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.
Shampoo by Greg Shilling, Jesse Barrera, and Albert Posis
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.
vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.
The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.
A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.
The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.
Pricing and availability will depend on the region.
Allbirds is an odd shoe company. Though it already enjoyed a cult following in some circles around the world, the brand suddenly expanded its reach everywhere, offering a lighter and more environment-friendly alternative to the usual suspects of the shoe world. Now, getting even odder, Allbirds is ditching the shoes and going barefoot into the world of AI.
It’s one of the oddest transitions in the corporate world. In an official statement, Allbirds has confirmed that it will pivot fully into a “fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” From Allbirds, it will be known as NewBird AI.
It’s not an incredibly abrupt change, though. The shoe brand and its stores won’t disappear overnight. The company will still hold a shareholder vote on May 18. If approved, they will transition into the new brand gradually.
The transition to AI, itself a gremlin of a keyword in today’s financial world, has resulted in the company’s stock value rising up. However, its long-term viability is in question, especially for a company with no experience in a world already drowning in AI.
From last year to today, AI has been the darling child of investors and a plague to consumers. While the former salivates over the short-term gain of AI adoption, the latter ruminates on the technology’s projected effects on the world.
SEE ALSO: Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA
vivo has announced the vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship built around pro-grade imaging, long battery life, and extended software support.
The device features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, led by a 50MP Super Telephoto camera with up to 200mm equivalent focal length via the all-new Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also includes a 50MP main camera alongside a 110° ultra-wide lens.
This camera system is designed for flexible shooting across travel, concerts, and street photography.
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
AI imaging powers much of the experience, with features like AI True Clarity Engine, Stage Mode for low-light concerts, and AI editing tools such as AI Erase and AI Image Expander. Video capabilities go up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.
The X300 FE adopts a compact flat design with a 6.31-inch display, weighing 191g and measuring 7.99mm thin. It comes in Mist Purple, Glow White, Luxe Black, and Urban Olive colorways.
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. You should not confuse it though with the more superior Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Moreover, it has a 6500mAh battery paired with 90W wired charging plus 40W wireless charging that the newer V70 series lacks.. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
The phone runs OriginOS 6 with cross-device features and promises five years of OS updates, seven years of security patches, and long-term smooth performance.
The vivo X300 FE also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Pricing and availability will depend on the region.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: A solo creator’s production crew
Now, you can be the director and editor of your own story.
HONOR MagicPad4: A tablet that found its place
Better as a second screen
TECNO POVA Curve 2 review: Munch That Power Crunch!
Unbelievably the slimmest 8000mAh phone you can buy right now
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: A solo creator’s production crew
Sony announces open-back INZONE H6 Air
vivo X300 Ultra goes global with ZEISS Master Lenses
Allbirds suddenly turns into an AI company
Get the MacBook Neo for as low as PhP 44 a day via Home Credit
-
Accessories2 weeks agoGameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition: My default PC controller
-
Gaming2 weeks agoDunk City Dynasty update adds new NBA stars, cosmetics
-
Reviews1 week agoApple iPhone 17e review
-
Entertainment7 days agoBINI, KATSEYE among top worldwide Google Searches ahead of Coachella
-
Gaming1 week agoPlayStation can now scan you and put you inside a game
-
Gaming1 week agoForza Horizon 6 already hits the mark
-
Gaming7 days agoHoYoverse’s first life sim, Petit Planet, opens Stardrift Test sign-ups
-
Features2 weeks agoGadgetSnaps: Osaka