People flipped when Samsung showcased the Galaxy A80 and its rotating camera at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand during A Galaxy Event. Then, the audience absolutely lost it when popular K-Pop girl group BLACKPINK showed up on stage to perform.

Our man on the ground, Rodneil, was pretty excited about the event. However, we’re not sure if he had his priorities straight.

Wrote this on the @gadgetmatch daily outlook today 👀#AGalaxyEvent pic.twitter.com/IzdRpZ3B07

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 10, 2019

BLACKPINK in your Galaxy

Folks around the Impact Arena were well aware that BLACKPINK was in the area. There were some BLACKPINK merch sellers stationed at a mall near the arena ready to dole out to Blinks that had cash to burn.

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The event carried on as expected.

Alright! We’re now inside Impact Arena for the #GalaxyA #SamsungEvent

We’re expecting the Galaxy A70 and A80 today.

Also, in case you didn’t know, #BLACKPINK is in this area 👀#GadgetMatchLIVE pic.twitter.com/xyTCkqJ8xZ

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 10, 2019

Samsung CEO for Mobile DJ Koh on stage talking about how we’re now in the “era of live” and that the phones launching today – #GalaxyA70 and #GalaxyA80 – are all about equipping us for this era.#SamsungEvent #GalaxyA #GadgetMatchLIVE pic.twitter.com/Cq244wnrtJ

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 10, 2019

Gotta admit, the Galaxy A80’s sliding and flipping camera is mesmerizing 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pk2DrJTFRg

— Marvin Velasco (@labacnotan) April 10, 2019

The Galaxy J series is officially a gonerhttps://t.co/fwgVGZDGZu

In its place is the Galaxy A series pic.twitter.com/mw6hd2cxx7

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 10, 2019

Loving the Galaxy A80’s ultra wide angle! I like the color accuracy but I hope they tone down the distortion. Still, it’s a pretty phone that can take beautiful photos 😍

More about the Galaxy A80 here: https://t.co/FVWn86nCQv#SamsungEvent #GalaxyA80 #AGalaxyEvent pic.twitter.com/CXzCNyF7YP

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) April 10, 2019

Then shrieks were heard all over the arena as soon as BLACKPINK hit the stage.

Meant to post this earlier. Better late than never. #BLACKPINK #SamsungEventWithBlackPink #SamsungEvent #GalaxyA pic.twitter.com/2bukiid6Vt

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 16, 2019

#BLACKPINK hits the stage!!! #SamsungEventWithBlackPink #SamsungEvent #GalaxyA #GadgetMatchLIVE pic.twitter.com/O77qNeePV7

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) April 10, 2019

BLACKPINK’s members talked about their favorite Galaxy A phones after their performance but our guy on the ground was too busy taking photos to take notes. #priorities

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On the sideline of the event, we spotted a BLACKPINK edition of the Galaxy A70. It’s only available in select countries, though. But maybe if you hound Samsung Mobile enough, they’ll bring it to your area too.

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What did you think of the Galaxy A80’s rotating camera? Should Rodneil get a date with Jennie? (Yes.) Where else should Samsung bring the Galaxy A70 BLACKPINK Edition? Let us know through our social media channels!

Huawei launched the much-awaited P30 series in Paris, France. Naturally, the GadgetMatch team expressed their thoughts and opinions. See how excited they were:

Made it! Let’s see what @HuaweiMobile has up its sleeves today! #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/ffh4FmZ6HX

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) March 26, 2019

Last year the Huawei P20 Pro was THE camera to beat on a smartphone IMO. Can’t wait to see if the #HuaweiP30 will hold the same title this year 🤔 #RewriteTheRules

— Alven Villavicencio (@alveniscurly) March 26, 2019

Cmon Huawei!!! i want another pink phone! 🙈 #RewriteTheRules

— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) March 26, 2019

Huawei’s CEO Richard Yu started the show by announcing the P30 right away. Of course, some of us didn’t expect it to be showcased so soon.

It’s official. The Huawei P30. #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/oQKr97U7bG

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) March 26, 2019

The presentation is a bit boring… Good thing the device is exciting! 😂 Tell me more about the camera, please.

