Smartphones

realme C65 now in the Philippines: Price, availability

Another budget smartphone from realme

Published

June 13, 2024

Manila Connoisseur

realme is back with another all-around budget smartphone option in the realme C65. The device features the fastest charging available on a budget handset, a 50MP camera, spacious memory and storage, and a loud speaker, among other features.

The phone is launched alongside the realme Buds T110, a likewise affordable and stylish earphones that can complement the realme C65’s usage.

Price, availability

The realme C65 is now available offline through realme physical stores nationwide, and online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok. The device has a retail price of PhP 9,999.

But for the first few days of availability, customers may purchase the phone for as low as PhP 8,299 using vouchers from your ecommerce platform of choice. Check the details below for more:

TikTok: PhP 8,299 from June 13, 8 PM to June 21 (Claim voucher during live selling)
Lazada: PhP 8,799 from June 13, 11 PM to June 21 (Voucher worth PhP 1,200 may be redeemed and used only once)
Shopee: PhP 8,799 from June 13, 11 PM to June 21 (Use Mega Discount vouchers amounting to 30%, 15%, or 10% off)

Purchases come with freebies from TechLife. Depending on the platform, customers may take home a TechLife 65W Power Bank 2 (20,000mAh), Dust Mite Vacuum, Wireless Earbuds, or 12W Charger, while stocks last.

When purchasing through selected physical stores, customers may take part in a Dice Game to win prizes worth up to PhP 1,999. Up for grabs are freebies like a TechLife Portable Blender, Cooling Fan, and Smart Scale.

On the other hand, the realme Buds T110 retails for PhP 1,399. Customers may secure it for only PhP 1,199 on Lazada and TikTok until June 20. It will also be available on Shopee starting June 28.

realme C65: Smooth meets smoother

The realme C65 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor. It has a configuration of 8GB RAM (plus 8GB RAM expansion) and 256GB internal storage. The phone features 45W SUPERVOOC Fast Charge, which is the same fast-charging capability on the realme 12 5G.

In front is a 6.67-inch display with up to a 90Hz refresh rate and 625 nits of maximum brightness. The device has a 50MP AI camera at the back, complemented by an 8MP selfie shooter.

The budget phone introduces air gestures. This feature lets users do gestures 20 to 40 centimeters away from the front camera to swipe up and down, switch between, videos, and answer or mute calls.

Moreover, the phone also boasts of a 48-month Fluency Rating from TÜV Rheinland, as well as Low Blue Light Certification. Elsewhere, there are the usual handy features like a fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, and support for two SIMs.

News

The iPhone 18 might sell out for an unexpected reason

The ongoing shortage might play a part in the phone selling out earlier than expected.

Published

August 7, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

An iPhone selling out is not news. Because of how popular the phones are, it’s within the realm of probability that Apple runs out of stock at some point. According to a new report, this year won’t be any different… but it’s for an entirely different reason.

First reported by analyst Tim Culpan, Apple is reportedly struggling to meet its demand for semiconductors for the iPhone 18 and the foldable iPhone. The ongoing memory shortage is cutting off Apple’s ability to deliver the required supply of smartphones in a timely fashion. The report even claims that TSMC, which helps produce the iPhone, is sitting on a shipment of processors, worth US$ 1 billion, that don’t have memory chips.

Now, Apple is still confident that it can weather the launch. However, if the shortage persists, the iPhone 18 generation will likely sell out much more quickly than expected.

It’s an interesting time for Apple to experience such a shortage. It’s been heavily rumored that the company will launch its very first foldable phone next month, creating a new market for the brand. Apple definitely wants this attempt to succeed after the tepid response to its last new product, the Vision Pro.

Deals

nubia expands gaming lineup with Neo 5 Max, Neo 5 GT Special Edition

Get them with freebies until August 8

Published

August 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mobile gamers are in for a treat as the newly-released nubia Neo 5 Max PadPhone, as well as the Neo 5 GT Special Edition, have special deals throughout the weekend.

This is as part of the “#NEOVerseMaxOut: Max Out Your World” campaign, with nubia offering the two new models under their popular Neo series.

Purchases until August 8 come with a free 3-month Viu Premium subscription, as well as up to PhP 7,999 worth of freebies.

Freebies include power banks, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, portable fans, and more.

Both smartphones offer users more ways to enjoy immersive entertainment, gaming, and everyday productivity.

The recently-launched Neo 5 Max comes with a 7.5-inch display for more room for content consumption and gaming.

It also houses a 7,100mAh dual-cell battery for more power, specially in extended sessions, streaming marathons, or busy days.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, along with more features like Dolby Atmos, Neo Triggers 5.0, RGB Eagle Eye Lighting, and IP64 dust and water resistance.

It is priced at PhP 19,999.

Meanwhile, the Neo 5 GT Special Edition brings together nubia’s most advanced gaming technologies.

At the heart of the device is the AquaCore Cooling System. This is the only liquid and air dual active cooling system in its class.

The handset comes with a 6.8-inch 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED display (SGS-certified Eye Care), a Dimensity 7400 processor, and up to 24GB of dynamic RAM.

Inside is a 6,210mAh battery with support for 80W charging. It has a similar 50MP camera as well as IP64 rating.

This variant is priced at PhP 26,999.

News

Google will force Android users to use Gemini next month

Google Assistant will be retired as well.

Published

August 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

What is Google’s voice assistant called? Technically, there are two possible answers: Google Assistant and Gemini. Despite Google’s push for Gemini, the ubiquitous Google Assistant is still a common option for most users. However, the company will soon take that choice away as the voice assistant will retire in favor of Gemini.

First reported by 9to5Google, Google has sent emails to users, declaring that Google Assistant will no longer be an option for Android users starting September 4. On that date, the company will slowly roll out an update to get rid of the assistant’s availability on device.

Google also makes it clear that Gemini will be “the assistant experience on Android” moving forward. If you’re used to Google Assistant to help you with handsfree use, you’ll have only one option soon. This also affects other peripherals including smartwatches and audio accessories.

Of course, there are a few exceptions. Devices that can’t support an AI-powered assistant like Gemini are mercifully spared of the forced transition. Likewise, devices in countries that don’t support the AI assistant are also saved.

Despite the tepid reception of AI today, Google remains adamant about pushing Gemini to more users, regardless of whether they want it or not. In fact, a forced move like this will likely inflate the numbers that more devices are using Google’s AI software than ever before, while conveniently hiding the fact that most users never really had much of a choice.