vivo Y33s vivo Y33s

Reviews

vivo Y33s review: Good in its own right

A bit of an upgrade from the usual budget phone

Published

on

Just a recently, vivo took the top four spot on global smartphone rankings according to market analyst firm Canalys. That didn’t come to me as a surprise as vivo’s reputation of offering smartphones that give great value for money across different price points is a well known fact.

Even their budget phones don’t disappoint and could easily pummel its competition especially in the camera department. But could that be the case with all of their phones? 

Let’s find out as we look at what vivo brings to us this time with the newest member in their best selling Y Series — the vivo Y33s.

Budget but looks premium 

vivo Y33s

When it comes to more affordable smartphones, manufacturers seem to prioritize other aspects of these devices over the design. And it makes sense since people on tighter budgets would probably be more interested in what the phone could do rather than how it looks. 

My initial impressions with the Y33s are quite different though. It reminded me of vivo’s previous flagship that we’ve reviewed — the vivo X60, with its flat design, the layout of the camera module at the back and the side mounted fingerprint scanner. I must say, this phone is a charming device.

However, the vivo Y33s is predominantly made of plastic and it does feel like one to touch. What scares me is how the plastic back would look in a few months of using it bare without protection as it does look like the type that gets easily scratched.

vivo Y33s

vivo does include a soft jelly case in the package but that actually gets me torn on whether I’d want to enjoy its classy design or preserve its looks.

We still get the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and that is located at the bottom of the phone, along with the USB-C charging port and the speaker grille. 

vivo Y33s

On the right side of the device is the side mounted fingerprint scanner and the volume rocker and up on its top is its SIM tray.

Upgraded screen resolution

vivo Y33s

A comforting addition to the vivo Y33s is the choice of a Full HD+ resolution display. It may not sound as exhilarating as those in higher end phones but most smartphones with similar specs to the Y33s usually land with lesser definition displays so this is already a great upgrade from that.

This IPS display has great viewing angles and has pretty great color reproduction, too. Not exactly what I would call excellent or anything but definitely much more satisfying compared to the common 720p displays from its competition. It does feel a bit soft for my taste and does suffer a bit once you bring it outdoors as I had a bit of a struggle getting clear visibility while I was outside.

vivo Y33s

Overall, I think it’s pretty good. I can easily see this as a great companion for people who ride long commutes to catch up on some Netflix series or even some gaming. I do wish it had at least a 90Hz refresh rate for a bit more of a smoother experience, unfortunately, we’re stuck with 60Hz on this one.

Capable performance under the hood 

The vivo Y33s comes with the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, 8GB + 4GB Extended RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

By now, I’ve gotten used to the performance of this series of Helio chipsets. It’s a great performer in the budget category and quite capable if you’re into games as well.

vivo Y33s

I did try to play a few games like Call of Duty: Mobile and, just how I anticipated it to be, the experience is smooth and enjoyable. Unfortunately, like the other Helio G80 powered smartphones, Call of Duty: Mobile is also capped at medium settings as its highest graphical option.

vivo Y33s

Of course, gaming test won’t be complete without the usual Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Again, as expected, the experience is fluid and satisfying thanks to the added eye candy from the full HD+ screen.

For day-to-day use, the abundance of RAM carries different apps in the background making multitasking a snappy experience.

vivo Y33s

What I did find really annoying though, is the excessive amount of ads present in the device. They’re everywhere. From the notification bar, the browser and even the occasional notification sounds from the bloatwares which happens even at its idle. I couldn’t last a few minutes browsing without being bugged by an ad. These past few days with the Y33s have gotten me a little too updated with Gigi De Lana and Kylie Padilla’s love lives.

Snap during the day, not so much at night 

We all know that vivo is already very well established in the smartphone camera scene. Their flagship line of phones are among the top choices offering some of the best in its class cameras. On their more affordable line of smartphones on the other hand, we can already tell that vivo took notes from their flagship X series.

vivo Y33s

A triple camera setup with a 50 megapixel main shooter along with a 2 megapixel depth sensor plus a 2 megapixel macro sensor is loaded in the Y33s.

