Reviews

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Frustrated photographer’s review

Where have you been all my life?!

Published

May 17, 2023

Vincenz

The Xiaomi 13 Pro launched to much fanfare at MWC 2023. However, the company has since released a smartphone usurping the Pro as the king in its smartphone photography hierarchy. The said phone is the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

While that may be the case, it is the Pro that I spent the most time with. And it’s also the gadget that reinvigorated my fancy for photography.

Before I expound on its camera performance, let me give you a background of myself being a lowkey (and frustrated) “photographer”.

Unintentional introduction

When I was five, the memory of our old Ricoh film camera, Kodak + Fujifilm canisters, and even a Samsung digital camera in my mom’s dusty drawers still remain as one of my core memories.

Back in grade school, I used our Casio EXILIM EX-Z60 digital camera for school events and trips. High school went by and our Yashica camcorder plus my classmate’s Canon EOS 1100D added to that list — which all contributed to my photography mesmerization.

Mesmerization and ambition

Back in 2014, my aunt gave me a Canon EOS 60D as a gift. That’s also my life’s crucial moment where I started learning photography and wanted to solely focus on it after I graduate.

And while on the topic, I made this college project (watch at your own risk).

While the endeavour was a group work, I had the core idea of equipping all kinds of spec absurdities in this imaginary smartphone — including a DSLR’s interchangeable lens system coupled with an APS-C sensor.

Can’t believe this absurd idea actually became a reality years later

I just thought it’s a great solution to the lackluster imaging quality of smartphones (and hefty bodies of DSLR cameras) of yesteryears.

The frustration

The usual Sony a6500 we use for pro shooting

I became a GadgetMatch intern back in 2018. I then remember having to hold a Sony a7S during my first day. The rest was history as I was able to hold several more pro-grade cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T30 and the Canon EOS RP.

But all of us in the team know how to shoot great photographs. My main role is to edit videos for our YouTube channel. That’s also when I felt like my photography skills became rusty and my frustration as a “photographer” grew further.

Compounding the frustration, I’m the type of “photographer” who doesn’t have a “forte” as I love shooting any and every interesting subject I see — be that a pet, product, portrait, food, architecture, landscapes, or even the challenging ones like wildlife/nature and even photojournalism.

Utmost fascination

Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept (2022)

Surprisingly, eight years after that college project, a phone with a detachable lens system became a real thing with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept.

From previous 1-inch sensor headliners like Sharp’s Aquos R6, the Leica Leitz Phone 1, and eventually the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, I felt nothing but excessive excitement when I was assigned to play with this crazy 1-inch-sensor-touting Xiaomi 13 Pro — even crazier that it’s co-engineered with Leica.

Leica’s special sauce

If you’re like me who focuses the most on a smartphone’s camera performance, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is more than enough to capture picture-perfect photographs taken through its revolutionary camera system.

However, it’s not just about its advanced camera sensors. Leica’s partnership with Xiaomi is more than just bringing in photo filters and Summicron optics. They also wanted you to use their two special camera concoction.

If you were able to read my Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Camera Shootout article, this shouldn’t be new information to you. But for the rest, Xiaomi lets you choose between ‘Leica Vibrant’ (more saturated) and ‘Leica Authentic’ (less saturated) looks.

Don’t confuse them as color filters. Rather, built-in color calibration techniques based from Leica’s color science. Together with Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, they work together to bring out the best look for each photo taken.

Picking between these two Leica looks is mandatory and obviously, your choice will affect the overall mood of the photographs you take. However, you cannot totally turn this off. The Pro mode isn’t even exempted as you still need to choose between the two while you take “RAW” photos.

Pro-tography within your fingertips

The main highlight of the Xiaomi 13 Pro is none other than its 1-inch camera based on the Sony IMX989 sensor — which isn’t different from last year’s Xiaomi 12S Ultra as well as the newer Xiaomi 13 Ultra. The 13 Ultra just has the upper hand of having a variable aperture instead of relying on a fixed f/1.9 aperture.

