Every friend group has a designated photographer.

The one who reminds everyone to take a group photo before leaving, asks for one more shot “just in case,” and somehow ends up with a camera roll full of memories while appearing in very few of them.

I’ve been slipping into that role for a while now, and lately, I’ve been doing it without a camera.

I’ve relied entirely on the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G and its Pocket Studio experience to document coffee runs, hangouts, and everything in between.

Capturing the moments between the milestones

When people think about documenting their lives, they often focus on the headline moments. Like the ones worth posting for the ‘gram.

What often gets overlooked is everything around them, like the early morning coffee run before everyone’s fully awake, or the laughter that breaks out during a random conversation.

So is the roadside stop that turns into an impromptu photo session. These are the moments that tell the real story of an experience.

Pocket Studio, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G’s signature content creation experience, feels built for exactly this kind of moment.

Instead of treating photography and videography as separate tasks, it creates a seamless workflow that lets users capture, create, edit, and share content directly from their smartphone.

The feature makes it easier to preserve moments that matter, even the small, unplanned ones with people who may or may not stay in my life. Either way, I’ve got a memory I can cherish.

Finally, the designated photographer gets to be in the photo

One of the biggest challenges of being the group’s unofficial photographer is that you’re usually the one left out of the shot.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G addresses this through its integration with the OPPO Bubble and the Camera Remote View feature.

Instead of relying solely on the front camera, Camera Remote View lets users preview and control shots while using the smartphone’s rear camera system. The result is a sharper, more detailed image, especially for group photos and selfies.

This has become one of the most useful features for gathering everyone together. Camera Remote View made it easy to capture higher-quality photos while making sure nobody had to stay behind the camera.

For someone who is usually responsible for documenting everyone else’s memories, that small change makes a surprisingly big difference.

Flagship-quality results without carrying extra gear

There was a time when documenting properly meant bringing multiple devices.

I used to carry a camera for photos and a separate device for video, then edit everything later on a laptop. Now, the experience feels remarkably different.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G delivers pro-level photo and video quality, good enough to leave the extra gear behind for most everyday moments.

From detailed landscapes and vibrant food photography to candid portraits and dynamic action shots, the Reno16 Series consistently produces content that feels polished and social-ready straight from the device.

This is particularly valuable for the moments that happen without warning. The ability to instantly capture high-quality content without switching between devices meant fewer missed opportunities and more authentic memories preserved.

Telling richer stories from multiple perspectives

The best content pulls viewers into the experience itself.

This is where the combination of premium camera hardware, multiple shooting perspectives, and AI-powered creative tools like the AI Portrait Glow from the AI Editor improves the Pocket Studio experience.

Wide shots help establish the atmosphere of a place. Close-up details bring viewers into the moment. Some video clips add movement and energy, and some portraits capture emotion. Together, these elements create a more complete story.

Over the past few weeks, that’s meant capturing everything from scenic views to candid conversations over coffee.

Rather than spending hours moving files between devices or navigating complicated editing workflows, Pocket Studio makes it easy to transform those moments into polished content ready for social media.

For anyone who enjoys documenting life as it happens, that simplicity is part of the appeal.

The moments you’ll actually want to remember

The moments that weren’t planned end up becoming the ones worth keeping. Those are the experiences that stay with us long after they’ve happened.

With Pocket Studio, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G transforms those moments into memories that look every bit as good as they felt in real life.

Through flagship-quality photos and videos, AI-powered creative tools, and features like Camera Remote View with the OPPO BUBBLE, the Reno16 Series makes capturing, creating, and sharing life’s most memorable experiences remarkably effortless.

For the designated photographer, it might just be the easiest way yet to make sure every moment, and everyone in it, gets remembered.

Price, availability

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is now available nationwide across all OPPO stores, official e-commerce platforms, and partner telco providers:

OPPO Reno16 F 5G

• 8GB+128GB: PhP 44,999
• 8GB+256GB: PhP 49,999

OPPO Reno16 5G

• 12GB+256GB: PhP 59,999

OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G

• 12GB+256GB: PhP 74,999

Flexible payment options at up to 24 months 0% interest are likewise available through Home Credit and select credit cards.

