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vivo X Fold5 breaks some records for a foldable

Second lightest foldable of 2025 with four IP ratings

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We’re just in the second quarter of 2025. Yet, it’s been raining foldables all around.

While we’re still all waiting for the grand launch of the HONOR Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, vivo walks the red carpet first with the X Fold5.

Lightest of ’em all

If last year’s X Fold3 was already lightweight, vivo has managed to beat its own record.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

From 219 grams, its successor is more featherweight at only 217 grams. That alone makes vivo’s X Fold5 the world’s lightest book-style foldable so far.

UPDATE #1: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is now 2025’s lightest foldable at 215 grams.

But that’s only for the Titanium model. The two other colorways — Clear and Pine Green — are heavier at 226 grams.

Even the OPPO Find N5, its closest rival, weighs 229 grams.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While not the thinnest (as it’s already reserved on the upcoming HONOR Magic V5 at 8.8mm), the Titanium Version of the X Fold5 with fiberglass back is still razor thin at 9.2 mm.

Meanwhile, the other two colorways with regular glass backs are slightly thicker at 9.7mm.

For comparison, last year’s X Fold3 was 10.2mm.

When unfolded, they’re 4.3mm and 4.55mm respectively.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

All these wouldn’t be possible without the vivo X Fold5’s mighty foldable mechanism.

That’s all thanks to its hinge made of ultra high-strength FS55 steel and carbon fiber materials.

Speaking of durability, the vivo X Fold5 is also the first smartphone ever to feature four IP ratings: IP5X, IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+.

As confusing as it sounds, IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+ are all about water-resistance.

The most extreme IPX9+ rating means it can be folded and unfolded underwater. It also has utmost protection against strong rain and wind.

Meanwhile, IP5X has resistance from dust disturbance.

Also, the vivo X Fold5 has a durable “anti-freeze” body that can withstand -20ºC temperature.

Pro-grade without the “Pro” name

This 2025, vivo has simplified its latest foldable to just a single model without the existence of a separate “Pro” version.

Regardless, the vivo X Fold5 still packs pro hardware inside.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

It runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm SoC found on 2024 flagships.It’s then backed by either 12GB or 16GB of LPPDR5X Ultra memory plus options between 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage in the UFS 4.1 interface.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Screen sizes are still similar like last year: 8.03-inch inside, 6.53 inches outside.

Both are LTPO 8T AMOLED displays with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, 8,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 452 ppi Pixel Density, 4500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut, and 1.07 Billion Colors support.

Battery capacity has then been bumped up from 5500mAh to 6000mAh — making it a foldable with one of the biggest battery capacities.

Charging protocol still remains like last year: 80W FlashCharge.

However, vivo brings its 40W wireless FlashCharge that was absent in last year’s base model (which only the X Fold3 Pro had wireless FlashCharge at 50W).

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Last but definitely not the least, its mighty triple 50MP ZEISS camera system with ZEISS T* lens coating.

There’s a 50MP f/2.05 UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens with a 50MP f/1.57 VCS Bionic main camera using Sony IMX921’s 1/1.56-inch sensor.

Lastly, a 50MP f/2.55 periscope telephoto lens based on Sony IMX882 image sensor that’s capable of shooting optically zoomed images to 3x, up to 20x telephoto macro, and up to 100x max. Also, a color-spectrum sensor that’s absent in last year’s X Fold.

Both selfie cameras are 32MP f/2.4 shooters.

ICYMI, that’s a flagship-grade camera system very much akin to the vivo X200, X200s, and the recently-released X200 FE. Still a rarity among foldable smartphones.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The vivo X Fold5 runs the latest version of OriginOS 5 based on Android 15 with AI-rich features and an all-new Stage Manager-like Multitasking view.

There’s even seamless (and serious) connection to the Apple ecosystem.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Whether it’s sharing photos and files via AirDrop, call and text (and iMessages) forwarding in iPhones, screen mirroring, extending, or even remotely controlling your Mac, native controls when pairing your AirPods, or even viewing your latest Activity Rings in your Apple Watch, vivo’s China-based OS all support it.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pricing and Availability

The vivo X Fold5 is available in four configurations:

  • 12+256GB = CNY 6999 (US$ 975 / EUR 840 / GBP 720 / SG$ 1250 / PhP 55,730 / INR 83,935)
  • 12+512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
  • 16+512GB =  CNY 8499 (US$ 1185 / EUR 1020 / GBP 870 / SG$ 1520 / PhP 67,670 / INR 101,930)
  • 16+1TB = CNY 9499 (US$ 1325 / EUR 1140 / GBP 975 / SG$ 1695 / PhP 75,625 / INR 113,920)

Pre-orders run for six days. Online and offline store availability starts on July 10, Thursday.

Currently, just like any Chinese-exclusive device, there’s no word about global availability.

UPDATE #2: vivo X Fold5 was recently launched in India with a price of INR 149,999 in a lone 16+512 GB Titanium Gray variant.

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

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Sony MDR-3R

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

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Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

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As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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