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The OnePlus 5 could have nifty spec bumps, dual cameras

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OnePlus 5 image from GearBest

OnePlus fans rejoice! The company has confirmed to The Verge that its next flagship is coming soon and will be named the OnePlus 5.

Why 5?

Plenty of reasons. First, it is the fifth phone in OnePlus’ lineup with the fourth one being the OnePlus 3T. Second, like many other Chinese companies, OnePlus is skipping the number four, as it’s considered unlucky because of its relation to death. Last, and curiously, OnePlus told The Verge that many of the company’s employees are fans of retired NBA player Robert Horry who sported the number five on his jersey. They are such big fans that they actually have paintings of “Big Shot Rob” in their office.

OnePlus Robert Horry Instagram Story

Top-of-the-line specs

Don’t expect OnePlus to drop its “flagship killer” tag any time soon. Like its earlier phones, the OnePlus 5 plans to take on current flagships with components that rival, if not exceed, the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6.

Powering the smartphone is the latest from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 835 processor. There have been rumors it will match the OnePlus 3T’s memory and storage options (6GB RAM, 128GB storage), but other rumors pointed to a variant that will have a whopping 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

However, notable tech scooper Evan Blass posted on Twitter a product listing of the OnePlus 5 on online shopping site GearBest with a rather comprehensive look at the specs.

OnePlus 5 Specs Screenshot from GearBest

From the looks of it, the OnePlus 5 will indeed come with 8GB of RAM, but not with the massive internal storage indicated by earlier rumors (only 64GB on this listing). Interesting to note, though, is that the OnePlus 5 will have a microSD card slot that supports a storage bump of up to 128GB.

This particular variant also has two nano-SIM card slots and will support dual standby. From the way it’s detailed, it appears it won’t be the usual case wherein one of the sim card slots converts to a microSD card slot. That’s great news if you need both slots and the additional storage!

OnePlus 5 equals dual cameras

The listing also includes an image of the OnePlus 5, and the first thing you’ll notice is the vertical dual cameras on its back.

OnePlus 5 on GearBest

The specs sheet only lists 23 megapixels on the back camera, and 16MP on the front. We’re not sure if it means the other back camera also sports 23MP, and what kind of functionality it will offer. If you’re curious about dual cameras we have listed 5 facts about them that you may want to know.

OnePlus appears to also be taking an “if it’s not broken why fix it” approach on the design, as there aren’t any major changes from the OnePlus 3/3T. It’s nearly identical save for the cameras at the back. A OnePlus 5 with these dimensions (152.7 x 74.7 x 7mm) and weight (156g) will also be slightly thinner and lighter compared to its predecessor (152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4mm, 158g).

Bigger battery, still not water-resistant

Despite the slight body adjustments, OnePlus managed to pack a bigger non-removable battery at 4000mAh compared to the 3 and 3T’s 3000mAh and 3400mAh capacities, respectively.

No IP-whatever rating, which suggests you will still need to keep it from getting wet. It will also have the standard headphone jack in case that’s something you were worried about.

When is the official announcement?

Your guess is as good as ours. OnePlus hasn’t exactly been consistent in terms of launch dates for its phones, but it did tell The Verge the phone is coming this summer, so expect a June or July release.

SEE ALSO: OnePlus 3T review (3 months later)

[irp posts=”12129″ name=”OnePlus 3T review (3 months later)”]

Gaming

The Nintendo Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever

Meanwhile, the Switch 2 just crossed 17 million units sold.

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The Nintendo Switch 2’s success was bound to happen. After enormous success with the original Switch, Nintendo is practically destined to also put up impressive numbers for the console’s recently released sequel. Today, the company has whipped out some proof. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially sold 17.37 million units, as of December last year.

Nintendo shared the console’s numbers through an investor’s report. Despite coming out only eight months ago, the Switch 2 is already putting up impressive numbers. With those numbers, the console is already Nintendo’s fastest selling platform to date.

For comparison, the original Switch sold less than half of what Switch 2 has sold in the former’s first eight months. Though the second console is still miles away from its predecessor’s total numbers, it’s already well on its way. In fact, Nintendo already expects the Switch 2 to break 19 million units by the end of the quarter.

The second Switch isn’t the only console reaping the rewards of its hard work. The original Switch has also crossed a major milestone. As of last year, the console has sold 155.37 million units, making it Nintendo’s bestselling console ever. It just overtook the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units.

With that, the Switch 2 has a mountain to climb, just to reach the same heights that its predecessor already attained. For sure, the console’s ongoing success is buoyed by the goodwill established by the original. Now, the question is whether the Switch 2 can sustain its growth on its own.

To help, the console is expecting significant first-party titles including Pokémon Pokopia and Meetup in Bellabel Park, a Super Mario Bros. Wonder DLC.

SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is nearing the end of its lifecycle

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Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

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Globe at Home The Loop

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Globe at Home The Loop

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

Globe at Home The Loop

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Globe at Home The Loop

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

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Gaming

New Civilization VII update will address everyone’s biggest issue

Soon, everyone can play as a single Civ.

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Despite being enjoyable in its current state, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is a work in progress. Firaxis Games is still working on improvements, especially as suggested by the franchise’s fans. Now, approaching the new game’s first anniversary, Civilization VII is getting a massive patch, called the Test of Time update, later this spring.

Playing as a single Civ

Test of Time will address the biggest problem that players had with the base game: the inability to play as a single Civ. Currently, players are forced to evolve into Age-appropriate Civs at the end of the previous Age. The system leads to odd histories, such as Maurya somehow evolving into modern-day America.

Starting with the update, players can now take a single Civ across the test of time. And it’s not a shoehorned feature, too. Civs will now have an Apex Age, meaning the Age they were historically associated with. Playing Civs outside of their Apex Age will introduce a new kit that corresponds to the other Ages.

Plus, this also introduces a new system called Syncretism. Playing a Civ outside of their Age allows players to choose a unique military unit or infrastructure from other Civs to help bolster their strategy.

The new system works in reverse too. Players can start a game in the Modern Age using an Antiquity Age Civ. Finally, if players decide to use this system, the AI will follow suit, ensuring an equal playing field.

Reworked victory conditions

Besides the playability of Civs, Civilization VII will rework Victories. Instead of a clear path to victory via Legacy Paths (which players have complained as being too rigid), the new Triumph system will introduce new optional objectives to prod players further down the line of victory.

Plus, getting extraordinary progress in one victory condition can help players earn victory even before the Modern Age. Victory can be earned as early as the Exploration Age, but Firaxis has not explained how this can happen.

Firaxis says that the new system should help the game feel more dynamic and exciting after the Antiquity Age.

Now, to celebrate the actual anniversary, players will get access to a new leader, Gilgamesh, a fan favorite from the previous game. He will be free for all players with update 1.3.2.

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