Galaxy S23 Ultra Galaxy S23 Ultra

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Things to consider before committing

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So, you’re looking at the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. You kind of want it but didn’t jump the gun during the pre-order period. Now, you’re still eyeing it, but you’re undecided. Well, you came to the right place. 

We used the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for a few weeks. Enough time to figure out if it’s your GadgetMatch or not. So, we’re listing down things you might want to ask yourself before splurging. 

Do you like big phones?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra feels massive to hold. The 6.8-inch display listing is not at all an accurate representation of how it feels holding the phone. For comparison, the HONOR Magic5 Pro has a 6.81-inch display. But since both its display and back panel curve to the side, it feels easier to hold. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a boxy behemoth. 

You’ll likely want to buy a case to protect the phone and that will add to its overall bulk. If you can, drop by your nearest Samsung experience store to get a feel of the phone for yourself to gauge if it’s something you don’t mind lugging around for the next couple of years. 

How do you feel about ONE UI?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

While you’re at it, play around with ONE UI. That’s the Android wrapper that Samsung puts on top of Android 13. Many tech bros aren’t too fond of ONE UI. Personally, I don’t think it’s as bad as some make it out to be. Sure, it’s not the snappiest, but it’s pretty easy to get used to. 

This is completely a matter of preference, and you can always switch things up by changing themes or using a different launcher. But swipe around and see for yourself if ONE UI is something you’re okay with. 

Will you ever use the S Pen? 

Galaxy S23 Ultra

I was a huge fan of the Galaxy Note series when it first came out. The Galaxy SXX Ultra has become the spiritual successor of the line. It’s literally the Note in everything but name. 

Back then, I thought I liked the Note because of the S Pen. But as the line kept going, I found less and less use for the S Pen. Turns out, I liked the Note not because of the S Pen but because of the massive screen. I’m a heavy media consumer and consider big screens a boon. 

Now, I’m not saying the S Pen isn’t useful. It’s just that, personally, I don’t think it’s for me. So, that’s the question you have to ask yourself: Is the S Pen something you see yourself using regularly? 

I’ve had this conversation several times with Lea of UnboxPH. For her part, she uses the S Pen a lot for signing PDFs. I’ve also had a couple of friends who have taken full advantage of its art applications, doodling here or there whenever possible. 

Think about your smartphone usage and see if there’s something you’re already doing that can be elevated with the help of the S Pen. 

How much videos and music do you consume?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

STAYC’s Isa is 😍

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one helluva media consumption machine. The gorgeous and large display is perfect for watching literally anything and everything. And the speakers are also easily one of the best on ANY smartphone right now. 

It’s the perfect media machine, except it does put a strain on your hand after a while. But that didn’t stop me from watching the “Teddy Bear” fancam of STAYC Isa on loop. 

Are you a mobile gamer?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Whether casual or hardcore, you would be pleased to know that the Galaxy S23 Ultra should be able to handle any sort of gaming. Samsung even made a point of highlighting this in their presentation. Mobile gaming is on the rise, especially in many parts of Asia, and Samsung made sure that their latest and greatest slate is up to the task. 

Although, I’ve never really encountered anyone who’s eyed the Galaxy SXX Ultra for gaming purposes. Self-proclaimed gamers tend to go for the more actual gaming-centric phones. That said, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is plenty capable whether you’re just passing time on Subway Surfers or you’re looking to be the MVP in a Mobile Legends match.

Do you REALLY like colors that POP in photos?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a fantastic set of cameras. Easily one of the best today. Samsung likes to punch-up the contrast on their photos. They don’t do it as much now, but it’s still there.

You know what? Just take a look at these samples so you can decide for yourself. 

Food

Zoom

30X Zoom

 

1X | 10X | 30X

Indoors

Portrait and selfies

Outdoors

‘Nightography’

Will you take plenty of videos?

Galaxy S23 Ultra

When it comes to smartphone videos, most of us in the team still think the iPhone is king. But the Galaxy S23 Ultra might just be the closest thing in terms of overall quality. 

Here’s a video that was taken entirely using the Galaxy S23 Ultra. 

@gadgetmatch 29Rooms is an experiential funhouse and it was an absolute blast to experience. Here’s a quick look #ShotOnGalaxy S23 Ultra. More info on 29rooms.sg #artinstallation #art #galaxys23ultra #samsunggalaxy #galaxys23ultra #galaxys23 ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

If you’re curious about the zooming capabilities in a rather dark environment, here’s a quick sample too. 

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is also home to plenty of video features. The portrait video is particularly fun. You get the usual “bokeh” effect but there are also other filters like Color Point and Glitch.

You also have to consider storage if you fancy using the Galaxy S23 Ultra as a video-taking tool. Videos take up A LOT of space. You’d want to get the 512GB variant if you’re gonna make videos regularly.

