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Samsung fully reveals the Galaxy Z TriFold

It’s already coming out in Korea next week.

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Samsung can’t let the year end without getting one last hurrah. After teasing the smartphone for months, the South Korean brand has finally unveiled the much-awaited Galaxy Z TriFold in all its glory.

This year started with a similar bang. Earlier, Huawei launched the Huawei Mate XT, the market’s first tri-fold smartphone. Since then, other brands have teased similar entries to compete against Huawei. Now, Samsung is ready with its own.

One gigantic screen

As with Huawei, the Galaxy Z TriFold will feature two hinges to complete the tri-fold format. Unfolded, the main screen is a humungous 10.0-inch screen. It will allow a lot of different uses; users can utilize the entire screen as one giant panel or split it into three windows for multi-tasking.

Then, users can fold the main screen inward, much like a brochure. When bent, the screen can turn into an immersive way to watch movies. Otherwise, the screen can fully fold into itself, which allows users to utilize the smaller 6.5-inch cover screen on the other side.

Both screens have a Dynamic 2X AMOLED display, featuring a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is also capable of up to 2,600 nits of brightness. Meanwhile, the main screen features 1,600 nits of brightness.

Both a looker and a fighter

If you’re worried that this just looks like a fad, the Galaxy Z TriFold has a wealth of hardware to convince you of what it can do.

Inside, the foldable sports a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, tailored specifically for Galaxy. It features 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The main screen has three-camera setup. Heading the pack is a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera. It’s paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. Both the main and the cover screen will each come with their own 10-megapixel selfie camera.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold will have a 5600mAh battery. It’s compatible with up to 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (wired) and up to 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. It also has Wireless PowerShare for other Samsung phones and those with WPC Qi wireless charging.

Built for durability

Durability is often a concern for those who want to buy a foldable. Have smartphone makers finally perfected a foldable screen?

While we can’t confirm this phone’s durability just yet, Samsung claims that the Galaxy Z TriFold focuses on keeping the screen safe for use for years to come.

Firstly, when folded, the screens will not touch each other. There’s a minimal gap, but there will be no contact between the folded screens. Regardless, Samsung still installed a new reinforced overcoat for increased resistance against dings and scratches.

Additionally, the chassis has been reinforced with an Advanced Armor Aluminum Frame. The hinges have also been strengthened with titanium for added durability.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold is IP48 rated.

These added measures are nothing to sneeze at. When unfolded, the body is only around 4.2mm thin and weighs only 309 grams.

Price, availability

As bombastic as this reveal is, the Galaxy Z TriFold is not available everywhere just yet. Starting December 12, the foldable will launch exclusively in South Korea. China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates will follow shortly after.

Meanwhile, the United States will get the foldable in the first quarter of 2026. Presumably, the American launch will coincide with the wider global one, but Samsung has not confirmed this yet.

There’s also no word on price yet. However, if the Mate XT is anything to go buy, expect an eye-watering price for this one. For reference, the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 costs US$ 1,999.

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TNT network recognized for having Best Mobile Latency

According to Ookla analysis

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.

Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.

(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)

This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.

Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.

Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.

Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.

Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.

Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.

Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

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OPPO Find X9 now available through Smart Postpaid, Infinity

OPPO’s latest flagship has triple Hasselblad cameras, more advanced features

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The flagship OPPO Find X9 is now available through Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity plans for customers in the Philippines.

Subscribers can get the device through Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 and Smart Infinity Device Plans 5000/8000.

Here are the inclusions:

Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 (PhP 32,500 one-time cashout)

  • 15GB data
  • Unli 5G data for 12 months
  • Unli AllNet Calls & Texts
  • Unli Landline Calls
  • Access to Smart Postpaid Perks
  • Extra 30GB free data for 6 months
  • Free Landers Premium Membership (for eligible subscribers)
  • PhP 1,000 worth of shopping GCs (Dec. 6 to 12 only for new line)

Infinity Device Plan 5000 (PhP 7,200 one-time cashout)

  • Unlimited data
  • Unli calls and texts
  • PhP 1,500 monthly consumables for in-app purchases, content subscriptions, more
  • 1GB roaming for 5 days/month
  • Personalized assistance
  • 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
  • More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges

Infinity Device Plan 8000 (device is complimentary)

  • Unli data, calls, and texts
  • PhP 3,000 monthly consumables
  • 2GB roaming for 7 days/month
  • Personalized assistance
  • 24/7 dedicated personal account manager
  • More exclusive lifestyle perks and privileges

As an exclusive launch offer, in-store subscribers will also receive a complimentary DJI Osmo Mobile SE stabilizer.

