Smartphones

How to identify a safe Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Published

October 1, 2016

Monch Lopez

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 exchange program for potentially dangerous phones is currently underway in the U.S., Europe, and the Philippines, among other countries. Early reports are encouraging for the South Korean electronics giant, with estimates that, around the world, over one million customers are now using new and safe Note 7 units.

We’ve covered the to-dos of the replacement process, as well as gave context to why the explosions have occurred. But we haven’t drilled down to tell you how to identify whether a brand-new Galaxy Note 7 unit is at risk. (As a rule, if you bought your device prior to the recall, then you probably have to return it; if it is no longer charging to full, or if you constantly see a notification telling you to return your phone as soon as possible, then do so.)

So how do you know if a Note 7 is safe or in need of returning to a store or a Samsung service location?

There are three ways, either one will suffice. But just to err on the side of caution, we recommend ticking all three boxes, especially since boxes can easily be altered and changing the color of system icons can be done by installing third-party software.

Boxes of safe units have a black dot on them. Check out the image below to get an idea of what that black dot looks like.
New Galaxy Note 7s also have a green battery icon on their status bar and on their always-on and power-off screens.
Finally, you can run the IMEI or serial number against Samsung’s database. Do note that each country has their own IMEI checker (those who live in the U.S. should use this site, for example; users in the Philippines should proceed here instead). You can find a Note 7’s IMEI number on the retail packaging, by looking at the bottom part of the device’s rear panel, by going to Settings > About Device > Status and tapping IMEI Information, or by launching the phone’s dialer and keying in *#06#.

[irp posts=”9847″ name=”Samsung earned record profits despite Note 7 recall”]

Related Topics:Galaxy Note 7 IMEI checker Samsung

News

Smart announces postpaid offers for Samsung Galaxy Z8 series

Pre-order now for exclusive perks

Published

July 24, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

Philippines

OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines

Pocket Studio arrives

Published

July 24, 2026

GadgetMatch

OPPO has confirmed that the Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines.

The upcoming smartphone series will introduce the company’s new Pocket Studio imaging experience alongside OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View. The launch also continues OPPO’s partnership with K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER, the brand’s global ambassadors.

Pocket Studio puts the focus on photography

OPPO positions the Reno16 Series 5G as a camera-first smartphone. The series features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, and Dual View Video for capturing photos and videos from multiple perspectives.

The company says these upgrades are designed to make mobile photography and content creation more versatile. Users can capture wide group selfies, detailed portraits, and creative videos without carrying dedicated camera gear.

OPPO Bubble brings remote camera controls

A standout feature is OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View.

The new feature lets users pair the Reno16 Series 5G with compatible OPPO devices. From there, they can preview the camera feed remotely and trigger the shutter wirelessly.

This also allows users to frame selfies and group photos using the phone’s rear cameras while viewing the composition from another device. OPPO says the feature makes it easier to capture everyone in the frame without relying on timers.

Coming soon

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G will arrive in the Philippines soon.

OPPO has yet to announce the official launch date, pricing, and local availability. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Hands-On

Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Flip8, Ultra

Samsung’s freshest foldables come out of the oven

Published

July 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

Three foldables. Three very different people.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra — the productivity maximizer. Heritage form factor, everything cranked to the max.

The Galaxy Z Flip8, pure style. The smallest, loudest, most you one of the bunch.

And finally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 — the new beginning.

Built for the way most of us actually use our phones: watching, reading, scrolling. The one I keep reaching for and have a feeling THE Michael Josh will be using a lot.

Same family. Three ways to experience it.

Head over to our hands-on video on the latest and greatest Galaxy Z8 family for you to know your best bet.