Reviews

The art of being in and behind the frame

An OPPO Reno15 5G review

Published

February 13, 2026

MJ Jucutan

As someone who tells stories for a living, I’ve always stood behind the camera.

I know all too well that I’m exceptional at framing people and landscapes, capturing moments that make sense later.

When I flew to Northern Mindanao, I told myself I was going for a change of scenery. I wanted to exist inside my own narrative, too.

Bukidnon became the perfect backdrop for getting to know myself in and behind the frame. In my pocket was the OPPO Reno15 5G in Aurora White.

There were no expectations of the smartphone being part of the story. I just wanted to see if I could trust it to document my adventures.

Surprisingly, it did.

Refinement over noise

I’ve always been drawn to designs that stand out. Covering the Reno series from its earliest iterations up to the Reno15 has been a hallmark of my career in journalism.

I like pieces that catch attention. As a Leo, I’ve always loved it — in how I dress and in the items I carry. In the past, that meant bold finishes and loud statements, much like the Reno lines before this.

As I grew and aged gracefully, my taste evolved. I still want to demand some form of presence. I just don’t want it to feel abrasive.

The Reno15 demands attention without being loud. The Aurora White finish looks clean and polished from afar. Up close, the surface shifts under light and a shimmer reveals itself only when you move it.

The glass back flows seamlessly into the camera module, so the silhouette feels cohesive rather than decorative. It still carries that flat-edge familiarity people love to compare to an iPhone, and I get why.

In hand, the Reno15 5G feels substantial at 197 grams, yet it never became uncomfortable during long days of recording across different adventures.

The 6.59-inch frame sits comfortably when I’m scrolling one-handed or holding it up to film while moving, like when I rode a 4×4 to a ranch, gripping it tightly as rough terrain threatened to jolt everything out of place.

That said, I live actively. I move between environments without babying my devices. My arsenal looks like gear ready for battle, and that sums up what I need from a smartphone.

The Reno15 5G’s IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection means this beauty is tougher than it looks. It resists dust and handles water exposure. Add Splash Touch support, and even slightly damp fingers don’t interrupt what I’m doing.

Light under pressure

For someone who practically lives under the sun, the display became both a companion and a challenge.

When I was filming in open fields, the Reno15 5G’s screen sometimes struggled against harsh midday light. Even at 1200 nits in high brightness mode, the glare could be relentless.

I found myself stepping into pockets of shade, tilting the screen at careful angles, squinting just to confirm whether a shot was framed properly.

On days when there was no escaping the sun, I trusted the camera and my instinct for composition. I mounted the phone on my Ulanzi tripod, positioned myself in the scene, and focused on performing rather than obsessively reviewing every second.

There was a learning curve, but it reminded me that sometimes you have to let the moment unfold and stitch the story together later from whatever you captured.

Now Playing: Undercover Miss Hong

My life as a creative director isn’t all shooting and exporting. I consume as much as I create. Inspiration has always come from film and television.

Lately, I’ve been watching Undercover Miss Hong on Netflix, with Park Shin Hye playing Hong Keum-bo, an elite securities inspector who goes undercover as a rookie employee inside a suspicious investment firm.

Set in 1997 Seoul during the Asian Financial Crisis, the series commits fully to its time period. The palette leans into muted browns and dusty blues that echo economic tension.

Interiors feel dim and textured and office spaces look rigid. The fashion reflects the late ’90s without turning into a costume. Nothing is polished for surface appeal because everything feels rooted in its world.

On the Reno15 5G’s 6.59-inch AMOLED display, those tonal differences came through clearly. Dark scenes retained shadow detail instead of collapsing into flat black, while warm tungsten lighting looked rich without veering orange.

Beyond inspiration, I trim clips and scrub through footage I captured during my trip. The 120Hz refresh rate makes swiping and scrubbing feel fluid.

Where nothing lags

As someone fond of flagship devices like my OPPO Find X9 and iPhone 16 Pro, I know immediately when a smartphone feels like a compromise. The OPPO Reno15 5G is technically midrange, yet it never felt like one.

