News
LG claims it designed its notch before Apple’s
LG prefers calling it a secondary display
Without a doubt, the most notorious design trend to hit smartphones in the past few months is the dreaded screen notch. Consumers are split on it, and manufacturers simply can’t avoid it.
While more and more brands adopt the black cutout, comparisons with Apple’s implementation happen with every new smartphone launch. Even though the Cupertino company didn’t pioneer the notch, they’re being blamed for popularizing it.
The latest smartphone to be hit with copycat accusations is LG’s flagship G7 ThinQ. Despite the handset’s focus on a superior audio experience and its use of AI-powered wide-angle cameras, the notch was once again the target during a Q&A session in Seoul, South Korea.
When asked if LG copied the iPhone X’s features (specifically the notch), Hwang Jeong-hwan, LG’s Mobile Division chief responded with, “LG planned the notch design before Apple.”
He then added that “The display design may look similar to that of other smartphones, but boasts differentiated features.”
LG did, in fact, delay the release of the G7 ThinQ by several months in order to iron out some kinks before launch, but neither that nor the notch-less V30 (released in August 2017, before the iPhone X) came out with a design resembling the new trend.
In LG’s defense, however, it can be argued that the V10, which was released in 2015, had a black space for its two front-facing cameras way before anything else — even prior to the idea of a notch.
In addition, LG would rather call the screen around the notch a secondary display, just like what they’ve done on the V10 and V20. According to the company, indicating it as a notch means something is being taken away, which LG claims it isn’t.
Other interesting bits of the interview include LG saying that LCD panels will be the standard for the G-series while OLED will stick for V-series handsets, and that they’re open to the possibility of adding augmented reality emoji to their devices through a software update.
OPPO has also introduced the OPPO Find X9s in the Philippines, offering a more accessible premium experience for everyday users.
The device is priced at PHP 69,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders begin April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores. Early buyers will receive a Portable Power Gift Box.
The Find X9s officially goes on sale on May 15, available through:
- OPPO Online Store
- Select OPPO Brand Stores
Online store purchases include the Portable Power Gift Box and Enco X3s earbuds, while Shopee offers the gift box bundle.
Key highlights
The OPPO Find X9s features a 50MP Hasselblad co-developed triple camera system with 4K recording across all lenses. It also packs a 7025mAh battery, slim 7.99mm design, and durability ratings up to IP69, making it a balanced daily driver.
OPPO is bringing its camera-focused flagship, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, to the Philippines with a strong push toward creators and mobile imaging.
The device is priced at PHP 99,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders open April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores nationwide. Customers will receive a Flagship Imaging Photography Box as a freebie.
The Find X9 Ultra becomes widely available on May 15 via:
- OPPO Online Store
- Shopee
- Select OPPO Brand Stores
Online purchases include additional perks such as the Photography Box and Enco X3s earbuds, while Shopee buyers get the Photography Box bundle.
Key highlights
Built for creators, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra features a 200MP Hasselblad main camera with advanced zoom capabilities. It supports 4K and 8K video recording with Dolby Vision, paired with a large 7050mAh battery and fast wired and wireless charging.
OPPO has officially launched the OPPO Find N6 in the Philippines, positioning it as its premium foldable built for productivity and multitasking.
The device is priced at PHP 139,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders begin April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores nationwide. Customers who pre-order get a 1-year extended warranty and a chance to join a DJI raffle.
Early availability rolls out on May 1 via telco partners:
Globe GPlan 2499 with PHP 73,600 cashout
Smart Infinity Plan 5000
Both plans include a 1-year extended warranty.
The official retail release happens on May 15, available through:
- OPPO Brand Stores
- OPPO Online Store
- Shopee
Online store buyers may receive an AI Pen Kit (limited) alongside the extended warranty.
Key highlights
The OPPO Find N6 features an 8.12-inch foldable inner display designed for tablet-like productivity. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and packs a 6000mAh battery for all-day use.
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