Hands-On

Huawei Nova 2 lite Hands-on

A serious contender in the midrange scene

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The success of the Huawei Nova 2i in the Philippines prompted the company that a follow-up is in order. Enter the Huawei Nova 2 lite. It’s pegged as the Nova 2i’s sibling with a more affordable price tag.

As we’ve mentioned during its announcement, the smartphone carries a large 5.99-inch display encased in a 6.5-inch body so the face isn’t bothered much by bezels. Resolution maxes out at HD 720p, but has a FullView panel also seen on the Nova 2i. This comes as a part of the company’s plan to include features usually offered on higher-tier handsets.

Additionally, it carries an 18:9 aspect ratio which fits most videos on its entire screen — making video consumption more enjoyable as the display is almost covered up by the content.

Up top, there’s a single 8-megapixel shooter with its own Toning Flash that promises to take pleasing skin tones. After a few shots in low-light places, we couldn’t help but notice that the skin tone comes out a bit pale. We’d have to do a full review to be certain. Additionally, it also has the Perfect Selfie feature seen on the Huawei P10 that creates a user profile based on the edits you want.

Meanwhile, at the back, is where the dual cameras are located. It’s a combination of 13- and 2-megapixel sensors which are used for producing bokeh shots. We’ve tried using it and the depth of field wasn’t that creamy enough for us — at least for the first few shots.

There’s an aperture level slider that should increase or decrease the depth of field but it’s hard to see the difference. Check out the samples with aperture level one (left) and aperture level seven (right) and be the judge.

To top it off, the smartphone comes with built-in phase detection autofocus (PDAF) to ensure sharp images even with moving subjects. We’ve shot some moving subjects and it does a decent job of minimizing motion blurs.

Inside, it runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 430 chipset with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and Android 8.0 Oreo layered with EMUI 8.0 out of the box. Everyday tasks are easily handled by the phone and even proved itself capable of handling a few games here and there whenever you have the extra time.

The battery is rated at 3000mAh and the phone is equipped with a fingerprint scanner, in addition to face unlock for added security. We’re actually satisfied with how fast the phone recognizes a face. It takes less than a second to unlock the screen in bright conditions and about one full second when used in dimly lit areas.

Even with little light, it could still detect the person’s face which is, of course, a good thing.

It will initially be available in black and gold with this striking blue color coming later on. It is available for PhP 9,990 and comes with freebies when you pre-order. Stay tuned for our full review as we put this affordable midranger to the test.

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Hands-On

Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested

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October 22, 2026

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Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!

Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.

Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!

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Convenient Smart Home

30 days with the LG AeroMini

The upgrade my new space ~badly~ needed

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October 5, 2026

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Moving into a new space comes with a long list of things to figure out, and lately, I’ve been paying more attention to something that’s easy to overlook: air quality.

After using the LG AeroMini for about a month, it has become a subtle but welcome addition to my space. It helps make the room feel fresher, while its compact and stylish design fits naturally into my setup. Here are the things that stood out to me most after living with it for a month.

360° purification for a fresher space

One of the things I appreciate about the AeroMini is its 360° air purification, designed to bring purified air in every direction.

For me, this is particularly useful in a new space where I’m spending a lot of time working, relaxing, and just settling in.

Combined with its True HEPA filter, which is designed to remove 99.999% of 0.01μm fine dust and allergens, it gives me added peace of mind about the air I’m breathing every day.

After a month, I can genuinely say that the space feels fresher with it running.

Surprisingly quiet

This is probably my favorite feature.

The LG AeroMini operates at just 26dB, and after using it for a month, what stands out is how easy it is to forget that it’s even running.

I can have it running while I’m working or sleeping without the noise becoming a distraction. For an appliance that’s designed to continuously improve the air around you, I think that’s a big deal.

Sometimes, the best feature is the one you barely notice.

Design that fits my space

Since I recently moved, I’ve been pretty conscious about what I bring into the space. I want things to be functional, but I also don’t want appliances that feel like they’re taking over the room.

The AeroMini’s slim and compact design makes it easy to incorporate into my setup. It doesn’t feel bulky or industrial, and I like that I can leave it out without feeling like I need to hide it away.

For me, that balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it feel more like part of the space rather than just another appliance.

Air quality at a glance

Another feature I’ve found convenient is its Smart Control. Through the app, I can monitor and control the AeroMini while getting real-time updates on the indoor air quality.

It’s a small convenience, but being able to check the air quality without having to interact with the purifier directly makes it easier to keep track of what’s happening in the room.

Easy to maintain

I also appreciate that the AeroMini is designed with an all-in-one dust and deodorization filter that makes replacement and maintenance easier.

That matters to me because the best home gadgets are the ones that don’t create another complicated chore. I want something I can set up, use regularly, and maintain without too much fuss.

After a month, would I keep it?

Yes, and mainly because it quietly fits into my everyday routine.

The LG AeroMini has helped make my new space feel fresher and more comfortable, while its compact design means it doesn’t compromise the look of the room. But if I had to pick just one thing I appreciate most, it’s still how incredibly quiet it is.

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply works in the background.

If you’re also looking to make your home a fresher and more comfortable space for yourself and your family, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/ to learn more about the LG AeroMini and how it can fit into your everyday life.

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Hands-On

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

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September 13, 2026

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The latest Apple event isn’t just about the shiny new Apple Duo. There’s a lot to talk about!

In this video, we break down everything Apple has announced during their September 2026 keynote.

First, there’s the updated iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. That’s alongside their design and color changes, battery and performance improvements. Even that massive camera upgrade.

There’s even the ANC-infused AirPods 5 alongside the newer Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Plus, the latest software updates coming to both these wearables.

So, are these worth the upgrade?

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