Do you need a smartphone that charges fast?

Because the Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t exactly blazing fast in this department. At least not against some of the other flagships already available as of writing. 

Watch our charge test. 

So, is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra your GadgetMatch?

These are just some of the questions you might want to ask yourself before shelling out at least PhP 81,900/ US$ 1199.99/ SG$ 1,828 to get your hands on one. 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a fantastic device. But there are certain things about it that may not be your cup of tea. The devil, after all, is in the details. 

Our advice is either visit a Samsung experience store or bug a friend who already has one. Make sure to get a feel of the device before committing to it long term.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs

  • 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

Watch our Galaxy S23 Ultra One Week Later Review.

Buyer's Guide

Before you buy: NBA 2K26

CliffsNotes from the Courtside Reports

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NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 is more than just a roster update. With sweeping changes across gameplay, player creation, and even how MyTEAM works, this year’s release is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in the series. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new before you buy in.

Gameplay gets a serious upgrade

At the center of NBA 2K26 is ProPLAY™, a motion system powered by real NBA footage. The result: footwork looks sharper, players move more naturally, and that old “ice skating” feel has been cut down.

Shooting, post moves, and layups have been refined, with added customization options. The AI also plays smarter on both ends of the floor, and even rebounding now comes with timing feedback.

The MyPLAYER Builder is more detailed than ever

Creating your player isn’t guesswork anymore. The new Animation Glossary lets you preview signature moves and check requirements before committing. You can now build by badges—choosing abilities first and letting the game shape your stats around them.

Build Templates based on NBA stars, pro builds, and even community submissions offer a starting point, while the new Scouting Report clearly lays out your strengths and weaknesses.

Add to that new Badge Perks, reworked Takeover mechanics, and questlines that let builds specialize, and the mode feels deeper than before.

MyNBA and MyGM lean into story

For franchise mode fans, 30 new storylines aim to keep long seasons from getting repetitive. Dynamic Banners spotlight key achievements, the simulation system has been refined, and there’s more support for online playoffs.

MyTEAM finally mixes things up

The biggest change in MyTEAM is the ability to run NBA and WNBA players on the same squad. That means all-time legends from both leagues can share the floor, creating new fantasy matchups that haven’t been possible in past games.

The W gets a stronger push


Women’s basketball continues to expand in 2K26. The W mode keeps its focus on progression and going up against WNBA stars, but the integration into MyTEAM suggests a more central role for the league this year.

Presentation feels closer to the real thing

Arenas, crowd reactions, and broadcast packages have been updated again. The focus is on making each game feel like a proper event, not just a match you play through.

Worth an early purchase? 

We can’t really say for sure as we haven’t played the game. But these early presentations suggest that NBA 2K26 brings upgrades that go beyond cosmetic changes. The new motion system makes gameplay more realistic, the player builder has added depth, and MyTEAM finally gets a shake-up with WNBA integration. If you’ve been waiting for something fresh in the series, this might be the year worth jumping back in.

NBA 2K26 preorder

Players can now preorder NBA 2K26, which is available in four editions. Here’s what they’ll be getting when they preorder via the PlayStation Store.

Standard Edition

  • 2x MyTEAM Promo Packs
  • MyPLAYER Gamerplate
  • 10,000 VC

Superstar Edition

  •  Everything from Standard Edition
  • 100,000 VC
  • Up to 7-Day Early Access
  • Full Series 1 Team Selection
  • Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
  • 5x Series 1 Packs
  • 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
  • 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
  • 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey

Leave No Doubt Edition

  • Everything from Superstar Edition, but with 135,000 VC
  • Puffer Jacket on top of MyCAREER Content inclusions
  • Leave No Doubt Promo Pack on top of MyTEAM inclusions (1x Galaxy Opal Player Card in December 2025; 1x Invincible Player Card in May 2026)
  • Season 1 Pro Pass
  • Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes)
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Buyer's Guide

Which new Samsung monitor is your GadgetMatch?

Samsung releases latest Smart, ViewFinity, and Odyssey monitors

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Samsung monitors

As far as monitors go, there are plenty of options coming in different sizes, features, and materials. If you’re planning on upgrading or simply getting started for your endeavors, Samsung has just released its latest monitors.

They come with impressive gaming features, Knox Security, and other nifty additions like Samsung OLED Safeguard+ for burn-in protection. In case you don’t know where to look and how to get going, here’s a quick buyer’s guide.

For those looking for lifelike visuals on a larger scale: 37″ ViewFinity S7

The 37-inch ViewFinity S7 displays unmatched color accuracy on Samsung’s largest 16:9 4K monitor yet.

It features 99% sRGB color gamut, 1.07 billion colors, and HDR10 for true-to-life visuals. Faithfully representing colors as seen by the naked eye makes this model ideal for creatives.

