Philippines

Smartphones cheaper on normal days over sale days, says study

Study by iPrice group

Published

March 8, 2022

GadgetMatch

Online shopping has been a hit among Filipino consumers. Monthly online sales days like 11.11 and 12.12 drive people to e-commerce sites in hopes of the best deals.

The practice includes trying to score on different smartphones at the most affordable rates. These also include the usual discounts and freebies.

However, a study conducted by iPrice group, an e-commerce aggregator with a database of over 7 million products and 8 million sellers across Southeast Asia, reveals a different story.

Smartphones cheaper on normal days

The study collected price data of smartphones from July 16 to December 31, 2021.

It revealed that from August to December, the cheapest median smartphone price falls on a normal day instead of a sales day, as seen in the table below.

Month	Smartphone median price on Sales Day	Smartphone median price on a Non-Sales Day
August	PhP 18, 694.22 on 8.8	PhP 18, 311.75 (August 3)
September	PhP 20, 212.80 on 9.9	PhP 18, 298.42 (September 25)
October	PhP 20, 450.18 on 10.10	PhP 19, 085.91 (October 26)
November	PhP 18, 345.59 on 11.11	PhP 17, 207.41 (December 17)
December	PhP 17, 640.64 on 12.12	PhP 17, 478.11 (December 16)

Prices marked up before sale days

Another interesting tidbit the study revealed is that prices were marked up in the days leading to the actual sale day.

For instance, prices started increasing by September 30, 2021 until it reached a median price of PhP 22,100 on October 2, 2021.

It drops by 8 percent — down to PhP 20,500 during the 10.10 sale, but the median price was 15 percent lower on September 25, 2021 at PhP 18,300.

Similar patterns were observed during the buildups to the 11.11 and 12.12 sales across e-commerce platforms.

December still best month to buy smartphones

According to the average of all median prices, December is still the best month to buy a smartphone.

If shoppers are interested to buy a smartphone during a sales day, then 12.12 would be the most ideal date as the median price is lower.

Aside from that, most Filipino workers have already received their 13th month pay by that period.

As has been the case, the month of December has always been filled with clearance and holiday sales as it is definitely one of the most exciting months in Philippine culture and tradition.

Smartphone prices in PH among highest

Lastly, as iPrice also observed the median prices of smartphones in other Southeast Asian countries, it was discovered that the Philippines had the second highest median price at PhP 19,100, just below Singapore’s PhP 23,400 equivalent.

Indonesia had the cheapest median price for smartphones at PhP 13,000, followed by Thailand (PhP 15,400) and Malaysia (PhP 15,500).

This is quite a bummer given that the Philippines also has one of the lowest wages among the Southeast Asian countries, so scoring the best deals on online purchases and buying smart are definitely musts.

Related Topics:iPrice Lazada Sales Shopee

News

Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

Published

February 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

🛒 Shop Exclusive Deals: @enjoyglobe on TikTok
Globe AT HOME Website: https://shop.globe.com.ph/gah5gwifi/

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

Published

February 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

Open to Canon users only
Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

Open to all camera brands
Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

Open to all camera brands
Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.

Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

Published

January 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.