Deals

Globe vs Smart: Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ postpaid plans

Where to get the latest Galaxy?

Published

March 1, 2018

Daniel Morial

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are already confirmed to be offered by Philippine carriers. As always, we want to know which telco offers the best plan, so let’s compare Globe’s ThePLAN versus the new GigaX Plans of Smart.

Galaxy S9 (64GB)

Let’s start off with the “regular” Galaxy S9 which is going to be the best option for consumers looking for the latest premium Samsung phone that’s still fairly usable with one hand (due to its smaller display size) and not too expensive.

	Globe	Smart
Plan	ThePLAN 1499	GigaX Plan 1499
Calls	Unlimited to Globe/TM	50 minutes to all networks
Texts	Unlimited to all networks	Unlimited to all networks
Data	8GB	5GB + 10GB for video streaming
Freebies	Netflix for 6 months Spotify Premium for 3 months	Discounted calls to Smart/TNT (PhP 4/min)
Device Fee	PhP 1,000/month	PhP 1,000/month
Total Monthly Fee	PhP 2,499	PhP 2,499
Contract Period	24 months	24 months
Total Cost	PhP 59,976	PhP 59,976

Both carriers offer the Galaxy S9 under their respective Plan 1499 and the device cashout fee is also the same at just PhP 24,000 or PhP 1,000 per month if availed through installment. Whichever telco you choose will cost you PhP 2,499/month or PhP 59,976 for the whole duration of the standard two-year contract.

The cost might be the same, but the inclusions of the plans are quite different. Globe offers unlimited calls within their network, unlimited texts to all networks, and 8GB of data. The usual freebies of premium subscriptions to Netflix and Spotify are present as well. With Smart, the new GigaX Plan offers 5GB of data and another 10GB solely for video streaming services like YouTube, iFlix, Fox+, and iWant TV. It also includes unlimited texts plus 50 minutes of voice calls to all networks. Despite the additional data for the video streaming, paid subscription to some of them are not included, but at least the plan offers discounted call rates to Smart/TNT.

Choosing between Globe or Smart is a matter of which plan meets your needs. Globe’s 8GB mobile data is definitely more generous than Smart’s 5GB, but the additional 10GB for video streaming is perfect for those who watch on the go. Smart’s allowance for calling and texting is ideal if you have to contact people on both networks, while Globe just has an unlimited all-network text offer.

Galaxy S9+ (64GB)

The Galaxy S9+ is a more powerful phone with its big bigger memory (6GB vs 4GB), dual rear cameras, and — if size matters — larger display. With that, the Galaxy S9+ is more expensive but not by much when availed through a postpaid plan.

	Globe	Smart
Plan	ThePLAN 1499	GigaX Plan 1499
Calls	Unlimited to Globe/TM	50 minutes to all networks
Texts	Unlimited to all networks	Unlimited to all networks
Data	8GB	5GB + 10GB for video streaming
Freebies	Netflix for 6 months Spotify Premium for 3 months	Discounted calls to Smart/TNT (PhP 4/min)
Device Fee	PhP 1,333/month	PhP 1,300/month
Total Monthly Fee	PhP 2,832	PhP 2,799
Contract Period	24 months	24 months
Total Cost	PhP 67,968	PhP 67,176

Again, both telcos recommend their respective Plan 1499 for the bigger S9 and offer an installment scheme for the device.

Since we’re still with Plan 1499, we have same inclusion as with the Galaxy S9: Globe offers unlimited calls within their network, unlimited texts to all networks, and 8GB of data, while Smart has 5GB data + 10GB for video, 50 minutes of calls, and unlimited texts to all networks. They also have their respective freebies.

The cost of both handsets is not far from each other with Globe asking for a device cashout of PhP 32,000 or PhP 1,333/month and Smart with PhP 31,200 or PhP 1,300/month. Adding this to the plan fee, the monthly fee is PhP 2,832 for Globe and PhP 2,799 for Smart. Either plan has a standard contract of two years, which drives the total cost of the plans to PhP 67,968 and PhP 67,176, respectively.

