News

vivo X300 series with 200MP ZEISS Ultra-Clear Imaging launches globally

Advancing flagship excellence

Published

October 31, 2025

GadgetMatch

vivo has officially launched the vivo X300 series globally. The series is comprised of the vivo X300 and the vivo X300 Pro, and celebrates vivo’s 30th year anniversary.

The latest flagship devices offer a powerfully advanced and effortlessly comfortable premium experience for users.

Both models feature 200MP ZEISS Ultra-Clear Imaging systems, marking a transformative leap in smartphone photography.

In addition, the X300 series also provides comprehensive upgrades across its OS, performance, and design.

ZEISS Ultra-Clear Imaging

The vivo X300 Pro, in particular, debuts a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. This shooter features an upgraded Ultra-Sensing Sensor HPB.

Meanwhile, the 50MP ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Main Camera boasts of a large 1/1.28″ sensor and industry-leading CIPA 5.5-rated stabilization.

These enable the main camera to deliver more stable, faster, and clearer shots while greatly improving the overall imaging performance.

Accompanying the X300 Pro’s camera system is the new Pro Imaging Chip VS1 which significantly enhances the speed of image output, clarity, and noise reduction.

Meanwhile, on the vivo X300 is a similar 200MP ZEIS Main Camera with Ultra-Sensing Sensor HPB and CIP 4.5-rated stabilization.

This is paired with a ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a LYT-602 sensor for higher dynamic range and lower power consumption.

Both models also have a 50MP ZEISS Wide-Angle Front Camera. In addition, they are both compatible with the vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit.

This kit offers sharper clarity, richer detail, and a soft, natural bokeh effect — making it effortless to capture scenes at concerts, sports, hikes, and more.

Enhanced photography, videography capabilities

Moreover, the vivo X300 series pushes the boundaries of creativity with all-scenario imaging innovation.

Stage Mode 2.0 captures every angle of precious moments. The 4K Stage All-in-One Recording enables shooting HD photos while recording video as well.

Dual-View Stage Video also allows the simultaneous use of any two cameras to capture more in one frame.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For quick captures, the X300 series also delivers ultra-clear portraits with sharpness even when zoomed in. Features include ZEISS Natural Portrait, Multi-Focal HD Portrait, and Night Portrait.

And on the X300 Pro, users can zoom up to 20x for Long-Range Motion Snapshot and Telephoto Flower & Bird Shots. The latter supports ZEISS Mirotar Telephoto Style Bokeh that is purposely built for telephoto scenarios.

For filming, both models support 4K at 120fps Pro Video. The Pro model even supports 4K at 120fps Dolby Vision Video and 4K at 120fps 10-bit Log Video for film-quality dynamic range and flexibility.

More features include AI Image Studio, AI One-Shot Multi-Crop, AI Landscape Master, and Live Photo Passerby Erase.

OriginOS makes global debut

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The vivo X300 series also marks the global debut of OriginOS. This operating system is supported by ultra-core computing, memory fusion, and dual-rendering engines.

These all help deliver a fresh smartphone experience that combines lasting fluency, natural design, and personalized experience.

vivo’s self-developed Origin Smooth Engine also optimizes the entire process from computing to storage to display.

The Origin Design System likewise blends multiple elements organically to create a visually elegant and rich, user-friendly, and intuitive space.

OriginOS also features Origin Island with intelligent suggestions and real-time reminders, as well as the vivo Office Kit for cross-device productivity.

On the AI side, OriginOS features AI tools like AI Creation and Google Gemini integration.

Leading performance, efficiency, and endurance

The vivo X300 series handsets are powered by the Dimensity 9500 chipset jointly defined by vivo and MediaTek.

Built on the 3nm process, the platform delivers exceptional power and remarkable energy efficiency. It features a fully-upgraded 12-core G1-Ultra GPU and ultra-efficient NPU.

In front are 8T LTPO displays (6.31-inch for the X300 and 6.78-inch for the X300 Pro) with up to 2000 nits global peak brightness.

These panels also boast of 2160 Hz Full-Range Luminance PWM Dimming and Full-Range Luminance DC Dimming.

Inside are a 6510mAh battery for the X300 Pro and a 6040mAh battery for the X300, both supporting 90W FlashCharge and wireless charging.

Lastly, the models are rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance. The X300 has a Reinforced Glass, while the X300 Pro has an Armor Glass for durability.

Available colors across the two models are Phantom Black, Mist Blue, Halo Pink, Iris Purple, Cloud White, Dune Brown, and Summit Red.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

News

Google will force Android users to use Gemini next month

Google Assistant will be retired as well.

Published

August 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

What is Google’s voice assistant called? Technically, there are two possible answers: Google Assistant and Gemini. Despite Google’s push for Gemini, the ubiquitous Google Assistant is still a common option for most users. However, the company will soon take that choice away as the voice assistant will retire in favor of Gemini.

First reported by 9to5Google, Google has sent emails to users, declaring that Google Assistant will no longer be an option for Android users starting September 4. On that date, the company will slowly roll out an update to get rid of the assistant’s availability on device.

Google also makes it clear that Gemini will be “the assistant experience on Android” moving forward. If you’re used to Google Assistant to help you with handsfree use, you’ll have only one option soon. This also affects other peripherals including smartwatches and audio accessories.

Of course, there are a few exceptions. Devices that can’t support an AI-powered assistant like Gemini are mercifully spared of the forced transition. Likewise, devices in countries that don’t support the AI assistant are also saved.

Despite the tepid reception of AI today, Google remains adamant about pushing Gemini to more users, regardless of whether they want it or not. In fact, a forced move like this will likely inflate the numbers that more devices are using Google’s AI software than ever before, while conveniently hiding the fact that most users never really had much of a choice.

News

OnePlus officially leaves the United States and Canada

The brand’s smartphones are now sold out in the United States.

Published

August 5, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Once upon a time, OnePlus used to be the darling child of smartphone users on a budget. For a more meager price than a flagship, users can enjoy flagship specs on a uniquely designed phone. Who can forget the iconic OnePlus One?

Unfortunately, prices have a way of catching up. Though the brand’s phones are still perfectly good, more options have already emerged as alternatives for a so-called flagship killer, including OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei’s Nothing.

Now, marking the brand’s next step, whatever that is, OnePlus has officially left the North American market. As of today, the company has sold its last smartphone in the United States and Canada. Going on the official OnePlus website will warrant a Sold Out sign for both the OnePlus 15 and 15R. If anything, users can still get a handful of earbuds and cases.

As with everything that sells out, if you really want to cop one of the last remaining models in America, you can grab one off a third-party retailer, but who knows until when that will last?

This isn’t just a stocking issue, either. In July, the company already confirmed that it is pulling out of the region starting this month. It’s a sign of internal restructuring happening inside OPPO and all the brands under its umbrella. There’s also a rumor that OnePlus was relegated to being a sub-brand of OPPO once again.

News

Mastercard brings Apple Pay to customers in the Philippines

Easy and secure way to pay across Apple ecosystem

Published

August 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mastercard has officially brought Apple Pay to its cardholders in the Philippines. This gives iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app and tap the ‘+’ and follow the steps to add a Mastercard credit or debit card.

Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away.

Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Of course, customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by Mastercard.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.