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This feature was produced in collaboration between GadgetMatch and OPPO Philippines.

Xiaomi’s REDMI Note 15 series was introduced at the very beginning of 2026.

Six months in, they finally welcomed one of its successors in the lineup. But what is it like against its older sibling?

Well, buckle up your seatbelts as we enter and ride the latest REDMI Note 17 Pro rollercoaster ride 🎢

Slow yet steady start

As the hydraulics disengage, the ride starts its initial push.

That immediate start is comparable to binging Our Sticky Love on this phone — Netflix’s freshest K-Drama as of writing.

At first, you’ll be mesmerized by both Ahn Ha-young and Jung Hae-in’s hot AF visuals.

But, the more you fall deeper to the story, the more it gets complicated. This series has a story sequence where it’s least predictable.

Much like any rollercoaster ride, there are a lot of ups and downs where you least expect it to happen.

The opposite can be said with its display. It’s still the same 6.83-inch 120Hz CrystalRes AMOLED display found on its predecessor.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it’s still a very vibrant and immersive screen regardless — 1.5K display resolution, 12-bit Color Depth, 68 Billion Colors, DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut.

There’s even the usual TÜV Rheinland Blue Light, Flicker-Free, and Circadian Friendly certifications to protect one’s eyes against the harmful night light.

Go Eun-sae (or Go Ji-won)’s divine beauty radiate more than the cherry blossoms behind her.

Moreover, Jang Tae-ha’s smile is as bright as it could ever be.

Speaking of, there’s actually a minor bump in brightness: from 3200 nits up to 3500 nits.

Though that gradual increase meant there isn’t enough disparity between the last and latest Note Pro midrangers.

Still, that brightness is enough to be mesmerized by ARTMS (that are all #BornStunner) even under harsh sunlight.

Boost to the top

The build-up continues with the speaker situation on the REDMI Note 17 Pro.

It wouldn’t be a complete review experience without having to play the latest K-Pop releases around.

After more than two years since the celestial Cosmic title track, now is the best time to celebrate Red Velvet’s grandest comeback with Surfin’ Boy.

With support for Dolby Atmos, I can truthfully hear each and every members’ ethereal vocals in this latest comeback track.

Even playing it outside my room, I can still hear and easily differentiate the voices of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri all thanks to that 300% volume boost.

Another added testament to its powerful speakers is none other than KiiiKiii’s highly-addictive Pop Off Pop Off.

Aside from the strong and steady vocals of the 5th-gen quintet, the thumpy bass and beat drops can clearly be heard in its 2008-coded chorus (plus music video!)

Oh, what a nice time to be alive as a K-Pop girl group stan!

The first drop

After that first momentum, the rollercoaster’s first drop is to be expected.

The design of the REDMI Note 17 Pro deserves to be compared to the ride’s first drop.

Xiaomi went back to the drawing board and decided to scrap its signature styling.

What replaced that large and symmetrical camera island? A left-justified camera cutout.

Two lenses are enclosed in a protruding oval bump made of metal. Meanwhile, the flash unit is placed at the right side of the cutout just above that glass surface.

Put a case on, one would mistook it for a base iPhone 16 Plus.

While design is (and will always be) preferential, it’s personally more of a drop than cop considering how I witnessed the design evolution of REDMI’s Note series over the years.

Despite all that, I still enjoyed the phone’s ergonomics. The flat displays and trims might mean sharper edges. However, it doesn’t feel too abrupt when held for long.

And with the less exciting Black colorway I rock, I’m just glad the back finish isn’t made of glass. This metal backing is resistant against unwanted finger smears.

Into the loop

For the longest time, Xiaomi isn’t consistent with the chips they put in their REDMI Note Pro models. The REDMI Note 17 Pro isn’t an exemption to this.

Last two models in a row, the REDMI Note 14 Pro and 15 Pro relied on MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Ultra and 7400 Ultra respectively. Prior that, the Note 13 Pro was using the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.