— Dan Morial (@danielmorial) March 26, 2019

Is that it? I’m so hyped up with the phone but the presentation lacks pizzazz! #RewriteTheRules

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) March 26, 2019

However, it was just the beginning. Everyone was aware of the P30, but no one knew what else they were launching. Yu started by presenting the new, breathtaking colors for the P30 and P30 Pro, but one color really stood out.

Huawei’s newest colors scream nature and I love it. Breathing Crystal, Amber Sunrise, Pearl White, Black, Aurora — all of these look and sound nice! #RewriteTheRule

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) March 26, 2019

Audience reacts to this color. Wonder if folks will snatch this up over black? Last year in some markets the Twilight P20 outsold black, which is rare. #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/275E4sdyJj

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) March 26, 2019

I really love that damn color #RewriteTheRules #HuaweiP30 pic.twitter.com/Bx5p2kH2sY

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) March 26, 2019

Would have liked it better if was more red 😅 #HuaweiP30

— Alven Villavicencio (@alveniscurly) March 26, 2019

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the P30 and P30 Pro’s even better cameras, and Yu’s shade against Samsung’s Galaxy S10+. 👀

As a camera enthusiast, seeing that RYYB image sensor on the #HuaweiP30 is awfully interesting. #RewriteTheRules

— Marvin Velasco (@labacnotan) March 26, 2019

With those cameras, I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on the #HuaweiP30! #RewriteTheRules

— Kevin Bruce Francisco (@kevincofrancis) March 26, 2019

5X telephoto lens, wide, and super wide shooters on the #HuaweiP30Pro! #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/LiKgbWa1J6

— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) March 26, 2019

Would I still need a camera if the #HuaweiP30 can handle my astrophotography needs? 😍 #RewriteTheRules

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) March 26, 2019

Smartphone photography keeps getting better and better and #HuaweiP30 just really stepped it up one more time. The bumped-up ISO Sensitivity up to 409600, the 5x hybrid zoom and 10x digital zoom that even works in night mode, it’s too damn good to be true. #RewriteTheRules

— Vincenz (@peanutBITTER_) March 26, 2019

Richard Yu showing camera comparisons, shades Samsung. “The Galaxy phone cannot see the Galaxy.” #ReWriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/D14SaWyl0o

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) March 26, 2019

The Huawei P30 Pro has 5X optical zoom, near lossless 10X hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom. This photo of the moon was shot handheld using digital zoom. #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/mgzwSkm9JU

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) March 26, 2019

The crowd was amazed when Huawei revealed their DxOMark score for the P30 Pro.

I was expecting no less #HuaweiP30 #RewriteTheRules https://t.co/YqdwCxiMhK

— Marvin Velasco (@labacnotan) March 26, 2019

However, it wasn’t just phones that were launched. Huawei introduced earphones, new smartwatch faces for the Huawei Watch GT, phone cases, and even more accessories.

NEED pic.twitter.com/Mf3BH7AJH2

— Chay Lazaro (@chaylazaro) March 26, 2019

All the new #HuaweiP30 cases! #RewriteTheRules pic.twitter.com/PqQa3igPlP

— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) March 26, 2019

Huawei capped off the event by throwing shade at Snap’s Spectacles before announcing their partnership with Gentle Monster Eyewear.

Omg Huawei hating on the Snap Spectacles!! “Who would wear these?”
My boyfriend wears that!!! @jvtechtea pic.twitter.com/FC3PqKee3Y

— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) March 26, 2019

Huawei Eyewear:
Dual microphones, dual semi-open speakers, and a leather (?) charging case!?!?

I’m sold. 😎 pic.twitter.com/0QSFnZhU2P

— Chay Lazaro (@chaylazaro) March 26, 2019

I want the Huawei Gentle Monster Eyewear! Gift if to me on my birthday @huaweimobile #RewriteTheRules

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) March 26, 2019

What were your thoughts on the launch of the P30 series and all of Huawei’s other products?

GadgetMatch went to Barcelona as a media partner for Mobile World Congress 2019. Even though Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung took the spotlight beforehand, MWC 2019 still proved to be the bigger stage.

5G everywhere!

