Philippines

Samsung Galaxy Fold: Price and availability in the Philippines

Its price tag is not for the faint of heart

Published

on

First announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy S10 and refined later on in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy Fold has now made its way to the Philippines. The country’s two biggest telecommunication providers are also joining in the fray.

With Globe, pre-orders start November 18 with Globe’s ThePLAN or ThePLATINUM. It will be available until December 1st or until stocks last; only 400 units will be available.

With Smart, interested parties may start their application by preparing the following requirements: contact information, proof of income or financial capacity, proof of identity, proof of address, and email address. Visit a Smart Signature store anywhere in the country to submit your requirements. For more details visit Smart’s website.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is available at Signature Device Plan L at PhP 4,099 per month for 24 months with a one-time cash-out of PhP 20,700. With it comes 15GB of monthly data, Unli AnyNet Texts, Unli On-Net Calls, and 150 minutes of AnyNet calls.

It’s also available with the premium postpaid plan called Smart Infinity under the Limitless/Traveler Plan 3500 with a monthly amortization of PhP 2,000 for 24 months. Under the Limitless/Traveler Plan 5000 for 30 months, the Galaxy Fold can be had for free.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is available for PhP 109,990 at Abensons, Ansons, Samsung Experience Stores, Lazada, and other official distributors. It’ll come with a pair of Galaxy Buds, one year of Samsung Care+ and Samsung Concierge.

Samsung Concierge and Samsung Care+

Samsung Concierge gives access to specialized customer care programs including a 24/7 dedicated hotline, free pick-up and delivery assistance, and service express lanes, among others. Customers get to directly consult with the company’s tech experts for any queries.

Samsung Care+ is a hassle-free year-long program to assist Galaxy Fold owners for any emergency concerns. It also includes repair coverage for one year.

A new device category

The Galaxy Fold is Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. It sports a foldable 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display. Revealed months ago, the display can freely transform between an expansive 7.3-inch tablet and a smaller 4.6-inch phone. Unfolded, the phone is a QXGA+ resolution powerhouse. Folded, the phone carries a workable HD+ display.

Powering the device is a 7nm octa-core processor, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage. Outside, the phone carries a triple rear camera setup — 16-megapixel ultra-wide camera + 12-megapixel wide-angle camera + a telephoto lens. In front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie shooter when folded. It has two batteries that combine for a total of 4380mAh.

During the first reveal, the Galaxy Fold was said to be available in four colors with LTE and 5G variants and will retail for US$ 1,980. Global availability of the refined version was announced in September at IFA 2019 in Berlin.

SEE ALSO

Samsung is already working on a more affordable Galaxy Fold

Samsung admits redesigned Galaxy Fold is still too fragile

The Galaxy Fold fails a crucial folding test

Samsung teases the next Galaxy Fold

Philippines

Smart Infinity launches PureVoice

AI-powered noise cancellation for calls

Published

on

Smart Infinity has launched PureVoice, an AI-powered service that filters background noise during calls. The service aims to deliver clearer conversations, even in noisy environments.

Launched on November 6, 2026, PureVoice reduces distractions from traffic, crowds, and music. It supports everyday conversations, from important business calls to catching up with family and friends.

PureVoice also works on smartphones without built-in noise cancellation. Users don’t need to install an app or configure additional settings.

Subscribers can simply press 8# during a call to enable or disable the service. Smart Infinity members get first access, with a wider rollout planned for other Smart subscribers.

Smart continues to improve voice calling

PureVoice builds on Smart’s investments in network expansion and modernization.

In 2020, Smart completed its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) rollout. The technology enables high-quality voice calls while allowing subscribers to use mobile data simultaneously.

Smart also introduced Video over LTE (ViLTE). The technology lets subscribers make video calls through their phone’s dialer without third-party applications.

The company also highlighted its performance in quality-of-service tests conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Metro Manila. Smart recorded zero dropped calls in the latest tests, meeting the regulator’s prescribed threshold.

Smart Infinity members can learn more about PureVoice by calling *800.

Continue Reading

Philippines

Lazada kicks off 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of holiday rush

With up to 90% off deals

Published

on

Lazada Philippines is kicking off its 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of the holiday shopping rush. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 90% off LazFlash Deals and additional Lazada vouchers worth up to PHP 3,000. The promotions cover gifts, household essentials, personal technology, fashion, and everyday lifestyle products.

Featured brands include SharkNinja, Jo Malone, CAROTE Global, Tempur, HONOR, Scrub Daddy, Karat World, and FitFlop.

Filipino shoppers become more discerning

The 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report by Cube, in partnership with Lazada, highlights changing Filipino shopping habits. The report found that 36% of Filipino online shoppers qualify as “Savvy Shoppers.”

This represents the highest proportion among six Southeast Asian markets surveyed. Another 22% of Filipino respondents fall under the “Near-Savvy” category.

The study measures shopping habits across four dimensions: Verification, Value Optimisation, Confidence & Protection, and Digital Fluency. These dimensions examine how consumers evaluate products and sellers, find better deals, and navigate digital shopping tools.

They also consider how shoppers assess safeguards throughout their online purchasing journey. The findings show that Filipinos now consider more than price when shopping online.

Product authenticity, seller credibility, buyer protection, and reliable information also influence their purchasing decisions.

Lazada aims to address these priorities through its shopping features and services. LazMall offers an authenticity guarantee, while AI chatbot LazzieChat helps shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

Other in-app tools also help consumers navigate their online shopping experience with greater confidence.

Start holiday shopping early with Lazada

Lazada Philippines brings together trusted global brands and promotional offers to help shoppers prepare for the holidays.Consumers can explore gifts, home essentials, and everyday lifestyle products for the season and beyond.

Shoppers can access the 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year through the Lazada Philippines app. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

Continue Reading

Philippines

Smart boosts 5G network in Siargao for World Surf League event

Smart expands 5G coverage across Siargao.

Published

on

Siargao | Smart

Smart Communications is strengthening its 5G network in Siargao ahead of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, which is being held at Cloud 9 in General Luna until November 10.

The network enhancements aim to provide faster mobile connectivity for residents, tourists, athletes, media practitioners, and spectators attending the competition.

As the event’s official telecommunications partner, Smart has expanded its existing 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of the island. These include Cloud 9, Siargao Airport, Siargao Seaport, and other strategic locations.

The competition marks the first time the Philippines is hosting a stop on the prestigious WSL Championship Tour, bringing international surfing talent and visitors to the island.

“Siargao is an important tourism destination, and we are committed to supporting its continued growth through reliable connectivity,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and officer-in-charge.

He added that the partnership with WSL provides an opportunity to deliver better digital experiences to athletes, visitors, and local communities.

Beyond the competition, Smart says improved mobile connectivity can help residents and tourists with digital payments, accommodation and transportation bookings, real-time communication, and sharing their travel experiences online. It can also help local businesses facilitate transactions and engage customers.

Smart 5G offers for WSL visitors

Visitors attending the WSL Championship Tour can access select Smart Unli 5G offers, which include unlimited 5G data and non-stop 4G data starting at PHP 90 for three days.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can also take advantage of plans with Smart Device Link, allowing them to share their primary mobile number and plan with a smartwatch for calls, texts, and mobile data even when their iPhone is not nearby.

Smart subscribers who avail of select offers at designated booths and partner stores in Siargao may also receive freebies.

The network improvements are part of Smart’s continued investment in mobile connectivity across the Philippines. The company also highlighted its recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency and Best Mobile Video Experience.

Continue Reading

Trending