Her GadgetMatch

Samsung Galaxy Watch review: Who is it perfect for?

The fashionista, the girl boss, or the fitness enthusiast

Published

September 28, 2018

Isa Rodriguez

At this year’s Unpacked, what excited me most was not the Note 9, but Samsung’s latest wearable. Simply named the Galaxy Watch, this smartwatch boasted better performance than previous wearable releases like the Galaxy Gear Sport and it also looked so good in that beautiful rose gold option.

So, what can this watch do? Who is it for? Will it match all #OOTDs? I set out to get answers.

For the fashionista

If you’re the fashion-forward type and you’re looking for a wearable that looks as good as it works, the Galaxy Watch should definitely be on your list of possibilities.

I still believe that the Galaxy Watch is one of the best-looking smartwatch options out there. And when I say best-looking, I mean it will go with most outfits: Work attire? Check. Night out? Definitely. Casual? You betcha.

I barely took it off because it just went with most things I threw on. The Galaxy Watch can easily become a daily wardrobe staple because of how classic-looking it is. It’s basically my favorite accessory now.

There are two watch sizes, the 46mm which is admittedly too big for my wrists, but looked good nonetheless, and the 44mm which has a rose gold version that I’m totally in love with. It also comes with matching straps in a faint pink that looks oh-so-good. The best part? It’s silicone, but it doesn’t look it. This just means you don’t have to worry about the straps getting dirty, wet, or sweaty which is a great victory if you plan to wear it every day like I’ve been doing. There’s also a myriad of strap options so you can also change things around.

Of course, the normal gray and silver options are available too, but why pick those when you can get this? 😍

The screen looks bright and amazing on this thing, and hyper-real watch faces can make it look like a classic timepiece. Yes, I did a double take when I first saw them. 👀 You can also change your watch face to many other fun options depending on your mood.

But, enough about looks (even if it really, really looks awesome and I can’t get over that fact). This timepiece is pretty powerful, too. Having the Galaxy Watch on your wrist means seeing social media alerts and notifications without looking at your phone or you can even set it up to take remote photos of you, perfect for shooting your own #OOTDs.

And, that’s not all…

For the girl boss

If you’re always on the go; if you want added functionality from something that you can effortlessly wear, consider the Galaxy Watch.

I know my phone is right there but looking at this watch is way more fun

Like mentioned earlier, it will give you alerts or notifications straight from your phone. You can set it to vibrate or do an audio alert for certain things and customize notifications depending on which app alerts you want to be bothered with.

I love that you not only get message alerts on this watch, you can also reply either via typing with the iconic Samsung wearable rotating bezel that this watch still features, voice dictation, or you can even scribble letters for text replies. You may also make and answer calls on it but IRL, I still feel pretty weird talking to my watch so I stick to my phone for that. It’s still nice to know, though, that I have this option.

There’s also a function that gives you morning and evening briefings to help you wrap up and start off each day with a bang.

Admittedly, I only ever got updates on my activity and step count. I would have loved for the watch to tell me calendared activities, reminders, or even appointments but it didn’t do that because all that information was on my Google accounts and not on my Samsung calendar. I’m not actually sure if this briefing function could or would work as I imagined, but heck, I’m not moving my data out of Google to find out.

That being said, it has to be pointed out that the watch does work best with Samsung devices — everything just seems more seamless. But, don’t worry, the Galaxy Watch will still work fine with other smartphones.

Normal watch face versus Always On Display

One thing that was definitely improved on this wearable is the battery time. As much as I enjoyed the previously released Gear Sport, the one-day battery life was a deal breaker. Samsung remedied that on the Galaxy Watch which now lasts up to three days. Of course, turning on certain functions like the Always On display zaps the battery faster. Personally, I would’ve loved longer battery time, but three days is so much better than one so I’ll take it!

For the fitness enthusiast

Casual health trackers, those dipping their feet into the fitness pool, and people who appreciate wearables with extra health functions will enjoy this watch.

For one thing, you can go straight from any attire (because this watch will definitely match it) to gym wear. I always say that the best fitness tracker is one that’s always on your wrist so since this thing will match most #OOTDs, you better keep it on — and that makes it a clear winner in that department.

