News
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is a smaller, flagship-grade borderless smartphone
The first to have the Snapdragon 710 processor
Part of Xiaomi’s launch event today included the introduction of a “Lite” version of its flagship smartphone. Since Xiaomi likes to take cues from Apple, they didn’t call it the Mi 8 Lite or the Mi 8 Mini, but rather Mi 8 SE.
The Mi 8 SE is a toned-down version of the Mi 8 with midrange pricing and specs, but it has the same premium materials like an aluminum frame and glass back. Like the Mi 8, it also has a notched display, although it doesn’t sport the same infrared-powered Face ID feature. The panel is a 5.88-inch Super AMOLED with a Full HD+ resolution and 18.7:9 aspect ratio.

Design-wise, the Mi 8 SE is more angular yet it still has a high screen-to-body ratio that’s in the same league as the Mi Mix 2S. It also has high-resolution shooters including a 20-megapixel front sensor with large 2µm pixels for better low-light selfies. There’s also an AI-powered dual rear camera setup using a 12- and 5-megapixel combo.
The phone is the first to have the new Snapdragon 710 processor that’s built on the 10nm node and can handle AR and AI well. It’s a flagship-grade chip for midrange devices like the Mi 8 SE, but at a cheaper price point. According to Xiaomi, it’s 20 percent better in overall performance compared to the Snapdragon 660 while delivering 40 percent lower power consumption when playing games or during 4K video playback.

The Mi 8 SE has a 3120mAh battery with support for 18W Quick Charge 3.0 through its USB-C port, a rear fingerprint reader, and will run the latest MIUI 10.
It’s priced starting at CNY 1,799 (US$ 280) for the 4GB version and CNY 1,999 (US$ 310) for the 6GB variant — both have 64GB of storage. Both come in black, gold, red and blue colors. Global launch or even Chinese availability are yet to be confirmed.
News
Lionel Messi’s face just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra early
Technically, it’s a custom Caviar phone with Messi’s face on it.
And just like that, the World Cup season is over. Spain prevailed over Argentina in a 1-0 caper. Despite the loss, however, Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is (indirectly) leaving us a little surprise by spoiling the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra a few days early.
Technically, it’s not Messi himself doing the spoiling. Caviar, the infamous luxury smartphone company, has revealed an extravagant Lionel Messi-themed edition of the unannounced Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
As with the brand’s other creations, the special smartphone is covered in 24-karat gold plating. The design is styled to look like Messi and the colors of the Argentinian football team.
Now, before you say that this design is worthless now after the loss to Spain, the edition is meant to celebrate the 2022 win, exemplified by the badge on Messi’s shirt saying “2022”. And even then, Messi is still one of the most globally recognized sports personalities in the world, making this quite the collector’s item.
However, if you’re looking for any hardware leaks, you’re out of luck. The listing has no mention of specs, except for the storage, which includes options for 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Other than that, you’ll have to wait like the rest of us.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the Messi-themed edition, it will cost you a fortune. Caviar’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will start at a whopping US$ 13,130.
Besides its nature as a special edition, this phone is the most official thing we’ve seen of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Samsung is still scheduled to launch the new foldable, along with other models, in a few days. The brand is also rumored to launch a wide version of this model.
SEE ALSO: New leak reveals first look at Samsung’s wide foldable
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum
A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.
Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.
Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
News
Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs
Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices
Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.
The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.
In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.
This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.
Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.
The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.
The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.
Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked
Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.
Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.
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