News
HONOR slaps the iPhone Air with the all-new Magic8 Pro Air
First ultra-slim phone with a dedicated periscope telephoto zoom lens
Aside from the already-released HONOR Magic8, Magic8 Pro, and Magic8 Lite, the all-new Magic8 Pro Air and PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR finally complete HONOR’s Magic8 series for 2026.
Magically Airy
Even though most major Chinese brands have backed out from announcing their iPhone Air rivals, HONOR simply doesn’t want to be left behind as they have unveiled the (very mouthful) Magic8 Pro Air. Coincidental or not, it’s announced the same day as Infinix’s NOTE Edge.
From the term itself, it is, by far, HONOR’s slimmest compact smartphone at just 6.1mm and weighs only 158 grams. While it doesn’t totally beat the 5.64mm iPhone Air and the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge, anything below the 8mm mark is still considered “very slim” enough in today’s smartphone standards.
HONOR made this featherweight champion all thanks to its Cicada Wing phone structure paired with an Aerial Aluminum mid-frame. It’s not only light, it’s durable altogether.
The Magic8 Pro Air is also the polar opposite of HUAWEI’s Mate 70 Air. Compared to that ginormous 7-inch screen, the Magic8 Pro Air is a lot smaller with only a 6.31-inch OLED display. Meanwhile, iPhone Air is in the sweet spot at 6.5 inches while S25 Edge is at the conventional 6.7 incher.
That display isn’t lagging behind though with its 1.5K resolution, 6000 nits peak brightness, and HONOR’s revolutionary Eye-Care features with PWM Dimming for ultra-sensitive eyes.
Airy Yet Mighty
MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 is at the core of the Magic8 Pro Air. Coupled with a 12GB LPDDR5x RAM and either 256/512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, it’s a true definition of a compact flagship.
Cameras are for another story. The HONOR Magic8 Pro Air brings not just one, not two, but three cameras at its back — very surprising for a device this size. There’s a 50MP f/2.2 112-degree UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens as well as 50MP f/1.6 main camera based on a 1/1.3-inch image sensor. The selfie shooter is not spared as well with its capable 50MP f/2.0 camera.
But, the star of the show has got to be its 64MP f/2.6 periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom. This makes the first super slim smartphone to boast a dedicated zoom lens. ICYMI, the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air lack a dedicated telephoto shooter and only relies through in-sensor cropping via their main sensors.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a 5500mAh battery which is more than enough for its “petite” form factor. It can then be filled fast with HONOR’s 80W SuperCharge and 50W wireless SuperCharge.
Unlike the iPhone Air, the Magic8 Pro Air has a dedicated SIM slot. eSIM support is there as well which is a huge rarity among Chinese smartphones.
Last but definitely not the least, the color shades of the Magic8 Pro Air are a mix of iPhone Air and 17 Pro’s colorways — including the Light Orange alonsgide Fairy Purple, as well as the Feather White and Shadow Black classics.
Sleek Peek
It would not be a complete flagship series without THE very special PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR model in the roster. As usual, it’s always the maxed out variant of the already full-fledged Magic8 Pro flagship.
While it rocks the same display, cameras, and even the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC by Qualcomm, configuration goes beyond the limits with a 1TB UFS 4.1 storage and a whopping 24GB LPDDR5X memory — the biggest flex a slab-phone could get this 2026 with the ever-soaring RAM prices.
Battery and charging speeds were somewhat improved: 7200mAh and 120W HyperCharge (over 7100mAh + 100W of the regular Pro model).
Colors were then heavily-inspired from shades of Porsche’s supercars: Moonlight Stone and Slate Gray.
Additionally, the Magic8 RSR will also have a Professional Camera Kit — a first time for any HONOR smartphone.
Pricing and Availability
The HONOR Magic8 Pro Air and PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR are available in various pricing and configurations:
- 12+256GB = CNY 4999 (US$ 700 / EUR 610 / GBP 530 / SG$ 910 / MYR 2970 / PhP 40,900 / INR 62,260)
- 12+512GB = CNY 5299 (US$ 745 / EUR 645 / GBP 560 / SG$ 965 / MYR 3145 / PhP 43,360 / INR 65,995)
- 16+512GB = CNY 5599 (US$ 785 / EUR 670 / GBP 580 / SG$ 1010 / MYR 3300 / PhP 45,150 / INR 69,690)
- 16+1TB = CNY 5999 (US$ 845 / EUR 730 / GBP 635 / SG$ 1095 / MYR 3560 / PhP 49,085 / INR 74,715)
- 16+512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
- 24+1TB = CNY 8999 (US$ 1260 / EUR 1070 / GBP 920 / SG$ 600 / PhP 70,905 / INR 107,700)
Global availability was not mentioned. Hopefully, HONOR will bring these (especially the Magic8 Pro Air) to international markets.
