News

Gionee S9 tries something new with old tech

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Gionee S9

Another day, another China-only smartphone launch. This time, Gionee is in the spotlight with its flagship S9. Check out its dual-camera setup and silly logo…

… because those are the most interesting things about this smartphone. Neither are particularly new, but when put together, you have something to remember Gionee by.

The 13-megapixel rear cam is assisted by another 5-megapixel snapper to create less boring photos of your food and pets using shallow depth-of-field effects. It’s similar to what HTC pulled off with the One M8 two years ago, but that phone was actually memorable, albeit for the wrong reasons.

Gionee S9 colors

Gionee S9 in black and rose gold

Next up is the rear-mounted fingerprint sens—wait, that’s the logo! Thank goodness there’s an actual fingerprint scanner in front; it’s found within the home button below the display, just like on the OPPO F1 Plus.

And then we have the MediaTek Helio P10 processor, which is the same one found on the aforementioned OPPO F1 Plus. It’s not a powerful chipset, so don’t expect wonders when playing new games, or opening several browser tabs for that matter.

The screen is of the 5.5-inch Full HD variety, just like the — you guessed it — OPPO F1 Plus. Luckily, that’s where the glaring similarities end; it gets better from here.

[irp posts=”2006″ name=”OPPO F1 Plus Hands-On Review”]

Users get 4GB of RAM to make up for the underwhelming processor, 64GB of storage to save all those blurry-background pictures, and enough battery power at 3000mAh to guarantee at least a few hours of continuous selfie taking with the 13-megapixel front snapper.

The S9 with its hip and trendy logo will go on sale beginning November 25. Unfortunately, it’ll retail for CNY 2,499 or about $363.

So yes, it’s more expensive than the Vivo V3 Max or Moto G4 Plus. Check out our best sub-$300 smartphone list for more recommendations.

[irp posts=”7615″ name=”Best of 2016: Budget phones under $300″]

Source: Gionee

Finance

EastWest rolls out Google Pay access for debit cardholders

For fast, seamless, and secure payments

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Eastwest continues to make banking easier as its EastWest Debit Card is now on Google Pay. This enables users to pay with just the tap of their phone.

The integration brings a globally accepted payment experience closer to home. With Google Pay now supporting EastWest Debit Cards, customers can add their card to Google Wallet to enjoy fast, seamless, and secure payments.

That’s whether for everyday purchases, online shopping, or even when traveling overseas. Specifically for Eastwest Priority clients who travel frequently, Visa Infinite Debit Cardholders can enjoy more benefits, like:

  • Low foreign exchange fees of 1.7% (with no foreign exchange bank conversion fees promo until March 31)
  • Waived interbank domestic withdrawal fees
  • Up to 10 free international ATM withdrawals per year (with free and unlimited international ATM withdrawals promo until March 31)
  • 24/7 access to Visa Infinite Concierge

From casual cafe purchases to grocery checkouts and even online purchases and international trips, having EastWest on Google Pay transforms the smartphone into a secure, all-in-one wallet.

As with other banks offering the same capabilities, users do not need to carry their physical card with them anymore. A simple tap with a compatible Android device or wearable completes the transaction.

EastWest’s Debit Cards are powered by Visa, and are accepted at millions of merchants worldwide.

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News

Globe postpaid opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Enjoy a double the storage promo and more perks

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Globe has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series through its postpaid plans.

Customers can choose from three different models: the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

As with Globe GPlans with previous flagship releases, the higher the postpaid plan you avail, the less you have to shell out as a one-time cashout fee.

Postpaid plans start at just 599 pesos, with a 24-month lock-in period and reward points for corresponding expenditures.

And as part of Globe’s pre-order offer, customers can enjoy double the storage when they avail of any device until March 17.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much you will spend depending on the plan you choose:

Globe GPlan 599

Inclusions: 2GB data, 100 minutes mobile and landline calls, 100 minutes all-net texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 47,400 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 59,400 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 67,400 cashout

Globe GPlan 799

Inclusions: 3GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 46,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 58,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 66,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 999

Inclusions: 5GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 44,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 56,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 64,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 1299

Inclusions: 8GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 42,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 54,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 62,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 1499

Inclusions: 10GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 38,600 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 50,600 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 58,600 cashout

Globe GPlan 1799

Inclusions: 13GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 35,300 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 47,300 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 55,300 cashout

Globe GPlan 1999

Inclusions: 15GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 33,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 45,000 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 53,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 2499

Inclusions: 25GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 28,500 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 40,500 cashout
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 48,500 cashout

In addition, customers can enjoy 0% interest installment up to 36 months via select bank credit cards, like UnionBank, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, EastWest, Chinabank, and more.

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Enterprise

Nintendo sues the United States

The Japanese company wants a refund for illegal tariffs.

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What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? After a year of wrestling through tariffs from the current American administration, Nintendo has decided to sue the United States.

Last year, the Trump administration was trigger-happy with implement tariffs on countries everywhere. Though the controversy mostly circulated around geopolitics, major corporations also found themselves on the receiving end of Trump’s ire. All over the world, the tariffs sparked product delays and price hikes.

Nintendo is no exception. As a result of the fiasco, the company had to delay the launch of the Switch 2, in anticipation of disruptions caused by the tariffs. First reported by Aftermath, the Japanese gaming giant is now going after the American government over refunds associated with the tariffs.

Now, the tariffs aren’t a big issue anymore. Notably, the Supreme Court scratched off the White House’s implementations that the former found illegal. While a big sigh of relief for future business, corporations like Nintendo have already paid duties and deposits in the past. As a result, Nintendo is now looking for recompense for what they paid before.

Nintendo isn’t the first company to seek restitution over the illegal tariffs. Others, including FedEx and Revlon, are also asking for refunds. However, the Japanese giant is certainly one of the biggest names to cross the government’s path. After all, the company is notoriously litigious over anything it considers as an affront to its business, including small streamers using Pokémon on their broadcasts.

With all its global resources, Nintendo likely won’t just give up without a fight.

SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever

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