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iPhone XR takes the spot for best-selling smartphone of 2019

A lot of people are really into iPhones

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Canalys’ latest sales figure for 2019 is surely a piece of good news for Apple. Last year, iPhone XR took the no. 1 spot for the best-selling smartphone globally, beating all other smartphones by a wide margin.

Apple’s recent pricing strategy has worked in favor of the company. Their 2018 “budget” smartphone — iPhone XR — lead the pack among the company’s best-seller. With the company lowering the price even further than 2019’s iPhone 11, many people were attracted by the prospect of owning an iPhone.

The iPhone 11 also did well, securing the top two in the global top 10 smartphones for 2019. Furthermore, the device crushed its competitors by a wide margin in the global top 10 smartphones for Q4 2019.

The lowered price of Apple’s smartphone helped the company sell their products even if they were released a long time ago. For example, 2017’s iPhone 8 grabbed the 7th spot for the whole of 2019, and the 5th spot for Q4 2019. Interestingly, iPhone 7 placed 9th for  2019 even if Apple phased it out a long time ago.

Apple’s flagship device — iPhone 11 Pro — didn’t make it to the list for the whole 2019. Still, it placed 3rd for the list of Q4 2019.

Samsung’s budget devices lead the pack for Android devices

Meanwhile, the best-selling Android smartphone globally for 2019 was Samsung Galaxy A10. This is unsurprising, given the marketing and specs poured on this entry-level device. Overall, the device landed the third spot for the best-selling smartphone globally. Its improved variant, the Galaxy A10s, landed the 7th spot for the best-selling smartphone last Q4 2019.

Other Galaxy devices made the cut for the best-selling smartphone too. Galaxy A50 and A20 took the 4th and 5th spots, respectively. These mid-range devices pack great specs for a decent price, making them a favorite among people with a limited budget.

Then, there’s the flagship Galaxy S10+, which finished last in the global best-selling smartphones for 2019.

Meanwhile, both the Galaxy A20s and A30s sold well during the last Q4 2019, taking the 8th and 9th spots, respectively. Clearly, Samsung’s decision to revamp its A-series worked well for the company facing serious competition against Chinese manufacturers.

Xiaomi makes a dent

The only Chinese manufacturer to make a dent in the global best-selling smartphones for 2019 was Xiaomi. Only one of its devices sold well for the whole of 2019. Redmi Note 7 made it to the 6th spot, which is a testament to the device’s popularity.

Xiaomi’s follow-up to the Redmi Note 7 — Redmi Note 8 — didn’t make it to the global best-selling smartphone for 2019. However, the device had a much better standing for Q4 2019, grabbing the 6th spot.  Its bigger brother — Redmi Note 8 Pro — snatched the 10th spot last Q4 2019.

Dominated by trio

Overall, the list of global best-selling smartphone was dominated by three companies. Only Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi managed to grab a spot for the top 10 best-selling smartphones. One company noticeably absent from the list is Huawei. This is not surprising given the effect of the continuing US trade ban impacting the sales of Huawei smartphones.

Other companies like OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus were absent from the list. Only time will tell if one of their devices could make the cut in future list for the top 10 best-selling smartphone worldwide.

News

Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Get the devices for as low as PhP 2,433 a month

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Smart has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.

The newly-launched lineup includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.

These new flagship devices are being offered across Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid bundles with various storage and installment options.

As part of Smart’s pre-order offer, customers can get double the storage when they avail of an S26 series device with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 as soon as possible.

This plan includes 12 months of unlimited 5G, 20GB of data per month, and unlimited all-net calls and texts, aside from Smart Postpaid perks.

In addition, the first 26 customers to pre-order via the Smart Online Store will get a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A9.

Moreover, those who pay via straight payment or 0% credit card installment will get double data for postpaid plans.

Here are the pricing details for each model:

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 52,500 or PhP 2,433/mo (24 months)
  • Galaxy S26+ (512GB): PhP 64,900 or PhP 3,008/mo
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 73,200 or PhP 3,388/mo
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB): PhP 94,800 or PhP 4,392/mo

For premium users, the Smart Infinity Plans (3500, 5000, 8000, and 9500) provide unlimited data and exclusive perks such as:

  • a dedicated Relationship Manager
  • 24/7 hotline support
  • worldwide concierge services

Particularly, the new SIM-Only Plan 9500 also allows for one primary and two supplementary line under a single account.

For more on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, read here: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Chasing usability, not specs

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MWC 2026

TECNO resurrects modular phones with this new concept

Lets you snap on extra cameras, longer power, and more

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just like the brand’s ethos, TECNO really stops at nothing. From the last tri-foldable concept of 2025, they are also resurrecting the modular phone design — a once imagined “future of mobile phones.”

Dubbed as the Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, it could re-shape the way we think about smartphones from 2026 and beyond.

