Philippines

iPhone 16: Smart offers free monthly 16GB 5G data for preorders

Preorder period begins

Published

on

Smart has just officially opened the preorder period for the iPhone 16 Series. And the Philippines telco leader is offering those who get the latest Apple devices via Smart Postpaid an additional free 16GB of 5G data per month for 16 weeks.

That’s for those who successfully preorder the new iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max during the preorder period from October 10 to October 13, 2024.

The iPhone 16 Series can be availed starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999. Customers only need to shell out a one-time payment of PhP 21,000. The monthly amortization then costs PhP 1,300 under a 24-month period.

And for re-contracting postpaid subscribers, the iPhone 16 (128GB) can be availed under the same plan for PhP 2,121 per month for 24 months. That’s without a cashout fee.

The device is also open for an even lower monthly amortization of PhP 1,697 for 30 months. Of course, you need to get approved first.

Under Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999, subscribers get the following perks:

  • Unlimited 5G for 12 months
  • 20GB of open access data
  • Netflix mobile subscription
  • Unlimited calls to mobile and landline
  • Unlimited texts
  • Exclusive Smart Perks from select restaurants, shopping, beauty, and travel partners

To get started, visit Smart’s dedicated page for iPhone 16 Series preorders here.

Meanwhile, Smart Prepaid customers who only wish to purchase a device can get the iPhone 16 for as low as PhP 2,313 a month for 24 months. This deal comes with 0% interest installment.

Customers to sign up during the preorder period can get the new iPhone 16, and a Smart Prepaid bundle. This bundle includes a free Smart eSIM, 1.6GB of data per week for 16 weeks, and 16GB data valid for 16 days.

iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max via Smart Infinity

Moreover, Smart Infinity members may get the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max via their Infinity Plans. These packages come with unlimited data, texts and calls, data roaming packs, and monthly consumable allocations. A suite of exclusive privileges are also included.

In addition, Smart Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy access to a dedicated manager that handles all account-related concerns. They also have 24/7 access to an Infinity Concierge, a dedicated hotline, and access to exclusive lifestyle events.

Easier, more affordable payment terms

Lastly, if you are an existing client of BDO, BPI, RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank, the latest iPhones can be available at up to a 24-month installment option via Smart.

Home Credit users may also opt for up to a 24-month plan. That’s as low as PhP 2,345 a month to get the latest iPhone from Smart.

Accessories

Sony brings 1000X THE COLLEXION to the Philippines

Premium sound arrives

Published

on

Sony Philippines has officially introduced 1000X THE COLLEXION to the local market. This marks the Philippine debut of its newest flagship headphones.

The premium headphones build on a decade of Sony’s 1000X lineup. It’s a combination of refined design and advanced audio technologies. They feature a bespoke driver unit, Edge-AI powered DSEE Ultimate, 360 Reality Audio Upmix, and Sony’s signature noise cancellation technology.

Sony also focused on comfort. The headphones are equipped with premium metal accents, refined faux leather developed over two years, and an ergonomic design for extended listening sessions. They come in Black and White finishes.

Price and availability

The 1000X THE COLLEXION is now available in the Philippines for PhP 36,999. They are in Sony Centres and authorized Sony dealers nationwide.

Philippine debut celebrates a decade of 1000X

Sony introduced the headphones through an immersive showcase that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, which began with the MDR-1000X in 2016.

The event featured a ballet-inspired product reveal before Sony Philippines President and Managing Director Shuhei Sugihara and Marketing Director Kentaro Imamura welcomed guests and shared the vision behind the company’s latest flagship headphones.

A live performance by A-Team and a fashion showcase styled by Gian Romano highlighted the headphones’ premium design.

The program also featured Talk That Talk. It’s a panel discussion moderated by Rammy Bitong with fashion designer Rajo Laurel, entrepreneur Mika Lagdameo, creative director Daryl Chang, and AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco. The discussion explored how sound influences creativity, productivity, entrepreneurship, and self-expression.

Guests also experienced interactive installations. This includes the Tech Showcase Lounge, which highlighted the engineering behind the headphones, and the Soundcapes booth, where synchronized music and visuals demonstrated the headphones’ audio capabilities.

Continue Reading

Automotive

GAC Philippines extends AION UT introductory discount to July 31

Now starts at PhP 998,000!

Published

on

GAC Philippines has extended the introductory discount on the AION UT.

The AION UT Elite now starts at PhP 998,000, down from its SRP of PhP 1,068,000, thanks to a PhP 50,000 discount that was set to expire but is now extended until July 31, 2026.

Buyers among the first 400 units sold also get an extra PhP 20,000 off, bringing total potential savings to PhP 70,000.

The AION UT Elite comes in five color options: Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, Seine Silver, and a two-tone Rococo White and Emerald Green combination, all paired with a black interior and ceiling.

Every unit includes an 8-year or 160,000-km warranty, an 8-year or 200,000-km warranty on the core three-electric system, and two years of free roadside assistance.

Reservations are open at GAC dealerships. The brand backs the offer with its “zero-anxiety” ownership program. This includes a dedicated parts warehouse and aftersales support.

With the deadline pushed back, GAC is betting that a little more time will convert interest into sales before the discount window finally closes.

Continue Reading

Laptops

ASUS launches the ExpertBook Ultra

Flagship AI business laptop

Published

on

ASUS Experbook Ultra

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is now available in the Philippines. It is ASUS’ latest AI-powered business laptop for professionals who want a lightweight machine without sacrificing performance.

Positioned as the flagship of the ASUS ExpertBook lineup, it combines a sub-1kg chassis with Intel Core Ultra processors, enterprise-grade security, and AI features. ASUS is targeting executives, business users, and creators with the new laptop.

Built for portability and performance

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra weighs as little as 0.99kg. It measures just 10.9mm thick. The laptop uses an aerospace-grade magnesium-aluminum chassis with ASUS Nano Ceramic Technology. ASUS says the finish delivers five times greater scratch resistance than the industry standard.

Despite its slim profile, the laptop packs a 70Wh battery. ASUS rates it for up to 26 hours of battery life.

Power comes from Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The lineup is topped by the Intel Core Ultra X9-388H. Buyers can configure the laptop with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory running at 9600 MT/s and up to a 2TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD.

ASUS also highlights its ExpertCool Pro thermal system. It allows the processor to sustain up to 50W of CPU performance while keeping fan noise low.

Tandem OLED display and premium hardware

The ExpertBook Ultra features a 14-inch 3K Tandem OLED touchscreen. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,400 nits of HDR brightness. Corning Gorilla Glass Matte helps reduce reflections while preserving image quality.

Other hardware highlights include:

  • 1.5mm travel spill-resistant keyboard
  • Edge-to-edge haptic touchpad
  • Six-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system
  • Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • Two USB-A ports
  • HDMI 2.1
  • 3.5mm audio jack

AI and enterprise security

As a Copilot+ PC, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra includes AI-powered tools through the MyExpert suite. These include AI ExpertMeet and a local Knowledge Hub.

The laptop also focuses on enterprise security. Features include dual biometric authentication, a physical webcam shutter, self-healing BIOS, TPM 2.0, Microsoft Pluton, and compliance with the NIST SP 800-193 firmware security standard.

Price and availability

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is now available through ASUS authorized stores and select retailers nationwide.

Pricing starts at PhP 129,995. Higher-end configurations go up to PhP 215,995.

ASUS is also offering an Early Bird Bundle until July 31, 2026. Eligible purchases include an ASUS 100W GaN charger and PhP 10,000 worth of SSI gift vouchers.

Continue Reading

Trending