Philippines

Smart shows off 5G SA at j-hope concert

Enhanced mobile experience promised

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Smart 5G SA

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) not only amplified the excitement surrounding j-hope of BTS’s “Hope on the Street” concerts at the MOA Arena on April 12 and 13 but also marked a significant technological advancement. The company successfully showcased its cutting-edge 5G Standalone (SA) technology at the event. It highlights a next-generation mobile network experience designed to maximize 5G capabilities for its subscribers.

The key advantage of 5G SA lies in its ability to perform “network slicing.” This allows for the optimization of network infrastructure for specific uses and applications. This capability enables Smart to offer a prioritized network experience for users in high-demand scenarios. A densely populated like a concert is a major example.

At the j-hope concerts, Smart provided 5G-SA-capable handsets to select concertgoers. This demonstrated the network slicing capabilities of its 5G SA network. Even amidst thousands of fellow attendees, these users experienced impressive download speeds and a seamless mobile internet experience.

To further emphasize the power of this advanced mobile technology, Smart also customized the network ID displayed on the SA-enabled devices to “J-Hope Concert.” It highlights the technology in action.

Towards a world-class customer experience

The 5G SA technology demonstration builds upon Smart’s recent launches of Smart 5G Max and TNT ‘5G Max’ in Taguig City last December. Both aimed at providing a more seamless mobile experience. Alongside 5G Max, TNT also introduced Max Saya 30, its first prepaid data pack offering a prioritized network experience.

Powered by Smart 5G Max in real-world use

The power of Smart 5G Max proved beneficial for concertgoers throughout their experience, from entry verification to staying connected during the event.

Elaine, a university student attending the concert, shared, “My parents wanted me to update them every hour since it was my first K-pop concert. My Smart 5G line ensured I could message them via SMS or Viber without any issues.”

She also highlighted her ability to share short videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram in real-time. “We also had the opportunity to see the demo of Smart’s 5G SA, and it clearly showed boosted internet compared to a device without SA. Throughout the concert, there were no lags, and I was posting the whole time during and after the show,” Elaine added.

Nic, a young professional who attended the second day of the concert, expressed his gratitude for the consistent signal on his Smart phone. “I have attended concerts where the signal was terrible, causing anxiety about potential emergencies. This time with Smart, I was reassured that my family could contact me anytime.”

With reliable and strong phone signals, concert attendees were able to fully enjoy j-hope’s performance, which included his solo hits and popular BTS tracks.

Enhancing the Fan Experience

Beyond the network technology showcase, Smart also focused on enhancing the overall fan experience for ARMY (BTS’s fanbase). Months prior to the concerts, Smart held an exclusive presale event for its prepaid and postpaid subscribers, offering them an advantage in securing tickets. Smart also conducted a ticket giveaway promo exclusive to subscribers.

At the concert venue, fans could visit the Smart 5G Max booth, inspired by the “Sweet Dreams” pop-up in New York, for photo opportunities and interactive experiences.

This event not only provided entertainment but also served as a practical demonstration of Smart’s commitment to advancing its network technology and delivering a superior mobile experience for its users, even in high-demand scenarios.

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HONOR X5c Plus launches exclusively on Shopee, gets 3.3 offers

HONOR’s latest budget smartphone now in PH

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March 1, 2026

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The HONOR X5c Plus has officially been launched in the Philippines through a partnership with Shopee.

Customers can get the budget smartphone exclusively on the online shopping app, with offers available for the 3.3 monthly sale.

The devices features long battery life, a sleek design, expansive storage, and more practical capabilities.

It starts at PhP 4,999 on the app this 3.3 sale, from its regular price of PhP 6,999. Available colors are Ocean Cyan and Meteor Silver.

The HONOR X5c Plus comes with a 6.74-inch display with up to 450 nits of brightness. It also has Dynamic Dimming, an eye protection feature usually reserved for more expensive phones.

Powering the handset is a MediaTek Helio G81 processor. It houses a 5,260mAh battery and comes with 8GB (4GB+4GB expansion) RAM and 128GB internal storage.

For its camera package, the X5c Plus boasts of a 50MP main camera, additional 13MP camera, and 5MP selfie camera.

The shooters are supported by AI-powered features like AI Photo Sharpness and AI Object Recognition.

Out of the box, the device runs on MagicOS 9.0 and comes with handy features like Side Fingerprint Unlock, Face Unlock, and Magic Capsule.

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Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Get the devices for as low as PhP 2,433 a month

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February 26, 2026

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Smart has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.

The newly-launched lineup includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.

These new flagship devices are being offered across Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid bundles with various storage and installment options.

As part of Smart’s pre-order offer, customers can get double the storage when they avail of an S26 series device with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 as soon as possible.

This plan includes 12 months of unlimited 5G, 20GB of data per month, and unlimited all-net calls and texts, aside from Smart Postpaid perks.

In addition, the first 26 customers to pre-order via the Smart Online Store will get a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A9.

Moreover, those who pay via straight payment or 0% credit card installment will get double data for postpaid plans.

Here are the pricing details for each model:

  • Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 52,500 or PhP 2,433/mo (24 months)
  • Galaxy S26+ (512GB): PhP 64,900 or PhP 3,008/mo
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 73,200 or PhP 3,388/mo
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB): PhP 94,800 or PhP 4,392/mo

For premium users, the Smart Infinity Plans (3500, 5000, 8000, and 9500) provide unlimited data and exclusive perks such as:

  • a dedicated Relationship Manager
  • 24/7 hotline support
  • worldwide concierge services

Particularly, the new SIM-Only Plan 9500 also allows for one primary and two supplementary line under a single account.

For more on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, read here: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Chasing usability, not specs

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Globe partners with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell, advances connectivity initiatives

Globe pushing for more growth this 2026

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February 20, 2026

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At the most recent edition of its quarterly event, The Blueprint, Globe Telecom bared key initiatives as they emphasized reliable, affordable, and accessible connectivity as a national lifeline.

The program themed “Every Filipino Connected” highlighted initiatives to further strengthen digital inclusion across the country.

Among the event’s key announcements was the network provider’s partnership with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology. After a successful pilot trial, Globe plans to expand testing to more areas, aiming to extend coverage to such challenging locations.

As for the calendar year, Globe outlined some of their strategies, reflecting these three pillars: “Connectivity You Can Count On”, Connectivity for Every Filipino”, and “Experience Globe Connectivity”.

Globe is also introducing key initiatives focused on customers, businesses, and communities to enrich everyday experiences.

First, Globe Business introduced enterprise solutions, including a managed data streaming platform, with Confluent and the Globe Omnichannel Cloud Contact Center. These are designed to lower barriers to AI-powered engagement.

Meanwhile, Globe At Home advanced its “Built-in Broadband” initiative by integrating fiber ports into new property developments. Bundled offers under Globe Mobile and Globe At Home Advantage provide up to PhP 500 in savings as well.

Moreover, Globe’s budget sub-brand TM celebrated its 25th anniversary nationwide with promos and caravans.

Lastly, the company has expanded its premium portfolio with Platinum GPlan and PAL Mabuhay Miles promos. This makes the network provider the first in the market to reward customers with airline miles.

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