From setup to day-to-day use, everything felt smooth. Apps opened quickly so I switched between shooting, editing, messaging, and uploading without hiccups.

My neurodivergent brain appreciated that it could keep up with the constant mental tabs I have open.

The 6500mAh battery lasted about a day and a half after shooting across cities and mountains. Charging took around 45-50 minutes from zero to 100% with 80W SUPERVOOC.

What I appreciated most was O+ Connect. I’ve used it before on the Find X9 and previous Reno devices, and it continues to make my workflow seamless.

It’s no secret that I exist deep within Apple’s ecosystem. My MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro are cross-functional tools for my work. I even switched to Apple’s Creator Studio.

Using the Reno15 5G as my primary content device during testing could have felt disruptive. Instead, O+ Connect allowed me to move files across devices easily.

I treated the Reno15 5G like a mirrorless camera, then refined everything on a bigger screen.

A playground for precision

Artificial Intelligence has ingrained itself into our devices in ways that don’t always feel natural.

I’ve seen AI productivity tools work well for people in high-pressure professions. For me, efficiency doesn’t mean teaching a system how to think before it works for me.

What stood out in the Reno15 series was AI Mind Space. It allowed my scattered brain to consolidate screenshots, schedules, references, and fragments of information into one hub that actually mirrors how I operate.

As someone who saves everything for later, it felt less like automation and more like organization that understands me.

Then there’s AI Motion Photo Popout. As a creative director, I don’t like posting stories the way everyone else does. I have a desire, deep in my bones, to stand out.

Popout lets me lift subjects out of the frame and turn them into layered visuals. I used it for Instagram Stories and thumbnails instead of settling for a random still from a Reel.

Being able to refine directly in the Gallery — erasing distractions or turning motion into cinematic snippets — meant I could act on impulse without sacrificing my love for curation.

Learning to be seen

During my time in Northern Mindanao, I stopped pretending I didn’t want to be in the photos.

For the longest time, I’ve been more comfortable orchestrating the frame than occupying it. I knew where to stand and how to direct, or where the light should hit… but for everyone else.

This past year, I’ve been learning to own the space I’m in and not dimming my light simply because I’m afraid of how bright it might be.

The OPPO Reno15 5G’s 50-megapixel ultra-wide front camera made that easier than I expected.

I told OPPO’s Creative Manager in passing that I genuinely liked the new hardware when he asked how the experience had been so far, and I meant it.

The wider field of view meant I didn’t have to overthink whether everyone fit into the frame. I didn’t have to do that subtle, Gen-Z arm stretch or step back awkwardly just to make room for the scenery.

I could capture more of the background without looking hideous in the process. The frame felt immersive, yet balanced: Faces looked natural and proportions didn’t warp.

There’s something powerful about not having to choose between yourself and the scenery. You can be the subject, or you can be part of the story. With this smartphone, you’re allowed to coexist with both.

I even asked my photographer friend, Neil Jimenez, to take my portraits using the 50-megapixel telephoto portrait camera.

Holding still in front of the lens felt unfamiliar. I tried to remain statuesque, composed, trusting him to see what I usually see in others.

The portraits came out vivid without distortion. The backgrounds softened, but never stretched or exaggerated.

It was strange to watch myself in those frames. To notice how the light rested on my cheeks, and see how my smile shifted when something genuinely amused me. To observe expressions I never see because I’m usually the one observing.

There’s another side of you that only appears when you let yourself be seen.

Behind the lens where I’m most comfortable

If being in the frame felt vulnerable, being behind it felt like home.

Bukidnon still feels like a dream when I replay it in my head: Horses moving across open fields, mountains layered into one another like watercolor washes.

I shot wide and then cropped in. The main camera gave me enough details to experiment. Whether I stayed at 1x or zoomed into 2x or 5x, I shaped the narrative the way I wanted people to experience it.

I framed lines and symmetry, and leaned into negative space. I played with contrast, like the way Alpine Village’s architecture stands against the surrounding greenery in Dahilayan.