That’s also the reason why I said earlier that getting the Pro variant over the Ultra doesn’t make it “less capable”. The wide 1x samples below (23mm lens equivalent) will prove my very bold statement

Even with a dark subject like my indoor cat Kaori with her visible strands of black fur and whiskers, or a random black cat walking outside, its fast shutter release will just blow your mind — all thanks to that large 1-inch sensor.

On the other hand, its 50-megapixel ultra-wide shooter relies on a totally different Samsung JN1 sensor with a 1/2.76-inch size. But even if it’s smaller than its wide lens counterpart, these photos still show superb quality.

Its 115-degree FoV (Field of View) is wider than the competition. I usually use this lens mode when shooting architecture to emphasize the vastness of a structure — especially when indoors such as churches, cathedrals, pathways, and even alleyways.

50mm + 75mm lens excellence

Another great thing about Leica x Xiaomi’s partnership is being able to bring in special 35mm B/W, 50mm, and 75mm portrait modes which not only mimics how prime lenses of pro-grade cameras perform, but also being able to apply Leica’s post-processing techniques after clicking the shutter button.

However, it’s worthy to point out that while the 50mm still relies on the phone’s ginormous 1-inch sensor, its 75mm portrait mode uses the dedicated 3.2x telephoto lens instead.

Good mood for food

Whenever good food is served, I automatically take out the Xiaomi 13 Pro (regardless if I have other flagship phones with me) and shoot ’em using the handy-dandy 50mm “swirly bokeh lens” feature.

I just love how Xiaomi processes food shots without actually over-saturating and over-sharpening the shot just to make it “scrumptious” to viewers. Leica’s color science preserved the real colors of the food — which was also how I perceived them IRL.

If you look closely, shots taken using any of the special portrait modes always has a vignette (or that subtle radial black border around the image). I’m all for it as it emphasizes the subjects I capture regardless of who or what it is.

I’m not fond of using the regular wide (1x) lens as it requires you to get closer to the food subject. But relying on that 1-inch sensor through 2x cropping reduces the amount of that nasty radial blur but still preserving details. The 2x option is also helpful in avoiding pesky shadows when shooting food indoors.

Nonetheless, food still looks great when shot on 1x (23mm) as long as you’re on the right shooting distance with ample amount of light.

While its 75mm relies on a completely different 3.2x telephoto camera, it was still able to quickly capture my brother’s hand while he was rolling that melted cheese on his fried chicken.

Another testament: this cup of lychee lemonade I drank taken in a not-so-well-lit environment. The only source of light was the measly bright LED TV while I was binge-watching one of the best K-dramas around (*coughs* Taxi Driver Season 2).

Portrait Xpert

While using the dedicated 50mm swirly bokeh lens requires you to be farther from your shooting subject, it also lets the camera get closer to the subject.

Other than that, the tighter Field of View (FoV) makes me frame my shot better and looking symmetrical than ever.

And just like a real 50mm prime lens for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, it’s also the best lens when shooting portraits as it requires just the right amount of distance between the lens and the subject — whilst delivering a creamy background blur.

Even when the subject is moving such as my bestie walking on the side of the pool, its 75mm was fast enough to catch the candidness of his actions — all while being able to separate the foreground from the background precisely.

Fast AF

Whether you read that as “Auto Focus” or “As F***”, both of those terms are acceptable.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro truly takes photos quickly and swiftly — just like how I captured this river scenery while walking on a ginormous bridge between Intramuros and Binondo.

I took this 50mm while I was in a hurry, yet it still looked clear and crisp with the appearance of gradual blurring between the foreground and the subject in focus. It really felt like this was shot on a pro-grade DSLR/mirrorless camera.

This 75mm shot of a very handsome Toyota GR Supra was shot while I was in the back seat of a speeding Honda Civic. Despite using the 3.2x telephoto lens, it was still able to shoot fast with enough details and less blurriness altogether.

