News
POCO F8 Series: Price, availability in PH
POCO’s premium smartphones have arrived
The POCO F8 Series is now official, with the brand unveiling the dual flagship devices via a global launch event in Bali, Indonesia.
The new smartphones are available in the POCO F8 Ultra and POCO F8 Pro variants; POCO has already made both variants available in the Philippines, for the following prices:
POCO F8 Ultra — Denim Blue, Black (Lazada exclusive)
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 39,999 (early bird: PhP 34,999)
- 16GB+512GB: PhP 42,999 (early bird: PhP 37,999)
POCO F8 Pro — Titanium Silver, Blue, Black
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 29,999 (early bird: PhP 26,299)
- 16GB+512GB: PhP 31,999 (early bird: PhP 28,299)
The early bird prices above are available for purchases made from November 26 to December 9. Customers can also score limited PhP 500 vouchers for the F8 Pro.
The launch marks POCO’s entry into the premium flagship segment — the brand’s boldest step yet while maintaining its mantra of value through high-performance technology.
During the event, POCO also formally announced its partnership with audio company Bose, bringing Sound by Bose technology to both F8 smartphones.
Ultimate flagship statement
The series headliner, the POCO F8 Ultra defines what a next-generation flagship should be. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and an upgraded VisionBoost D8 chipset.
This dual-chipset architecture unlocks the device’s full performance potential. Users can expect Smart Frame Rate up to 120fps, Super Resolution up to 1.5K, and Game HDR.
Meanwhile, the POCO F8 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform.
Both phones introduce AI Super Resolution through a new GEX module, specifically optimized for five titles, including Call of Duty: Mobile and Honkai: Star Rail.
Speaking of gaming, WildBoost Optimization also fine-tunes CPU and GPU load distribution for lower power consumption and less heat.
All of these are complemented by LiquidCool Technology which features a 3D dual-channel, dual-layer IceLoop system.
Both F8 series devices run on Xiaomi HyperOS 3 for intelligence and connectivity. Features include Xiaomi HyperIsland, Xiaomi HyperConnect for cross-device interconnectivity, and Xiaomi HyperAI for advanced tools for productivity.
Mobile audio experience redefined
Meanwhile, Bose helped develop a premium triple-speaker acoustic system for the F8 Ultra to enable rich bass, detailed sound, clear vocals, and an immersive soundstage.
On the visuals side, the F8 Ultra debuts the POCO HyperRGB display. Unlike traditional 2K OLED displays, the 6.9-inch panel adopts a full RGB subpixel structure where red-green-blue subpixels are fully used.
This system allows for 19.5% lower power consumption compared to the POCO F7 Ultra. On the other hand, the F8 Pro has a 6.59-inch display with the same features for up to 22.3% lower power consumption.
Ultra-grade photography
Bringing pro-level photography to the segment as well, the POCO F8 Ultra features a 50MP Light Fusion 950 sensor with OIS.
With a large 1/1.31-inch sensor, the main camera has 43% better light sensitivity. The system also reduces lens flare and glare, with its 1G+6P lens setup and precise multi-coating process.
Software enhancements include 1440p ultra-clear dynamic shots with EIS and HDR enhancement.
The F8 Ultra likewise comes with a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens for up to 5x optical zoom, 10x in-sensor zoom, and up to 20x Ultra Zoom.
Rounding out the triple 50MP camera setup is a 50MP ultra-wide shooter. In front, meanwhile, is a 32MP selfie camera.
Not to be left behind, the POCO F8 Pro has a 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera and a 50MP Light Fusion 800 main camera with OIS.
New POCO Pads also released
In addition to the new POCO F8 Series, POCO has also launched two new tablets: the POCO Pad X1 and POCO Pad M1.
The Pad X1 is powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and delivers stable 120fps in the most demanding scenarios.
It has an 11.2-inch 3.2K display with up to 144Hz refresh rate and a 8850mAh battery with 45W turbo charging. The quad speakers are fine-tuned with Dolby Atmos and supports 200% volume boost.
For a larger screen, the POCO Pad M1 has a 12.1-inch 2.5K display with up to 120Hz refresh rate. It likewise has a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, and a massive 12000mAh battery.
This slate is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and runs on Xiaomi HyperOS as well.
News
OPPO Find X9 now available through Smart Postpaid, Infinity
OPPO’s latest flagship has triple Hasselblad cameras, more advanced features
The flagship OPPO Find X9 is now available through Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity plans for customers in the Philippines.
Subscribers can get the device through Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 and Smart Infinity Device Plans 5000/8000.
Here are the inclusions:
Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 (PhP 32,500 one-time cashout)
- 15GB data
- Unli 5G data for 12 months
- Unli AllNet Calls & Texts
- Unli Landline Calls
- Access to Smart Postpaid Perks
- Extra 30GB free data for 6 months
- Free Landers Premium Membership (for eligible subscribers)
- PhP 1,000 worth of shopping GCs (Dec. 6 to 12 only for new line)
Infinity Device Plan 5000 (PhP 7,200 one-time cashout)
- Unlimited data
- Unli calls and texts
- PhP 1,500 monthly consumables for in-app purchases, content subscriptions, more
- 1GB roaming for 5 days/month
- Personalized assistance
- 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
- More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges
Infinity Device Plan 8000 (device is complimentary)
- Unli data, calls, and texts
- PhP 3,000 monthly consumables
- 2GB roaming for 7 days/month
- Personalized assistance
- 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
- More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges
As an exclusive launch offer, in-store subscribers will also receive a complimentary DJI Osmo Mobile SE stabilizer.
The Smart website also shows that the Find X9 is bundled with a free Enco Buds3 Pro.
Flagship find
The OPPO Find X9 features a triple Hasselblad camera system powered by OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.
