Her GadgetMatch

Meitu V6 Review: A luxury selfie smartphone

The selfie machine you’ve probably never heard about

Published

March 20, 2018

Isa Rodriguez

If you’re on this article, then you probably enjoy taking selfies. If not, then you’re probably just curious about this phone you’ve never heard about. If it’s still not that, then I don’t know what you want but I’m going to tell you about the Meitu V6, anyway.

What is this phone?

The V6 is a luxury smartphone by Chinese company Meitu. Remember that Sailormoon phone that went viral a little while back? Yes, the same makers.

Angled as a selfie powerhouse like the rest of their smartphones (yes, folks, this isn’t their only smartphone), the Meitu V6 is a quad-camera handset designed for those who have rich tastes. How rich? The back of the phone is covered with hand-stitched leather and it has 18K gold rivets!

Iconic because of its unique design, the Meitu V6’s shape is a nod to dedicated selfie cameras of old.

While most may find the V6’s irregularly shaped form factor to be odd in today’s sea of notched, borderless releases, this handset remains true to its origins. Its looks don’t make sense only to those who are unaware of selfie camera beginnings. Unfortunately, that means most people are clueless.

Why have I never heard about it?

Online, there isn’t a lot of material on the V6, and most of them are in Chinese. Most people have never heard of this phone because they’re only widely available in China and Taiwan. It’s fascinating how almost no one knows about this smartphone in the global tech scene save for a selfie-loving handful. Honestly, this may be the most mysterious phone I’ve reviewed to date.

If you’re an app-using makeover-loving gal though, you’ve probably heard of Meitu’s MakeUpPlus. The world-famous makeup and beauty app is a staple for those who like editing apps. With a rating of 4.6 on iTunes, this is not some small-time app.

Editing fun with Meitu’s MakeUpPlus on the V6

True enough, Meitu started with photo enhancing software. They then eventually ventured on to beauty apps (more on that later) and it’s this that they’re most famous for. Eventually, in 2013, the first Meitu selfie smartphone was born. Fast forward to today, they’re still making those phones and this particular one is extra AF.

How it feels in my hands

There’s no going around it: This is one big and clunky phone. In no way is it sleek and subtle. Its unique shape and bright color make it a definite eye-catcher. But, that’s the whole point. The Meitu V6 is designed to be seen. It’s a statement phone.

This phone says: “I am a woman, I love selfies, hear me roar!”

Similar to designer bags that demand showcasing and attention, each V6 even comes with a matching leather case that you can carry around as you anticipate compliments on your new posh device. The handset comes in four different colors: deep blue, gorgeous emerald green, pink one that (gasp) I’m not really fond of, and this one in screaming tangerine. Although I wasn’t such a big fan of this color to begin with, I must say it definitely grew on me.

I also learned that beige and gold matches bright orange pretty well

Admittedly, the V6 isn’t as comfortable to hold — it’s a little too big and heavy for one of my tiny Asian hands. It does have that one-hand feature which makes the display smaller for easier reach with one hand, but who really uses that?

Me pretending I can actually use this phone with just one hand

This trendsetter phone did not shy away from bezels (notched phones, take note!). Although side bezels are tiny, the top and bottom bezels are obviously there — and there’s nothing wrong with that. The top bezel houses cameras, and the bottom bezel contains capacitive buttons: the home button with a fingerprint scanner, back button, and recent apps button.

The phone’s highlight

Of course, this phone’s highlight comes in the form of four cameras, two up front and two on the back. Both sides feature 12-megapixel primary shooters with 5-megapixel secondary shooters.

But, enough with the phone specs. All that really means is that it can take photos like these:

But, aside from that bokeh goodness brought about by the wide aperture (f/1.8) on this phone’s camera, it has a mode that allows for solid depth effects, which you can adjust from zero to 100 percent. The following samples were taken at 60 percent depth effect.

And, if that creamy bokeh isn’t enough for you, you can always adjust the blur, or even change the photos focus after taking the photo.

Just me deciding that I should be the center of attention in this photo

There’s also another built-in camera setting called Movie Mode. What can it do? Guess.

Used this mode for more dramatic selfies

All they need now are subtitles and they could be in a movie 😂

This mode makes everything oh-so-cinematic by changing the format of your photos. It comes out as wider with those movie-like black bars on the top and bottom (a.k.a. “letterboxing” in film). Depth effect is also automatically activated on this mode, and so is the post-process focusing feature.

Selfies, editing, and more!

The thing about the Meitu V6, aside from having identical shooters on both sides, is that the camera features on each side are basically the same. This is unlike other phones which dedicate certain functions to only one set of cameras on one side of the phone.

That being said, the beauty mode can be activated from either side of the phone. It can do this:

Good, better, best?

The good old beauty mode does a fine job at airbrushing, but it has the tendency to go overboard. Selfies also come out brighter — sometimes even too bright despite normal lighting. As a rule of thumb, I only go for beauty level one on this phone. But, if you want more airbrushing, you’re welcome to go up until level seven.

