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

Her GadgetMatch

TECNO and Angélica Dass team up for a global portrait project

Dass aims to photograph 100 people across five countries using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra

Published

July 8, 2026

Vincenz

TECNO has partnered with Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass in launching “100 Portraits of Becoming.”

It is a two-year global initiative that explores identity, representation, and how AI sees people.

The project officially kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya — where Dass began photographing participants using the latest TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra.

Who’s Angélica Dass?

Angélica Dass is best known for exploring identity and self-expression through portrait photography.

Her award-winning “Humanæ” project challenged conventional ideas of race and skin color by highlighting the diversity of human skin tones.

ICYMI, Dass and her project gained much recognition from:

TED
World Economic Forum
UNESCO
American Museum of Natural History
Vogue
National Geographic

Portraits beyond appearances

With this portrait project, Dass teams up with TECNO to photograph 100 people across five countries.

Rather than simply documenting faces, 100 Portraits of Becoming aims to tell the stories behind each participant. Every portrait is paired with a personal narrative about growth, identity, and life experiences. Creating what TECNO calls a “Living Archive.”

Participants are photographed in natural light, without filters, and while wearing clothing of their own choice to better reflect their authentic selves.

The collaboration also explores how AI can go beyond simply recognizing faces. Asking instead how technology can better reflect the complexity of human identity and give people more control over how they choose to be seen.

Powered by TECNO’s Universal Tone imaging

All portraits are shot using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, which features the company’s Universal Tone imaging technology.

Introduced in 2023, Universal Tone is designed to improve how smartphone cameras capture different skin tones. According to TECNO, the system is built on a database covering hundreds of skin tone samples, allowing photos to produce more natural and accurate results across a wider range of complexions.

The company says the technology aligns with the project’s goal of promoting more authentic and inclusive representation in photography, especially as AI-powered imaging becomes increasingly common nowadays.

From Kenya to the world

As previously mentioned, Kenya serves as the project’s first stop. With TECNO citing the country’s growing technology ecosystem and young population as reasons for beginning there.

Over the next two years, the initiative will travel to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil. The first collection of portraits and stories expected to go live online in August.

As of writing, TECNO is currently accepting participants from the Philippines where Dass is expected to take part from August 16 until August 22, 2026.

Through 100 Portraits of Becoming, TECNO hopes to spark conversations around identity, diversity, and how technology can better reflect the people it captures—not just visually, but through their stories as well.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson’s viral portable fan arrives in the Philippines

Published

June 23, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

If there is one Dyson launch that has generated unusual levels of anticipation this year, it is the Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan.

The compact cooling device quickly gained a following after its international release, reportedly selling out within a day in several markets. Now, just in time for the hottest and most humid months of the year (no thanks to climate change), it is finally arriving in the Philippines.

With temperatures continuing to climb, the timing feels almost inevitable. Lightweight and designed for use on the move, the HushJet™ Mini brings Dyson’s airflow technology into a portable format that fits easily into everyday life—whether commuting through the city, attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending long days under the sun.

Its appeal extends beyond functionality. Finished in Dyson’s Stone/Blush colorway, the device combines cooling performance with a sleek aesthetic that feels at home alongside the accessories people already carry daily.

The new Dyson HushJet Mini is your new companion against heat and humidity.

The launch also marks one of the most accessible entry points into the Dyson ecosystem. Priced at PhP6,499, the HushJet Mini offers consumers a practical way to experience the brand’s engineering and design in a product built for everyday use.

Given the strong demand seen overseas, interest is expected to be high when the fan officially launches in the Philippines.

Where, when, and how to get your own Dyson HushJet

The Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan in Stone/Blush will be available beginning June 25, 2026 at 3 p.m. at participating Dyson stores, including Mall of Asia, Podium, Greenbelt 5, and One Bonifacio High Street.

For those hoping to get their hands on one, it may be worth keeping a close eye on Dyson Philippines’ official social media channels and Dyson.ph. If international demand is any indication, this could be one of the season’s most sought-after releases.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson is making it very easy to upgrade everything this May

Published

May 11, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

From a three-day takeover at SM Megamall to an exclusive Super Brand Day on Lazada, the brand is bringing its best deals and newest launches together in one compelling window.
If you’ve been quietly adding Dyson products to your wishlist and waiting for the right moment, May is making a rather strong case for itself.

The brand has two major events lined up in quick succession — a one-day sale on Lazada on May 11, followed by a three-day immersive experience at SM Megamall from May 15 to 17 — and together, they cover just about every reason you’d want to upgrade your home or beauty routine.

First stop: Lazada’s Super Brand Day, May 11

Kicking things off is Dyson’s Super Brand Day on Lazada, a one-day event that brings the brand’s most recognisable products together with vouchers worth up to ₱5,000 off, free shipping, and installment options of up to six months.

The floor care lineup leads with some of the sharpest discounts of the sale. The Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy moves from PhP28,900 to PhP19,230 after discounts, while the Dyson WashG1 sees the biggest drop of the day — from PhP45,900 down to PhP31,130, unlocking PhP14,770 in savings on the wet floor cleaner that makes a compelling case against the mop-and-bucket. For those who want both, the wet-and-dry pairing suddenly becomes a very reasonable investment.
Environmental control gets a moment too. The Dyson Cool AM07 tower fan drops from PhP29,500 toPhP20,240 — a saving of up to PhP9,260, and a timely one given the country’s reliably unrelenting heat.

With Mother’s Day arriving on May 11 itself, the hair care lineup feels particularly well-timed. The Dyson Supersonic HD15 in Nickel Copper lands at PhP19,930 from PhP29,900, while the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina drops to PhP27,782 from PhP36,900 — the kind of gift that feels equal parts indulgent and practical. The Dyson Airstrait in Ceramic Pink and the Dyson Corrale round out the lineup at PhP26,120 and PhP25,320 respectively.

The full sale is available via the official Dyson LazMall flagship, where vouchers can be accessed ahead of checkout at Dyson’s online storeDyson’s online store.

Then: the Trade to Upgrade experience at SM Megamall, May 15 to 17

For those who prefer to experience the technology in person — or have an old machine they’ve been meaning to do something about — Dyson is transforming the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall into a three-day hub of live demonstrations, expert sessions, and exclusive deals.

The centrepiece is the Trade to Upgrade program, which lets guests bring in their old machines — any brand, working or not — and trade them in for exclusive discounts on Dyson products. It’s a rare opportunity to finally make that long-overdue switch without the full sticker shock.

Each day of the event has its own focus. Day 1 opens with the launch of the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, an intelligent floor care innovation with real-time stain detection and precision cleaning capabilities. Dyson Experts will be on hand for live demos throughout the day.

Day 2 shifts to beauty, with the Dyson Supersonic Travel taking centre stage — a smaller, lighter version of the iconic hair dryer that delivers the same performance in a more portable form. Celebrity hairstylists will be running live styling sessions for those curious about what the machine can do.

Day 3 brings a limited-edition drop: the Ceramic Apricot colorway across Dyson’s styling range, alongside masterclasses and guest appearances from top local stylists. Those ready to invest in a full beauty upgrade will also find the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina available at up to 30% off through the Trade to Upgrade program — making it one of the more compelling deals of the entire event.

Catch the full experience at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, from May 15 to 17, 2026.