The same thing can be said when I took these zoomed-in shots of two structures while I was walking on the sidewalk without actually trying to slow down.

The zoom shooter was also able to capture these kids in fast playing motion — and even felt like the time froze.

Surprisingly, that 75mm shooter performed fast too even in conditions where the presence of natural light is fading.

In my wildest dreams

Back then, my ambitious self dreamt of being a wildlife photographer for National Geographic. I admit how foolish that sounded. Still, I was delighted and astounded that the Xiaomi 13 Pro can capture the beauty of nature like I have a real DSLR and that long-ass telephoto “bazooka” lens with me.

Photojournalism on a phone? Why not?

Another aspiration I’ve had in college is being a photojournalist. Unlike most photographers, photojournalists should have the utmost courage to capture the world without the added sugarcoating.

Having to use the Xiaomi 13 Pro and its speedy shutter release during our special one-day photowalk definitely proves how it can be one of (if not) the best gears for photojournalism.

The photography technique I always bring with me is none other than being able to put juxtaposition into context.

In the easiest of terms, it’s putting two different subjects in one frame with a contrasting effect — like this lady and her vibrant stuff against a dull and busy background (two opposing hues)…

…or this bird kite flying on the vast sky (man-made versus nature).

My shot above is one of my favorites. Technically speaking, the presence of that artificial light added drama to the shot. But actually, there’s more than that.

Despite having different kinds of social classes, all of us have our right and freedom to go and enjoy our time along with our family and friends outdoors.

Low-light goodness

The Xiaomi 13 Pro may not have the brightest low-light photos ever taken in a smartphone, but as I always say in my reviews, being the brightest of the bunch doesn’t mean it’s the best performer.

With that large 1-inch sensor, it takes night mode photos pretty quick and doesn’t exceed a second in shutter duration — unless it’s a really dark environment.

Remember those special 50mm and 75mm special lenses I showcased earlier? Well, they both work well in low-light scenarios too!

Most phones usually struggle when you take portrait shots under low-light shooting conditions, but the Xiaomi 13 Pro is built different.

Even in harsher low-light conditions, the Xiaomi 13 Pro was very capable. It showed the beauty of my NewJeans Binky Bong as well as its box content with the littlest amount of noise.

This sign of a famous taco joint isn’t any different. The Xiaomi 13 Pro was able to preserve the authenticity of the shot without bumping too much exposure, highlights, and most of all, shadows.

For comparison’s sake, the difference is quite stark between the 50mm and 75mm portrait shots of my two lovey-dovey friends.

While 50mm relies on the 1-inch sensor and the wide f/1.9 aperture of the main lens (artificially widened to f/0.95), the 75mm was able to give a shallower Depth of Field (DoF) and a clearer foreground-background segmentation thanks to the farther focal length — mimicking what telephoto zoom lenses do.

And despite how high the ISO sensitivity of the two photos are, the photos are still sharp with barely visible noise. I also have to thank Xiaomi’s AI algorithm for cutting out subjects more accurately than the rest of the competition.

Regardless of what type of shooting subject you shoot in low-light, the 75mm does the job well and consistent.

Leica B/W

It wouldn’t be a full Leica experience without trying Leica’s classic B/W (black and white) looks.

But unlike what Leica previously did with other smartphone manufacturers (specifically Huawei), the B/W calibration actually looks closer to what Leica offers in its cameras.

Don’t take my word for it though. Those came from the words of the Leica photographers I’ve been with in that special one-day photowalk I mentioned earlier.

Leica’s special B/W and B/W NAT color filters add flare to your existing shots.

And just like how I mentioned “juxtaposition” earlier, taking B/W into consideration gives more depth and drama to your already “controversial” and “heart-wrenching” photographs.

Surprisingly, the presets look good even in candid shots — even if the subjects convey happiness and enjoyment.