There was room to explore. Room to make mistakes. It felt like the device in my hand wasn’t just a tool, but a collaborator responding to the way I see the world.

Filmed and directed by yours truly

After leaving the love of my life last year, I began documenting my trips. Maybe it was for content or healing. But I started treating my life like a film I had to direct and star in.

Acting in your own story while directing it at the same time is harder than it sounds. It requires vulnerability and believing that your perspective is worth documenting.

Bukidnon became my practice. I recorded clips using the OPPO Reno15 5G in 4K HDR because I wanted the footage to be stable and detailed even when I was moving.

I remember stressing over file sizes, wondering if I had overcommitted to quality. But when you care about storytelling, you’d rather have too much detail than not enough.

There were pine-lined roads. Snippets of conversations. Landscapes that felt cinematic without trying. And of course, me being a dramatic, slightly unhinged main character like I was starring in a Taylor Swift music video.

Getting out of my comfort zone meant taking the Reno15 5G — mounted securely on a tripod — to a 350-meter zipline ride. For a brief moment, I imagined I was Elphaba flying away from the Emerald City.

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I also brought it to the Razorback ride, using Dual-View Video to record the mountains stretching in front of me while capturing my own reaction at the same time.

I’ve done something similar during an ATV ride in Bohol, but this felt different. Higher stakes (and chances of falling if I abruptly stop). Faster wind (and a cold one, because we’re high up in the mountains). More nerves (because I’m not in control).

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I was terrified. The accelerator felt awkward under my control and the seatbelt didn’t feel secure. I’m short, so even sitting comfortably required adjustment.

There was a moment where I questioned whether I had overestimated my courage. But I survived. This story is published. The video is up.

Sometimes, being able to capture how a place made you feel — not just how it looked — is priceless. Vulnerability and honesty matters.

The courage to step into your own frame matters. It just helps when the device in your hand is capable enough to keep up with the story you’re brave enough to tell.

Is the OPPO Reno15 5G your GadgetMatch?

The OPPO Reno15 5G isn’t perfect. Priced at PhP 36,990, it sits a few thousand pesos higher than its predecessor, so the jump asks you to think twice.

What you’re really paying for is refinement. It has smarter AI integrations and a more cohesive overall experience.

But here’s the thing: this is the first Reno in a while that feels grown up. It makes storytelling easier for people who live half their lives online, with a camera system and performance that feel steady enough to rival devices in higher tiers.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s your GadgetMatch, consider a Swipe Right if you’re a content creator who values camera versatility, especially a strong front camera. If you move between Android and Apple ecosystems and need something that lets you shoot, edit, and publish on the go, this fits that workflow.

Swipe Left if you’re extremely price-sensitive or if you rarely go beyond basic point-and-shoot and don’t see yourself using the AI tools built into the system.

The OPPO Reno15 5G won’t transform your life. But if you’re already in the middle of writing your own story, it’s a dependable co-director and co-producer.

And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Reviews

Galaxy Buds4 Pro review: I thought I was done with in-ears

This Buds4 you

Published

March 24, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

I thought I was done with in-ear headphones. Then the Galaxy Buds4 Pro entered my atmosphere.

I was never truly comfortable with in-ear headphones. That’s why I leaned toward over-ear pairs. But I still wanted something compact for days when I wanted a lighter loadout.

Then came the Shokz OpenDots One. A clip-type, open-ear pair that felt like a game changer. It sounded good enough. It kept me aware of my surroundings. I used it to preview reels while out on coverage, while walking around the neighborhood, and even on quick trips to the barber.

I was ready to write off in-ears completely.

Good thing I didn’t.

A surprise I didn’t expect

I went into the Galaxy Buds4 Pro a little skeptical. I already liked the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, but comfort was never its strongest suit for me.

Then I wore the Buds4 Pro.

Right away, it felt different. More comfortable. More natural. I thought it was just new gadget novelty. But even after a week, that feeling didn’t fade.

That’s when it clicked. These are different. They don’t just sound good. They fit into your day better.

