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Giving up counter space for reverse osmosis: Living with Waterdrop M6H in NYC

Published

April 28, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Living in New York City means two things when it comes to the kitchen: constantly negotiating with counter space and having the best drinking water in the country.

That’s exactly where a countertop reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H finds its place. It fits into apartment life surprisingly well, though not without tradeoffs.

Peace of mind

New York City is known for having some of the best drinking water in the country, and for most people, straight-from-the-tap is perfectly safe and dare I say: tastes the best, too.

But using a reverse osmosis system isn’t necessarily about fixing bad water. It can also take already good water and filtering it down to a much finer level.

The Waterdrop M6H uses a 7-stage filtration system, which goes beyond basic filtration to remove things like heavy metals, chlorine, PFAS, and microplastics, which you might not think about daily but are still present in trace amounts. It also has UV sterilization, adding another layer of protection by targeting bacteria that may not be caught in filtration alone.

That extra layer of filtration becomes especially helpful when you have guests or family visiting. My parents, for example, have more sensitive stomachs, so even small differences in water quality can matter.

One tradeoff with reverse osmosis is that it also removes naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. In practice, it shouldn’t be a major concern for most people. Food, not water, should be the primary source of these nutrients.

Built for apartment living

One of the biggest advantages of the Waterdrop M6H is how easy it is to set up. There’s no installation, no need to touch your plumbing, and if you’re renting: no back-and-forth with a landlord.

It sits on my counter like any other appliance. It’s roughly the size of my super automatic coffee machine, which makes it feel familiar and non-invasive. And just like my coffee machine, I get access to great drinking water with just a few presses.

For apartment dwellers like me, that plug-and-play design is a huge win. I could be living in my current home for years, but will likely still need to move out at some point. That means I can take the M6H with me no matter where life takes me.

Compact is both good and bad

That small footprint is what makes it viable in a city kitchen, but it also introduces the biggest inconvenience.

Because the unit is compact, the water tank isn’t huge, and neither is the wastewater capacity. The built-in 135oz water tank capacity is large enough to get you through a good portion of the day.

In practice, that means you’ll be refilling clean water and emptying the waste tank regularly, sometimes more than two times a day depending on usage.

It’s not difficult, but it’s definitely more hands-on than a built-in system that runs continuously in the background.

Eats up precious counter space

Beyond just physically occupying counter space, the machine changed how I use my kitchen.

The spot it takes is often the same area I would use for prepping food, whether that’s chopping vegetables, rolling or kneading dough, and plating meals. It’s also the same spot I use for putting dirty dishes before they get washed.

So while it technically fits, it reduced my working surface in a noticeable way. In a New York kitchen, losing even a small section of prep space can have a huge impact on one’s daily routine.

Bottle compatibility can be hit or miss

Another noticeable drawback of its compact size is the height clearance under the spout. If you tend to use taller insulated bottles, especially the narrow ones, they won’t always fit comfortably underneath.

I have a combination of tall and short ones, and so that means having to tilt the taller ones or filling them in stages, which interrupts an otherwise convenient experience.

Well thought-out experience

Where the Waterdrop M6H really stands out is in how easy it is to use. The touchscreen is intuitive without feeling overdesigned, and the preset buttons for coffee and tea temperatures are more than welcome. Thanks to its instant heating, I’m never waiting around for hot water when I want a comforting cup of tea after a chilly day out.

One of my favorite features is the ability to customize how many ounces of water you want dispensed. You can set it, place your glass or bottle underneath — as long as it fits — and walk away while it fills because it stops on its own. It’s a small detail that makes drinking clean water convenient.

It’s just a bonus that I’m more conscious of the amount of water I’m drinking on a daily basis.

The detachable glass pitcher is another thoughtful touch. You can take it off and pour directly to your vessel of choice, store it in the fridge for cold water, or use it directly for cooking.

Better than a filter pitcher

If you’ve used a standard filter pitcher before, the difference is immediate.

With something like a Brita, you’re constantly refilling and waiting for water to slowly drip through the filter before you can use it. The Waterdrop M6H produces purified water much faster and on demand.

Even though I have to refill the tank daily, it’s still far less frequent, and far less tedious, than topping off a pitcher multiple times a day.