It has three 50MP cameras at the back — one rear, one telephoto, and one ultra-wide — as well as a 32MP front camera.
OPPO’s latest flagship handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. It has a 16GB+512GB configuration and a massive 7,025mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC charging.
In front is a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a remarkable 95.4% screen-to-body ratio, 1,800 nits HBM brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and 460ppi pixel density.
News
Google Year in Search 2025: NBA Finals, Halalan, Dionela, Alex Eala, more
Elections, AI, rising icons, sports, Korean series, more
Google has released its Year in Search 2025, revealing the trends and moments that shaped the online habits of internet users this year.
Specifically for Filipinos, Gemini AI topped the overall trending list. Just under that is “Halalan 2025 results”, as it is a mid-term general election in the country. It shows that Filipinos are still very invested in what’s going on as far as politics are concerned.
During the 2025 elections, citizens voted for 12 senators to elect into office, representatives from their legislative districts, as well as local positions in provinces, cities, and municipalities.
Netflix series Squid Game also made the Top 10 list at No. 6. Reflecting the Philippines’ unwavering love for basketball, “OKC vs Indiana” also made it to No. 9. The Oklahoma City Thunder, of course, beat the Indiana Pacers in seven games to hoist this year’s NBA title.
Curiously, Khan Academy also made it to the magic 10, pretty much implying that several Filipino professionals constantly have upskilling in their minds.
Alex Eala, Dionela rise
Moving on to more specific lists, Filipino tennis rising star Alex Eala was definitely a talk of the town this calendar year. She is the most searched female personality overall, topping the likes of Bea Borres, AJ Raval, Jessica Sanchez, and Mika Salamanca, to name a few.
She is also ranked fourth in the list of most searched sports terms, behind “OKC vs Indiana”, “Pacquiao vs Barrios”, and “NBA standings 2025”.
Interestingly, the Golden State Warriors are No. 8 on that list but the Los Angeles Lakers have not made an appearance in this year’s Top 10.
Meanwhile, for male personalities, Dionela is at No. 4 on a more diverse list which includes Andy Byron (No. 1), Ed Gein (No. 2), and even Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon (No. 7) and Bronny James (No. 8).
Taylor Swift’s fiance, NFL star Travis Kelce (No. 9) and Kendrick Lamar (No. 10) wrap up the male personalities list.
OPM power
Dionela did make his presence felt on another list — Songs — where his famous track “Marilag” is at No. 2 behind Earl Agustin’s “Tibok”.
In fact, it’s a rather OPM-laden list, showing how invested Filipinos still are in their own music. There’s Cup of Joe’s “Multo” (No. 4) and even Ogie Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako” (No. 5) which has enjoyed quite a resurgence, thanks to social media and former American Idol runner-up David Archuleta even singing it during a recent music festival.
Trending social media hits “Gnarly” and “Opalite” by KATESYE and Taylor Swift, respectively, round out the most searched songs list.
Entertainment
And speaking of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Netflix’s Physical Asia is curiously missing from the most searched shows and series this year. Although, they are No. 9 in the more specific Top Korean Series list.
Just behind Squid Game are When Life Gives You Tangerines, S Line,and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on both lists.
For movies, the term “Final Destination” is the most searched, thanks to the franchise’s sixth installment, Final Destination Bloodlines.
Horror/mystery movies have been quite impressive this year, with “Conjuring” referencing Conjuring: Last Rites and Weapons at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively.
Of course, Kpop Demon Hunters has likewise made noise, coming in at second. Superman took the third spot, while another superhero movie, Thunderbolts, is at fourth.
Farewells
For farewells, the passing of Meteor Garden female protagonist Barbie Hsu shocked a lot of Filipino fans — especially those who grew up watching the hit Taiwanese drama series from the 2000s.
The death of Emman Atienza, the daughter of TV personality Kuya Kim Atienza, also resonated deeply among younger audiences as she spoke candidly about mental health issues prior to her passing.
Among other top searches under the category are for Pope Francis (No. 3), celebrities Nora Aunor (No. 5), Gloria Romero (No. 6), Pilita Corrales (No. 10), and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (No. 7).
AI-related
Lastly, when it comes to AI-related search terms, Filipinos continue to learn more about how AI can help their everyday lives.
Gemini AI comes in at first, DeepSeek is at second, while Claude rounds out the top three. There’s also ChatGPT (No. 8), Nano Banana (No. 10), and Verse (No. 6).
Enterprise
Netflix officially announces bid to acquire HBO, Warner Bros.
The deal might get inked by late next year, at the earliest.
As of late, Warner Bros. became the hottest property in the world of entertainment. Despite efforts to revitalize the brand among audiences, Warner Bros. Discover, as the bigger company is known, has decided to put itself up for sale. Of course, there were a lot of potential contenders. Last month, rumors swirled that Netflix might end up becoming the library’s main suitor. Now, it’s official: Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros for around US$ 82.7 billion.
The history of Warner Bros. in the modern era represents one of the biggest mergers in history. In previous years, the company merged with several notable properties including HBO, DC, Discovery, TNT, and Cartoon Network. It was, and is, a conglomeration of gigantic proportions. However, recent failures have prompted the company to pull the plug.
As noted above, Netflix toyed around with the idea of buying the property for itself. Now, the deal is nice and printed, ready for approval.
Notably, it hasn’t been approved just yet. The likeliest window for the deal to get approved, if it gets approved, is after the third quarter of 2026, which is when Warner Bros. Discover will break off into two separate entities. In the meantime, other suitors and the government itself might put up some opposition to the huge merger.
Should it push through, most of the library will enter Netflix. The few who don’t follow will likely go with Discovery, which isn’t part of the deal. Additionally, HBO Max might end up getting shelved and folded into Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Netflix might acquire HBO Max
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