News

Here’s why the Samsung Galaxy Flex will cost so much

Hint: it has something to do with the screen

Published

December 15, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

Based on the current rumors, next year’s foldable phones will take the mantle as history’s most expensive smartphones. Currently, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Flex is already slated to come with price tags above the US$ 2,000 mark. Even without rumors, the revolutionary form factor will easily break banks because of the new screen alone.

Of course, as with all major purchases, we want to know why we’re paying so much. Finally, we have an insider’s look into what’s ticking inside these foldable screens. Via LetsGoDigital, Korean firm CGS-CIMB Research has broken down the list of materials needed to make the Galaxy Flex. For reference, the report also compares the Galaxy Flex’s breakdown with the iPhone XS Max’s and the Galaxy S9+’s.

According to the report, the Galaxy Flex almost completely uses more expensive components than today’s smartphones.

Naturally, the phone’s foldable display takes the cake. The foldable display costs US$ 218.80 per screen. The amount is almost double the price of the iPhone XS Max’s display. It’s also almost thrice the price of the Galaxy S9+’s display.

Image source: CGS-CIMB Research

As for the rest, the Galaxy Flex’s components are a few more dollars more expensive than its comparisons. The comparison only falters in power management. The iPhone XS Max spent almost two dollars more on power management than the Galaxy Flex.

All in all, the Galaxy Flex costs US$ 636.70. This is a huge leap from contemporary flagships. (The iPhone XS Max costs US$ 390.00; the Galaxy S9+ costs US$ 375.80.)

Because of this massive price increase, Samsung can charge more than today’s flat phones. The report estimates a US$ 1,800 SRP. Arguably, a huge chunk of this price will come from the extensive research done to manufacture the product. Regardless, the bank-breaking price tag is still worlds apart from today’s most expensive smartphones.

According to the report, this awful trend will likely continue. In 2022, the industry is expected to ship 24 million foldable phones, compared to next year’s paltry 3.5 million units. Despite the rush in supply, the price will still stay the same, averaging around US$ 1,300 per unit.

News

New leak reveals first look at Samsung’s wide foldable

It looks like there’s only one book-style foldable this year.

Published

July 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Android Headlines

Coming in just a heartbeat, Samsung will unveil the next foldables during the upcoming Unpacked event. The spotlight, naturally, lands on the rumored wide foldable. Now, we don’t have an official look yet, but a new leak is spoiling that for us.

Leaked by Android Headlines, the upcoming foldable, purportedly named the Galaxy Z Fold 8, looks as advertised. The brand’s first wide foldable takes a few inches off the top to deliver a, literally, wide resolution for more display real estate.

There’s not much to say about the specs, but the model does have a camera setup with two shooters. It will also be available in three colorway options: black, white, and lavender. A limited-edition green variant might also make an appearance.

Among the scheduled devices this coming Unpacked, the wide foldable is the main event. Plus, the new leak reveals that a regular Fold isn’t debuting with this batch. Rather, Samsung might go all-in on the wide foldable format.

If that’s not your style, the leak also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The new model doesn’t look different from the usual Flips that we’re used to, so it’s not a big headline.

Image source: Android Headlines

Finally, the leak reveals the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2.

Image source: Android Headlines

It won’t be long before we see these devices for real. Samsung has officially scheduled the next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22.

News

Pokémon at 30: Massive slate of events, pop-up store, more to highlight anniversary

Celebrating 30 years of Pokémon through fun runs, activations, more

Published

July 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

A massive slate of activities, events, and gatherings are lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

In the Philippines, which has been one of the world renowned anime franchise’s consistently strong markets, a partnership has been forged between Pokémon and SM Supermalls for a pop-up experience that will serve as the flagship destination for local enthusiasts.

Dubbed the “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” campaign, the multi-month celebration will kick off at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila starting October 2026.

The cornerstone of this retail rollout is the Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store, a six-month installation packed with exclusive merchandise directly from the brand.

Pokémon RUN 30

Beyond retail, the milestone will bring an active, real-world dimension to the capital with Pokémon RUN 30: The Philippines Edition.

This interactive running event is likewise slated in early October at the Mall of Asia complex.

Participants will become active trainers as they run a themed 5K course with filled with special interactive challenges.

Runners can test their spirit at designated Pokémon Gym obstacle points, rehydrate at designated Pokémon Centers, and collect unique stamps to complete real-world Pokédex search sheets.

Moreover, the venue will also host a free-entry public Festival Zone. This area will be complete with live Pikachu parades, meet-and-greets, and specialized gaming experience areas.

PokéXciting campaign

The extensive rollout is part of a broader, coordinated “PokéXciting!” campaign stretching across major target markets in the Asian region to bridge the gap between legacy and newer generational platforms. To supplement the global anniversary rollout,

The Pokémon Company has additionally aligned its sports entertainment footprints with major international institutions.

Back in Japan, Pokémon has established a sweeping partnership with Japan’s professional football league, the J.League.

All 60 professional football clubs across the league’s three tiers have officially been assigned a specific partner Pokémon. These are tailored to reflect each team’s regional mascots or club identities.

Fans attending home matches throughout the campaign will receive exclusive merchandise on match days.

This includes one million limited-edition reusable eco bags that showcase Pikachu alongside their home club’s specific partner pocket monster.

News

Honor might launch the Robot Phone in August, leak says

No word on whether it’s a global or a regional launch, though.

Published

July 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Back in CES earlier this year, Honor unveiled the oddly shaped Robot Phone. A unique concept of a smartphone melded with an action camera, the Robot Phone teased a launch date for the third quarter of this year. Well, we’re in the third quarter now, and a new leak has teased that the one-of-a-kind phone is launching in August.

According to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station (via GizmoChina), Honor has narrowed down August as the launch date of its new smartphone. To be clear, the leaker did not clarify whether this is a global launch or just the regional one.

It should still be an exciting time for a launch, though. The lovechild between a smartphone and an action camera comes just in time for the era of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and the Insta360 Luna. A hybrid device scratches both itches.

Honor isn’t shy about showcasing the capabilities of the Robot Phone. Only recently, the Chinese brand showed off the first professional video shot using the new phone.

When it comes to hardware, the Robot Phone touts a 200-megapixel main camera attached to a stabilized gimbal system. If not in use, the camera folds into the device. Super Steady Video keeps the camera steady when taking shots while moving. Meanwhile, AI Object Tracking follows subjects seamlessly, making it a great tool for shooting videos in the field.