With decent lighting, the images this camera captures actually look great. The colors are handled nicely and not overly processed with saturation and sharpening. Capturing a reasonable amount of detail, with some minor tweaking on Snapseed and you’re off creating Instagrammable photos.

Though, the dynamic range and metering of the camera did display some weakness in some of the shots I took. It had the tendency to over expose some parts of some shots and sometimes just incorrectly expose the whole image capturing an overly bright or overly dark output.

Thoughtful interface

Another thing I’d like to commend on this camera is its interface. Being a camera guy that I am, I easily notice smartphones with subpar camera interfaces. Here on the vivo Y33s, they did a great job of porting the similar camera interface they use on their higher end models. It’s smooth and simple to navigate. It even has the Pro mode for manually controlling exposure and other aspects of the camera which usually isn’t present in other lower midrange devices.

Night needs improvement

Meanwhile, despite being marketed as a night camera phone, the night photography aspect on the Y33s is a bit of a depressing story. It was very difficult to get usable footage even at my best attempt to keep still. While it does its job of keeping images clean from digital noise, the shots are so overly processed that it turns images into mush. The images I’m including here are my best shots for the night.

Onto its selfie camera, the 16 megapixel front camera performs fairly well. It produces colors that are quite similar to its main camera which is a good thing especially if you’re posting photo albums on social media. Your set of photos would probably look like it was taken with the same camera.

Battery that lasts longer than expected 

A common trend in the lower end tier is the increasing size of battery capacities being slapped onto these smartphones. Some would even reach 7,000mAh which is just enormous for a phone.

But for me, the actual strength and overall efficiency of the device is what really matters over its rated capacity. The 5,000mAh battery of the Y33s at one point, got me around five hours of screen on time and left me 60 percent capacity remaining which is actually pretty good. On average usage, there’s not a doubt this could reach two days or more on a single charge.

vivo Y33s

For its charging, the supplied 18W charger took exactly two hours and six minutes to fully charge the Y33s from empty, which I could say is pretty standard for its rated battery capacity.

Is the vivo Y33s your GadgetMatch?

vivo Y33s

At its official price, people who are comparing hardware specs and looking for a capable gaming phone might get turned off with the choice of processor vivo went with on the Y33s.

To be honest, I was one who initially said to myself that it seemed overpriced for a Helio G80 powered phone.

However, after I thoroughly tested the device, I can say there are still things that are likeable with the vivo Y33s. The premium looking design, side mounted fingerprint scanner, strong battery life, full HD+ display and its decent daytime camera, is really what sets it apart from its similarly priced counterparts. It’s a lower midrange phone with some entry level specs.

vivo Y33s

So to be clear, I think vivo is targeting this device for people who want to feel a bit of an upgrade from the usual budget phone. and if that happens to be you, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

And about the ads… I suggest uninstalling everything and only installing what you need. It might just save your sanity.

The vivo Y33s retails at PhP 12,999 and is available in Midday Dream and Midnight Black color variants.

Automotive

Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.

Published

on

They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.

But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.

Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.

Comfort with consideration

The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.

A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.

Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.

Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.

Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.

This cabin understands technology

Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.

Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.

In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.

On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.

Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.

The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.

Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.

Driving with confidence

Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.

Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.

In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.

Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.

Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.

It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.

More than a truck

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.

It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.

If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.

This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.

Continue Reading

Reviews

iQOO 15 review: Made for players who take performance seriously

For people with endless games in between

Published

on

There are phones that try to look powerful and there are phones that simply are, like the iQOO 15.

It feels like a device built for people who live long nights with endless games in between, blurring the line between a hobby and a lifestyle.

Build

The first moment I held the iQOO 15, it felt like a phone created intentionally for a specific market.