If you don’t want to have ties with the carrier, you can always get the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ unlocked for PhP 45,990 and PhP 52,990, respectively, for the 64GB version. The Galaxy S9+ will also be available with 128GB storage for PhP 55,990 and 256GB storage for PhP 60,990. Both will be available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and Lilac Purple

Cameras

The instax Mini 9 comes with a retro craft bundle for the holiday season

For all your scrapbooking dreams

Published

November 15, 2019

MJ Jucutan

The holiday season is here!

If you’re still struggling in coming up with a gift idea, Team Instax might have just curated one for you. Fujifilm partnered with Craft Easy to create the instax Mini 9 Craft Kit.

The craft kit comes with a unique, retro tin box that comes in five colors — each with an accompanying message and particular design. Inside you get a Mini 9 camera, a pack of film, as well as crafting materials including wooden clips, washi tapes, and a set of fun stickers. This special bundle could be a great gift for only PhP 4,499 (US$ 89).

instax Mini 9

The instax Mini 9 is an instant camera that lets you take better selfies that you can print thanks to the built-in selfie mirror placed next to its lens. There’s also a close-up lens attachment if you want to photograph your subjects closer. Lighting can easily be adjusted, too, with its brightness adjustment dial. To operate the camera, you only need two AA size alkaline batteries. Happiness is just one click away!

The Mini 9 is available in Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, Lime Green, Cobalt Blue, and Smoky White. The camera retails for PhP 3,999. It’s available at Fujifilm authorized dealers nationwide.

Deals

OPPO Reno2 F now available in Nebula Green

More color options for the discerning buyer

Published

November 15, 2019

Kenrick Buduan

OPPO is investing more and more on its Reno lineup. Last October, it unveiled the Reno2 F in the Philippines, essentially replacing the F series. Now, the phone is available in a new color option: Nebula Green.

Still priced at PhP 19,990 for the 8GB + 128GB configuration, OPPO is offering a PhP 500 discount for its Enco Q1 earphones when you buy this color option. To get the new variant, visit any OPPO stores nationwide or their online stores on Lazada, Shopee, Akulaku, Argomall, Abenson, and MemoXpress.

Pay Day Treats promo

To entice more customers, OPPO is also rolling out their Pay Day Treat promo from November 16 to 17. Buyers of any Reno models or the A9 2020 receive free vouchers from Zomato, Grab, Viu, and iWant.

To know more about the promo, visit their Facebook page or their website.

The OPPO Reno 2F is a more affordable variant of the Reno 2 with a focus on great camera experience. It has a quad-camera setup, a nice 6.5-inch AMOLED display, and a Helio P70 processor. Powering the device is a 4,000 mAh battery with support for VOOC Flash Charge 3.0. Additionally, it has a headphone jack and a MicroSD card slot which are rare finds these days.

Deals

Acer and Realme’s promo gives you the perfect match this Christmas

Buy a laptop, get a smartphone for free!

Published

November 15, 2019

Kenrick Buduan

It’s less than 50 days to go before Christmas. By now most people are already thinking of what gifts to buy for themselves and their loved ones. With Acer’s partnership with Realme, you’re in for a treat.

When you buy an Acer laptop you can get a free Realme C2 2020 (2 / 32GB) worth PhP 4,990. Meanwhile, buying a Predator laptop entitles you to a free Realme 5 (3 / 64GB) worth PhP 7,990.

All Core i5 and i7 variants of Acer and Predator laptops are eligible for the free Realme smartphones. AMD-based laptops are included too, so this is a promo that shouldn’t be missed.

To get the freebie, customers will have to register their newly purchased laptops on warranty.acer.com.ph within two weeks of purchase. All laptop purchases come with an electronic voucher that they need to present to redeem their Realme smartphones. Redemption of the smartphones is valid within 7 days after purchase.

Promo runs from November 15 until December 31. All laptops purchased from authorized Acer dealers nationwide are eligible for the promo. To know more about the promo, visit Acer’s website.