Features

3 reasons to start your No Smoke journey with RELX

There’s a reason why it’s the number-one vape brand

Published

October 27, 2022

GadgetMatch

RELX, the number-one vape brand in the Philippines, has been evangelizing about switching to vaping for quite a while now.

In their crusade to urge people to find better alternatives to cigarette smoking, some cigarette and e-cigarette users have successfully switched to vaping.

But if you’ve been mulling over making a decision, even from cigarettes or vaping from other brands, here are some reasons why you should consider starting the #NoSmoke journey:

Long-lasting, reliable companion

RELX devices are highly portable. You can bring them anywhere, and fit inside your pocket and sleeves, without worrying about accidentally breaking them or even causing leakages.

Aside from its durable body, the battery promises long-lasting life. It can be charged up for as much as 5,000 times — which can last for almost 13 years depending on your needs. You can have it with you as long as you take care of it. The only thing you might need to change is your pod selections.

It really lasts, making every purchase worth your buck.

Matches your style and personality

RELX currently has three devices in its roster — Essential, Infinity, and Artisan. With various selections, users can choose designs that match their style and personality. The brand has carefully devised its products, triumphantly delivering aesthetically-pleasing designs.

Essential

For those who like it textured, the Essential pens come with an intricate design that’s still easy to touch and hold. It’s ideal for those who want an ornated design to match their essentials.

The price starts at PhP 800, and the colors available are Black, Green, Steel Blue, Gold Spark, Red, Blue, White, Blue Glow, and Neon Purple.

Infinity

Meanwhile, the Infinity pens sport a sleek, symmetrical surface. It’s ideal for those who are serious, and straightforward and prefer to keep things simple.

Its suggested retail price (SRP) starts at PhP 1,250 with an assortment of colors: Black, Red, Silver, Gold, Deep Blue, Forest Allure, Arctic Mist, and Sky Blush.

Artisan

There are also Artisan pens for the sophisticated type, dressed with a European leather material available in Indigo Denim, Polo Stripe, and Robin Blue. It’s priced at PhP 1,995.

Knowing full well the different palates of different users, RELX has a wide range of flavorful pods available in the market, retailing for PhP 300 each.

Assurance of its quality and authenticity

There’s a reason why a lot of vape users trust RELX’s devices and pods. After all, the products are designed by its best-in-class engineering team with Super Smooth™ Technology at its core.

The pens are registered as compliant with some of the highest regulations such as UK TRPR, MENA, EMSA, and EU TPD. Moreover, the products undergo up to 200 quality checks. The same quality control applies to the e-liquid and pods.

RELX’s e-liquid — made from food-grade ingredients — is tested against US drinking water and EU vegetable standards.

The brand ensures that both the pens and the pods undergo rigorous inspections, giving the confidence to release only the products that are in perfect condition.

Yearly, RELX disposes of more than 3 million pods after failing to pass the brand’s 18 strict quality steps, ensuring that only the best quality products get to their consumer’s hands.

Furthermore, its authentic products are scrutinized by RELX’s team of experts and authorized by local governments and international organizations.

How to check if your device is legit?

The device’s integrity can be questioned with plenty of unauthorized RELX stores popping up online and offline.

To avoid buying illicit products, purchase your authorized devices and pods from official RELX Stores and authorized online sellers. You can also get it from the official website or via official Lazada and Shopee RELX flagship stores.

Ensure your products are authentic by scanning the QR code directly on the pod or the device, or by typing your 14-digit serial code through this link.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and RELX Philippines.

Cameras

What HYROX Hong Kong looks like up close

Photographed on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

Published

June 11, 2026

MJ Jucutan

HYROX drew people from all over the world for a single purpose: finish the course. In Hong Kong, athletes showed up at AsiaWorld-Expo ready to run, row, and push through 8 stations of pure functional fitness.

So, we brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to capture one of the most demanding fitness races on the planet.

The Expo floor is a lighting nightmare, a mix of harsh overheads and deep shadows, but the 32.5MP sensor handled the contrast without breaking a sweat.

The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already capturing the moment half a second before we consciously decided to press the shutter.

Covering a race means staying mobile, and the 8.5-stop IBIS let us move freely alongside athletes without losing the shot. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked on athletes even when they were squinting through the final stretch.

What came out were stories of triumph and determination. Even when their bodies were screaming, they pushed through anyway.

This is what HYROX Hong Kong looked like from the inside.

Words by MJ Jucutan. Photos by Sky Rodillas.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.

Apps

The No-Nonsense guide to mid-year shopping

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you this Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale

Published

June 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The mid-year sale season is here, but the days of mindless impulse buying are over.

Shoppers are shifting toward intentional, value-driven decisions, focusing on quality, authenticity, and actual utility over flashy, low-quality gimmicks.

From 8:00 PM on June 5 until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale is dropping major discounts. But the real win is using the platform’s tools to maximize your budget.

Lock in the baseline discounts

Before diving into specific items, map out how to stack the core offers.

You can stretch your money by hunting down LazFlash Deals for up to 90% off, collecting up to PhP 3,000 in stackable vouchers, and ensuring every order qualifies for the free shipping offers available throughout the event.

True value comes from combining these three layers of savings on things you already need.

Jisulife: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Filter for authentic value

Shopping smart means avoiding the trap of “too good to be true” counterfeits that end up in the trash.

Data shows a massive consumer shift toward trusted quality, with LazMall growth vastly outperforming standard listings during major sales.

To ensure your money goes toward genuine products with real warranties, restrict your browsing to official, brand-certified stores.

If you are upgrading your tech, parenting gear, or wardrobe, look to trusted names anchoring the sale like UGREEN, JisuLife, ANTA, Maserati Watches, Momcozy, and O.TWO.O.

UGREEN: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Outsmart the noise with built-in tech

Don’t waste hours scrolling through endless listings or guessing which product is better.

The smartest way to navigate a massive mid-year event is to let the platform’s built-in features cut through choice paralysis.

Tools like AI Lazzie and AI Picks allow you to instantly compare similar items, analyze prices, and get personalized recommendations based on actual data rather than generic marketing hype.

Smart Shopper Tip: True value is a mix of the right price, verified authenticity, and a seamless return policy. Use this sale period to stock up on everyday essentials and high-quality upgrades rather than panic-buying items you’ll regret later.