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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 to cost P75K for 512GB model in the Philippines

Yet another price increase

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With less than a month to go before launch, we have surprisingly little info on the upcoming Galaxy Note 9. With the exception of the possibly Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, we’re still uncertain if we’ll be seeing a revolutionary product or an incremental upgrade to the Galaxy Note 8 and S9 series.

According to a reliable source, however, we may already have pricing for the Galaxy Note 9 variants to be offered in the Philippines.

We’ve been told that there’ll be two storage variants in the Philippines — one with 128GB of storage and another with 512GB. The former will retail for approximately PhP 62,000 (US$ 1,160) while the latter will reportedly go for PhP 75,000 (US$ 1,400).

This information aligns with previous leaks stating that there’ll be a massive 512GB model for the Galaxy Note 9, although we can now confirm that it’ll be available outside of South Korea and China, as well.

For comparison, the Galaxy Note 8 retailed for PhP 49,990 (US$ 935) for the 64GB version when it launched in August 2017. On the other hand, the Galaxy S9+ goes for as much as PhP 60,990 (US$ 1,140), which has 256GB of onboard storage.

The rest of the Galaxy Note 9’s specs include what you’d expect from a 2018 flagship, including a high-end Snapdragon 845 processor, at least 6GB of memory, a hefty 4000mAh battery, and a multi-camera setup like before.

We’ll have to wait until August 9 for the official unveiling in New York to see how the Galaxy Note 9 will look and feel, but if early patents are any indication, we’re hoping to get our socks blown off.

Apps

ChatGPT Go now available in the Philippines, more Asian countries

Access to more popular ChatGPT features for an affordable subscription plan

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Go in 16 Asian countries, including the Philippines. This is the most cost-friendly subscription option yet at just PhP 300 (~ US$ 5.15).

This development gives users in the serviced regions greater access to ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities at a more affordable price.

To get started, simply visit chat.openai.com or download the ChatGPT mobile app, then create an account and select ChatGPT Go as your plan. The payment process is simple.

On the other hand, those who already have accounts may simply upgrade to Go.

The launch comes amid strong growth adoption of OpenAI’s tools in the Philippines. In fact, the country ranks among the top five countries for weekly ChatGPT users in Asia.

In addition, the top five use cases locally are tutoring, editing, personal writing, “how to” advice, and creative ideation.

At PhP 300 a month, ChatGPT Go subscribers will gain access to ChatGPT’s most popular features, including higher message limits, image generation, file uploads, and memory.

These are all powered by GPT-5, OpenAI’s most-advanced model.

Specifically, here’s the perks for the Go plan compared to free:

  • 10x higher message limits
  • 10x more image generations per day
  • 10x more file or image uploads per day
  • 2x longer memory for personalized responses

ChatGPT Go will join existing subscription options Plus (PhP 1,100) and Pro (PhP 9,900).

Plus is for subscribers who need more advanced thinking models and features like deep research, agent mode, and Sora video creation.

Meanwhile, Pro is for professionals, researchers, or organizations who need enterprise-grade scale, pro-level reasoning, and the most advanced features.

16 countries in Asia get ChatGPT Go

The Go rollout builds on strong momentum for cost-friendly subscriptions in the region.

Since launching first in India, the number of paid subscribers has more than doubled in a month.

Other countries to get the Go tier subscription are:

  • Afghanistan
  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Sri Lanka
  • Bangladesh
  • Indonesia
  • Nepal
  • Thailand
  • Bhutan
  • Laos
  • Pakistan
  • Timor-Leste (East Timor)
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Malaysia
  • Vietnam
  • Cambodia
  • Maldives
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Deals

OPPO Service Day Anniversary: Games, giveaways, discounts

Enjoy perks and discounts on services, exciting games

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OPPO Philippines is inviting users to join its OPPO Service Day Anniversary. Already in its fifth year, the event is bigger than ever.

What started out as a simple act of gratitude for OPPO users has transformed into a nationwide tradition for treats, exclusive deals, and special perks.

This year, the campaign will last from October 10 to 17. Customers can take part in both online games and avail of in-store discounts and perks.

On the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page, customers can take part in a “Guess the Mystery Emoji” challenge.

By identifying the emoji correctly, participants can win a Mini Portable Fan which can be claimed at any OPPO Service Center. Winners do not have to avail of repair services at all.

OPPO also invites fans to their “Share Your O-Moment” activity by posting Service Day stories.

Participants who join will have the chance to win prizes, including:

  • OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro
  • OPPO Enco Air 4 Pro
  • OPPO Pad Neo
  • food e-vouchers

There will be 10 lucky winners to be announced on October 24.

Meanwhile, offline, customers who avail of repairs during the anniversary period will receive a free 2-in-1 Pillow.

They can also enjoy special 10% discounts on:

  • screen and motherboard repairs
  • battery replacements
  • OPPO accessories and IoT devices
  • OPPO Protection Plan products
  • Ollie Elemental Set

Visitors will also benefit from waived labor fees, free software upgrades, complimentary phone cleaning, and refreshments.

The fifth OPPO Service Day Anniversary campaign will be held in several OPPO Service Center branches across the country.

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News

Abenson goes big with iPhone 17 pre-order deals

Pre-order Oct. 9–16 and get exclusive freebies.

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Abenson is kicking off pre-orders for the iPhone 17 Series from October 9 to 16, 2025, giving early birds the chance to snag exciting freebies and promos. Customers can choose from the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the sleek new iPhone Air—each designed to match your power and style needs.

You can pre-order in-store at any Abenson branch or online through Abenson.com. Selected branches—Global City, Waltermart Sta. Maria, Alabang Town Center, and UP Town Center—will also host midnight launch events for those who reserve early.

Enjoy exclusive freebies

Abenson is making your iPhone upgrade more rewarding with exclusive giveaways:

  • Free personal refrigerator worth ₱5,995 for every iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max pre-order
  • Free mini party box worth ₱4,999 for all iPhone 17 and iPhone Air pre-orders

Both offers run from October 9–16, 2025, with claiming on October 17 only.

Pay easy with installment options

You can bring home your new iPhone for as low as ₱3,666.25/month for 24 months. Abenson’s partner banks are also offering 0% installment plans, cashback, and exclusive perks under the Shop Now, Pay Later promo.

Here’s a quick look at what’s available from October 9–19, 2025:

  • Metrobank: ₱2,000 discount + 0% installment up to 24 months
  • BDO: Up to ₱6,000 cashback
  • BPI: 0% installment up to 24 months
  • Security Bank: Up to ₱5,000 cashback
  • RCBC: 0% installment + freebies
  • UnionBank: ₱1,000 cashback
  • HSBC: 0% installment pricing
  • PNB: ₱3,000 cashback with minimum ₱85,000 spend
  • GCash/GGives: Zero downpayment, 0.9% interest
  • Home Credit: 0% interest for up to 24 months

Select bank offers also let you pay up to three months later and get up to ₱15,000 off on cash price.

Win big in the iPhone raffle

Each pre-order automatically gives you a chance to win exciting prizes such as a MacBook Air M2, iPad 11th Gen, Apple Watch SE 2, or even a Sony 55” Smart TV and Kolin 1HP Inverter Aircon.

The raffle runs from October 9–16, 2025, with claiming from October 17–19. Winners will be drawn on October 22, 2025.

Pre-order now at Abenson and make the most of these limited-time offers. Terms and conditions apply.

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