The HUAWEI nova 14 Series, and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) have been officially unveiled in the Philippines.

Dubbed as the “King of AI Selfies”, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series ushers a bolder, new age self-expression for the younger market powered by smarter and faster photography.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) delivers a 4-in-1 all-round productivity and PC-level features.

It is ideal for both students and professionals and delivers a premium performance in a sleek and lightweight body.

The HUAWEI nova 14 Series is now available for preorder for the following prices:

• HUAWEI nova 14: Starts at PhP 22,999 (free HUAWEI WATCH FIT for early buyers)
• HUAWEI nova 14 Pro: Starts at PhP 32,999 (free HUAWEI WATCH FIT SE for early buyers)
• HUAWEI nova 14i: Starts at PhP 12,999 (exclusive vouchers and partner offers available)

To celebrate the launch, HUAWEI also partnered with local streetwear brand Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK).

Customers who pay in full for either the nova 14 or nova 14 Pro at select HUAWEI Experience Stores and online channels will receive a limited-edition DBTK Supernova T-shirt starting December 5, while supplies last.

On the other hand, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) is priced at PhP 37,999, inclusive of a freebie bundle worth PhP 21,896.

This package includes an M-Pencil Pro, Smart Magnetic Keyboard, Bluetooth Mouse, and WPS Office out of the box.

HUAWEI nova 14 Series

With the new series, HUAWEI makes their strongest leap yet for self-capture imaging performance.

The nova 14 Pro, in particular, has a 50MP Front AI Portrait Dual Camera. It can capture images with a 0.8x to 5x zoom range, letting users shift from close-ups to wide group shots.

This is also reinforced by AI features, including AI Best Expression and AI Beauty Effect.

On the rear side, the nova 14 Pro sports a new Ultra Chroma Camera which captures richly-detailed multispectral light far beyond traditional RGB cameras.

The shooter also has an adjustable F1.4 to F4.0 aperture and RYYB sensor. Moreover, Adaptive Multi-Focal Dual Flash adjusts flash dynamically to ensure photos remain perfectly lit.

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

Those needing a premium productivity tool, meanwhile, can consider the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026).

It is built to deliver a PC-level experience together with its accessories (M-Pencil Pro, keyboard, mouse). Be it signing documents, reviewing or editing coursework, getting creative, playing games, and binge-watching, the latest tablet can keep up with several tasks.

The slate features a 12-inch 3rd Gen ultra-clear PaperMatte Display with anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint technology. This panel has a 2800 x 1840 resolution and up to 1000 nits of peak brightness.

Powered by NearLink technology, the MatePad 12 X (2026) is compatible with the new M-Pencil Pro. This stylus has new intelligent features, including pinch and rotate, along with a new Star Ring quick button.

Inside the tablet is a 10100mAh battery for up to 14 hours of video playback. This battery supports 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge for quick refueling.

In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.

Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.

Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.

Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.

In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.

SEE ALSO: Android now supports AirDrop!

The crown for the top smartphone brand in the world is a fickle mistress. A single year can see the title seesaw between different brands, especially if you tailor the criteria enough. However, one headline that’s been rare for the past few years is Apple regaining the top spot. Most of the time, it’s been about other brands overtaking Apple. Now, the iPhone maker might finally get a win.

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is currently on track to overtake Samsung for the top spot in smartphone shipments by the end of the year. The statistics firm estimates that Apple’s share will reach 19.4 percent of the market because of a strong third quarter. In comparison, Samsung will likely top out at 18.7 percent, despite growing for the quarter.

For the first time in over a decade, Samsung will drop to second place. Even crazier, Apple is expected to keep its spot until 2029.

Despite the misgivings of the iPhone Air, Apple is seemingly thriving after the recently launched iPhone 17 series. Judging by the rumors coming out, the company isn’t done either. They are slated to launch the iPhone 17e and the first foldable iPhone next year.  Adding to this, Counterpoint Research says that the surge of users who bought an iPhone during the COVID-19 pandemic are now due for upgrades.

SEE ALSO: An analyst has revealed the iPhone Fold’s price, and it’s insane