Finally looks like its own thing

The first thing I loved? It doesn’t look like AirPods anymore.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro looked a little too familiar. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t feel like me. I like using tech that reflects a bit of individuality, and that design always felt a little tacky.

The blade design on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro fixes that.

It looks cool. Straight up.

More importantly, it feels more like Samsung finally finding its design language again instead of borrowing from someone else. It’s not just aesthetic either. The shape makes controls easier to find and use.

It’s a small thing on paper. In practice, it changes how you feel about using it every day.

Controls feel easier too. Pinch to pause/play, slide up/down in the same pinching position if you want to adjust volume. It just works.

Comfort changes everything

This is the biggest upgrade for me.

With the Buds3 Pro, I loved the features but didn’t always enjoy having them in my ears. With the Buds4 Pro, that problem is gone.

It’s not that you don’t feel them at all. You do. But not in a way that makes you want to take them out.

I’ve worn them for four straight hours while working in a café. Writing, replying to emails, just sitting there with music on. No urge to remove them. No fatigue that breaks your flow.

They stay in place, too. Even during brisk walks.

For someone who almost gave up on in-ears entirely, that alone is a massive win.

Rich, full, and now more layered

If you’ve used the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, you already know the sound is good. The Buds4 Pro takes that and pushes it one step higher. Rich, warm, full, and surprisingly layered. The difference hit me immediately.

I was listening to Spotify on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and started hearing details I don’t usually notice. It reminded me of the first time I heard lossless tracks on Apple Music with a really good pair of headphones.

And this is just on Spotify. Hell yeah, it makes Spotify feel good enough.

Hearing the little things

I listen to a mix of K-pop, KRNB, OPM, pop rock, and alternative rock. Across all of it, one thing stood out: separation. It’s easier to isolate sounds if you’re into that.

With TWICE tracks, I started picking up vocal riffs and runs from Jihyo and Nayeon that don’t always stand out on other setups. They’re not overpowering. Not distracting. They just sit there, completing the track.

It feels… intentional. Like everything has its place. It doesn’t just sound better. It makes music you already love feel new again.

A quick reality check

At one point, I forgot to charge the Buds4 Pro and switched to the HONOR Earbuds 4. Same track. Same app. Night and day difference.

I was listening to “Rock the Boat” by XG when I made this switch.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro sounded rich, warm, and full. The HONOR Earbuds 4 felt a few steps behind across the board. To be fair, they’re in different price brackets. But that moment still validated everything I was feeling about the Buds4 Pro.

ANC that gets the job done

Let’s set expectations.

The ANC is not Sony WH-1000XM6 level. But nothing is.

If Sony is an 11/10, this sits comfortably at around an 8.5.

And honestly? That’s more than enough.

On a 12-hour flight from San Francisco back to the Philippines, I had these on almost the entire time. Engine noise was significantly reduced. There’s still a faint hum if you really listen for it, but it never got distracting.

In cafés, even when seated right next to the speaker, it blocks out enough noise for you to stay locked in.

It locks you in. You feel like the music is inside your head while still giving you elite sound, some spatial awareness, and surprising comfort.

That balance matters more than chasing perfection.

Adaptive ANC still needs patience

I default to turning ANC on manually. Adaptive ANC and EQ are there, but in my experience, they take a bit of time to kick in. Sometimes a minute or two.

Because of that, I’ve built the habit of switching modes myself depending on where I am.

It works. It’s reliable. But I’d like to see this feel faster and more seamless over time.

Just fits into your day

This is the kind of device you don’t think about. I reach for it every time I step out. Walks, errands, quick food runs.

It’s perfect when you’re waiting in line and scrolling through reels. No accidental loud audio. No awkward moments. It just fits. That’s probably the best compliment I can give it.

Galaxy ecosystem still wins

Pairing is seamless. Controls are responsive. Everything works the way you expect it to. If you’re using a Galaxy device, this is a no-brainer.

Even outside the ecosystem, it still holds up. But you definitely get the best experience when you stay within it.