If that’s still not enough editing for you, a host of Meitu editing apps are pre-installed on the phone.

All the beauty edit options brought to you by Meitu 💁🏽✨

Aside from the number of cool things these apps can do (one turns your photos into postcards; another app, Meipai, is a short video platform), it can also perform this:

Of course, you don’t have end up a bubble gum-haired makeup diva (as shown) everytime you edit photos, but it sure is fun to know you can do fun things like this. For practical purposes, you can also tone down your makeup editing and come up with looks you’ll actually wear in real life.

As if those aren’t enough selfie features, the phone also comes with a Bluetooth shutter button. The Meitu Remote app, that’s also pre-installed on the phone, pairs the remote almost instantly and allows you to take photos or videos.

To help you find your light, the V6 has intelligent fill lights in front and two sets of flash on its rear — though who really uses a flash these days? Another plus: The beauty mode is also available for real-time video shooting.

Other things that matter

At the very basic, this phone has 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage and is powered by a MediaTek X30 processor, which may not mean anything to you (or me) but that just tells us that it’s equipped with a flagship processor and high-end specifications. This means that this phone can handle your everyday social media usage and mobile gaming. Say hello to my Sim:

My Sim looks just like me!

The device runs on Meitu’s MEIOS 4.1 interface and runs on Android 7.0 Nougat. Unfortunately, some apps may not be compatible with the phone, probably owing to the fact that it’s not optimized for apps that are not available in China. Case in point: Snapchat crashes every time I try to use Bitmoji AR functions, which is a definite downer for my Snap game.

Despite this, the phone is snappy and responsive. MEIOS isn’t really so different from any other Android phone OS. The V6 also has a dual SIM card slot and a USB-C port for charging. Plus, It has an audio jack! Speaker grilles are at the bottom, despite the speaker-grille-like design on the front of the phone. Battery capacity is at 3100mAh which lasts me almost a day of use.

Is the Meitu V6 your GadgetMatch?

The Meitu V6 is the ultimate luxury selfie smartphone — if you can get your hands on it. This phone was created for a specific market in mind and Meitu did not hold back.

Without a doubt, this has the most detailed beauty modes and selfie-specific functions I’ve ever seen on a phone, and I love it. Looks-wise, it’s one of those devices which demand attention, it becomes more than a utility and more of an accessory, especially because you’re not assured all its functions will work outside of its native China.

This phone isn’t for everyone. And, at a price of CNY 5,099 or US$ 800, it really isn’t a device that everyone will be able to afford, even when you actually want to get it. But, if you prioritize selfies above all other things and you’re the type to make a statement with devices you own, the Meitu V6 could be a perfect fit.

Her GadgetMatch

TECNO and Angélica Dass team up for a global portrait project

Dass aims to photograph 100 people across five countries using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra

Published

July 8, 2026

Vincenz

TECNO has partnered with Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass in launching “100 Portraits of Becoming.”

It is a two-year global initiative that explores identity, representation, and how AI sees people.

The project officially kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya — where Dass began photographing participants using the latest TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra.

Who’s Angélica Dass?

Angélica Dass is best known for exploring identity and self-expression through portrait photography.

Her award-winning “Humanæ” project challenged conventional ideas of race and skin color by highlighting the diversity of human skin tones.

ICYMI, Dass and her project gained much recognition from:

TED
World Economic Forum
UNESCO
American Museum of Natural History
Vogue
National Geographic

Portraits beyond appearances

With this portrait project, Dass teams up with TECNO to photograph 100 people across five countries.

Rather than simply documenting faces, 100 Portraits of Becoming aims to tell the stories behind each participant. Every portrait is paired with a personal narrative about growth, identity, and life experiences. Creating what TECNO calls a “Living Archive.”

Participants are photographed in natural light, without filters, and while wearing clothing of their own choice to better reflect their authentic selves.

The collaboration also explores how AI can go beyond simply recognizing faces. Asking instead how technology can better reflect the complexity of human identity and give people more control over how they choose to be seen.

Powered by TECNO’s Universal Tone imaging

All portraits are shot using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, which features the company’s Universal Tone imaging technology.

Introduced in 2023, Universal Tone is designed to improve how smartphone cameras capture different skin tones. According to TECNO, the system is built on a database covering hundreds of skin tone samples, allowing photos to produce more natural and accurate results across a wider range of complexions.

The company says the technology aligns with the project’s goal of promoting more authentic and inclusive representation in photography, especially as AI-powered imaging becomes increasingly common nowadays.

From Kenya to the world

As previously mentioned, Kenya serves as the project’s first stop. With TECNO citing the country’s growing technology ecosystem and young population as reasons for beginning there.

Over the next two years, the initiative will travel to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil. The first collection of portraits and stories expected to go live online in August.

As of writing, TECNO is currently accepting participants from the Philippines where Dass is expected to take part from August 16 until August 22, 2026.