The metal frame feels cool in the hand, while the matte finish adds a premium texture that stays clean and comfortable. It feels solid with no flex and no hollow points.

Even the camera module keeps everything clean and simple with a flagship presence that makes sense on this design.

It leans slightly heavier than usual, although the weight is balanced well. It settles into your hand in a way that feels reassuring during long gaming sessions or long hours of multitasking.

Everything about this build tells you the device was made for people who actually use their phones vigorously.

Display

Turn on the screen and everything changes. The 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display pulls you in with bright, vivid colors and a smoothness that immediately stands out.

Fast-paced content feels clean at 144Hz with no ghosting or motion issues even during heavy gameplay.

Meanwhile, outdoor brightness is impressive. The screen stays readable under direct sunlight, and the colors look lively without looking artificial.

Whether you are watching videos or playing games, the overall viewing experience feels premium and immersive.

Performance

Performance is the part where the iQOO 15 proves its point. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 handles everything with confidence.

Heavy workloads, editing, multitasking, and switching between apps feel natural. The device stays fast even after long hours of continuous use.

Gaming is clearly its comfort zone. Titles like Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal, and Solo Leveling run smoothly with stable frame rates and reliable touch response.

The cooling system manages heat well, and the phone warms up during long sessions but stays within a level that feels safe and comfortable. Thermal dips are minimal, so you can keep your momentum without interruptions.

Camera

The camera on the iQOO 15 is reliable and consistent. It opens quickly and locks focus well.

Daylight photos are sharp with natural colors and pleasing contrast. The main sensor shines when given proper lighting.

What surprised me was the Super Macro mode. It captures small details with a clarity that feels more flagship than expected.

The textures, patterns, and tiny subjects come out sharp and visually interesting. Also, taking photos using the Portrait Mode  show good separation and smooth background blur.

Night shots hold up well, too. The phone brightens scenes while keeping colors accurate. Although phones with larger sensors still lead in extreme low light, the iQOO 15 performs better than you would expect from a performance-first device.

And if you take a lot of videos, the clips stay stable thanks to effective stabilization.

Battery

Battery life lasts a full day with mixed use.

Even on gaming days, it survives better than expected for a device with a 2K display and flagship power.

Charging is fast. Depending on your charger and settings, it takes about 35 to 65 minutes to fill the battery. The phone warms up slightly while charging but never becomes uncomfortable.

It’s the kind of phone you can top up quickly before leaving the house without feeling stressed.

Software

The software feels clean and manageable. Animations are smooth and transitions feel natural. Multitasking is effortless. There are a few pre-installed apps but nothing overly intrusive.

Features like gaming tools, quick gestures, and UI customization options feel helpful rather than overwhelming. The interface complements the hardware well and creates a smooth, polished user experience.

Is the iQOO 15 your GadgetMatch?

The iQOO 15 excels in the areas that matter. The display is outstanding, the performance is consistent, and the gaming experience feels confident and stable.

Its weight, slightly busy software, and the limits of low-light photography are worth noting, although they do not overshadow the strengths of the device.

For its expected price, it is worth considering if you want a flagship that delivers power with personality. The iQOO 15 fits gamers, power users, and anyone who spends long hours on their phone and needs a partner that can keep up.

If that sounds like you and you want a performance-first flagship built for long gaming sessions, this is easily a Swipe Right.

However, Swipe Left if you prefer lighter phones that disappear in your pocket, and you want the absolute best when it comes to low-light camera performance.

But if you’re looking for those features, you’re probably looking at the wrong device. After all, iQOO is made for those who value power and performance.

Continue Reading

Reviews

OPPO Find X9 review: Super Swipe material!

This is the flagship smartphone that’s ready for anything, just like you~

Published

on

Life has a habit of throwing you into challenges you never trained for.

Smartphones should do the same. They should keep up and evolve with you, and sometimes surprise you with strength you did not expect.