The newly-launched Samsung Galaxy Z8 series is now available via Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity. Pre-orders for Samsung’s latest foldables are available from July 22 to August 13.
Pre-ordering will allow customers to get exclusive storage upgrades, trade-in savings, and flexible payment options. Plus, they can get three months of complimentary Samsung Care+.
Moreover, customers can maximize their devices with Smart’s All-New Postpaid Plans+, which come with UNLI App Bundles, UNLI 5G for 12 months (in select areas), Open-Access Data, and high priority on the Smart network.
With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, subscribers can get the following devices through straight payment or 24-month, zero-interest installment using participating credit cards (Metrobank, Security Bank, BPI, UnionBank, HSBC, and RCBC):
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB): PhP P101,600 or PhP 5,021/month
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (512GB): PhP 91,100 or PhP 4,500/month
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (512GB): PhP 65,100 or PhP 3,217/month
Customers can pre-order the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series via smart.com.ph/galaxypreorder or at the nearest Smart Store.
In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series is also available through Infinity Plan 5000 and Infinity Plan 8000.
These packages come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.
Through the Samsung Trade-In Program, customers can also reserve their preferred Galaxy Z8 Series device and complete their trade-in at participating stores once the devices officially launch.
Eligible smartphones can be traded in for up to PhP 14,000 off.
New Samsung Galaxy Watches also available
Lastly, Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity are offering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
Compatible smartwatch users can also add on Smart Device Link, which enables their smartwatch and phone to share one mobile number and plan inclusions.
First-time subscribers can enjoy the service free for six months, when they activate until September 30.
With the Smart Postpaid Plans, subscribers can save up to 20% compared with the suggested retail price when they bundle a Samsung Galaxy Watch with their new Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series device.
Entertainment
Resident Evil movie reboot finally gets a scary trailer
Can you spot the Easter eggs for longtime fans?
After briefly losing its way in the middling fifth and sixth entries, the Resident Evil series rediscovered its way back to the survival horror genre with the seventh entry onwards. However, the series doesn’t have the best reputation in Hollywood with its lackluster reviews. Now, the Hollywood series wants to right the ship with the upcoming reboot, simply titled Resident Evil.
Much like the gaming franchise’s renaissance, the upcoming film heads to the survival horror genre with a frightful caper. Medical courier Bryan (Austin Abrams) is tasked with delivering a vital organ to somewhere outside Raccoon City. Along the way, he runs over a rabid woman, who just disappears when he steps out to check.
Forced to seek help at a nearby shack, he finds himself in a struggle for survival when he discovers monstrous beings lurking around. It gets worse when he returns to the city and finds it overrun with the zombie outbreak.
The trailer has a few Easter eggs, including a typewriter, one of the most traditional ways that the game series uses to save games. Director Zach Cregger (Weapons) promises that the movie itself will have more Easter eggs for longtime fans of the series.
Resident Evil will premiere in theaters on September 18.
News
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9: Price, availability in the Philippines
Prices start at PHP 24,990
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 in the Philippines alongside the new Galaxy Z8 Series.
The new wearables expand Samsung’s smartwatch lineup with upgraded health tracking, AI-powered wellness features, and faster performance. The Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health and fitness, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 caters to users looking for a more rugged smartwatch for outdoor adventures.
Here’s how much they cost in the Philippines.
Pricing
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
- PHP 44,990
Galaxy Watch9
- 40mm — PHP 22,990
- 46mm — PHP 24,990
Availability
Pre-orders begin on July 23 through Samsung Philippines and authorized retailers. Both smartwatches will be offered in multiple color options depending on the model.
Pre-order offers
Customers who pre-order either smartwatch can enjoy several launch offers, including:
- Up to 15% off
- Up to 36 months of 0% installment plans with participating banks
- Up to 50% off through eligible trade-ins
- Up to 36% off Samsung Care+ device protection
Galaxy Watch9
The Galaxy Watch9 is Samsung’s latest everyday smartwatch. It features the company’s newest health and wellness platform with AI-powered insights, comprehensive health tracking, and everyday activity monitoring.
Powering the experience is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which promises faster performance while supporting Samsung’s latest wellness features. The watch is available in 40mm and 46mm sizes.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 builds on Samsung’s premium outdoor smartwatch with a durable titanium construction, improved comfort, and new sport tracking modes such as Trail Run and Diving.
Like the Galaxy Watch9, it runs on the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and supports Samsung’s latest AI-powered health and wellness tools.
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