BONUS: AI Removal

In instances where you have no control over the unwanted humans or objects in your shots, Xiaomi’s AI removal feature in its in-app gallery editor comes in very handy.

We gotta give credit where credit is due. Even though it’s not a fresh feature (as this was introduced by Google as “Magic Eraser” during the Pixel 6 launch), I’m still stoked that Xiaomi offers the same AI-based feature out of the box.

From the term itself, it lets you remove distractions from your shots. Other than the typical manual erasures, Xiaomi’s AI algorithm also detects people, objects, lines, and even shadows.

Although to be very frank, the most usable of the bunch is none other than the removal people selection. It worked 95% of the time and only had trouble identifying people in a couple of shots. Other times, the AI removal isn’t clean, like in the last sample above.

Featured by Xiaomi

Back in March 2023, Xiaomi Philippines held a one-day photoshoot with select media friends and Leica photographers towards the sights of San Fernando and Clark in the province of Pampanga.

That’s the time when I finally started using the smartphone after given to me by our team head, Rodneil, when he came back from Barcelona, Spain for MWC 2023.

Xiaomi’s Founder and CEO Lei Jun even tweeted about it (unfortunate though how I wasn’t in this first group photo session because the irritable morning heat led me to stay inside the van).

TMI aside, here are some of my shots that Xiaomi PH chose to feature on their Instagram page.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Xiaomi Philippines (@xiaomi.philippines)

And just a day after, I went to Intramuros by myself, thinking how I needed to take more photographs using the amazing camera system of the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Xiaomi Philippines (@xiaomi.philippines)

Fondness for flagship

Other than the excellent camera system the Xiaomi 13 Pro possesses (and the thicc camera bump proves that), what makes it a true flagship experience is none other than its hardware.

Being equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with the speedy LPDDR5X RAM and a UFS 4.0 storage standard guarantee the longevity of the phone both in performance and power.

I have to be honest though that I’m not a fan of the phone’s overall material selection — mainly because the black colorway I have is a huge dust + fingerprint smudge magnet. My opinion would differ though if it was offered in that clean-looking Ceramic White slate.

Still, I love how slim and light the phone feels even if it has a gigantic 6.73-inch curved display. For my XL hands, it’s a perfect fit.

LE SSERAFIM is UNFORGIVEN – but forgive me for I have sinned

Speaking of that display, I enjoyed watching multimedia whenever, wherever. Its 120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth, while its 2K AMOLED display and Dolby Atmos speakers bring the best out of the content I watch — especially those in 4K.

Lastly, one of the best features of this phone is none other than the support of 120W HyperCharge with a bundled charger and cable. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra doesn’t even have this as it only relies on a “slower” 90W fast charging.

It honestly saved me from times where I have to leave the house unplanned. That 30-minute charge from 0 to 100 percent is a huge lifesaver. Let alone, its battery life efficiency is topnotch as it lasts me until the end of day at the very least — and more than that when used lightly.

Is the Xiaomi 13 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is already available in major Asian and European markets. Retail pricing starts at PhP 59,999 (SG$ 1699 / INR 89,999 / EUR 1299 / GBP 1099).

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a great smartphone meant for photographers, casual shooters, and aspirers alike. If the plethora of photo samples I took aren’t enough to prove that, you’d be amazed to see more photographs taken with the Xiaomi 13 Pro by other talented individuals around.

Although at the end of the day, any photographer will be able to nail the device they are using as long as they know the basics as well as having a unique shooting style. Lastly, trusting their own creative process.

That said, the Xiaomi 13 Pro still offers the flexibilities of a smartphone while having the excellence of today’s advanced imaging system — plus a well thought-out partnership with a world-renowned camera brand. It’s a smartphone that isn’t gimmicky and actually offers the real deal compared to other smartphone photography contenders.

Where have you been all my life?!

I’ve been dreaming of owning a smartphone that can at least keep up with the quality of a DSLR or a mirrorless camera.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro (or any existing 1-inch-equipped smartphones around) can’t and won’t “replace” any professional cameras anytime soon. However, I can confidently say that the Xiaomi 13 Pro lives up to its professional photography promises.

