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

Apple Watch, AirPods get exclusive offers via Beyond the Box

Best prices, up to 24 months 0% installment, more

Published

August 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Beyond the Box is encouraging customers in the Philippines to take advantage of their offers on the latest Apple Watch and AirPods.

Customers can enjoy special prices on the following wearables:

Apple Watch SE3: from PhP 15,490
Apple Watch Series 11: from PhP 21,390
AirPods (4th Generation): from PhP 6,990
AirPods (4th Generation with Active Noise Cancellation): from PhP 10,490
AirPods Pro (3rd Generation): from PhP 13,990

To make every upgrade even more rewarding, customers will also receive an additional PhP 1,000 cash credit to spend on eligible Apple Watch bands, AirPods cases, and other accessories.

Purchases are also available with up to 24 months real 0% installment using participating UnionBank credit cards.

With Apple Pay now available in the Philippines, Apple Watch users can now pay with a simple tap. This makes everyday purchases faster and more convenient.

That’s aside from tracking workouts, monitoring health, staying connected, and more.

Paired with the AirPods, users can enjoy immersive music while on such workouts or on calls. They can also access Siri hands-free while their entire Apple ecosystem devices work seamlessly together.

The Beyond the Box Apple Watch and AirPods promo is available at any store nationwide.

Deals

Maya: Convert purchases to 0% interest Mini Payment plans

On select electronics and home appliance purchases for a limited-time only

Published

August 7, 2026

GadgetMatch

Maya is offering consumers the opportunity to convert eligible electronics and home appliance purchases to 3-month Mini Payment plans with 0% interest.

That’s through the Maya Black Credit Card or the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. The promo period runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, giving consumers more financial flexibility.

In addition, processing fees will be waived for Mini Payment plans availed until September 30.

Purchases will continue to earn instant Maya Miles or Landers Cashback Points with use of the corresponding card.

To avail of the mini-payment offer, simply make a single straight purchase worth at least PhP 10,000 using either card.

Once the transaction is posted on the Maya app, select the transaction and tap “Convert to Mini Payments”. Then, choose the 3-month Mini Payment plan to enjoy the promo.

Deals

nubia expands gaming lineup with Neo 5 Max, Neo 5 GT Special Edition

Get them with freebies until August 8

Published

August 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mobile gamers are in for a treat as the newly-released nubia Neo 5 Max PadPhone, as well as the Neo 5 GT Special Edition, have special deals throughout the weekend.

This is as part of the “#NEOVerseMaxOut: Max Out Your World” campaign, with nubia offering the two new models under their popular Neo series.

Purchases until August 8 come with a free 3-month Viu Premium subscription, as well as up to PhP 7,999 worth of freebies.

Freebies include power banks, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, portable fans, and more.

Both smartphones offer users more ways to enjoy immersive entertainment, gaming, and everyday productivity.

The recently-launched Neo 5 Max comes with a 7.5-inch display for more room for content consumption and gaming.

It also houses a 7,100mAh dual-cell battery for more power, specially in extended sessions, streaming marathons, or busy days.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, along with more features like Dolby Atmos, Neo Triggers 5.0, RGB Eagle Eye Lighting, and IP64 dust and water resistance.

It is priced at PhP 19,999.