The Smart website also shows that the Find X9 is bundled with a free Enco Buds3 Pro.

Flagship find

The OPPO Find X9 features a triple Hasselblad camera system powered by OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.

It has three 50MP cameras at the back — one rear, one telephoto, and one ultra-wide — as well as a 32MP front camera.

OPPO’s latest flagship handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. It has a 16GB+512GB configuration and a massive 7,025mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC charging.

In front is a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a remarkable 95.4% screen-to-body ratio, 1,800 nits HBM brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and 460ppi pixel density.

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Google Year in Search 2025: NBA Finals, Halalan, Dionela, Alex Eala, more

Elections, AI, rising icons, sports, Korean series, more

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Google has released its Year in Search 2025, revealing the trends and moments that shaped the online habits of internet users this year.

Specifically for Filipinos, Gemini AI topped the overall trending list. Just under that is “Halalan 2025 results”, as it is a mid-term general election in the country. It shows that Filipinos are still very invested in what’s going on as far as politics are concerned.

During the 2025 elections, citizens voted for 12 senators to elect into office, representatives from their legislative districts, as well as local positions in provinces, cities, and municipalities.

Netflix series Squid Game also made the Top 10 list at No. 6. Reflecting the Philippines’ unwavering love for basketball, “OKC vs Indiana” also made it to No. 9. The Oklahoma City Thunder, of course, beat the Indiana Pacers in seven games to hoist this year’s NBA title.

Curiously, Khan Academy also made it to the magic 10, pretty much implying that several Filipino professionals constantly have upskilling in their minds.

Alex Eala, Dionela rise

Moving on to more specific lists, Filipino tennis rising star Alex Eala was definitely a talk of the town this calendar year. She is the most searched female personality overall, topping the likes of Bea Borres, AJ Raval, Jessica Sanchez, and Mika Salamanca, to name a few.

She is also ranked fourth in the list of most searched sports terms, behind “OKC vs Indiana”, “Pacquiao vs Barrios”, and “NBA standings 2025”.

Interestingly, the Golden State Warriors are No. 8 on that list but the Los Angeles Lakers have not made an appearance in this year’s Top 10.

Meanwhile, for male personalities, Dionela is at No. 4 on a more diverse list which includes Andy Byron (No. 1), Ed Gein (No. 2), and even Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon (No. 7) and Bronny James (No. 8).

Taylor Swift’s fiance, NFL star Travis Kelce (No. 9) and Kendrick Lamar (No. 10) wrap up the male personalities list.

OPM power

Dionela did make his presence felt on another list — Songs — where his famous track Marilag” is at No. 2 behind Earl Agustin’s “Tibok”.

In fact, it’s a rather OPM-laden list, showing how invested Filipinos still are in their own music. There’s Cup of Joe’s “Multo” (No. 4) and even Ogie Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako” (No. 5) which has enjoyed quite a resurgence, thanks to social media and former American Idol runner-up David Archuleta even singing it during a recent music festival.

Trending social media hits “Gnarly” and “Opalite” by KATESYE and Taylor Swift, respectively, round out the most searched songs list.

Entertainment

And speaking of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Netflix’s Physical Asia is curiously missing from the most searched shows and series this year. Although, they are No. 9 in the more specific Top Korean Series list.

Just behind Squid Game are When Life Gives You Tangerines, S Line,and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on both lists.

For movies, the term “Final Destination” is the most searched, thanks to the franchise’s sixth installment, Final Destination Bloodlines.

Horror/mystery movies have been quite impressive this year, with “Conjuring” referencing Conjuring: Last Rites and Weapons at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively.

Of course, Kpop Demon Hunters has likewise made noise, coming in at second. Superman took the third spot, while another superhero movie, Thunderboltsis at fourth.

Farewells

For farewells, the passing of Meteor Garden female protagonist Barbie Hsu shocked a lot of Filipino fans — especially those who grew up watching the hit Taiwanese drama series from the 2000s.

The death of Emman Atienza, the daughter of TV personality Kuya Kim Atienza, also resonated deeply among younger audiences as she spoke candidly about mental health issues prior to her passing.

Among other top searches under the category are for Pope Francis (No. 3), celebrities Nora Aunor (No. 5), Gloria Romero (No. 6), Pilita Corrales (No. 10), and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (No. 7).

AI-related

Lastly, when it comes to AI-related search terms, Filipinos continue to learn more about how AI can help their everyday lives.

Gemini AI comes in at first, DeepSeek is at second, while Claude rounds out the top three. There’s also ChatGPT (No. 8), Nano Banana (No. 10), and Verse (No. 6).

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