It may not have the most affordable price tag for flagships out now. But the Xiaomi 13 Pro still a worthy recipient of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval. That’s especially if you’re one among those prospect buyers who are looking for the best cameras in a smartphone today.

Reviews

realme C100: Enduring and durable in spite of entry-level realities

Enough power but needs more agility

Published

July 11, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

Several smartphone brands have successfully balanced cost and capability in the entry-level and midrange segments. realme, on the other hand, appears to still be navigating this refinement process after the realignment in budget handsets.

The brand’s latest mass market offering, the realme C100, highlights an aggressive focus on physical endurance and battery capacity.

These are two welcome additions to give consumers more value for what they purchase. Yet, there are compromises in other areas that ultimately hold the package back from being a worthy everyday utility.

Long battery life

Bannering the realme C100 is its 8,000mAh Titan battery. This substantial boost in capacity translates to better longevity on a day-to-day basis.

For just casual usage patterns, it can easily last even up to four days. When left on standby, it can even stretch to an impressive nine days or so.

When finally time to recharge, the device supports 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which is ample for its segment.

As smartphone brands lean toward offering larger batteries, it’s a positive trade-off for those who don’t plan on purchasing power banks any time soon.

Unoptimized performance

The C100 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G92 Max processor and runs on the Android 16-based realme UI 7.0.

Performance is inconsistent at best. Light social media scrolling and casual streaming aren’t met with hiccups.

But, with gaming, the handset falters a bit, even with the supposedly less demanding titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. There are frame drops, stutters, and a it of lag that disrupts the overall experience.

That’s even with GT Mode turned on.

This would also considerably hamper the workflow of utility workers’ daily routines, should they choose this.

Thankfully, with a long battery life, the C100 is still something you can wield to stay connected throughout the entire day, especially for commuters, students, and young professionals.

However, the lack of 5G connectivity is also a downer, especially if you’ll need a better and faster network.

Ideally, I would put it as chiefly just a tool for constant comms and something you’d put on your desk — expecting new messages, emails, and notifications or updates here and there.

Inferior display

In front, the realme C100 sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz display on paper. It has an HD+ resolution but the pixel density sits at just a mere 256ppi.

There’s visible graininess or lack of distinct sharpness, be it streaming YouTube or viewing photos you’ve just taken with the device.

The same hardware limitation reminds me of past compromises in previous C series entries. Photos appear muddy and noticeably soft on screen, so it’s difficult to judge image clarity until files are transferred to another display.

The 1,200 nits of peak brightness helps a bit, although it is still a bit trickier to see things under the bright sunlight.

Cameras: Decent, as usual

For its camera, the realme C100 has quite the standard 50MP main camera. It’s decent for captures in terms of color and detail, but I’ve seen better overall quality from previous C series entries.

It’s tough when its indoors and under low light conditions — as expected. Naturally, you can’t expect the same detail outside of 1x zoom.

Some quick samples:

It’s a you-get-what-you-paid for on the stills department; something you’d use for documentation more rather than artistic captures. I would have hoped for more stability with filming, so you can use it for quick reels or splice them for vlogs.

When I asked my nephew to use the phone for a bit, he didn’t take too many images, which tells a lot about what the camera package can offer.

Look and feel

Onto its appearance, the device comes with a simple, squarish build with a faux triple camera island at the back.

It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, though in the place of round cameras, they look more like app icons shape-wise.

There’s slightly curved corners, just the right amount of thickness, a decent 90.4% screen-to-body ratio, and a bit of weight given the larger battery.

To its credit, the phone has a good grip and a less slippery back, even with its fancy design.

It is obviously great to have ArmorShell Glass protection too, as durability and ruggedness are two non-negotiables in this segment to remain competitive.

