News

Vivo X21 now official with under-display fingerprint reader version

Vivo is keen with under-display fingerprint readers

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Following the announcement of OPPO for their R15 duo, Vivo made their new top-tier smartphone official — the Vivo X21. Unsurprisingly, the X21 shares a few characteristics with OPPO’s newest release but has its own improvements.

The Vivo X21 is equipped with a 6.28-inch border-less AMOLED display with a notch on top. Its resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels is on par with other models in its range, but the notch houses more than just an earpiece and front camera. The X21 has an infrared fill light which enables 3D mapping of facial features for its Face Wake 2.0.

Vivo X21

A Snapdragon 660 processor powers the phone along with a dedicated AI core. The chipset has Adreno 512 for graphics and is paired with 6GB of memory. As for storage, two options are available: 64GB and 128GB. A non-removable 3200mAh battery (with fast-charging through micro-USB) makes sure the phone will last the whole day while it runs Android 8.1 Oreo with Funtouch OS 4.0.

The cameras on board the X21 are enough to make the phone ideal for mobile photography. There’s a dual-camera setup on the back with a 12-megapixel f/1.8 main shooter and a 5-megapixel f/2.4 secondary to enable background effects like bokeh and portrait mode.

Vivo X21 UD

A fingerprint reader is located at the back of the X21, but it’ll have a special version with an under-display fingerprint scanner just like its predecessor. This version is only available with 128GB of storage.

Orders for the regular variant will begin on March 24 at midnight with the 64GB model priced at CNY 2,898 (US$ 460) while the 128GB is at CNY 3,198 (US$ 505). Both will come in Aurora White, Ruby Red, and Black.

If you wish to get the version with an under-display fingerprint reader, it’ll be available in Ruby Red and Black starting March 28 for CNY 3,598 or roughly US$ 570.

SEE ALSO: Vivo announces AI-powered Super HDR

News

Nothing releases first look at Phone (4a)

The phone is still scheduled to launch on March 5.

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Judging by their irreverent advertising as of late, Nothing wants to upstage Apple during the scheduled launch of the iPhone 17e. Specifically, the brand is launching the Nothing Phone (4a) a day after Apple’s event. Now, it looks like the wait got too long, even for the company itself. Ahead of the launch, Nothing has just revealed our first official look at the upcoming phone.

There is a lot riding on this phone. Earlier this year, Carl Pei confirmed that the brand will not launch the Phone (4) series this year. Instead, Nothing’s flagship spot for 2026 (or, at least, closest to it) will be reserved for the Phone (4a).

Like the previous years of the (a) series, the Phone (4a) is a notch below the flagship series but can still stand on its own. For one, it’s expected to launch with the latest Snapdragon 7 series chipset.

However, for the released photo, we got a look at the device’s rear. Like the Phone (3a), the Phone (4a) will have a center-aligned camera island.

There is a bit more going on with the phone, though. The photo teases the new Glyph Bars, the latest iteration of Nothing’s iconic lighting system. There’s also the red square usually prevalent in the flagship series.

As for aesthetic, the Phone (4a) looks simpler than its predecessors. We’re still getting the faux machinery designs, but there’s less lines and angles. It looks the closest to the flagship series than any of its predecessors.

Thankfully, the wait for the reveal isn’t long. Nothing is scheduled to launch the series on March 5.

SEE ALSO: Nothing confirms Phone (4a) launch by trolling Apple

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Gaming

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch

Both games will be available starting February 27.

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Millennials, prepare to have your nostalgia get hit right in the feels. Nintendo has officially announced that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch.

This year, the Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Naturally, with Pokémon Day coming up, it’s only right to celebrate the event with something huge. Finally, two of the most prolific titles in the series are coming to a modern console.

Originally released in 2004, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen were remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. At the time, the two titles reimagined the older games for the Game Boy Advance. Additionally, they introduced new post-game content set in the Sevii Islands, where Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys reside in the Kanto region.

Based on the short teaser trailer, the upcoming Switch versions will feature all of both games’ content. It will likely be remastered for the Switch’s larger screen.

To showcase more of the Switch version, Nintendo is hosting a Pokémon Presents on February 27. The brand has not mentioned anything about a potential physical version yet. However, they do promise that both games will be available on the Nintendo eShop as soon as next week’s Pokémon Presents concludes. Each game will cost US$ 19.99.

SEE ALSO: A Pokémon leak reveals an MMO-style remake of Hoenn, Sinnoh

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News

HUAWEI launches Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, FreeClip 2

Price, availability, preorder freebies in the Philippines

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HUAWEI has officially launched its latest flagship foldable offering, the HUAWEI Mate X7, in the Philippines.

The powerful device was introduced alongside the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 tablet and HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds.

The Mate X7 is dubbed as the “King of Foldables”, with top-tier photography features. It has a 50MP Ultra Lighting HDR main camera with 17.5 EV dynamic range.

This is complemented by a 50MP camera that serves as both a telephoto and macro shooter.

Unfolded, the Mate X7 has a large 8-inch display, with features like Live Multitask. Users can also explore Google apps on the X7.

The foldable also comes with 360-degree protection, as well as IP58 dust and water resistance.

MatePad 11.5 S 2026: PC-like efficiency

Meanwhile, the MatePad 11.5 S 2026 offers 4-in-1 productivity for modern users. It has WPS Office 3.0, which supports advanced math functions and inserting documents or links.

The bundle includes the HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, Smart Magnetic Keyboard, and HUAWEI Bluetooth Mouse, all powered by NearLink Tehnology.

The slate’s panel features 2.8K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and comfortable viewing. HUAWEI’s Notes and GoPaint apps have also been upgraded.

Inside is an 8,800mAh battery for extended usage. This battery has support or 40W SuperCharge.

FreeClip 2: Immersive listening

Completing the flagship triumvirate is the HUAWEI FreeClip 2, which comes with a unique Airy C-Bridge design.

The lightweight, open-ear wearable serves as both a reliable audio device and fashionable piece. It is powered by an NPU AI Processor and Dual-Diaphragm Driver for better bass performance and a fuller, more dynamic audio.

Meanwhile, its 3-mic noise cancellation system keeps calls crystal-clear on both ends. The FreeClip 2 also comes with IP57 protection and can last up to 38 hours with its charging case.

Price, availability

The three devices are now available for preorder online via HUAWEI, Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok, as well as HUAWEI Experience Stores.

HUAWEI Mate X7: PhP 119,999

Comes with preorder freebies worth up to Ph 45,998:

  • HUAWEI WATCH GT 5
  • Trade-in tokens worth PhP 12,000
  • 1-Time Accidental Damage Screen Protection
  • Up to PhP 10,000 off with select banks until February 26

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026: PhP 29,999 (from PhP 31,999 until March 22)

  • Up to PhP 2,000 Early Bird vouchers
  • Free HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard
  • WPS Office
  • HUAWEI M-Pencil
  • Bluetooth Mouse

HUAWEI FreeClip 2: PhP 9,999

  • Up to PhP 1,000 Early Bird vouchers
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