The Galaxy Watch tracks your step count, calories burned, floors climbed, and even your heart rate. This time around, you also have the option to do continuous heart rate tracking, but this will definitely kill your battery. There are workout shortcuts on the watch that’s designed for easier exercise tracking, but the watch will, nonetheless, automatically track your activities no matter where you are… even in the water. Yep, it’s waterproof.

Went swimming with my watch for this review

I did notice, though, that the automatic tracker wasn’t as accurate as I’d like. On a day where I did an hour of Kali martial arts and an hour-long gym session, Daily Briefing told me I was only active for 26 minutes — certainly not the case! Heart rate tracking also takes a little while when it’s on default frequent mode which only measures your heart rate every 10 minutes if you’re still. This poses a problem for me since the one time I’d want to check my heart rate would be when I’m moving, grooving, and exercising.

All this being said, if you’re a serious sports tracker, or you’re looking for a wearable for the sole purpose of tracking fitness, this might not be for you.

Just me tracking my stress levels

The Galaxy Watch also tracks and records sleep, stress levels, and it even has a relaxation app which gives you breathing exercises.

Everything is collated in the Samsung Health app. Of course, this works best with Samsung phones, but you can install this on any device — you’d have to, with the Galaxy Wearable app, to get to your data from the Galaxy Watch.

Final thoughts

All things considered, the Galaxy Watch is a promising wearable. It’s something I’d wear just because of how great it looks and for those who still struggle with how most smartwatches look (yes, I hear you, girls!), this might be the perfect fit.

Despite caveats, especially in the health tracking department, this watch offers all-around functionality without compromising fashion — and isn’t that what we all dream of when it comes to wearables?

Photos by Joshua Vergara

Accessories

Razer fully unwraps these limited BLACKPINK Edition gaming gear

They are finally coming in your area!

Published

January 22, 2026

Vincenz

Initially teased a month ago, the much-awaited BLACKPINK x Razer collab has finally been revealed for all the BLINKs to see (and purchase).

Hitting the ‘DEADLINE’

ICYMI, BLACKPINK (or K-Pop’s biggest female quartet composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo) started their highly-anticipated ‘DEADLINE’ World Tour just last year.

With Razer’s signature dark black styling paired with BLACKPINK’s bold and iconic pink scheme, this collaboration felt like the perfect match.

Now, if you’re the type of BLINK who still has a severe sepanx (like yours truly), all these limited BLACKPINK-themed gaming gear by Razer might just be the cure.

That said, here are all the BLACKPINK Edition gaming accessories you should expect from the Singaporean-American gaming giant.

Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition

A low-profile RGB keyboard with clicky Mecha-Membrane switches.

DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition

Gaming mouse with ergonic comfort and precision alongside mechanical switches and programmable buttons.

Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition

Razer’s smooth and durable mouse mat with that BLACKPINK flair

Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition

Badly-needed gaming chair for all-day comfort combined with BLACKPINK’s aesthetics — made for your marathon gaming sessions.

Pricing and Availability

Here are the SRP of the special Razer x BLACKPINK Edition gaming essentials:

Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 119.99
DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 49.99
Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 29.99
Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 499.99

These will all be released worldwide (excluding Canada and Japan) by the 2nd quarter of 2026.

Currently, Razer has set-up a pop-up store in Hong Kong. BLINKs in the area can experience all the special gaming gear with dedicated photo zones in the scene.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Lai (@richardlaihk)

This popped right in time as BLACKPINK will hold the Hong Kong stop of their ‘DEADLINE’ tour for three straight days — from January 24 (Saturday) until January 26, 2026 (Monday).

Moreover, these might just be the perfect complement to the quatro’s upcoming ‘DEADLINE’ EP by February 27, 2026.

Might as well, an advanced 10th year anniversary gift this August 2026.

Deals

Trade in your old device and switch to Dyson at SM Podium

A simple trade-in lets you enjoy Dyson’s latest technology with better value!

Published

November 25, 2025

Her

Sometimes, the right upgrade arrives at the perfect moment.

Dyson is giving everyone that chance with its Trade to Upgrade event happening from November 25 to 28 at the 2F Atrium of SM Podium.