Aside from that, the phone boasts of IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance. The display itself is also optimized for wet touches through Rain Touch Mode.

Is this your BudgetMatch?

For consumers prioritizing raw survival metrics, the final verdict leans toward a Swipe Left. It’s close though.

While the market shift toward military-grade drop resistance, high-tier IP waterproofing, and massive batteries makes sense as they save users from the hidden or unexpected costs of broken screens, liquid damage, and purchasing extra power banks, smartphones still requires a baseline level of operational smoothness.

At this price point, there are multiple cheaper alternatives with a more stable and responsive user experience.

There are also niche options providing a better gaming experience or camera performance, if either one is what you’re after.

There is just too many trade-offs with this particular unit, leaving some critical boxes unchecked.

Laptops

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra wins you over

The laptop sneaks up on you

Published

July 3, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

This is coming from someone who has done countless unboxings and has touched a wide variety of devices — the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra was… alright.

My first impression was that it certainly didn’t wow me as much as I expected it to after having read the brief, nor even after attending the tech seminar where ASUS laid out its vision for the laptop.

That’s probably the strangest thing about the ExpertBook Ultra. Because after having spent more time with it, the laptop grew on me.

Put cheekily, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra wasn’t the laptop that made my head turn. Instead, it was the laptop that kept showing up consistently. Before I realized it, it’s become the one I wanted to keep coming back to.

And I think that’s the best way to describe my experience with ASUS’ flagship business notebook.

The laptop sneaks up on you.

Built to be carried

I got the laptop right after Computex 2026 coverage. That meant my days were closer to how they normally are. That also meant I had to be more intentional about going out and bringing it with me as I tackled my day-to-day duties.

I normally carried it using my trusted EDC — the Alpaka Bravo Tote — and I have to say it definitely felt lighter than my usual laptop, which is the MacBook Pro M4.

The Apple laptop I regularly carry is, I have to admit, chunkier than I would prefer. So having the ExpertBook Ultra for about a week or so literally felt like some load was taken off my shoulders.

Did I ever forget it was there? I wouldn’t go that far.

But if you’re asking me which one I’d rather carry based on build and weight alone, I would, with no hesitation, reach for the ExpertBook Ultra.

That says a lot considering how attached I am to my usual setup.

ASUS likes talking about how light the ExpertBook Ultra is. Normally, that’s the sort of marketing line I acknowledge and quickly move past.

This time, I actually felt it.

The Nano Ceramic effect

One of the first things ASUS will tell you about the ExpertBook Ultra is its Nano Ceramic finish. I’ll admit, it felt like one of those things that sounds good on a slide presentation.

It’s one of those things that look gimmicky at first but actually feels incredible once you come across it on a daily basis.

It’s still early, so you can consider this very much part of the honeymoon phase with the laptop. Even so, the Nano Ceramic finish continues to inspire a bit of awe every time I pick it up.

I do feel like a little weirdo caressing the laptop ever so gently before I begin the day’s work wherever I may be. But that’s just a testament to how good it feels to touch.

And yes, it does reinforce the feeling that, “Hey, I’m working on a pretty fancy piece of machinery.”

It’s easy to underrate the effects of that feeling, but it’s those little intangible things that can sometimes help unlock perspectives and possibilities.

That’s not something you’ll find on a spec sheet. But it’s absolutely part of the experience.

A display that’s difficult to stop staring at

It also helps if STAYC Isa is on screen.

The display is magnificent.

As Captain America would say, “I can look at this all day.” Not the exact phrase, but you’re smart. You get it.

The OLED and matte coating is just a killer combo. Kind of like the Chaewon and Yeji “That’s a No No” challenge collab. Pardon the months-old K-pop reference. I’ve been so busy I haven’t really kept up with what’s new.

Anyway, the combination just comes at you unapologetically and you have no recourse but to bask in it. Maintaining the deep blacks and crisp colors is such a gift to your eyes.

I often sit right next to big windows when I’m out in cafés and the light did nothing to dull the effect of the display.