Now that it got mentioned, Xiaomi goes back to Qualcomm after two generations.

Albeit, for the first time ever, it’s equipped with a lower-grade Snapdragon 6s Gen 4. This change somehow became a “downgrade.”

While we don’t do benchmarks here, notable websites prove that Note 15 Pro’s Dimensity 7400 performs better over the “newer” Note 17 Pro.

During my testing, there isn’t much to prove.

It will still depend on what you’re trying to play. Less demanding games such as Call of Duty: Mobile (CoDM) were capable to run in modest settings.

Meanwhile, higher-end games like Racing Master meant stuttering and jittering when pushing it to its highest graphics settings.

Moreover, the Note 17 Pro produces unwanted heat over an hour or two of playing.

Specs-wise, the 256GB model I possess boasts the faster UFS 3.1 protocol.

The lower 128GB storage relies on a slower UFS 2.2 standard. Fortunately though, there’s a lone LPDDR4X memory whether you choose between 6, 8, or 12GB.

To make it confusing though, the 12GB variant is only available in a 256GB storage. On the other hand, choosing the 512GB storage only gives you a limiting 8GB RAM.

Despite that, this 6GB I have was still able to open basic apps without a hitch. Switching between them was also a breeze.

One huge push

REDMI is aiming to push its “Titan Durability” strength even further with the Note 17 Pro.

Remember that display? That’s protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2. ICYMI, that glass protection is mostly found on just higher-end flagship smartphones.

That doesn’t even end there! Beneath it lies a reinforced design structure that can withstand 3-meter drops.

Whether you drop the phone on a marble or granite floor, it can totally withstand it more than the standard height level.

Pushing the ride further before reaching the peak? None other than the inclusion of quadruple IP ratings: IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K.

Such rating protects it from unwanted sand, dust and other minute particles. As well as the unwanted rain water, deep fresh water immersion, and even high-pressure water jets.

It’s worth mentioning that this is the industry’s first smartphone with TÜV SÜD’s 5-star Titan Quality certification — all acing battery performance as well as water and dust resistance.

Up to the very peak

Despite some losses aforementioned, the REDMI Note 17 Pro isn’t a total wreck.

The biggest improvement lies beneath its chassis. From the 6580mAh battery of its predecessor, it got a significant bump to a 8340mAh capacity.

I don’t mind the added thickness as long as I get a THICC-er battery (7.96mm versus 8.6mm, respectively).

From binge-watching, game testing, multitasking, and even making it as my personal hotspot, the REDMI Note 17 Pro was able to squeeze in a full day of use.

Given you use it for lighter tasks with less screen on-time, you’d instantly get two or more days of standby.

Upon observation though, it deducts around 3 to 5 percent even just on standby. Maybe Xiaomi’s lack of optimization against background apps? Or worse: these unnecessary hyper-bloatware that keep popping off in the notifications drawer.

Hopefully, battery consumption against off-screen background apps would be lessened the moment Xiaomi rolls out the highly-anticipated HyperOS 4 months after this write-up.

If the battery completely dies, the REDMI Note 17 Pro has an upgraded 67W Fast Charging capability. That’s in contrast to the 45W speeds of the previous Note Pro model.

The phone that came to me is a European unit. Thus, it does not ship with a proprietary Xiaomi charger and cable out of the box.

If you’re living in Asia, having a bundled one is highly likely.

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Luckily, I was able to keep one 100W brick inside my cabinet. I even compared it to the 100W GaN charger plus high-speed USB-C cable I use every day.

My GadgetMatch Charge Test proves there’s a stark difference — probably with the lack of proper USB-C PPS support.

	Xiaomi 100W Charger + USB-C to USB-A cable	UGREEN 100W Uno + ADATA Magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable
START TIME (from 0%)	6:27AM	4:27PM
3 minutes	3%	1%
5 minutes	6%	3%
10 minutes	12%	7%
15 minutes	18%	16%
30 minutes	37%	31%
45 minutes	54%	48%
1 hour	71%	66%
1 hour 15 minutes	86%	82%
1 hour 30 minutes	–	92%
END TIME (100%)	5:52PM 1 hour 25 minutes	8:23AM 1 hour 55 minutes

With that 30-minute gap, the REDMI Note 17 Pro was able to fill up faster by using Xiaomi’s very own charging brick and cable.