Cost-wise, it also evens out over time. Instead of repeatedly buying smaller filters, you’re replacing one larger filter less often, with a more advanced level of filtration to show for it.

Is the Waterdrop M6H your GadgetMatch?

Even in a city with excellent tap water, a reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H can be helpful. It makes the most sense if you’re renting but still want better-than-tap filtration without dealing with permanent changes.

While not as inconvenient as a Brita pitcher, it still requires daily maintenance. It is not the best fit if you’re already tight on counter space, cook frequently and rely heavily on your prep area.

A permanently installed reverse osmosis system will always win when it comes to pure convenience, and Waterdrop has great options for that. It runs continuously, requires less day-to-day interaction that you just forget about it, and it doesn’t take up precious counter space.

For my current setup, the Waterdrop M6H is a practical middle ground. It delivers many of the same benefits in a flexible, renter-friendly form.

The Waterdrop M6H retails for US$429 before tax. Maintenance is straightforward: the replacement filter costs $79.99 and lasts about 12 months or roughly 1,100 gallons of water.

It isn’t cheap, but you can think of it as a long-term investment in your health. Its benefits aren’t immediate or obvious day-to-day, but something you’ll likely appreciate over time and thank yourself for later.

News

HUAWEI Pura X Max overtakes the iPhone Fold as the first wide foldable

Also goes ahead of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Wide Fold

Published

April 20, 2026

Vincenz

Months ahead of the much-awaited foldable from Apple, HUAWEI has decided to get in the way of the Cupertino-based company by announcing the world’s first wide foldable.

The HUAWEI Pura X Max is the earliest and biggest clapback to Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold and Samsung’s rumored “Galaxy Z Wide Fold.”

World’s first wide foldable

HUAWEI’s Pura X Max isn’t a direct successor to last year’s Pura X.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Last year’s offering only had a measly 3.5-inch cover screen. This time, it has a full 5.4-inch wide display outside. Unfolding it reveals a 7.7-inch foldable display instead of Pura X’s smartphone-like 6.3 incher.

Both are LTPO 2.0 OLED displays with an adaptive 1~120Hz refresh rate. They are not compromised with support for 1.07 Billion Colors as well as DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut.

This new form factor solves the biggest issue seen among standard foldables — especially when consuming content or playing games.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Stylus support is also expected with HUAWEI’s M-Pen 3 Mini stylus — best for jotting down, scribbling, doodling, drawing, or even just for navigation.

Supporting this foldable screen is HUAWEI’s so-called “basalt water droplet hinge” with core components made of steel.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As for the cover glass, it uses second gen Kunlun glass. And while we’re already at it, the Pura X Max supports IP58 and IP59 ratings for durability.

Maxed out fold

What runs this wide foldable is HUAWEI’s very own Kirin 9030 Pro chipset. The super brand promises up to 30% performance improvements.

Gaming should not be compromised thanks to its extra large VC Graphene Heat Dissipation System. Battery capacity is rated at 5300mAh with 66W wired and 50W wireless SuperCharge speeds.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

HUAWEI’s latest HarmonyOS 6.1 not only brings in that translucent trend, they have also adapted to the user’s needs through Immersion Layout.

When used, the app’s controls automatically adjusts if you are left- or right-handed — no matter how you hold them.

Much like most smartphones, HarmonyOS also relies on its AI tools to make things easier.

Last but definitely not the least, it’s camera system.

The HUAWEI Pura X Max boasts a 50MP main (wide) camera with a variable aperture of f/1.4 ~ f.4.0 — much like last year’s Pura 80 Ultra and the latest Pura 90 Pro Max.

It also has another 50MP f/2.2 3.5x periscope telephoto camera that can also take optical-quality 7x shots and as far as 100x digital zoom.

Lastly, the ultra-wide camera is capped at 12.5MP with an aperture of f/2.2. All these cameras are based from HUAWEI’s RYYB image sensor.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Additionally, there’s a spectral sensor called “Red Maple camera” in its second iteration.

Selfie cameras inside and out are 8MP f/2.4.