I have used devices that moved backward when the world kept sprinting ahead, so I felt nervous when I first saw the OPPO Find X9.

I judged it instantly. The same distrust you give a contestant who looks too smug before a grueling Physical: Asia round. I thought I knew how the story would end, but I was wrong.

For more than a month, I carried the Find X9 like a teammate who reluctantly joined my squad. It traveled with me to Shenzhen, powered through my errands and deadlines, and survived my messy blend of workouts, airport transitions, and late‑night scrolls.

Halfway through, I realized that the OPPO Find X9 was not the timid underdog I imagined. It felt like watching a contestant who starts slow, then suddenly reveals a strength that makes you want to cheer.

Settling into its role like a seasoned contender

The Find X9 is OPPO’s premium flagship and it carries itself like someone who trains in silence and performs only when it matters.

It keeps the familiar slate form of its predecessors, although the camera bump shifts back to a square layout that aligns with the rest of OPPO’s lineup. It feels like the brand wants its roster to share a common uniform, the way Physical: Asia teams arrive coordinated and ready for the cameras.

The boxy silhouette I loved from the Find X8 returns. It feels more refined and softened enough to sit comfortably in the hand.

It reminds me of my boxy iPhone 16 Pro, although the Find X9 is thinner and lighter. That difference becomes a blessing once you carry it through an entire day.

I even found myself playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Magic Chess: Go Go longer than I planned. I tapped the screen with the intensity of an elimination round and only noticed the fatigue half an hour later.

Now Playing: Netflix’s Physical: Asia

This is where the Find X9 became my sanctuary. The year‑end grind pushed me from plane to cab to hotel and kept me drifting between destinations like I was competing in my own endurance course.

I barely stayed home, so I clung to the glowing screen whenever I needed a break. The 6.59‑inch AMOLED display feels familiar, although the ultra‑thin bezels create a stage that looks wider and more immersive.

It made watching Netflix’s Physical: Asia feel larger than life. I watched Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan rally Team Mongolia with a conviction that made me forget where I was.

The crisp visuals pulled me into every challenge and moment of grit. Soon enough, my TikTok algorithm surrendered and fed me everything related to Team Mongolia, especially Orkhonbayar, who looks like a polar bear who can protect you while still being soft enough to lean on.

The only moment the illusion cracked was when the audio tried to catch up. The Dual Dolby Atmos speakers were loud, although they lacked the fullness I wanted. It felt like watching a high‑stakes challenge with a crowd that forgot to cheer.

Thankfully, I always had earbuds with me, so the storyline continued uninterrupted.

Knows when to push or hold back

Flagships do not get second chances. They need to perform on command the way Physical: Asia contestants must explode into action the moment a round begins.

The Find X9 understood this assignment. It runs on MediaTek’s 3nm Dimensity 9500 chipset, which feels like a regular Reno 14 that trained for months with the best coaches and came back transformed.

It handled multitasking, gaming, creative work, and frantic app switching with the focus of an athlete who knows exactly when to conserve energy and when to unleash power.

The 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB storage, combined with another 12GB of RAM expansion, give the phone an almost excessive strength that reminds me of challenges where every team sends its strongest member.

It mirrored my facet as an athlete. It’s capable, balanced, and ready for anything–just like yours truly.

Stamina that goes the distance

The smoothness from the Find X8 carried over beautifully. Nothing shocked me in terms of performance, which is exactly the point.

Flagships should feel consistent and quietly powerful, like contestants who never brag yet always outlast everyone.

The battery felt like the unexpected plot twist. During my trip to Shenzhen, the 7025mAh battery lasted two full days.

I used mobile data, scrolled endlessly, took photos, and filmed videos. I am so used to charging my phones every night while I shower that I instinctively reached for a charger and realized I did not need one.

The Find X9 kept going like I was watching a contestant breeze through a challenge you expected them to struggle with.

It didn’t ask for a break. It simply kept up and stayed with me through everything I wanted to do.