Through 100 Portraits of Becoming, TECNO hopes to spark conversations around identity, diversity, and how technology can better reflect the people it captures—not just visually, but through their stories as well.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson’s viral portable fan arrives in the Philippines

Published

June 23, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

If there is one Dyson launch that has generated unusual levels of anticipation this year, it is the Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan.

The compact cooling device quickly gained a following after its international release, reportedly selling out within a day in several markets. Now, just in time for the hottest and most humid months of the year (no thanks to climate change), it is finally arriving in the Philippines.

With temperatures continuing to climb, the timing feels almost inevitable. Lightweight and designed for use on the move, the HushJet™ Mini brings Dyson’s airflow technology into a portable format that fits easily into everyday life—whether commuting through the city, attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending long days under the sun.

Its appeal extends beyond functionality. Finished in Dyson’s Stone/Blush colorway, the device combines cooling performance with a sleek aesthetic that feels at home alongside the accessories people already carry daily.

The new Dyson HushJet Mini is your new companion against heat and humidity.

The launch also marks one of the most accessible entry points into the Dyson ecosystem. Priced at PhP6,499, the HushJet Mini offers consumers a practical way to experience the brand’s engineering and design in a product built for everyday use.

Given the strong demand seen overseas, interest is expected to be high when the fan officially launches in the Philippines.

Where, when, and how to get your own Dyson HushJet

The Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan in Stone/Blush will be available beginning June 25, 2026 at 3 p.m. at participating Dyson stores, including Mall of Asia, Podium, Greenbelt 5, and One Bonifacio High Street.

For those hoping to get their hands on one, it may be worth keeping a close eye on Dyson Philippines’ official social media channels and Dyson.ph. If international demand is any indication, this could be one of the season’s most sought-after releases.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson is making it very easy to upgrade everything this May

Published

May 11, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

From a three-day takeover at SM Megamall to an exclusive Super Brand Day on Lazada, the brand is bringing its best deals and newest launches together in one compelling window.
If you’ve been quietly adding Dyson products to your wishlist and waiting for the right moment, May is making a rather strong case for itself.

The brand has two major events lined up in quick succession — a one-day sale on Lazada on May 11, followed by a three-day immersive experience at SM Megamall from May 15 to 17 — and together, they cover just about every reason you’d want to upgrade your home or beauty routine.

First stop: Lazada’s Super Brand Day, May 11

Kicking things off is Dyson’s Super Brand Day on Lazada, a one-day event that brings the brand’s most recognisable products together with vouchers worth up to ₱5,000 off, free shipping, and installment options of up to six months.

The floor care lineup leads with some of the sharpest discounts of the sale. The Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy moves from PhP28,900 to PhP19,230 after discounts, while the Dyson WashG1 sees the biggest drop of the day — from PhP45,900 down to PhP31,130, unlocking PhP14,770 in savings on the wet floor cleaner that makes a compelling case against the mop-and-bucket. For those who want both, the wet-and-dry pairing suddenly becomes a very reasonable investment.
Environmental control gets a moment too. The Dyson Cool AM07 tower fan drops from PhP29,500 toPhP20,240 — a saving of up to PhP9,260, and a timely one given the country’s reliably unrelenting heat.

With Mother’s Day arriving on May 11 itself, the hair care lineup feels particularly well-timed. The Dyson Supersonic HD15 in Nickel Copper lands at PhP19,930 from PhP29,900, while the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina drops to PhP27,782 from PhP36,900 — the kind of gift that feels equal parts indulgent and practical. The Dyson Airstrait in Ceramic Pink and the Dyson Corrale round out the lineup at PhP26,120 and PhP25,320 respectively.

The full sale is available via the official Dyson LazMall flagship, where vouchers can be accessed ahead of checkout at Dyson’s online storeDyson’s online store.

Then: the Trade to Upgrade experience at SM Megamall, May 15 to 17

For those who prefer to experience the technology in person — or have an old machine they’ve been meaning to do something about — Dyson is transforming the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall into a three-day hub of live demonstrations, expert sessions, and exclusive deals.

The centrepiece is the Trade to Upgrade program, which lets guests bring in their old machines — any brand, working or not — and trade them in for exclusive discounts on Dyson products. It’s a rare opportunity to finally make that long-overdue switch without the full sticker shock.

Each day of the event has its own focus. Day 1 opens with the launch of the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, an intelligent floor care innovation with real-time stain detection and precision cleaning capabilities. Dyson Experts will be on hand for live demos throughout the day.

Day 2 shifts to beauty, with the Dyson Supersonic Travel taking centre stage — a smaller, lighter version of the iconic hair dryer that delivers the same performance in a more portable form. Celebrity hairstylists will be running live styling sessions for those curious about what the machine can do.

Day 3 brings a limited-edition drop: the Ceramic Apricot colorway across Dyson’s styling range, alongside masterclasses and guest appearances from top local stylists. Those ready to invest in a full beauty upgrade will also find the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina available at up to 30% off through the Trade to Upgrade program — making it one of the more compelling deals of the entire event.

Catch the full experience at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, from May 15 to 17, 2026.