Brands including Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, and LG unveiled their 5G phones at MWC 2019. GadgetMatch’s Chief Content Officer Michael Josh was on ground tweeting live updates.

Xiaomi’s taking the smartphone world’s biggest stage to talk about their 5G plans. And to announce their @Qualcomm powered 5G phone. #MWC19 #makeithappen pic.twitter.com/JYID77jtsE

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) February 24, 2019

We’ll be seeing more 5G-enabled smartphones this year, thanks to Qualcomm.

At a 5G panel at #MWC19. @Qualcomm President @cristianoamon says the 5G roll out will come in many phases, the first of which is here and now. pic.twitter.com/61Nrivfq0o

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) February 26, 2019

It’s raining foldables

After the Galaxy Fold’s grand debut, it was time for Huawei to step in and enjoy the spotlight.

When folded close it has a 6.6 inch display. #MateX #ConnectingTheFuture #MWC19 pic.twitter.com/Hm0T378BCh

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) February 24, 2019

The Falcon Wing grip. #MateX pic.twitter.com/mFuHwGTub8

— Michael Josh (@michaeljosh) February 24, 2019

Just when everyone thought Xiaomi would unveil their own foldable phone, we got a hilarious surprise from their keynote.

When you all thought Xiaomi will announce a foldable phone, you get a Mi LED Smart Bulb instead… #MWC19 #MakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/OF2R6Kwhuv

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) February 24, 2019

Nonetheless, foldable phones are a trend now. Companies like TCL and ZTE are launching their own foldables, while LG refuses to join the bandwagon by creating their own style.

Who has the best camera?

MWC 2019 was also where smartphones with impressive cameras were showcased. For instance, the Xiaomi Mi 9 has reportedly beaten both the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy Note 9 on DxOMark. Xiaomi may have launched the Mi 9 in China but it still shined in MWC amid all the launches, and it definitely got our Associate Creative Director hooked with its sample photographs.

The #XiaomiMi9 may not be as pretty as the phones that I’ve loved, but it sure as hell can get the details that I need. #ShotOnMi @gadgetmatch

Watch our Hands-on video: https://t.co/zBD3Gh6OzP pic.twitter.com/l0w9bx9RQ8

— The MJ Jucutan (@mj_jucutan) February 20, 2019

OPPO wasn’t giving up the fight, though. It launched its own lossless 10x zoom, and it’s incredible!

Also published this bad boi at 3:30 am. Found clues about OPPO’s next premium smartphone at yesterday’s Innovation Event. https://t.co/44JumsNCh9 pic.twitter.com/g1B14uGVHj

— Chay Lazaro (@chaylazaro) February 24, 2019

On the other hand, Nokia 9 PureView made some noise with its five cameras, and proved that this phone is meant for photographers.

Nokia’s phone with 5 cameras is real! #Nokia9PureView pic.twitter.com/guuYWB7ygS

— GadgetMatch (@gadgetmatch) February 24, 2019

Lots of… innovations?

Sony reimagined their next flagship smartphone by adding a 4K OLED Display to redefine a user’s viewing experience. It also introduced its midrange lineup, and Xperia fans were delighted.

I underestimated Sony Xperia 1 at first because of its unusual 21:9 aspect ratio but it paves way for the 21:9 cinematic 4K HDR video recording + the triple rear cameras make the AV experience a whole lot better. The symmetrical design / lack of notch makes it look clean. #MWC19 pic.twitter.com/OfiE5mvKAJ

— Vincenz (@peanutBITTER_) February 25, 2019

LG wasn’t waving goodbye, as they just showcased a touchless feature with the LG G8 ThinQ. Is this the innovation we’re looking for?

LG wants you to go touchless with the #LGG8ThinQ pic.twitter.com/HrE5BmrMkh

— GadgetMatch (@gadgetmatch) February 24, 2019

Dunno why people are so against #LGG8ThinQ‘s Air Motion gestures when top of my head I can think of so many things I can use it for:

✔️Hands have dog slobber from the lickies
✔️ Wet, sandy,& alty hands from swimming in the ocean
✔️ Hands w/ beauty stuff as I do my skincare

— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) February 25, 2019

MWC was just the beginning. More smartphone innovations will arise throughout the year, and it only gets more exciting from here on.