Two love, two love. I’m falling.

It was so good I often found myself fully diving into STAYC’s 2 LOVE music video in between writing this very review and coordinating with my team.

The matte coating deserves special mention here.

OLED panels already look fantastic. Pairing one with a matte finish that helps cut reflections without sacrificing the strengths of OLED makes for one of my favorite laptop displays in recent memory.

Typing just clicked

This is one of my favorite keyboard experiences. Things just clicked right from the start. No awkward feeling-out phase whatsoever.

I was touch typing like I was Doctor Strange trying to look into over 14 million possible outcomes and still landing on the right key every single time.

The keys feel closer to chiclet-style keyboards than anything else. Even so, the spacing is perfect and the travel satisfying.

Then there’s the haptic touchpad.

I typically don’t like using mice, especially when I’m out and about. With most Windows laptops I’ve used in the past, that eventually becomes a necessity.

That wasn’t the case with the ExpertBook Ultra. It’s easily one of the best-feeling touchpads I’ve used in recent memory.

My standard for touchpads has always been MacBooks. While the software is also doing some heavy lifting in that particular setup, the ExpertBook’s own comes pretty close.

That’s not praise I hand out lightly.

Performance that feels like overkill

Performance is one area where I cannot claim I fully pushed the capabilities of the ExpertBook Ultra.

Most of my tasks are browser-based. Plenty of tabs open, sure, but I don’t think I ever came close to really testing the capabilities of this business notebook. I imagine that would be the case for most of ASUS’ target audience.

Upon seeing the specs, I already knew this was going to be a bit of an overkill for my own use case. My time with it only proved that assessment.

The most I did with it was jump between browser tabs and chat apps, letting ChatGPT help me process unresolved feelings and questionable timing while I dealt with coordinating shoots, writing scripts and reviews, and dealing with external forces that leave me feeling drained.

Never once did the laptop feel slow. Never once did I find myself waiting.

What noise?

Speaking of things I didn’t notice, let’s talk about fan noise.

Again, since I didn’t really push this thing to its absolute limits, the fan never really kicked into high gear at any point during my time with it.

The same goes for thermals.

No task I did ever raised the temperature to uncomfortable levels. The laptop simply went about its business. Which, come to think of it, is probably the most business-laptop thing I can say about it.

Battery life that simply works

I was very impressed with its overall efficiency.

When I go out to work, I typically don’t stay out longer than five to six hours. Most of the time that’s five to six hours of really focused work—with some K-pop loving in between.

Being generally risk-averse, I still always brought my usual charger with me. Not once during my time with the device did I feel the need to plug in while working outside.

I would typically end my café work days somewhere between 30 to 40 percent and only juice the thing up once I got home while it was closed and not in use.

That’s exactly the kind of battery experience I want from a business laptop.

The AI question

The thing I struggle with when it comes to AI features on this machine is that a lot of them are Windows-based and that’s just not the AI I find reliable.

Right now, many of these features are nice-to-have.

I’m sure one of ASUS’ target users will likely find a use case for them.

As for me personally, this is one area I’d have to dig deeper into to actually find ways to integrate them into my workflow and general usage.

And honestly, that’s okay. The AI features weren’t the reason I kept reaching for the laptop.

Who is this actually for?

That’s a loaded question. Really, it’s built for anyone who can afford it.

With a starting price of PhP 129,995, this device comfortably sits in aspirational territory.

What I know for sure is that this is a machine for someone who’s already built some momentum in their chosen field and would like to level up.

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra gives you a machine that can handle your business now and inspire you to dream bigger about your future.

Is the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra your GadgetMatch?

The thing I kept coming back to with the ExpertBook Ultra is that there is no one thing that made me turn to it.

Instead, it’s the combination of everything that it brings to the table. The premium-feeling build, lightweight design, wonderful display, excellent keyboard and touchpad. efficient performance, and the thoughtful extras. Together, they make it a laptop that’s easy to recommend to anyone who’s ready for it.

