes the phone stand out. Though it’s not a perfect feature, it’s still a bold addition that adds some flair to an already perfect phone.

Nothing Phone (3)

Still technically the new kid on the block, Nothing came out with the Phone (3) this year. Like the previous two generations, the Phone (3) features a unique rear design with the new Glyph Matrix. It’s a circular dot-matrix screen on the rear of the phone, which can show notifications or a number of Glyph Toys.

Inside, it’s still an impressive Android experience bolstered by a clean custom skin. Even better, Nothing consistently keeps the phone updated with substantial fixes and new features. It’s well supported, even if it’s a relatively new brand. The only things that mar its spotless records is its bigger price tag and an Essential Key that’s still struggling to find its niche.

vivo X300 Pro

2025 has already reached the pinnacle of smartphones: superior camera system, gargantuan battery capacities with long-lasting endurance, faster than ever performance, displays and speakers that truly satisfy one’s audiovisual cravings.

The vivo X300 Pro is a great embodiment of that. Not only do you get the best in class cameras, but the smartphone itself is just a refined version of a smartphone that was already superior to begin with.

Some “refinements” might look iterative such as a slight battery bump and support for 4K/120fps with Dolby Vision, but they make the X300 Pro heaps better than its predecessor.

Best of all, vivo is listening to its community by finally bringing in the OriginOS 6 to the international units – bringing in a more seamless software experience and unlocking the smartphone’s full potential.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is the most refined and capable Flip yet, bringing subtle but meaningful upgrades that make it feel stronger, smoother, and more practical in daily use.

It’s an easy step-up for older Flip users or anyone wanting a fresh alternative to traditional slab phones, delivering flagship power, reliable cameras, and a distinctive personality that fits a wide range of lifestyles. 

OPPO Find X9

The OPPO Find X9 delivers outstanding performance with excellent cameras, reliable zoom, smart AI tools, smooth sharing, and a huge battery that lasts through long days.

It’s dependable, versatile, and consistently produces beautiful photos and videos anywhere you go.

OPPO Find N5

OPPO came right out the gate this year and set the standard for thin but extremely capable book-style foldables. It had everything from smart implementations of multi-tasking, performance to keep up, and cameras that won’t leave you wanting. 

There’s the minor issue of the volume buttons being placed too high but it is just a tiny setback in what set the tone for what 2025 book-style foldables should be like.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the biggest change in design of Samsung’s prime book-style fold line. It finally captured the right balance of proper smartphone when folded and mini-tablet while unfolded. And they did it while keeping the device’s footprint as thin as possible. One of their influencers/ambassadors has even started calling it “Skinny Legend” which is very fitting. 

On top of that, One UI is better than ever, the AI features are improved, and they even added the same main 200MP camera on the thing. 

It’s just a joy to use and hold and was definitely tough to put down despite the emergence of arguably better foldables from OPPO and HONOR.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Concerts. We went to a handful of K-Pop concerts in 2025 and, without fail, we had to have the Galaxy S25 Ultra with us. Samsung still has a firm hold for this specific use-case, but they have to significantly level-up to keep the crown. Other brands are starting to include a Stage Mode, most notably vivo, in their flagship offerings and are bound to catch up if not zoom past what Samsung has to offer. 

Elsewhere, it’s an excellent flagship that has also figured out the right ratio of weight and overall footprint. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is another offering from Samsung that was hard to put down. Here’s to hoping they can build on the momentum they built in 2025 for their upcoming releases.

HONOR Magic V5

This is HONOR’s most incremental release of the Magic V line to date. But that’s because they have long figured out the form factor side of things. The Magic V5 maintains the look of its predecessors while making improvements to performance and camera. 

What it lacked in “headline-grabbing”’features, it more than made up for with consistency and a steady device offering much of the same excellent overall foldable experience. 

Honorable Mentions

POCO F8 Ultra. The POCO F8 Ultra made waves last month by offering a denim-fitted rear panel. Inside, it’s a capable flagship that comes with a more affordable price.

Xiaomi 15. Bigger isn’t always better. The Xiaomi 15 makes the case for a flagship that can still fit in your jeans pocket.

vivo X300. While some flagships tout professional-level photography, sometimes all you need is a point-and-shoot that gets the job done. That’s the vivo X300.

HONOR Magic7 Pro. Released early this year, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is a vestige of 2024’s “AI + camera” trend.