Deals

Globe vs Smart: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 postpaid plans

Published

September 8, 2017

Daniel Morial

The Galaxy Note 8 is currently the hottest (and most expensive) phone from Samsung right now. With that in mind, one of the best ways to get a new flagship phone at a cheaper price is through a postpaid telco plan.

In the Philippines, the phone has a suggested retail price of PhP 49,990 (US$ 1,000), which is really steep. Good thing local telcos, Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, have already released their postpaid plans for the new top-of-the-line smartphone from Samsung.

Both telcos offer the Galaxy Note 8 in all of their monthly plans, from the cheapest Plan 599 to the most expensive Plan 2999. Each plan has its corresponding inclusions and freebies. Let’s compare the suggested postpaid plan of Globe and Smart for the Galaxy Note 8.

Let’s compare the suggested postpaid plans of Globe and Smart for the Galaxy Note 8:

	Globe	Smart
Plan	ThePLAN 1499	Postpaid Plan 999
Calls	Unlimited to Globe/TM	50 minutes to all networks
Texts	Unlimited to all networks	Unlimited to all networks
Data	8GB	10GB
Freebies	Netflix for 6 months Spotify Premium for 3 months w/ 1GB monthly allocation	Discounted calls to Smart/TNT (PhP 4/min) 500MB/month for Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber
Device Fee	PhP 1,200/month (via credit card or charge to bill)	PhP 1,000 initial payment + PhP 1,500/month
Total Monthly Fee	PhP 2,699	PhP 2,499
Contract Period	24 months	30 months
Total Cost	PhP 64,776	PhP 75,970

Globe advertises ThePLAN 1499, which includes unlimited calls to Globe/TM, unlimited texts to all networks, and a meager 8GB mobile data allowance. As with other Globe postpaid plans, it comes with a free Netflix subscription for six months and Spotify Premium for three months with an additional 1GB allowance just for music streaming. Under this plan, the phone has a total cash-out fee of PhP 28,800, but it can be done through monthly payments of just PhP 1,200 through credit card or charged to your bill if you’re re-contracting with the telco. As advertised, the total monthly payment is PhP 2,699 and has a standard 24-month lockout period.

On the other hand, Smart recommends Postpaid Plan 999, which includes 50 minutes of calls and unlimited texts to all networks, and a larger 10GB monthly data allocation. You also get discounted call rates within their network for just PhP 4/min and an additional 500MB for messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber. As for the cost of the device, Smart requires an initial payment of PhP 1,000 and a monthly installment of PhP 1,500. All in all, the monthly fee is just PhP 2,499; however, Smart’s plan has a longer contract period of 30 months. Adding up the numbers shows that the device will cost you PhP 46,000 (not far from the phone’s SRP).

Both plans have different inclusions: Globe is great for contacting within their networks thanks to unlimited call and text services, while Smart is more inclined to connect outside their network, since you can use your inclusions to contact any subscriber in the country. Smart also has a larger mobile data allowance, although Globe’s freebies are fitting for entertainment consumption.

If we’re going to do the math, the total cost of Globe’s postpaid plan for two years (including the device) will amount to PhP 64,776, while Smart’s whole cost for 30 months (2.5 years) will reach PhP 75,970. You may be paying less every month under Smart, yet the lengthy contract makes it more expensive in the long run.

Globe has the cheaper total cost and the shorter contract. If you’re getting the Globe plan this year, the lock-out will end just in time for the Galaxy Note 10.

[irp posts=”19747″ name=”Samsung Galaxy Note 8 video review”]

Deals

Win a trip to Boracay at the Power Mac Center x Shokz Pop-up booth in Rockwell

Access up to 20% off through member-exclusive savings!

Published

May 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

From May 1 to 10, Power Mac Center (PMC) has transformed a corner of the Power Plant Mall into a sanctuary for the modern audiophile.

You can find this curated pop-up — in collaboration with Shokz — conveniently situated just steps from Din Tai Fung and Lancôme.

For those unacquainted with the Shokz ethos, the brand has carved a niche as the global vanguard of open-ear technology.

Eschewing the isolation of traditional earbuds, Shokz utilizes sophisticated Bone Conduction and DirectPitch technologies. These innovations deliver high-fidelity audio while keeping you connected to your environment.

Shokz for you

The showcase at the PMC booth is a masterclass in acoustic variety.

The OpenRun Pro 2 and the waterproof OpenSwim Pro cater to the active elite. Meanwhile, the OpenFit 2+ offers a more cinematic experience with Dolby Audio and the convenience of wireless charging.

For those seeking the pinnacle of wireless elegance, the OpenDots One and OpenFit Pro stand as testament to the brand’s commitment to flagship performance.

A deal you shouldn’t miss

Beyond the technical allure, PMC has ensured the experience is punctuated by exclusivity. Visitors can take advantage of bespoke event-only pricing, including a 20% discount for The Rockwellist App members and 10% for non-members.

Perhaps most enticing of all is the promise of an escape; a purchase of any Shokz product during this limited engagement grants guests the opportunity to win a curated getaway for two to the pristine shores of Boracay.

Deals

Turn your nubia Neo 5 series purchase into a Geely car with this promo

Get a chance to win a brand-new Geely car by purchasing a nubia smartphone

Published

April 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

nubia Philippines and Geely Philippines have partnered for a raffle promo that gives customers the chance to win a brand-new car by simply purchasing nubia’s latest gaming smartphone models.

The promo runs from March 28 to May 30, giving customers more reasons to upgrade their devices. Simply purchase any model from the recently-released nubia Neo 5 series to enter the raffle — either online or through authorized stores.

The series comes with three models: the nubia Neo 5, Neo 5 Pro, and Neo 5 GT, and starts at just PhP 11,999.

To make sure your raffle entry counts, follow these steps too:

Follow @nubiaPhilippines and @GeelyPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
Scan the promo QR code and complete the registration form
Upload proof of purchase and required screenshots to confirm your entry

The best part is each purchase earns one entry, and multiple entries are allowed.

At stake is the Geely GX3 Pro S, a subcompact crossover with a 1.5L engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

The lucky winner will take this home, along with another nubia Neo 5 GT 5G. Meanwhile, minor prizes include the three aforementioned nubia Neo 5 models.

Winners will be drawn on June 6, 2026 under the supervision of a DTI representative. It will also be streamed live on TikTok.

Deals

Get a free Apple Watch SE 2 with your MacBook Neo purchase

Available for 1st 400 customers at this launch day event

Published

April 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

Launch offers for the MacBook Neo are aplenty, and Beyond the Box and Digital Walker are both offering the best deals for the first 400 customers to purchase the laptop on launch day, April 23.

The authorized retailers will hold a special launch event at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati, Metro Manila.

The first 400 customers will get an exclusive bundle comprising both the MacBook Neo and an Apple Watch SE 2 starting at just PhP 39,990. That’s PhP 16,990 in savings, virtually getting the smartwatch for free.

Meanwhile, the 512GB configuration retails for PhP 46,990.

Customers can start placing orders by 11:00 A.M. Once the first 400 slots are gone, the deals are likewise gone.

Furthermore, there will also be PhP 250,000 worth of raffle prizes up for grabs. Included here is the chance to take home the airiest mobile phone.

The launch event officially takes place at 5:30 P.M. and the MacBook Neo units begin releasing at 7:00 P.M.