News

Xiaomi 15T Series, Gold Collection pricing in the Philippines

Latest flagship smartphones, more launched in the country

Published

September 25, 2025

Manila Connoisseur

The Xiaomi 15T Series and Xiaomi’s latest AIoT devices are quick to roll out in several markets.

The Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro are now both official in the Philippines, just a day after its global launch.

Xiaomi’s latest flagships come in two configurations (256GB, 512GB) and at affordable starting price points of PhP 26,999 for the 15T and PhP 37,999 for the 15T Pro.

The preorder period is from September 26 to October 9. Customers will also get a free Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro for in-store orders.

The two latest handsets promise flagship performance, AI capabilities, and new features.

They run on the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 3, have Leica cameras, immersive displays, advanced connectivity, fast charging, and more.

Here’s a quick rundown of their specs and features:

Xiaomi 15T Pro

Black, Gray, Mocha Gold
MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, 3nm, up to 3.73GHz
12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB
5,500mAh battery with 90W HyperCharge, 50W wireless HyperCharge
6.83-inch 144Hz AMOLED display
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Dual SIM and eSIM support

Xiaomi 15T

Black, Gray, Rose Gold
MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, 4nm, up to 3.25GHz
12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB
5,500mAh battery with 67W HyperCharge
6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0
Dual SIM with eSIM support

Leica cameras

Meanwhile, here are the cameras installed on each variant:

Xiaomi 15T Pro

50MP f/1.62 Leica 23mm main camera OIS
50MP f/3.0 Leica 115mm super telephoto camera OIS
12MP f/2.2 15mm Leica ultra-wide camera, 120° FOV
32MP f/2.2 front camera

Xiaomi 15T

50MP f/1.7 Leica 23mm main camera OIS
50MP f/1.9 Leica 46mm telephoto camera
12MP f/2.2 15mm Leica ultra-wide camera, 120° FOV
32MP f/2.2 front camera

On the audiovisual side, both phones’ displays feature Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, 447ppi pixel density, DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR10+. These panels also come with a handful of TÜV Rheinland certifications. The phones are also IP68 rated.

Moreover, the phones also both support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and are Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless certified.

Xiaomi Astral Communication

The Xiaomi 15T Series introduces Xiaomi Astral Communication, which is a suite of enhanced features to provide users extra peace of mind.

One such feature is Xiaomi Offline Communication, which makes its debut for this series. It allows communication between 15T devices up to 1.9 kilometers apart (15T Pro) without cellular or Wi-Fi networks for reliable contact. Super Antenna Array reinforces this innovation.

Xiaomi HyperOS 3

The latest version of Xiaomi’s OS comes with a slew of upgrades. It will roll out to several devices starting next month.

Aside from a refreshed look, it is meant to give users a more intuitive experience.

A new feature is Xiaomi HyperIsland for improved multitasking and dynamic notifications.

It’s also designed so users can access apps quicker and more seamlessly.

Moreover, HyperOS 3 features better interconnectivity across Xiaomi’s entire ecosystem of product offerings and beyond.

New features include synchronized screen unlocking, Touch to Share, screen casting, and more.

These support interconnectivity even with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, giving users easier ways to transfer files or utilize multiple devices.

Furthermore, Xiaomi HyperAI also received improvements across Text, Speech, Search, and Image areas.

AI powers several features like DeepThink Mode, Speech recognition, Voice enhancement, AI search, Gallery search, AI Dynamic Wallpapers, and more, so users can carry out tasks more efficiently and smartly, whatever they may be.

Xiaomi Gold Collection

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

On top of the new Xiaomi 15T Series, the company also launched new AIoT devices spanning the Smart Home, Wearables, and Entertainment categories.

A definite highlight was the Xiaomi Gold Collection. Comprised of the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm, Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition, and OpenWear Stereo Pro, these new accessories and wearables come in stylish colorways that complement the Mocha Gold and Rose Gold variants of the 15T Series models.

These join several other new offerings, including Xiaomi’s first flagship mini tablet, the Xiaomi Pad Mini, and its smart cameras.

Gaming

Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support

PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.

Published

September 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.

For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.

If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.

Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.

Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.

Entertainment

PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2

Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.

The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.

Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.

What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.

Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.

The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.

The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.

Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.

News

iPhone Duo: Price, availability in the Philippines

As listed on the Apple website

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. It uses a passport-style design that opens into a larger display while retaining a more conventional smartphone experience when folded.

Price and availability

The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990 in the Philippines for the 256GB model as listed on the Apple website.

Here’s the full local pricing:

256GB — PhP 159,990
512GB — PhP 175,990
1TB — PhP 207,990
2TB — PhP 254,990

The iPhone Duo comes in Star White and Night Sky.

Actual availability in the Philippines has yet to be officially announced.

A foldable design with two displays

The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display when folded and expands to a 7.6-inch main display when opened. Both orientations use the same aspect ratio, allowing iOS to transition between them seamlessly.

The rear chassis uses Ceramic Shield, while the front display gets Ceramic Shield 2. The device is also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.

Its hinge uses carbon fiber supports and magnets that produce an audible click when the phone is folded.

A20 Pro brings flagship performance

The iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro series. Apple says the chip delivers 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.

It also comes with the new C2 cellular modem, which provides up to 50 percent faster uploads. Like other foldables, the Duo can be used in different configurations, including tent mode and a partially folded book-like position.

48-megapixel camera system

The iPhone Duo gets a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera alongside a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto camera.

For selfies and video calls, it has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera. The inner display also uses an under-screen camera for a cleaner look.

Battery life goes beyond a day

The iPhone Duo offers up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours using the outer display.

Charging is also quick. Apple says a 20-minute charge can replenish half the battery, while a five-minute charge can provide up to five hours of video playback.

For the complete specifications and first-look details, check out our main iPhone Duo launch coverage.