What still doesn’t matter (yet)

Features like AI Translate are still in that “nice to have” category for me. They’re promising. They’ll probably get better. But they’re not why you buy this.

You buy this for the sound, the comfort, and the everyday usability. And those are already excellent.

Is the Galaxy Buds4 Pro your GadgetMatch?

If the Galaxy Buds3 Pro was Samsung’s best so far, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is that — made better. A meaningful refinement.

This is my default recommendation now.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro is for people who want to get the best sound in a compact, easy-to-carry audio buddy to their smartphones.

If you’re coming from older earbuds, this is an easy upgrade.

If you’re coming from the Buds3 Pro, you can probably hold off — unless comfort and design matter a lot to you.

And if you’re deep in the Galaxy ecosystem?

This Buds4 you. Swipe up. No questions asked.

Gaming

WWE 2K26 lets you live out all the fantasy matches you could want

But you have to play for hours and hours to unlock everyone.

Published

March 23, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The old SmackDown vs. RAW games were some of the most fun I’ve had as a teenager. Though I didn’t own a PlayStation 2 or 3 then, I had a PlayStation Portable and the series’ corresponding version. Sure, it didn’t have the then-advanced graphics, but the games kept me company for many a day and night. And it all revolved around a simple premise: letting wrestling fans live out their fantasy matches.

Now, with over 400 playable characters on launch, WWE 2K26 hopes to rekindle that magic. Previously, 2K’s take on the wrestling simulator never really captivated me as much as the SvR series did. Though players still had a similarly large roster throughout the years, the series felt too homogenized, too riddled with microtransactions. This year, the series got me thinking again: Can sheer numbers singlehandedly usher a new renaissance for WWE gamers?

The good: Four hundred superstars under one banner

WWE 2K26 touts over four hundred playable characters on launch. With unannounced DLCs still on the horizon, this number will surely balloon further. Even for a dedicated WWE fan, having over four hundred playable characters is insane. Where else can I pit Joe Hendy against Andre the Giant and create my own WrestleMania III moment?

The only catch, however, is that the game did some stat padding to get to this enormous number. Besides having multiple personas for a single wrestler (and CM Punk alone has ten of these), the roster includes a platoon of fictional MyRISE characters, which comes off as distracting if you don’t particularly engage with the MyRISE mode.

Ironically, the game didn’t even need to pad its stats this way. For the first time in the series, the launch roster includes Superstars from the current WWE roster, TNA, AAA, and the Hall of Fame. I could spend hours just feeding a litany of Superstars to TNA legend Abyss. That’s something I could never have done in the old SvR days.

The good: A more fluid fighting system

It also helps that WWE 2K26’s fighting system is the most fluid that the series has been. Wrestlers no longer feel like wooden animatronics skipping from one animation to the next. Each punch flows smoothly into a clothesline, a grapple, a carry, or a finisher.

It is, of course, at the expense of a more complex control scheme where each input combination corresponds to its own move. A stray waggle of the right joystick, for example, can have your wrestler careening towards their opponent in ways you never intended.

It takes some time to get used to. Every time I get a WWE 2K game, I always need a refresher course for the controls. Plus, each entry introduces something different. This year introduces rushing opponents to the corner and carrying opponents in different ways.

Another new addition is the new third-person camera which follows your character, rather than being locked to the ring. To me, this was a welcome feature. The original camera can often betray you by having various elements (other wrestlers, the ring itself) block your view of the action, thus preventing you from reacting correctly to your opponent. The dynamic third-person camera solves this and makes the fight more immersive.

That said, the camera necessarily changes the controls a bit because you need the right joystick to look around. Because of that, I had to revert back to the original camera after a while. Regardless, this is a step in the right direction.

The improved fight scheme is also a step in the right direction. WWE 2K26 is the franchise’s most immersive entry to date because of how fluid the action plays out.

The meh: Iterative game modes

Every yearly sports simulator falls prey to the curse of iteration. Because it’s an annual release, every game needs to add something new for players. At the same time, the same game can’t iterate too much, or it might end up alienating fans of the previous title. Each WWE 2K title has to be the same but also a bit different.