Down to the final destination ☠️

As the timeless saying goes: “The higher you climb, the harder you fall.”

After that big battery boost comes at the cost of its camera system.

While we always say numbers aren’t everything, it’s too hard to ignore that Xiaomi decided to downgrade the main camera, too.

From that massive 200MP 1/1.4-inch primary sensor all down to just a 50MP 1/2.76-inch shooter.

Even though camera output still results into a binned 12MP shot, that degraded sensor still matters a lot.

During the day, it won’t matter as much to most users.

Honestly though, it’s a mixed bag of results.

Taking the camera indoors or where there’s absence of natural light makes it struggle.

Shooting steadily gives you a hit or miss result — like how it did with my beautiful catto.

However, a split-second press at the shutter release gives you two inconsistent output — at least in EV (Exposure Value), contrast, and even shadows altogether.

 

Most of the time, it’s just purely a huge miss.

That’s most prominent when taking food shots.

I either had to swipe through its built-in camera filters or turn on the flash just to make them look appetizing.

If that’s how its primary camera performs, its 8MP UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens is negligible — as long as you don’t pixel-peep.

Going beyond 2x zoom? Don’t get your hopes too high.

Even with the presence of AI algorithms, the smaller sensor size of the main camera cannot truly compensate that final image quality.

Again, manage your expectations if you’re eye-ing to rock this product.

Although selfies look natural as it can be, the bad news is that, it also got downsized from 20MP f/2.2 to a 16MP f/2.4 shooter.

What a way to end this rollercoaster ride.

Is the REDMI Note 17 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The REDMI Note 17 Pro itself is like any rollercoaster ride. Some may love the adrenaline rush. Others just tried the thrills and will never ever come back again.

Putting our matchmaking magic into context, the REDMI Note 17 Pro is a Swipe Left for most things considered. From its massive design change, slightly-downgraded chipset, and a main camera shooter that also took a downfall.

But, if you heavily consider battery life and faster charging over anything else, the REDMI Note 17 Pro is a soft Swipe Right.

Personally, I can attest how its long-lasting endurance made me worry less about being near in any plug outlet. Also, the carefree mindset of not always having to bring bulky power banks with me whenever I’m out for a day.

Moreover, that dazzling display paired with powerful audio are perfect complement to that boost in battery capacity — especially for any power user like me and you.

Now, with a base price of US$ 399 / SG$ 599, it’s a ride or die situation for REDMI and its existing community.

With lesser options around, choosing your next best tablet shouldn’t be as daunting as buying a shiny new smartphone.

However, that seems like a misconception. Buying the right budget tablet that matches your needs is still, and will always be, a hard task.

But, the presence and existence of the all-new TECNO MEGAPAD 2 might just persuade and prove you otherwise.

Luring allure

The TECNO MEGAPAD 2 review unit I rock comes in this Light Green colorway.

Personally, I prefer this a whole lot better over the overhyped Cosmic Orange hue or the plain ol’ Space Grey shade.

Now, despite the category it belongs to, TECNO’s MEGAPAD 2 is surprisingly built premium.

As opposed to icky plasticky budget tablets (or a mix of metal and plastic), this pad features a full metal build — buttons included.

And now that it’s mentioned, the trim is oh-so-slim at just 6.6mm — which is one of (if not) the slimmest in its class so far. Most tablets measure close to or beyond 7mm.

Whether you use it one-handed (or two), holding it won’t be too sore with its heft of 547 grams.

And with the given material, it feels solid enough when held without the budget feel.

Its size is the prize

Unlike usual 10- or 12-inch tablets, the TECNO MEGAPAD 2 features the sweeter screen spot.

On paper, it’s an 11-inch 90Hz LCD display with a 2.5K display resolution. This makes it sharper than other Full HD+ tablet displays in the market today.

Of course, the main purpose of a tablet’s existence is none other than its visual immersiveness.