Pricing and Availability

HUAWEI’s Pura X Max will be available in five colorways: Olive Gold, Phantom Night Black, Starblue, Vibrant Orange, and Zero Degree White.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pricing does not come cheap. The HUAWEI Pura X Max are divided into two editions with four configurations in total:

Regular Edition

12+256GB = CNY 10,999 (US$ 1615 / EUR 1370 / GBP 1190 / SG$ 2050 / MYR 6370 / PhP 96,850 / INR 149,650)
12+512GB = CNY 11,999 (US$ 1760 / EUR 1490 / GBP 1300 / SG$ 2240 / MYR 6950 / PhP 105,650 / INR 163,260)

Collector’s Edition

16+512GB = CNY 12,999 (US$ 1905 / EUR 1615 / GBP 1410 / SG$ 2425 / MYR 7530 / PhP 114,460 / INR 176,860)
16+1TB = CNY 13,999 (US$ 2050 / EUR 1740 / GBP 1520 / SG$ 2610 / MYR 8110 / PhP 123,260 / INR 190,465)

* These are only rough price conversion estimates

Collector’s Edition supports China’s Beidou Satellite Services that the Regular Edition models don’t have.

It’s currently open for pre-orders in their home turf while global availability remains bleak. ICYMI, Last year’s Pura X was not released outside China.

Uncategorized

Jabra launches Evolve3 Series for hybrid work and everyday use

Professional-grade performance for modern work, everyday life

Published

April 20, 2026

JP and GadgetMatch

Jabra has unveiled the new Evolve3 Series.

It’s a lineup of professional headsets designed for hybrid work. The goal is clear. Blend the clean look of consumer headphones with the reliability of office gear.

The series targets a growing need. People now move between home, office, and cafés. They want something that performs well and looks the part.

Two models, two work styles

The lineup includes two models.

The Evolve3 85 is an over-ear headset built for immersion. It focuses on noise isolation and deep focus.

The Evolve3 75 takes a different approach. It’s a lightweight on-ear option designed for mobility and awareness. You can stay connected to your surroundings while working.

Both models drop the traditional boom mic. Instead, they use a clean, microphone-free design that fits both social and professional settings.

AI-powered voice and sound

At the core of the Evolve3 Series is Jabra ClearVoice.

It’s an AI-powered voice isolation system trained on over 60 million real-world sentences. It filters out background noise and keeps your voice clear, even in busy environments.

Jabra claims up to 96% voice isolation accuracy.

Noise control goes further with Jabra Advanced ANC. It adapts to your fit and surroundings in real time, blocking distractions during calls or while listening to music.

There’s also Enhanced Spatial Sound. It helps reduce listener fatigue during long meetings.

Built for an AI-driven workflow

The Evolve3 Series is designed with AI use in mind.

It supports high-quality voice pickup for better interaction with AI assistants. You can manage tasks, summarize meetings, and send messages hands-free.

Jabra also focuses on longevity. The headsets use replaceable batteries and durable, foldable designs to extend their lifespan.

Enterprise-ready, everyday flexible

For businesses, the series works with the Jabra Plus platform. IT teams can manage devices, push updates, and monitor usage remotely.

It’s also UC-certified and supports Google Fast Pair. Setup is quick across major collaboration platforms.

Battery life reaches up to 25 hours of talk time. A quick 10-minute charge gives up to 10 hours of use.

The idea is simple. One headset that works across work and life, without compromise.

News

Samsung Galaxy A57, A37 bring Galaxy AI closer to more users

Galaxy AI meets midrange

Published

March 25, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Samsung is expanding its AI push beyond flagships with the launch of the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 — two devices positioned as accessible entry points into the broader Galaxy ecosystem.

These new Galaxy A Series smartphones don’t just refresh specs. They carry over a growing part of what Samsung now considers core to the Galaxy experience: AI-powered tools, long-term software support, and tighter ecosystem integration.

For users who aren’t quite ready to commit to a flagship Galaxy S device, this is Samsung making its case: you can start here.

A softer entry into Galaxy AI

The headline feature here is what Samsung calls “Awesome Intelligence,” its midrange-friendly take on Galaxy AI.

Running on One UI 8.5, both devices bring features that feel familiar if you’ve seen Samsung’s recent flagships — just scaled for a wider audience.

There’s Voice Transcription baked into the Voice Recorder, letting you convert recordings into text. AI Select surfaces contextual actions directly from the screen, making it easier to grab text, images, or snippets without jumping between apps. And yes, Circle to Search with Google is here too, now with multi-object recognition.

