News

The Pixel 3a’s DxOMark score proves how capable its single-lens camera is

It’s just one point behind the Pixel 3

Published

July 20, 2019

Shivam Vahia

Google has released three flagship phones till now and they’ve all had one thing in common: a single-lens camera on the rear. The internet giant is trying to make a mark in the smartphone industry by directly supplying the hardware, and it hasn’t actually worked out for them yet.

The Pixel brand intended to take on Apple’s iPhone lineup but is far from it. The idea that the maker of Android will also supply a closely-knit smartphone was exciting, but the end result has been lukewarm. The number of units shipped has been below expectations and a budget-friendly phone was built to counter this.

One thing that Google actually got right was the camera. Using its onboard image processing unit and constantly learning AI (algorithm), the phones are able to capture stunning pictures in well lit as well as low-light scenarios. In fact, the rear has a single-lens camera while the competition relies on an array of sensors to get the right mix.

This same setup of software and hardware was made available on the budget Pixel 3a. The results have been amazing like always. DxOMark released their review of the Google Pixel 3a’s camera and we’ve got a deeper insight on how good it actually is.

The Pixel 3a scores almost identically to the flagship Pixel 3’s DxOMark scores, in some cases, scoring higher thanks to better colors and noise. It has scored 100 points overall, with 103 for pictures and 95 for video.

In comparison, the iPhone XR scored 103 but costs a whopping US$ 749 against the Pixel 3a’s US$ 399.

Keep in mind, DxOMark scores are just for comparison and the testing rounds have a few flaws. For example, the Pixel 3a has scored pretty much like the Pixel 3, but the former lacks Google’s Visual Core chipset and yet able to score better. This either means the testing metrics are flawed, or Google’s chipset brings nothing extraordinary to the table.

Related Topics:DxOMark Google Pixel Pixel 3 Pixel 3a

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum

A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof

Published

July 17, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140^th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140^th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.

Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.

Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.

Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.

News

Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs

Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices

Published

July 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.

The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.

In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.

This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.

Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.

The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.

The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.

Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked

Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.

Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.

Apps

iOS 27 public beta gives us our first taste of Siri AI

You can access the beta for free.

Published

July 16, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Normally, public betas come and go with nary a peep from anyone but dedicated fans and testers. After all, why care about a beta when the final release is likely just around the corner? This one, however, is special. Today, Apple launched the iOS 27 public beta, and it’s our first taste of the redesigned Siri AI.

Recently, WWDC 2026 unveiled Apple’s latest attempts at entering the AI segment. Whereas previous iterations to incorporate AI failed to make an impact, Siri AI promises to provide users with helpful feedback that’s actually helpful.

Now, in the public beta for iOS 27, users all over can finally access the new assistant. To get to the beta, you need to be a part of the beta program, which you can easily sign up for on beta.apple.com. Once signed up, you can get the update from Software Update in Settings. You’ll see options for a developer beta and a public beta. Choose iOS 27 Public Beta.

At face value, Siri AI offers much of what you’d get from a traditional AI-powered assistant. However, it does slightly differ because it integrates the entire phone. The assistant contextualizes your information (including emails, messages, and photos) to give you the most accurate feedback that you might need.

If that’s not enough, Siri AI also has its own chatbot app. If you’re more used to ChatGPT, the assistant should give you that bit of familiarity.

Now, if you don’t want to go for a beta, Apple is expected to launch iOS 27 in its final form sometime in September.