Hands-On

Vivo V7 Hands-on: A smaller near bezel-less option

Published

November 18, 2017

Isa Rodriguez

Vivo released yet another near-borderless smartphone two months after they released the Vivo V7+.

This is the Vivo V7, a smaller, more affordable, and almost bezel-less option.

Here’s what’s new and what stayed the same.

Look and feel

The Vivo V7 has a familiar-looking screen — at 5.7 inches, however, it’s smaller than most near-borderless displays.

The forehead (yep, that bezel up top), houses a selfie shooter, the earpiece, proximity sensor, and LED flash.

There is nothing on the bottom bezel — no buttons, capacitive or otherwise. The fingerprint scanner has been moved to the back near the rear shooter.

The top right houses the volume rockers and the power button.

On the left, we find the SIM card tray which can accommodate two nano-SIM cards and a microSD card.

Admittedly, this phone fits my teeny hands better as I’ve always struggled with bigger handsets. Worth noting also is how gestures, much like those in the iPhone X, can be used instead of the onscreen home, back, and recent apps buttons.

Cameras

Vivo phones are known for their capacity to take “perfect selfies” and this particular release does not disappoint in that department. It has a 24-megapixel front-facing camera equipped with Face Beauty 7.0. If you’re wondering, this is what it can do. And no, I don’t normally look this fresh, unfortunately.

Vivo V7 selfie sample

The beauty filter is also available on video calls for certain apps like Facebook Messenger; however, you can’t activate it for normal video recording. (Sorry, vloggers!)

The single 16-megapixel rear shooter also has a portrait mode equipped with bokeh and beauty mode.

Here are a few more sample shots:

What’s inside

The V7 is powered by a Snapdragon 450 processor which is, as Dan has explained earlier, “pretty much based on the Snapdragon 625.”

It has 4GB of memory, 32GB of storage, and runs on Android Nougat with FunTouch OS 3.2. A 3000mAh battery powers the device.

Much like the V7+, and all other near bezel-less smartphones, this handset is equipped with facial unlock capabilities.

V7 versus V7+

Side by side, the V7 looks much like its predecessor. Basically, the Vivo V7 is a smaller version of the V7+.

Just a teeny bit, smaller, though — 0.3 inches to be precise. This isn’t much of a difference even when you get to hold both phones. The V7 also has the same screen resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels.

There are a few other differences, too. The V7 has less storage and a smaller battery capacity. It also lacks the Hi-Fi audio chip that the V7+ is equipped with.

Photo lovers need not worry: This device is equipped with the same powerful shooters as on the V7+ for all you picture-perfect needs!

First impressions

At PhP 14,990 or around US$ 290 (IDR 3,799,000 in Indonesia), the Vivo V7 seem like a great deal compared to its more expensive predecessor.

With this more affordable tag, however, come those spec compromises. How will they affect performance and phone capabilities? Does screen size really matter? These are questions we’ll reserve for the review.

In the meantime, it’s looking good for the V7.

Hands-On

Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested

Published

October 22, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!

Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.

Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!

Convenient Smart Home

30 days with the LG AeroMini

The upgrade my new space ~badly~ needed

Published

October 5, 2026

Noela

Moving into a new space comes with a long list of things to figure out, and lately, I’ve been paying more attention to something that’s easy to overlook: air quality.

After using the LG AeroMini for about a month, it has become a subtle but welcome addition to my space. It helps make the room feel fresher, while its compact and stylish design fits naturally into my setup. Here are the things that stood out to me most after living with it for a month.

360° purification for a fresher space

One of the things I appreciate about the AeroMini is its 360° air purification, designed to bring purified air in every direction.

For me, this is particularly useful in a new space where I’m spending a lot of time working, relaxing, and just settling in.

Combined with its True HEPA filter, which is designed to remove 99.999% of 0.01μm fine dust and allergens, it gives me added peace of mind about the air I’m breathing every day.

After a month, I can genuinely say that the space feels fresher with it running.

Surprisingly quiet

This is probably my favorite feature.

The LG AeroMini operates at just 26dB, and after using it for a month, what stands out is how easy it is to forget that it’s even running.

I can have it running while I’m working or sleeping without the noise becoming a distraction. For an appliance that’s designed to continuously improve the air around you, I think that’s a big deal.

Sometimes, the best feature is the one you barely notice.

Design that fits my space

Since I recently moved, I’ve been pretty conscious about what I bring into the space. I want things to be functional, but I also don’t want appliances that feel like they’re taking over the room.

The AeroMini’s slim and compact design makes it easy to incorporate into my setup. It doesn’t feel bulky or industrial, and I like that I can leave it out without feeling like I need to hide it away.

For me, that balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it feel more like part of the space rather than just another appliance.

Air quality at a glance

Another feature I’ve found convenient is its Smart Control. Through the app, I can monitor and control the AeroMini while getting real-time updates on the indoor air quality.

It’s a small convenience, but being able to check the air quality without having to interact with the purifier directly makes it easier to keep track of what’s happening in the room.

Easy to maintain

I also appreciate that the AeroMini is designed with an all-in-one dust and deodorization filter that makes replacement and maintenance easier.

That matters to me because the best home gadgets are the ones that don’t create another complicated chore. I want something I can set up, use regularly, and maintain without too much fuss.

After a month, would I keep it?

Yes, and mainly because it quietly fits into my everyday routine.

The LG AeroMini has helped make my new space feel fresher and more comfortable, while its compact design means it doesn’t compromise the look of the room. But if I had to pick just one thing I appreciate most, it’s still how incredibly quiet it is.

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply works in the background.

If you’re also looking to make your home a fresher and more comfortable space for yourself and your family, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/ to learn more about the LG AeroMini and how it can fit into your everyday life.

Hands-On

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

Published

September 13, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

The latest Apple event isn’t just about the shiny new Apple Duo. There’s a lot to talk about!

In this video, we break down everything Apple has announced during their September 2026 keynote.

First, there’s the updated iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. That’s alongside their design and color changes, battery and performance improvements. Even that massive camera upgrade.

There’s even the ANC-infused AirPods 5 alongside the newer Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Plus, the latest software updates coming to both these wearables.

So, are these worth the upgrade?