Support team that moves with you

After living with the OPPO Find X9, everything moved with a sense of intention, as if the system knows when to sprint and when to conserve energy.

Animations feel fluid and continuous, and scrolling feels lighter. App launches feel quicker without drawing attention to themselves.

This smoothness comes from OPPO’s new Luminous Rendering Engine, which renders visual elements in parallel so nothing stutters or breaks the flow. It feels like watching a well‑trained team move in sync.

Alongside it, the Trinity Engine manages resources intelligently, keeping the phone responsive even under pressure while controlling heat and power use.

The interface itself feels refreshed and calmer, and customization finally feels playful again. I could set Motion Photos or videos as wallpapers, explore more font options, and even let AI suggest text styles that matched my overall theme.

The Flux Home Screen became a small joy. App folders could be resized into different shapes and the surrounding icons adjusted dynamically, making the layout feel alive rather than rigid.

The Always‑On Display also stepped up with full‑screen support, more widgets, and style options that felt personal instead of ornamental.

Also, OPPO’s growing AI ecosystem, including AI Mind Space, AI Mind Assistant, and Smart Collections, helped organize content quietly in the background.

Screenshots and notes felt easier to find, and suggestions appeared when they actually made sense. Integration with Google’s Gemini through Gemini Live added another layer of intelligence, allowing real‑time interactions that felt natural instead of forced.

What sealed the experience for a flagship device was its cross‑device connectivity. Features like Phone Connect and PC Connect let me share files and mirror my screen across phones, iPhones, Macs, and Windows PCs.

A steady hand when the stakes are high

The Find X9’s camera feels like the teammate who understands the game. It knows when to push and when to let the moment breathe.

I noticed it first when taking portraits, especially in low light. The AI Portrait Glow steps in gently, balancing lighting and skin tones without flattening texture. Faces looked natural and skin tones stayed true, which felt flattering without feeling edited.

Beyond portraits, the suite of AI photo tools is best used when traveling. AI Eraser helped clean up distractions that would have ruined an otherwise great frame.

In busy streets or low‑light environments, AI Unblur helped rescue shots taken in motion. AI Reflection Remover did exactly what it promised, saving photos taken through glass without leaving obvious traces behind.

But what I appreciated most was how easy it was to trust the camera. I didn’t need to overthink angles or second‑guess results.

I lifted the phone, framed the shot, and let the Find X9 do the rest. It’s the best point‑and‑shoot smartphone camera for casual users or anyone learning the ropes of photography. It’s smart enough to call itself a smartphone.

Here are sample photos I’ve taken:

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Battery life that lasts through two full days of heavy use
  • Flagship‑level performance that handles multitasking with ease
  • Immersive, vibrant display perfect for streaming or gaming
  • Intelligent, user‑friendly AI camera features
  • Smooth, refined ColorOS 16 experience
  • Customization tools that feel personal, not gimmicky
  • Seamless cross‑device connectivity

Cons

  • Speakers are loud but lack premium depth
  • Performance might feel overkill for light users

Is the OPPO Find X9 your GadgetMatch?

The OPPO Find X9 is like that teammate who shows up consistently and performs under pressure.

Its performance is nothing short of flagship‑level, and it’s ready to handle anything you throw at it. It’s not perfect. No other smartphone is. But the minor flaws do not outweigh its endurance, consistency, design, and flagship performance.

Some may hesitate and consider it a Swipe Left. But for anyone who wants a smartphone that keeps pace with your life, performs without complaint, and quietly gets the job done, this is a Swipe Right.

And for us, it’s definitely a Super Swipe. The Find X9 earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval because it does more than look good and deliver excellent captures.

It’s one of the best flagship smartphones around that you won’t second‑guess buying at its price.

The OPPO Find X9 retails for PhP 69,999 for the 16GB + 512GB variant. It’s available nationwide through OPPO’s official stores, its official Shopee store, and partner channels.

Continue Reading

Trending