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Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: Price, availability in the Philippines

Switching to Samsung?

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Galaxy S23 Philippines

The Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra have just launched and are officially landing in the Philippines. Here’s how much it’ll set you back if you decide to grab the latest Galaxy. 

Price and availability 

The Galaxy S23 series is available in four colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. Pricing are as follows: 

Samsung Galaxy S23:

  • 128GB — PhP 53,990
  • 256GB — PhP 57,990

Galaxy S23+:

  • 256GB — PhP 68,990
  • 512GB — PhP 76,990

Galaxy S23 Ultra:

  • 256GB — PhP 81,990
  • 512GB — PhP 89,990
  • 1TB — PhP 103,990 (samsung.com exclusive)

Pre-order details

Pre-order period is February 2 to 23, 2023. Those who pre-order any of the three smartphones can get discounts of up to PhP 76,000. This includes a FREE memory upgrade worth PhP 8,000. They will instantly get the higher memory variant for the price of the lower variant within the same model lineup.

Those who will trade-in their old devices can also enjoy savings of up to PhP 13,000 on top of their old phone’s residual value. In addition, they will get an e-voucher worth up to PhP 5,000, a 50% discount on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch5 Series. On top of this, they will also get a FREE 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage worth PhP 5,999, and earn double Samsung Rewards points.

As an exclusive samsung.com offer, the Galaxy S23 Ultra 1TB will be offered as part of a limited-edition Samsung Galaxy VIP bundle (PhP 119,378) with total savings of PhP 38,000.

The VIP bundle includes :

  • 1TB Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Galaxy Watch5 Pro 46mm
  • Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
  • Super Fast Wireless Duo Charger
  • Galaxy S23 Ultra Leather Cover
  • 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage

The Galaxy S23 series is also available for pre-order through Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online. Customers who pre-order through these channels from February 2 to 23, 2023 will enjoy as much as PhP 65,000 worth of discounts. This also includes the FREE Memory Upgrade, additional savings for traded-in devices, 50% off on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch5 Series. 

Focused refinement 

Samsung honed in a few improvements for this series. Specifically, they targeted “Nightography,” Gaming, Customization, and Sustainability. 

The Galaxy S23 sports the first 200MP sensor on a Samsung smartphone. Working in tandem with their AI, the phone promises to produce images that appear well lit even in environments with poor lighting conditions. And this also applies to video. 

For gaming, the entire Galaxy S23 series is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. That’s the best one for Android smartphones right now. It’s also accompanied by improved cooling for overall better gameplay. 

Samsung is approaching customization on both hardware and software fronts. They have plenty of accessories that you can style in your own way for your Galaxy device. Meanwhile, ONE UI 5.1 is introducing perhaps the most robust software customization that Samsung has had yet. All these to make your smartphone Your Galaxy. 

For sustainability, Samsung has made it a point to use recycled materials not only on the packaging, but also on the actual smartphones. The Galaxy S23 Ultra actually has 12 components made with recycled materials. That’s double of what the Galaxy S22 Ultra had. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Specs

Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • Display — 6.8-inch QHD+ Edge, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Vision Booster, Enhanced Comfort
  • Processor — Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • RAM and Storage — 12GB+1TB, 12GB+512GB, 12GB+256GB
  • Battery and Charging — 5,000mAh, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless Powershare
  • OS — Android 13, ONE UI 5.1
  • Water Resistance — IP68
  • Cameras: 
    • 200MP f/1.7 Wide 
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Ultra-Wide 
    • 10MP, f/2.4 Telephoto, 3x optical zoom
    • 10MP, f/4.9 Telephoto, 10x optical zoom 
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Front

Samsung Galaxy S23+

  • Display — 6.6-inch FHD+, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Vision Booster, Enhanced Comfort
  • Processor — Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • RAM and Storage — 8GB+512GB, 8GB+256GB
  • Battery and Charging — 4,700mAh, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless Powershare
  • OS — Android 13, ONE UI 5.1
  • Water Resistance — IP68
  • Cameras: 
    • 50MP f/1.8 Wide 
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Ultra-Wide 
    • 10MP, f/2.4 Telephoto, 3x optical zoom
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Front

Galaxy S23

  • Display — 6.6-inch FHD+, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Vision Booster, Enhanced Comfort
  • Processor — Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • RAM and Storage — 8GB+256GB, 8GB+128GB
  • Battery and Charging — 3,900mAh, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless Powershare
  • OS — Android 13, ONE UI 5.1
  • Water Resistance — IP68
  • Cameras: 
    • 50MP f/1.8 Wide 
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Ultra-Wide 
    • 10MP, f/2.4 Telephoto, 3x optical zoom
    • 12MP, f/2.2 Front

 

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

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Sony MDR-3R

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

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Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

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As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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