But what does ready for it actually mean?

It means it’s for people who have leveled up quite a bit in their grind and want a machine that matches their current status and future aspirations.

That’s what the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra represents. A modern classic that’s ready for now and whatever comes next.

That’s why it didn’t wow me. But it certainly won me over.

Reviews

Nexal Watch Sport review: A rugged watch for small budgets

I couldn’t believe that watches this good could come for this cheap.

Published

June 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Between run clubs and HYROX training, fitness these days is a luxury. But it doesn’t have to be. When you realize that buying a new Garmin watch or On running shoe eats so much into your monthly budget, you start to discover those little things that make you go, “hey, maybe I don’t need all that expensive gear just to pound the pavement.” After all, humans perfected running before they figured out wearables.

That’s exactly how I felt with the Nexal Watch Sport.

Rugged as they come

I’ve always had a gripe with affordable smartwatches. Whereas budget smartphones are still able to wow users with unique (and durable) designs, affordable smartwatches often lack that polish, sometimes manifesting in flimsy straps or a clear lack of features.

The Nexal Watch Sport doesn’t suffer from that ailment. Housed in a matte black chassis, the wearable can hang with the rest. In spite of the minimalist design, it goes a long way to make me feel like I have an expensive wearable, rather than one that saves my monthly budget.

On the side, it comes with two simple buttons, a rotating crown, and a delightful array of flashlights (which I love, by the way). It’s also pleasantly light and doesn’t drag my wrist down, which is perfect for runners. The strap, though very bendy, lets my wrist breathe amid long runs. Finally, the double hooks ensure that the strap remains fixed to my wrist.

No more missed workouts

My favorite part about exploring a new smartwatch is going through its list of available workout modes. Offering over a hundred modes, the Nexal Watch Sport has you covered, no matter what you do to get the blood flowing. While you’re naturally getting the usual array ranging from running to lifting weights to pickleball, you’re also getting some pretty niche ones like parkour, darts, and jazz dancing.

Now, I know that I’ll never go for something like parkour, but it’s still nice to have that option. Plus, I’m sure actual practitioners of these sports will appreciate their inclusion. For me, having a wide array of modes to choose from adds that bit of feeling that maybe I can try one of those someday, and that’s an intangible plus with this feature.

As for performance, the modes I used — weightlifting and running — were accurate enough. I didn’t miss my Garmin Forerunner.

A clean interface

Another thing I look out for is the user interface. To my great surprise, the Nexal Watch Sport looks very clean. In fact, the main watch face looks better than a lot of options I’ve seen on either Fitbit or Garmin.

The main interface itself is simple, but that’s just what you need from a smartwatch. You don’t really want to fiddle around with settings on a small screen when all you want to do is to start running.

That said, the smartwatch isn’t the fastest. There’s a pronounced lag of about half a second when you use the screen. Functionally, it’s not too bad, but again, it’s frustrating when you’re about to start a run.

Now that’s a long battery life

“Rugged” describes this smartwatch to a tee. Nexal promises that a single charge can last up to thirty days on light use. Based on my estimates, this is largely true. The Watch Sport keeps on chugging along.

For regular people like me, this extremely durable battery is a boon for those who don’t want to charge their wearables too often. But it’s a godsend for those who prefer rugged outdoorsy sports. If you’re out in the wild, having a durable way to navigate and connect with the world is a must.

In our case, an extra-long battery life is a big benefit for on-the-go lifestyles. Whether I’m just working or working out, this battery is useful.

Is the Nexal Watch Sport your GadgetMatch?

The Nexal Watch Sport costs only PhP 6,999. It’s a bargain compared to even the cheapest models of the more popular brands.

With that price and its abundance of features you’d expect, this is a worthy purchase that you won’t regret. The only real flaw was the relatively slow interface, but that’s still workable. For that, the Nexal Watch Sport gets a Super Swipe.