Smartphones

Google finally unleashes the Pixel 9 series

Meet the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL

Published

August 14, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Once again, the Pixel 9 series is the world’s most leaked smartphone. Regardless, seeing the new flagships in all their glory is still a sight to see. Finally, Google has taken the cover off of the series. This time, we’re seeing a few new faces. Let’s break them down.

Pixel 9

Though it’s the smallest of the bunch, the regular Pixel 9 is still a capable smartphone. It comes with the latest Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. The 6.3-inch Actua display puts out images in 1080p resolution, with a refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz, and up to 2700nits of brightness.

As for design, the entire series features the redesigned camera bar. Both front and back panels are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

For power, the Pixel 9 has a 4700mAh battery, capable of charging to 55 percent in just 30 minutes. It also has Fast Wireless Charging and Battery Share.

Now, for the good stuff, the regular Pixel 9 comes with the 50-megapixel main sensor. It also comes paired with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera for macro shots. Finally, it has a front-facing 10.5-megapixel selfie camera. You can shoot up to 4K video at 60fps.

Pixel 9 Pro + Pixel 9 Pro XL

The bigger siblings in the Pixel 9 series are packing a lot more. Though the Pixel 9 Pro also comes with a 6.3-inch Actua display, it puts out images at 1280 x 2856 resolution, with a refresh rate going from 1Hz to 120Hz, and up to 3000nits of brightness. It also has LTPO capabilities.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch Actua display. Images come out in 1344 x 2992 resolution with the same features as the regular Pro.

Both models ship with Tensor G4, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of internal storage.

Also, besides the two cameras found in the regular model, both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL carry a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, capable of up to 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom. Also, they both have a sizable 42-megapixel selfie camera. They can shoot up to 8K videos at 30fps through Video Boost.

The Pixel 9 Pro carries the same 4700mAh battery as the regular model. However, the Pro XL model comes a huge 5060mAh battery, capable of charging up to 70 percent in just 30 minutes.

Price, availability

The Pixel 9 comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. It starts at US$ 799.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz. The Pro starts at US$ 999, and the Pro XL starts at US$ 1,099.

WATCH: Google Pixel 9, Pro, XL, Fold: Everything You Need To Know!

News

Next iPhone might get rid of the Action Button

Both functions will be in one button instead.

Published

November 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

In a world with a love-hate relationship with extra buttons on a phone, Apple has gone to the deeper end and included two buttons in the latest iPhones: the Action Button and the Camera Control. Next year, Apple might consolidate the two buttons into one, ridding itself of the Action Button.

According to a Weibo leak from Instant Digital, Apple will merge the two buttons starting with next year’s iPhones. Though technically a new button in itself, the merged version will, based on the leak, retain more Camera Control than the Action Button.

Of course, both functions can coexist in the same button. The Camera Control activates with a single press, while the Action Button needs a longer press. In the merged button, a single press can still open the camera and a longer press can activate whatever the user sets it to.

Both buttons have had a storied past. The Action Button came in 2023, replacing the Ring/Silent Switch. Meanwhile, the Camera Control debuted a year later, offering control over the camera with a capacitive button. The current iterations retain both buttons on the same phone.

Personally, as someone used to creating content, the Camera Control button is ultimately a boon to get those shots quickly while in the moment. Retaining that functionality is definitely worthwhile.

Philippines

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition: Price, availability in the Philippines

Hogwarts magic meets smartphone design

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is now available in the Philippines for PHP 39,999. This limited-edition smartphone features a color-changing Hogwarts crest, an exclusive Harry Potter-themed interface, and a collection of Wizarding World memorabilia.

Limited to fewer than 200 units nationwide, the special edition is designed for fans and collectors of the beloved franchise.

Hogwarts magic in every detail

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition comes in Magic Brown, featuring an Enchanted Texture Leather back with a three-dimensional diamond pattern inspired by wizard chessboards.

Its centerpiece is the Hogwarts Four-House Crest, which reveals the signature colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff when exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light. This effect uses realme’s Quadra Light-Sensing Color-changing Tech.

The phone also features a gold Hedwig-inspired camera design, matching gold accents along its edges, and a laser-engraved “Welcome to Hogwarts” inscription on the side.

A Hogwarts-inspired interface

The Harry Potter theme extends to the phone’s software. Exclusive wallpapers depict Hogwarts Castle at different times of the day, with Golden Dawn for daytime and Mystic Dusk for nighttime.

Other customizations include boot-up and fingerprint animations inspired by Hogwarts acceptance letters, more than 30 redesigned app icons, and camera watermarks inspired by the four Hogwarts houses.

A trunk full of collectibles

The limited-edition packaging takes the form of a Harry Potter-inspired trunk featuring the Hogwarts crest and the realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition branding.

Inside, fans will find a Hogwarts acceptance letter addressed to Mr. Potter, character postcards featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and bookmarks representing all four Hogwarts houses.

The package also includes Hogwarts Crest pins and a Hogwarts Express-inspired ticket bearing the route from London to Hogwarts via Platform 9¾.

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition price and availability

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is priced at PHP 39,999 in the Philippines. Only fewer than 200 units will be available nationwide.

Hogwarts-inspired store displays will be available at the following locations:

SM Fairview
SM North EDSA
SM Calamba

The device will also be available at kiosks in SM Clark, SM Dasmariñas, and SM Megamall.

For further updates, visit realme’s official Facebook page.

Philippines

Samsung Galaxy A18, Galaxy A08 now in the Philippines

Everyday smartphone experience

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has unveiled the new Samsung Galaxy A18 and Samsung Galaxy A08 smartphones in the Philippines.

These affordable A series handsets bring more capable performance, long-term reliability, and core AI experiences to users.

The Galaxy A18 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by a Helio G99+ processor.

It comes with an upgraded DDR5 memory and supports RAM Plus, which uses available storage as virtual memory.

At its back is a 50MP wide camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A08 comes with a 6,000mAh battery, Helio G99+ processor, and upgraded memory.

It also comes with a similar 50MP main camera, along with a 2MP depth camera, and 8MP front camera.

Core AI experiences, long-term reliability

Both the Galaxy A18 and Galaxy A08 come with core AI experiences, including Circle to Search.

Moreover, both phones come with multiple AI agents to help users move more seamlessly between supported Galaxy native apps, Google apps, and select third-party apps.

Both handsets also feature IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

Furthermore, the devices support up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates.