Usually a stickler for grand launches, Apple has jumped the gun and unleased the iPhone 17e ahead of its scheduled event on March 4.

The iPhone 17e will build on the tradition started by the iPhone 16e, itself an evolution of the iPhone SE lineup. Like its predecessor, the newest member of the iPhone lineup will meld affordability with the classic iOS experience.

Inside, the iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, the same one powering the main iPhone 17 series. It will also feature the latest-generation C1X modem, which promises to be twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.

Meanwhile, outside the iPhone 17e is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, sporting Ceramic Shield 2, which offers thrice as much scratch resistance compared to the previous generation, and up to 1200 nits of brightness. For durability, it has an IP68 rating.

You won’t find the large camera island in this iPhone, but it will still rock a capable 48-megapixel Fusion camera, paired with a 2x Telephoto lens. It’s capable of shooting 4K Dolby Vision videos, up to 60 frames per second.

You’ll also find the traditional fare of iPhone accoutrements including MagSafe, Emergency SOS, and Roadside Assistance.

Finally, the iPhone 17e’s battery features an all-day battery life, which can charge up to 50 percent in only 30 minutes using the USB-C charger.

Price, availability

The iPhone 17e will be available for preorder starting March 4 and will be available starting March 11. It will have three colorway options: black, white, and soft pink. You can grab it in 256GB and 512GB configurations. It starts at US$ 599 (or PhP 44,990).

Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:

• 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
• 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19

Early purchases also come with the following perks:

• Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
• Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
• Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
• Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.

Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:

• Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
• Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
• Raffle entry to win Leica Q3

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.

It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.

This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.

The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.

For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!

On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

Xiaomi Pad 8 series

In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:

• Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
• Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro

In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.

It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.

Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.

Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.

For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!

The vivo V70 is now available for pre-order in the Philippines, with discounts and more freebies awaiting customers until March 13.

The latest V series smartphone from the brand retails starting at PhP 31,999, available in Golden Hour and Alpine Gray colorways.

Customers who secure their unit early can enjoy a PhP 2,000 off discount, as well as limited-edition freebies.

Freebies include a vivo VIP Card with 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance. Customers will also take home a vivo Buds Air3.

Meanwhile, those availing through Home Credit can get an additional PhP 500 discount, available until April 30. Buyers can take home the V70 for as low as PhP 42 per day at 18 months 0% interest installment.

Bring the stage closer

The vivo V70 features helpful tools for travel, concerts, and other occasions, with its familiar 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera leading the way.

This telephoto camera has a pro-grade, 1/1.95-inch sensor and OIS for sharper shots in low-light and challenging conditions. Its advanced periscope design also allows for higher zoom levels without adding bulk.

The shooter is coupled with a 1/1.56-inch 50MP ZEISS main camera. There is also an 8MP ZEISS ultra-wide angle camera and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera.

The vivo V70 also features AI Stage Mode, 4K 60fps video, and AI-powered editing tools for creative content and storytelling.

Particularly, the new AI Stage Mode is tuned for stage photography. Shots are enhanced by AI Image Portrait Enhancement Algorithm and AI Style Portrait Technology.

As with previous iterations of the V series, the latest handset is also equipped with ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, along with options like 85mm ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh or 100mm Close-Up Portrait in ZEISS Planar Style.

And for the first time in the V series, the phone introduces 4K 60fps video for cinematic and smooth captures.