WWE 2K26 goes through the same rigamarole. Most of the game’s different modes don’t offer a lot of improvements from last year. So, if you loved last year’s MyRISE, MyGM, and Universe Mode, you’ll likely find this year’s iteration inoffensive.

“Inoffensive,” however, isn’t the best way to sell a new game. At the very least, MyFACTION gets interesting improvements. For a mode I historically dislike every year, WWE 2K26’s MyFACTION ended up being the one I loved the most this year.

This year, the layout feels more intentional. Though it still lacks the exciting animations of NBA 2K, opening a pack no longer looks like a PowerPoint presentation. There’s also more ways to fight offline with the addition of a challenging World Tour mode. Plus, with intergender support and team chemistry, this feels like the update that MyFACTION needed.

In another twist of fate, Showcase Mode ended up being the loser this year. WWE 2K26 rehashes last year’s schtick of having the star rewrite their history. Last year, this worked with Paul Heyman, a notorious bad guy. It doesn’t really stick with this year’s star, CM Punk, the so-called voice of the voiceless.

Punk could have shined with the traditional style of laying their commentaries over their past matches, especially with his shoot style. Instead, we got a series of what-ifs with practically no commentary. It’s just not what I expected from a firebrand like CM Punk.

The bad: The Ringside Pass

For the first time in the series, WWE 2K26 has a battle pass called the Ringside Pass. Like battle passes in other games, the Ringside Pass unlocks more content as you play through the game. However, unlike today’s standard which revolves mostly on cosmetics, this version locks a treasure trove of playable wrestlers behind an experience gate.

Even if you already paid for the game, WWE 2K26 asks you to play an inordinate number of hours just to unlock the best wrestlers in the game.

To be fair, it’s not all bad. Right out the gate, the game already gives you access to heavy hitters like CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena. However, a lot of favorites are still unplayable including Bret Hart and Kurt Angle. This even includes the strongest version of Bray Wyatt, who’s locked under the last tier of the current pass.

Gaining experience isn’t an easy feat, either. After playing for hours and hours, I still haven’t unlocked more than half of the tiers. At the very least, there is no time limit, so I can play the game at my own pace.

Props to WWE 2K26 for making its battle pass have fulfilling rewards, but it’s still unfortunate that significant elements of the game are locked behind hours and hours of playtime.

The gameplay loop is real and repetitive. And it all circles back to how iterative the game modes are. If only the game modes ended up being as exciting as they were last year, then it would have been exciting to play over and over again. Instead, WWE 2K26 prevents you from engaging in greatest strengths: an exciting roster and a fluid fighting system.

Is WWE 2K26 your PlayMatch?

Last year’s WWE 2K25 was an exciting period for the series. Though this year’s version keeps most of what made the previous game so exciting, WWE 2K26 also adds features, especially the Ringside Pass, that ultimately detract from the entire experience. It’s a small step back, which can hopefully be rectified next year, if not in future updates.

WWE 2K26 is a Swipe Left if you didn’t love last year’s game anyway. The game doesn’t add anything that might change your mind.

However, it’s a Swipe Right if you missed the pure joy of creating dream matches. The game’s massive roster allows for so many impossible matchups to happen, even if only in the digital realm. Just get ready to grind for a long time.

Philippines

The HONOR X8d is serviceable

Steady but slow?

Published

March 19, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Some smartphones aim to stand out. Others just aim to work. The HONOR X8d falls squarely into the second category.

In day-to-day use, it presents itself as a device that focuses on the essentials. It’s functional, predictable, and easy to understand—but also a reminder of how noticeable the gap can be once performance and responsiveness start to lag behind.

A design-first approach

The HONOR X8d makes a decent first impression. It’s slim, relatively lightweight, and easy to hold despite packing a large battery. The flat sides and smooth back give it a clean, modern look, while the camera module adds a bit of visual identity.