Admittedly, I enjoyed binge-watching Netflix’s Spooky In Love — which is starred by the very versatile Park Eun-bin together with the uprising actor, Yang Se-jong.

They both perfectly define what TECNO and the MEGAPAD 2 are in a nutshell: an uprising brand that offers a versatile tablet in both features and price range.

Color accuracy looks settling enough with colors that truly pop. Display bezels are surprisingly narrow too.

However, under harsh sunlight, that 550 nits of maximum brightness simply won’t make the cut. The panel is just too glossy and reflective for it to not to be mentioned.

The MEGAPAD 2 also boasts quad speakers powered by DTS. It’s a complete delight to make this tablet a portable music player.

On my queue are none other than Young K’s jampacked ‘YOUNGEST’ full-feature album consisting of 15 tracks.

That goes together with summer-studded comeback tracks featuring KISS OF LIFE’s ‘SWEAT’.

Let’s not forget fromis_9’s long overdue full album after three long years starred by ‘Vitamin ME’.

Although this isn’t the best-sounding in any tablet I’ve tried as it doesn’t have such thumps and oomphs. However, loudness is more than enough to fill the void of my room — reaching all the way to the nearby living room and bathroom.

Also, having four speakers are still better than the usual (two) stereo speaker setup of most tablets in this segment.

Passable and plausible

The elephant in the room is none other than the inclusion of MediaTek MT8781 — or popularly known as Helio G99.

Obviously, this SoC (System on a Chip) can only do so much. That excludes power-hungry games.

Albeit, it can still run most titles — as long as you set it in lowest graphics settings possible. Lucky if it runs medium at best, like how it did in Bus Simulator: EVO.

That being said, the MEGAPAD 2 can still do more than just the basic of tasks.

Given my weeks with this tablet, it surprised me how TECNO’s HiOS 16 felt fast. Animations are fluid. Scrolling was buttery-smooth. App-switching was also a breeze.

This proves that benchmarks aren’t everything — and not all mall promodisers go past beyond the usual sales talk.

This is also me trying to say that the brand of chipmaker and number of cores in a processor aren’t enough basis to say how “fast” and “capable” a device is. Software optimization shouldn’t be downplayed as it’s also an important factor to consider.

Sentiments aside, the MEGAPAD 2 has a slot for one nano SIM card that can provide speedy 4G LTE speeds. That’s a good addition if you work outdoors a lot.

Aside from the usual 128 or 256GB internal storage, it also supports a microSD card (up to 2TB) just beside the SIM slot — which is something you cannot have in modern smartphones and high-end tablets nowadays.

Base pad for two base users

The MEGAPAD 2 is a tablet that can be for everyone. However, two base users came up to my mind when writing this piece.

1. Learners and yearners

Students are obviously one of the biggest target markets of budget pads.

First, there’s the AI Problem Solving feature. Feed it your complex problem through typing or use its 8MP rear camera to capture the whole page and let TECNO AI do the process for you.

For the smaller kiddos, there’s a dedicated study hub dubbed “LearnUp” with free learning resources and a child-friendly interface. Another would be the Learning Center featuring thousands of K-12 lessons, stories, cartoons, songs, and so much more.

For those learning new languages, AI Translation can be of a great help.

It’s not limited to just translating texts, images, and app content, there’s even AI Captions that can translate 30+ language offline (and 160+ languages when connected with the cloud) while watching videos.

Thankfully, TECNO has a dedicated OneTap AI button to summon these AI features in one go. Best thing is that, they don’t want to completely lock you in as app assignments are still configurable in settings.

Lastly, if your child is feeling extra artsy, there’s even the TECNO MEGA Pencil that’s sold separately. Fire up the AI Drawing Board and the MEGAPAD 2 can transform your sketches into better ideas.

2. Productive pros

Other than kids and students, the MEGAPAD 2 is also directed towards working professionals. Teacher, manager, you name ’em!

Aside from its rear camera, that 8MP front camera matters too — mostly for video calls and meetings on the go.

