News
Samsung is reportedly axing the Galaxy S26+
A simplified lineup is coming next year
While it’s commendable that Samsung keeps its traditional flagships separate from its foldable lineup, the brand’s smartphones have a small identity problem. It’s getting more difficult to differentiate some models from one another, potentially leading to some confusion when picking models. To address the issue, Samsung is reportedly axing the Plus model.
The middle children of the two big flagship families are often in a state of limbo. Almost three years ago, for example, Apple replaced the iPhone mini with the Plus. This year, Apple is reportedly sunsetting the Plus, in favor of the new Air. For years, the secondary model has found itself as a site for constant experimentation.
Today, a new report claims that Samsung is trimming its extensive flagship lineup next year. According to Instant Digital, a prominent leak on Weibo, next year’s starting lineup will consist of the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra.
Currently, the Galaxy S25 series has four models: the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra. With the recent introduction of the Edge variant, the Plus started living on borrowed time. In fact, the Plus and the Edge share a lot of hardware in common, including the processor, the screen, and the main camera. It makes sense for one to go.
Looking at it, the three different models make sense. One’s a regular version, the second is a thinner version, and the third is the premium model. It should then become easier to determine which model fits the best with users. Additionally, the lineup might add a smaller FE model soon after the launch.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Stunningly Thin & Light, Surprisingly Powerful
Laptops
TECNO’s MEGABOOK laptops are now available in the Philippines
Exclusively sold at Laptop Factory
With the launch of TECNO’s two MEGABOOK K Series in the Philippines (MEGABOOK K16s 13th and MEGABOOK K15s), they have also announced an exclusive partnership with Laptop Factory — one of the Philippines’ fast-growing laptop distributor.
This will further usher in new productivity solutions to Filipino professionals, students and digital consumers.
Two Ks for Dual Use-Case
TECNO’s MEGABOOK K16s 13th shines on its own way. Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13420H processor alongside a max 32GB DDR4 memory and 1TB SSD configuration, this laptop can easily handle heavy workloads including multitasking, graphic design, even data analysis.
Its large 16-inch 16:10 Full HD display covers the 100% sRGB color gamut. Along with its 2.5W quad speakers, this MEGABOOK brings an immersive audio-visual experience. There’s also the large 70Wh battery — promising of up to 12 hours of use.
The TECNO PC Manager cross-device collaboration app exists for better harmony with your existing TECNO phones and tablets. And with the laptop running the latest Windows 11 version, it also has a built-in Microsoft Copilot AI key to further improve work efficiency. Despite all these ginormity, it manages to weigh at only 1.5kg.
Meanwhile, the MEGABOOK K15s is affordability is at its core. Its slim and light body is beneficial for commuting, while its basic configuration (suitable for daily software operation) together with its long battery life makes it the perfect complement for students and budding professionals. This makes it a true “entry-level high-performance” laptop.
TECNO x Laptop Factory
Laptop Factory is one of the fastest-growing laptop retailers in the Philippines. They are known for their wide selection of global brands, abundant stocks, and know what the local market wants. It’s even recognized by other major laptop brands for its strong growth, competitive pricing, and value-for-money deals.
With this exclusive partnership, TECNO gets a direct path into the Philippine laptop market by tapping Laptop Factory’s well-established offline retail network. For Laptop Factory, the collaboration means expanding its lineup with TECNO’s high-quality laptops — giving Filipino consumers more solid choices in the productivity space.
Together, both brands aim to deliver laptops that fit the everyday needs of Filipinos — whether for work, school, or everything in between. All while growing alongside the country’s rapidly evolving digital market.
Buy a TECNO Laptop, Get a Free Phone!
With this exclusive partnership, TECNO and Laptop Factory are giving away free phones when you purchase one MEGABOOK:
- Buy the MEGABOOK K15s (SRP: ₱44,999) and get a FREE TECNO POVA 7 (8+256GB)
- Buy the MEGABOOK K16s 13th (SRP: ₱46,999) and get a FREE TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G (8+256GB)
From February 7 and 8, this BOGO promo is available Buy One Get One Free is available only at Laptop Factory QC Main Branch. From February 9 onwards, the said promo will be available in all offline Laptop Factory stores nationwide.
The number of free gifts is limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis only until February 15th.
Gaming
Horizon Hunters Gathering is an upcoming co-op roguelite spinoff
If you liked Nightreign, you might like this.
Like Valve, the PlayStation’s tentpole franchises are allergic to the number 3. The Last of Us, the ongoing God of War arc, Spider-Man, and Horizon all don’t have a third game yet. These franchises, however, have all gotten rumors of spinoffs. Now, Horizon is getting more than just a rumor; an official co-op spinoff is happening. Say hello to Horizon Hunters Gathering!
Today, Guerilla unveiled Horizon Hunters Gathering, an official co-op roguelite set in the Horizon universe. The game will feature multiple players working to take down difficult enemies, bosses, and dungeons.
The title shares similarities with Elden Ring Nightreign. For one, players can choose between six characters with different roles. The main mode, called Machine Incursion, takes players to a wide map with powerups and roaming monsters. The map then has a shrinking ring that… well, you know what a shrinking ring does.
Horizon Hunters Gathering also has a different game mode called Cauldron Descent. Compared to the Nightreign type of gameplay, Cauldron Descent is a more traditional roguelite mode. Players enter a dangerous dungeon and choose alternate paths that vary in challenges.
Both game modes will be available through an upcoming closed playtest through the PlayStation Beta Program.
Because this is from Guerilla themselves, this is an official game. But it’s far from the only spinoff for the universe. Previously, NCSoft, a South Korean gaming studio, announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMO set in the Horizon universe. Like Horizon Hunters Gathering, Steel Frontiers has an unknown launch date.
SEE ALSO: Horizon Steel Frontiers is an MMO set in the Horizon universe
News
Report: HONOR tops global smartphone shipment growth in 2025
HONOR also improves overall market share
HONOR topped last year’s global smartphone shipment growth, according to an Omdia report. The manufacturer achieved an 11% year-over-year growth, which ranked first among the world’s top 10 smartphone vendors.
Furthermore, as per data from IDC, in the first three quarters of 2025, HONOR also led all top brands in overseas shipment growth across these premium segments:
- Smartphones priced above US$ 300 (premium and upper-mid-tier)
- Tablets in the US$ 300 to US$ 600 price band (upper-mid)
Such growth enabled HONOR to improve their overall market share to 6% in 2025. They’ve already edged Lenovo (5%), HUAWEI (4%), and realme (3%) after a strong calendar year.
Unarguably contributing to their performance are the releases of the flagships HONOR Magic V5 and HONOR Magic7 Pro, as well as mid-rangers like the HONOR 400 series and a handful of HONOR X series devices.
Meanwhile, Transsion, which holds the Infinix, TECNO, and itel brands, have an 8% market share combined, which is the same as OPPO and vivo. Xiaomi is at 13%, while giant players Apple and Samsung both have a 19% market share each.
Building on their growth, HONOR is set to unveil groundbreaking products at MWC 2026 in Barcelona this March.
These include the HONOR Robot Phone and the brand’s latest flagship foldable, the HONOR Magic V6. The impending releases accelerate the momentum of HONOR’s Alpha Plan.
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