It’s available in Light Blue, Velvet Black, and Velvet Grey—options that lean into its youthful positioning. The device also feels sturdy in hand, backed by SGS certification for drop and crush resistance, along with IP65-level protection against dust and splashes.

For a device in this category, the HONOR X8d delivers a build that feels dependable enough for daily use.

Display and media: Bright and usable

Miss All Sunday makes everything look good

Up front, the HONOR X8d features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits peak brightness. Colors are vibrant, and the panel supports 100% DCI-P3, which helps content look lively.

For casual viewing, the experience is serviceable. Watching shows or videos feels comfortable, and the high brightness ensures visibility even under harsh lighting. Features like 3840Hz PWM dimming and E-Book mode also help reduce eye strain during extended use.

Now Playing: One Piece Season 2

I skimmed through a few episodes of the One Piece Season 2 live action on Netflix and again it was… alright. Nothing here will blow you away but it serves its purpose.

I also listened to “Attitude” by aespa on YouTube music and it just echoes the general feeling of the phone – serviceable.

That said, the overall experience remains straightforward. It delivers what you need for day-to-day media consumption without going much further.

Performance is where compromises show

The HONOR X8d runs on the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 paired with 8GB of RAM. On paper, it’s positioned for everyday tasks, but in practice, performance leans on the modest side.

Basic interactions like switching between apps or scrolling through feeds can feel slower than expected. There’s a noticeable delay at times, even during simple tasks, which affects the overall flow of the experience.

This extends to camera usage as well, where responsiveness can occasionally feel a step behind. The device remains usable, but the pacing may feel dragging depending on what you’re used to.

Cameras are reliable in good light

The HONOR X8d is equipped with a 108MP main camera alongside a 5MP wide camera, with a 16MP shooter up front.

In good lighting conditions, the phone produces decent images. Shots are clear enough, with acceptable detail and color for social media sharing. The camera system also benefits from a suite of AI tools such as AI Eraser, AI Cutout, and AI Upscale, which add flexibility when editing photos.

Zoom options at 1x, 2x, and 3x remain usable, though results are best when lighting is favorable. Overall, the camera system is dependable for casual snaps.

Software and AI: familiar, feature-filled

Running on MagicOS 10 based on Android 16, the HONOR X8d comes with a feature-rich software experience. It includes tools like AI Translate, AI Writing, AI Notes, and AI Recorder, alongside features such as Magic Portal and Circle to Search.

Like many Android skins today, MagicOS follows a design approach that will feel immediately familiar. The layout, navigation, and overall structure borrow heavily from the iOS-inspired blueprint that most brands have adopted. It’s easy to get into, even for less experienced users.

Typical of entry-level smartphones, the device also includes app recommendations out of the box. Thankfully, these aren’t overly intrusive, and many of the suggested apps are ones users would likely install anyway.

The software helps add depth to the overall package, even if the hardware limits how smooth everything feels in actual use.

Battery and everyday use is a clear strength

One of the standout features of the HONOR X8d is its 7000mAh battery. It’s designed to last through extended use, whether for streaming, browsing, or everyday communication.

Paired with 45W HONOR SuperCharge, topping up the device remains relatively quick. For users who prioritize longevity over speed, this is easily one of the more reliable aspects of the phone.

Is the HONOR X8d your GadgetMatch?

When HONOR Philippines was first teasing the phone it was positioned as something for students. But if I were a parent, I’m pretty sure I’d like my kid to have some kind of advantage and not have to deal with a device that might not be able to keep up with them.

After learning that it’s priced at PhP 15,999 my verdict just became much clearer. This is a Swipe Left.

Add a few more to that price and you can get an excellent smartphone at its early bird price.

The HONOR X8d focuses on delivering the basics—design that works, a large battery, and a feature-filled software experience.

However, the overall experience depends heavily on what you prioritize. For users who simply need a phone that can get through daily tasks, the X8d does enough to hold its ground. For those who value speed and responsiveness, it may feel a step behind.

Whether it fits your needs ultimately comes down to how much you’re willing to trade performance for battery life and features.