News
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
Xiaomi’s latest flagship devices have arrived
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19
Early purchases also come with the following perks:
- Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
- Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
- Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
- Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.
Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:
- Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
- Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
- Raffle entry to win Leica Q3
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.
It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.
This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.
The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.
For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Xiaomi Pad 8 series
In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:
- Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
- Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.
It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.
Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.
Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.
For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
Accessories
Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more
Smart, on-the-go products debut
Xiaomi has launched an entire slate of smart, on-the-go devices as part of their major first quarter ecosystem release.
These products, ranging from smartwatches to earbuds to smart home devices and electric scooters, were introduced alongside the flagship Xiaomi 17 series smartphones and Xiaomi Pad 8 series tablets.
All are now available in the Philippines. Here’s a quick rundown.
Xiaomi Watch 5
Price: PhP 18,999
The Xiaomi Watch 5 runs on Wear OS by Google. It has a large 1.54-inch display reinforced by strong sapphire glass.
The watch has a stainless steel middle frame, and a flagship dual-chipset design. Inside are the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and BES2800 low-power processor.
Users can leverage quick gestures with EMG, IMU, and PPG sensors for essential actions. Such can execute tasks like dismissing calls, silencing alarms, launching workouts, and more.
As usual, there are several sport modes, and advanced health monitoring features, which have been refined to deliver a better experience.
Redmi Buds 8 Pro
Price: PhP 3,999
The wearable leverages a 3-mic system with up to 12 m/s wind noise cancellation and up to 55dB ANC.
Inside are coaxial triple drivers for rich sound complemented by Dolby Audio. There are three color options: Obsidian Black, Cloud White, and Glacier Blue.
Users can enjoy up to 33 hours of playback along with its charging case.
As a quick addition, a Xiaomi Tag is available for PhP 899 for a single piece or PhP 2,799 for the four-pack.
This tool is compatible with Apple Find My or Google Android Find Hub, working within a user’s chosen OS ecosystem.
Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000
Price: Php 3,699 (Black and Silver) | PhP 3,899 (Radiant Orange)
Furthermore, Xiaomi’s latest power bank supports simultaneous charging of two devices while sporting a slim and portable look.
It is capable of up to 15W of wireless charging, and 22.5W of USB-C fast charging.
Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier
Price: PhP 14,999 | PhP 9,499 (Lite)
For smart home devices, the company’s latest dehumidifier has 5 noise-reduction designs for as low as just a 35.8dB ambient noise.
It features smart dehumidification, an external drainage, and three modes, including a clothes drying mode.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra
Price: PhP 46,999
Lastly, Xiaomi’s latest electric scooter is all about upgrades. It has improved front and rear disc brakes, as well as 12-inch tires.
The e-scooter comes with dual swing-arm suspension for better support, an ergonomic design, and a 3-inch display for the rider.
It also has a 1200W peak power with Boost mode, which is vital for uphill climbs or quick acceleration.
On a full charge, the ridable is capable of a 75-kilometer range, making it fit for casual commutes around the city and quick trips.
Other variants include the Electric Scooter 6 Lite and Electric Scooter 6 to suit
All the aforementioned Xiaomi AIoT devices are available at Xiaomi Authorized Stores nationwide, as well as Lazada and Shopee.
News
Smart ends 2025 with revenue growth, higher ARPU, 5G adoption
Network provider to continue investments, expand digital services in 2026
Smart Communications closed 2025 on a strong note, posting a 5% quarter-on-quarter revenue increase in Q4 of the year.
This marked a turnaround for their wireless business following weaker results earlier in the same year.
Smart experienced a 2% revenue decline during Q1, as it focused value-led growth through targeted customer initiatives and sustained network investments.
Their fourth quarter gains were primarily driven by higher Average Revenue Per User (APRU), supported by personalized digital offers.
Smart Prepaid, in particular, recorded a 5% sequential ARPU while mass-market brand TNT posted a 3% uplift.
Moreover, subscriber momentum also improved. There were 606,079 net additions in Q4. Churn was kept at 2.5% by year-end.
Network investments and expanding 5G adoption further supported performance, as Smart handled 11.2 million 5G-latched devices as of end-2025. This is a 35% year-on-year growth.
Affordable 5G smartphones also accelerated adoption, driving an 88% surge in 5G data traffic.
Fixed Wireless Access revenues, meanwhile, rose 22% to PhP 1.8 billion for the full year. This reflects the growing demand for affordable 5G wireless routers.
Building on its fourth quarter momentum, Smart expressed optimism about its growth outlook for 2026. The company noted that accelerating 5G usage and rising device penetration are unlocking new sources of data demand.
For this year, Smart will look to continue network investments and expand digital services.
News
vivo opens pre-orders for V70 in PH; discounts, more await
Pre-order early for discounts and freebies
The vivo V70 is now available for pre-order in the Philippines, with discounts and more freebies awaiting customers until March 13.
The latest V series smartphone from the brand retails starting at PhP 31,999, available in Golden Hour and Alpine Gray colorways.
Customers who secure their unit early can enjoy a PhP 2,000 off discount, as well as limited-edition freebies.
Freebies include a vivo VIP Card with 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance. Customers will also take home a vivo Buds Air3.
Meanwhile, those availing through Home Credit can get an additional PhP 500 discount, available until April 30. Buyers can take home the V70 for as low as PhP 42 per day at 18 months 0% interest installment.
Bring the stage closer
The vivo V70 features helpful tools for travel, concerts, and other occasions, with its familiar 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera leading the way.
This telephoto camera has a pro-grade, 1/1.95-inch sensor and OIS for sharper shots in low-light and challenging conditions. Its advanced periscope design also allows for higher zoom levels without adding bulk.
The shooter is coupled with a 1/1.56-inch 50MP ZEISS main camera. There is also an 8MP ZEISS ultra-wide angle camera and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera.
The vivo V70 also features AI Stage Mode, 4K 60fps video, and AI-powered editing tools for creative content and storytelling.
Particularly, the new AI Stage Mode is tuned for stage photography. Shots are enhanced by AI Image Portrait Enhancement Algorithm and AI Style Portrait Technology.
As with previous iterations of the V series, the latest handset is also equipped with ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, along with options like 85mm ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh or 100mm Close-Up Portrait in ZEISS Planar Style.
And for the first time in the V series, the phone introduces 4K 60fps video for cinematic and smooth captures.
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