Thinnest modular concept

Just like motorola’s defunct Moto Z line with moto mods from almost ten years ago, TECNO’s modular system uses magnetic attachment plus pogo-pin connectors for power delivery. Data transfers wirelessly (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even 5G mmWave), so everything pairs almost instantly when you snap a module into place.

The brand says this is its answer to growing AI and performance demands — that without making phones thicker and bulkier.

Surprisingly, it’s oh-so thin as well! The base phone is just 4.9mm. Meanwhile, the modular Power Bank is 4.5mm. When combined, it’s still comparable to thickness of conventional smartphones.

TECNO will showcase around ten (10) modules in this concept ecosystem. Some of those include a power bank, action camera, even a telephoto lens module wasn’t missed out.

That particular module can work as a standalone imaging system. All while using the phone’s display as a viewfinder with low-latency preview.

Moreover, TECNO is presenting two flavors for this concept:

  • ATOM edition — Clean silver aluminum with subtle red accents

  • MODA edition — A bolder, geek-inspired look

Both keep the glass back and modular alignment zones, which subtly guide where accessories snap into place.

MWC-ready

As mentioned, this is just a concept, not a retail-ready device (just yet). But, the bigger picture is clear: TECNO went back to the drawing board by re-thinking the former modular ecosystem of the yesteryears.

This new modular concept could eventually support AI tools, storage expansion, and lifestyle accessories in the long run. If you’re heading to Barcelona, Spain for MWC 2026 (March 2-5, 2026), you can visit TECNO’s booth at Hall 7, Stand 7A40.

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News

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series now official

With pre-order, pricing, and availability

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Samsung has announced the Galaxy S26 Series, introducing refinements across design, performance, and AI-driven features.

The lineup consists of three models: Galaxy S26 Ultra (6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), Galaxy S26+ (6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), and Galaxy S26 (6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X). All models support 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates, with the Ultra offering S Pen compatibility.

The S26 Ultra leads with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor (3nm), while the S26 and S26+ use Samsung’s Exynos 2600 (2nm). Memory configurations reach up to 16GB RAM on the Ultra, with storage options up to 1TB.

Battery capacities remain consistent with previous generations: 5,000mAh on the Ultra, 4,900mAh on the Plus, and 4,300mAh on the base model. Charging improves on the Ultra with Super Fast Charging 3.0 (60W), capable of reaching approximately 75 percent in 30 minutes. Wireless charging and PowerShare functionality remain available.

Camera systems focus on computational improvements. The Ultra retains a 200MP main sensor with enhanced AI processing, stabilization, and Nightography optimizations. Generative editing tools and Audio Eraser features expand multimedia capabilities, including third-party app support for noise reduction.

Privacy Display and Private Album introduce additional privacy controls. Privacy Display restricts viewing angles at the pixel level and can be customized per app, addressing concerns about screen visibility in public spaces.

Design refinements emphasize cohesion. All models share a unified corner radius and updated material choices aimed at improving durability and heat dissipation. The Ultra is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor.

Pre-order, pricing, and availability in the Philippines

Pre-orders open February 26, 2026, with official availability following in March. Promotional offers include storage upgrades, discounts on accessories, and trade-in incentives.

Pricing in the Philippines starts at PHP58,990 for the Galaxy S26 (256GB), PHP74,990 for the Galaxy S26+ (256GB), and PHP86,990 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB). Higher storage tiers reach PHP121,990 for the 1TB Ultra variant.

Samsung positions the S26 Series as an evolution rather than a revolution — emphasizing usability, AI integration, and incremental refinement.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series – Specs 

Feature Galaxy S26 Ultra Galaxy S26+ Galaxy S26
Display 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

  • QHD+ (3120 x 1440)
  • 500 ppi, 1-120Hz
  • S Pen support
6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

  • QHD+ (3120 x 1440)
  • 516 ppi, 1-120Hz
6.3″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

  • FHD+ (2340 x 1080)
  • 411 ppi, 1-120Hz
Rear Camera: Ultra Wide 50MP, F1.9, 0.7 µm 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm
Rear Camera: Wide 200MP, F1.4, 0.6 µm 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm
Optical Quality 2x
Rear Camera: Telephoto 1 10MP, F2.4, 1.12 µm 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm
3x optical zoom
Rear Camera: Telephoto 2 50MP, F2.9, 0.7 µm

  • 5x optical zoom
  • Optical Quality 10x
Front Camera 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm
Processor Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) Exynos 2600 (2 nm)* Exynos 2600 (2 nm)*
Memory (RAM) 12GB / 16GB 12GB 12GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB 256GB / 512GB 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
(Micro SD: N/A)
Battery 5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh 4,300 mAh
  • Super Fast Charging 3.0
  • Super Fast Wireless Charging
  • Wireless PowerShare
Dimensions 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9 mm

214 g (Sub6/mmWave)

75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3 mm

190 g (Sub6/mmWave)

71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm

167 g (Sub6)

Colors Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White

Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold

Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White

Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold

Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White

Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold

 

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