It’s a limited run designed for anyone who has been waiting to switch to smarter cleaning, cooler airflow, or sleeker styling.

The idea is simple: Bring your old purifier, vacuum, or hair tool from any brand, working or not, and switch to a Dyson machine within the same category.

You can enjoy up to 30 percent off when you trade in a purifier for a Dyson purifier, a vacuum for a Dyson vacuum, or a hair dryer or styler for a Dyson hair tool.

It’s a straightforward way to upgrade your daily routines with technology that performs better and looks better at home.

The event also welcomes shoppers who are not trading in. Dyson is offering flexible payment options with zero percent installment for up to twenty-four months on all machines, including the Airwrap Coanda 2X and the Amber Silk finish.

This gives more room to choose the device that fits your lifestyle without rushing the decision.

Whether you are setting up a smarter home or refreshing your everyday essentials, this event is a chance to experience Dyson’s design and engineering in a more accessible way.

Her GadgetMatch

How the HUAWEI Active Rings run inspired my next streak

One active morning turned into a streak I wanted to keep!

Published

November 24, 2025

Her

There are days when running feels like a routine and there are mornings when it feels like a gift.

The HUAWEI Active Rings Fun Run landed perfectly on one of those good mornings. I woke up before the sun, optimistically laced my shoes, and took my place at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, where a thousand runners gathered with the same intention.

Everyone wanted to move with purpose and enjoy a moment that centered on fitness and a little glow from our smartwatches.

Finding my rhythm with my Active Rings

HUAWEI partnered with RUNRIO and a full roster of lifestyle staples like GCash, Shopee, Nature’s Spring, and URC. It created a space that felt alive even before anyone started running.

There were giant inflatables, interactive photo walls, and booths with snacks and hydration that framed the Race Village.

When the run began, the energy pushed me forward. The seaside breeze reminded me why I loved running outside. HUAWEI designed this event for their community of users and I felt that intention with every step.

It felt easy to check my stats and stay on pace because the watch tracked everything that mattered without distracting me.

I was inspired when seasoned runners passed me by, whereas some of them would later claim the top spots. The runners around me boosted me with energy that I wanted to match. They were competitive in a way that felt inspiring.

The little moments that made the morning sweeter

After crossing the finish line, I wandered around the Race Village again. I watched runners take photos with their medals and chat with friends they made during the route.

The GCash Watch Pay booth became unexpectedly helpful for a lot of participants. It let everyone bind their GCash account to their HUAWEI smartwatch.

It made sense for runners who preferred to go cashless and travel light. Shopee was also present and reminded everyone how modern life blends with fitness.

Every corner of the event touched a part of our daily routines. It showed how technology can help simplify healthy habits.

Keeping the streak alive with Light Up Your Active Rings

The fun run wrapped up the physical celebration but HUAWEI kept the momentum alive through the Light Up Your Active Rings Online Challenge. It runs from November 8 to 30 inside the HUAWEI Health App.

Participants only need to burn 1500 kcal within the challenge period to unlock the exclusive Manila Medal, a new badge inside the app that feels like a digital pat on the back.

Sharing the medal on TikTok with the hashtags #LightUpYourActiveRingsPH and #EnjoyYourMoment also enters participants into a chance to win a HUAWEI Watch GT 6.

HUAWEI will announce the winner on December 15. It feels like an invitation to stay active long after the race banners are packed away.

The challenge is simple and the message is clear: movement matters even when it feels small. Running, walking, cycling, or making your day a little more intentional can change the way you show up for yourself.

A community that runs with you

That morning reminded me that fitness does not need to feel lonely. The run united beginners, athletes, and curious participants who wanted to experience something new.

It gave us a morning filled with movement and reminded us that wearable technology can help us stay accountable in a way that feels supportive.

HUAWEI continues to build a fitness community that encourages healthier habits and celebrates every active streak. The Active Rings Fun Run made that mission feel real on the ground. Meanwhile, the Light Up Your Active Rings challenge brings it online for anyone who wants to keep going.

I left the MOA Complex with tired legs and a full heart. My Active Rings glowed with pride and I promised myself that this would not be the last time I ran for the kind of joy that morning gave me.