Even Samsung’s voice assistant gets a boost. Bixby becomes more conversational, while Google’s Gemini is integrated to handle more complex, cross-app tasks.

It’s not the full flagship AI suite, but it’s enough to give you a taste of how Samsung sees everyday interactions evolving.

And that’s really the pitch: not everything, but enough to get you started.

Cameras that lean on AI, not just megapixels

Both phones pack a familiar but reliable triple-camera setup, anchored by a 50MP main sensor.

On paper, it’s straightforward. In practice, Samsung is leaning heavily on AI to elevate the experience.

Object Eraser now produces more natural edits. Best Face (on the Galaxy A57 5G) helps salvage group shots. And scene optimization works in the background to balance exposure, skin tones, and detail.

Low-light photography also gets a boost with improved Nightography, aiming for clearer shots without needing manual tweaks.

The Galaxy A57 pulls slightly ahead here, with better image processing, faster shutter speeds, and more refined detail handling — the kind of upgrades you’ll notice when shooting moving subjects or tricky lighting conditions.

For most users, though, both cameras aim to do the same thing: remove friction. Point, shoot, fix — all within seconds.

Built for everyday use (and long-term ownership)

Where the Galaxy A Series continues to shine is in longevity.

Both the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G promise up to six generations of Android and One UI updates, plus six years of security patches — a commitment that used to be reserved for premium devices.

That’s paired with practical hardware choices:

6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED displays with up to 120Hz refresh rate
5,000mAh battery on both models
IP68 water and dust resistance
Samsung Knox security with features like Private Album and Privacy Alerts

The Galaxy A57 5G adds a bit more headroom for performance, with upgraded CPU, GPU, and NPU, along with a larger vapor chamber to keep things stable during longer sessions. That’s true whether it’s for gaming, recording, or just heavy multitasking.

It’s also slimmer and lighter, with a more refined finish that pushes the Galaxy A Series closer to flagship territory, at least in-hand.

The ecosystem play

More than anything, the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 feel like onboarding devices.

They’re not trying to outshine the Galaxy S lineup. Instead, they introduce you to how Samsung wants everything to work together — from AI tools to SmartThings to cross-device workflows.

It’s the kind of phone you get when you’re curious about Galaxy, but not fully committed yet.

You get a preview of the experience. The AI tools. The software longevity. The ecosystem hooks.

And if it clicks, Samsung is betting you’ll eventually move deeper into its lineup.

Pricing and availability

Philippine pricing and availability

The Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G are now available in Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide.

For pricing, the Galaxy A57 5G comes in three configurations:

128GB – PhP28,990
256GB – PhP30,990
512GB – PhP37,990

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A37 5G is available in:

128GB – PhP25,990
256GB – PhP27,990

Color options vary per model. The Galaxy A57 5G is offered in Awesome Navy, Awesome Gray, Awesome Icyblue, and Awesome Lilac. The Galaxy A37 5G, on the other hand, comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, and Awesome White.

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ is also available, offering coverage options designed to help protect the device’s value over time.

In the US, the Galaxy A57 5G starts at $549.99, while the Galaxy A37 5G starts at $449.99.

Context matters here.

In the US, these price points sit firmly in the midrange — not quite “entry-level,” but still more accessible than flagship devices that typically start at $799 and above. They’re often positioned as practical upgrades for users coming from older devices or prepaid/carrier plans.

But when directly converted to Philippine pesos, that’s roughly around PhP30,000+ and PhP25,000+, respectively — a range that already overlaps with aggressively priced upper midrange and even some near-flagship alternatives locally.

For comparison, what many would consider a true “entry point” in the Philippines usually starts closer to PhP12,000 to PhP15,000 ($200–$250).

Which makes the positioning interesting.

These may be “entry points” into the Galaxy ecosystem — but not necessarily entry-level in terms of price, especially in markets like the Philippines. That’s a distinction that matters.

Early take

On paper, the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G check a lot of boxes: modern design, capable cameras, meaningful AI features, and long-term support.

As much as these feel like “entry points,” they’re also creeping closer to premium territory. And that balance will ultimately decide how compelling they really are.