Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Things to consider before committing

Published

March 7, 2023

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

Buyer’s Guide: TECNO SPARK 50 Pro vs SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

Published

June 18, 2026

Vincenz

Within two months, TECNO separately launched the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G.

Clearly, the uprising brand aims to target consumers who want to buy a shiny new smartphone within their means. This also meant budget buyers might get confused which to get between the two.

Interested yet still confused? Read more to know which SPARK is your GadgetMatch.

Design

While design is (and will always be) subjective, the design of the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are on two different sides of the coin.

The newer SPARK 50 Pro is offered in stronger color choices — from Midnight Blue to the Dynamic Orange I own. Albeit, there are the less flashy Ink Black, Titanium Grey, and Cloud White shades.

On the other hand, the SPARK 50 5G has classier colorways: Champagne Gold, Mint Green and Fantasy Purple. That’s alongside the subdued Ink Black and Titanium Grey options.

Personally, the SPARK 50 5G’s clean-looking horizontal camera bar design was the clear giveaway. While the SPARK 50 Pro is a bit slimmer at 7.8mm, the SPARK 50 5G is still comfortable to hold despite being thicker at 8.18mm.

Furthermore, the Champagne Gold unit I rock looks more premium and doesn’t try to be in with the unnecessary “orange” trend.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Durability

Usually, design and durability coincide with one another. But, that’s not always the case.

Despite the SPARK 50 5G having an aviation-grade body, it only has an IP64 rating. It can withstand dust particles but, only water splashes and light sprays. Good to note though that it is MIL-STD-810H compliant.

Meanwhile, the less premium-looking SPARK 50 Pro actually boasts the sturdier IP68 and IP69 water and resistance ratings. This means it can withstand dust, water immersion, and even stronger, high-pressure sprays.

This makes the SPARK 50 Pro one of the few phones to have an IP rating previously limited to flagships and higher-end midrangers.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Audiovisual

Both the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G share a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. Both are also 720p in resolution and refresh rate maxes out at 120Hz.

Obviously, these phones don’t have the best in class displays. But, for such segment and price, having such display tech alongside a punch-hole cutout (instead of a raindrop notch) means a lot.

Stereo speakers are also powered by DTS sound. Undoubtedly, these two phones are like identical twins in this segment.

The only thing that the SPARK 50 5G has the upper-hand is none other than its inclusion of 3.5mm audio jack that the SPARK 50 Pro lacks. Still beneficial for people who fully rely on wired audio.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Performance

While the front part is harder to distinguish from one another, each inner core is what separates these phones apart.

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 SoC.

Of course, it’s not the most powerful out there. But, for its league, it’s a capable chipset that can multitask and run most game titles. Even 5G support never forgotten.

Meanwhile, the SPARK 50 Pro, despite having that “Pro” superlative, only runs the Dimensity G100 Ultimate. CPU speeds are obviously lower. Worse? It’s only limited to 4G speeds.

On the positive note, it gives better camera support.

Memory sizes are available in 4,6, and 8GB with storage options in either 128 or 256GB. Fortunately, these phones still have a dedicated microSD slot.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Camera

With the camera talk already mentioned, most would think that the 50MP main rear camera of the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are just the same. Well, they’re not.

Photography duties of the SPARK 50 Pro are mainly handled by Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) image sensor. For reference, that’s the same image sensor found on most modern midrangers.

The SPARK 50 5G uses an older Sony Exmor sensor. Aperture slightly differ at f/1.9 and f/1.8 respectively.

For further context, here’s how the two smartphones produce photos.

To compensate for that, the SPARK 50 5G tends to over-sharpen and color boost its photo output over SPARK 50 Pro’s natural image rendering.

The SPARK 50 Pro also has a better-looking bokeh falloff than its 5G counterpart.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Power

Finally, the highlight of both phones: battery capacity.

ICYMI, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro has two versions: a single-cell 5600mAh model and a bigger 6000mAh dual-cell version.

The SPARK 50 5G takes it up a notch with an even bigger 6500mAh capacity.

Although that is only a 500mAh (or 900mAh) discrepancy, that battery boost still means a lot for an every day user.

Charging-wise, the SPARK 50 Pro has a faster 60W speed over the regular 45W charging in the 5G version.

IMHO, I would still choose a bigger battery over faster charging speeds. Still, it’s great to have both in a single package.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

If we are going to tally the scores, the clear afforda-phone winner is none other than the TECNO SPARK 50 5G.

It ticks 4 out of 6 boxes — from that classier design to its beastly battery despite that thin chassis. Even better, a 5G-capable chipset and 3.5mm audio jack inclusion that the “Pro” variant simply lacks.

However, that doesn’t mean the SPARK 50 Pro is lackluster.

If you value the cameras and durability more than anything else, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is clearly the one you should get.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to how much of your hard-earned savings you are willing to let go.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.