AI SnapMemo and MindHub are also helpful tools that do more than just capturing and keeping screenshots. And by that, it can analyze and even summarize the content you kept.

With that bundled Bluetooth keyboard alongside the ability to do split-screen multitasking, it’s easier to switch between two active apps side by side.

One can even scroll through spreadsheet cells or do several slides — especially with the WPS Office pre-installed upon initial set-up.

My only gripe about this accessory is how flimsy and easy it is for the display to fall down.

I just wish the recessed part on the keyboard would have been much deeper for the display stand to sit and lock in securely.

It’s also worth pointing out that it’s paired via Bluetooth and not pogo pins. That means you have to turn on that side switch and charge it via the USB-C port separately.

Still, it’s a bundled accessory that feels solid and also serves as the tablet’s full-on protection.

Moving over, TECNO’s OneLeap Ecosystem is also helpful as a productivity leverage. Not only it eases file transfers across your devices, it even maximizes a triple-screen setup when paired with your TECNO smartphone plus laptop (or PC).

Overall, the MEGAPAD 2 serves a great purpose not limited to doom-scrollers and binge-watchers. It can also be a trustworthy companion for students and paid professionals alike.

Made to last

The TECNO MEGAPAD 2 admittedly doesn’t have a MEGA battery capacity.

Compared to its competitors that boast 9000+mAh, the MEGAPAD 2 has a smaller 8200mAh tank.

Use-case will always vary. If you use the tablet for binging several episodes of a single K-Drama or lengthy documentaries on YouTube as early as 10 in the morning at around 70% brightness, it can last until dinner time.

When placed in standby mode or left to rest overnight on your table top, it won’t consume much and can last more than a day (or two to three days at max). That’s shocking to witness considering it has an aging and less-efficient 6nm Helio chipset.

If its battery completely depletes, TECNO has bundled a proprietary charging brick and cable out of the box.

@gadgetmatch

MEGA in size for 2 base users. Meet the TECNO MEGAPAD 2 💪🏼✌🏼

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

However, it has a painfully slow 18W charging — requiring you at least two hours to fully fill it.

	TECNO MEGAPAD 2 8200mAh Battery 18W Bundled Charger + Cable
START TIME (From 0%)	3:40PM
5 minutes	3%
10 minutes	5%
20 minutes	12%
30 minutes	19%
45 minutes	28%
1 hour	38%
1 hour 15 minutes	50%
1 hour 30 minutes	60%
1 hour 45 minutes	70% 5:25PM

I obviously just gave up counting right after going over the 100-minute mark.

Is the TECNO MEGAPAD 2 your BudgetMatch?

With a starting price of PhP 16,999 for the 6+128GB model and PhP 19,999 for the 8+256GB variant, the TECNO MEGAPAD 2 is strategically situated along the budget tablet league.

If you value performance, the MEGAPAD 2 is obviously a Swipe Left. There are other tablets that offer the newer and more power-efficient MediaTek Helio G100 SoC such as the OPPO Pad SE, REDMI Pad 2, and even the TechLife Pad Plus 2.

Samsung even offers the Galaxy Tab A11+ with a 5G-capable Dimensity 7300 chipset. Albeit, it has a higher price mark despite having the same base configuration and smaller 7040mAh battery.

That only means the MEGAPAD 2 still stands a chance.

Although the HONOR Pad X8b (its closest rival) is compelling enough with its beastly 10,1000mAh battery, the MEGAPAD 2 still gains a Swipe Right with its larger memory (6GB versus 4GB). How can I even forget the keyboard bundled when you purchase this mighty pad?

And in all honesty, it still surprises me how TECNO managed to make their latest pad run a smooth, well-optimized, and even AI-powered software suit despite its aging core.

Given that HONOR’s Pad X8b rocks a Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, it only has the a limiting AI ability with Google Gemini — which cannot do everything for users who rely on AI assistance for the apps they use and/or tablet tasks they do for work or school.

Let alone, the MEGAPAD 2 is an afforda-blet with a full metal body and full-on audiovisual experience — especially with its brighter and sharper display. Camera flash for document scanning not even forgotten.