This monitor also has a built-in LAN port for seamless Ethernet connectivity, and a DisplayPort.

And for those having to work tirelessly for projects, the ViewFinity S8 is also TÜV-certified Intelligent Eye Care. It is also Flicker-Free and has an Eye Saver Mode.

Regardless of content, be it exhilarating live sports or gut-wrenching movies and series, as well as the popping colors of your favorite girl group’s music videos, the ViewFinity S8 delivers an unmatched spectrum of shades.

It’s a good step up from inferior monitors, and one that still has an accessible asking price of just below US$ 600.

For those looking for a smart and powerful 4K display: Smart Monitor M9

Samsung monitors

Price: PhP 80,100

Meanwhile, if you want to jump further from your current display to one that can carry its own weight exceptionally well, the Smart Monitor M9 is the ideal offering.

The Vision AI-powered monitor uses 4K AI Upscaling Pro technology to enhance lower-resolution content to 4K quality on a QD-OLED display.

It is one of the first Samsung monitors to incorporate OLED technology in the screens, providing viewers with deep blacks, rich color contrast, and a Glare-Free experience.

Gamers can also take advantage of the 165Hz refresh rate and low 0.03ms response time. Furthermore, the monitor easily recognizes the genre of the game being played using AI Picture Optimizer, subsequently fine-tuning the picture settings.

Talk about a smart monitor that delivers an optimal and immersive gaming experience suited to your liking.

Elsewhere, this monitor even has Click to Search and Copilot, for whatever scenarios you might need them.

For gamers who want the best picture quality and performance: 32″ Odyssey OLED G8

Price: PhP 73,099

Furthermore, the 32″ Odyssey OLED G8 takes detail and picture quality to the next level. It packs a 166 pixels-per-inch pixel density in a QD-OLED screen.

The Glare-Free monitor is VESA Display HDR TrueBlack 400 certified for true and rich blacks. But quality is just half of the equation.

This monitor also delivers on performance with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and a response time of as low as just 0.03ms.

Pair this screen with an equally-capable system and you’ll prevent screen tearing, ghosting, and other gaming-related graphics problems.

It also comes with Samsung OLED Safeguard+ to protect the display from burn-ins, ensuring the display lasts long even when it is pushed to the limit each time.

For those wanting a new dimension of immersion: Odyssey 3D 27″ monitor

Price: PhP 130,999

If you want an entirely new level of immersion, there’s the Odyssey 3D 27″ monitor. It uses advanced eye-tracking technology and a proprietary lenticular lens to deliver a natural-looking, high-definition 3D image.

There’s no need for specialized glasses. The visuals will just pull you in as the action jumps out of the 4K screen.

This monitor can even unlock possibilities with a 3D AI Video Conversion feature that adds depth and realism to your content.

Of course, as it also caters to gaming, players can leverage its 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, and support for advanced graphics features with the proper accompanying systems.

For the ultimate gamer wanting to be transported: 49″ Odyssey OLED G9

Price: PhP 111,399

Lastly, if your space permits and you want to take the immersion further up a notch, nothing beats the Odyssey OLED G9.

With a 32:9 aspect ratio and a 1800R curvature, this 49-inch behemoth will transport you from your seat to what’s in front of you.

The screen provides wide QHD visuals with excellent contrast, color gamut, and dynamic range. It supports 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and HDR10+ Gaming.

And like the other Samsung offerings above, the Odyssey OLED G9 has advanced features for eye care and protection, in case you’re going to be in front of it for countless hours.


These latest Samsung monitors are now available for purchase at www.samsung.com/ph or at any of Samsung’s authorized dealers nationwide.

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Buyer's Guide

Hisense C2 Projectors: Buyer’s Guide

Best Laser Projectors of 2025?

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Have you ever dreamed of watching a movie under the stars, gaming on a massive screen, or maybe turning your ceiling into a private cinema?

What if I told you that there’s a gadget, or a family of gadgets that’ll help you do that and more?

Whether you’re a casual movie night fan or a hardcore gamer, there’s a Hisense C2 Projector for you.

The C2 Series is part of a lineup of laser projectors from Hisense – a company known for bringing great display solutions to homes without breaking the bank.

Across the three projectors we’re featuring you’re getting triple-laser technology which means the light source uses three separate lasers — red, green, and blue – instead of just one.

You also get 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, projection size of up to 300 inches, VIDAA Smart OS TV which includes your favorite streaming apps Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and more.

All three have autofocus and auto keystone correction, a gimbal stand for 360 degree horizontal or 135-degree vertical viewing, and up to 25,000 hours of viewing. This means any of these projectors will last you for a really long time.


SHOP NOW!

Hisense C2  

Hisense C2 Pro

Hisense C2 Ultra

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