Features

Why you still need a tablet and why it should be the Xiaomi Pad 5

Published

November 19, 2021

Andre Ibarle

During the early days of tablets, I was among the ones who got hit by the bug to go and get myself one. I remember saving up to buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab and then later on, the Google Nexus 7.

Eventually, smartphones caught up as they evolved into the larger and faster devices they are today. And the middle ground between the smartphone and the laptop slowly went into a drift.

But living with a tablet once again these past few weeks with the Xiaomi Pad 5, my whole perception of tablets changed. These supersized smartphones have gone a long way with what they can do and that they’re so much more capable than ever.

So, allow me to share the things I’ve been able to do with the Xiaomi Pad 5 and why you might also need one for yourself.

Content creation buddy

With the availability of advanced apps nowadays like PicsArt and Autodesk Sketchbook, doing graphic design, creating social media content has never been easier and satisfying on an 11-inch screen and a smart pen.

I personally have managed to leave booting up Photoshop on my laptop and focus on creating content on this tablet and I’ve been loving it so far.

These mobile apps aren’t as advanced as their PC counterparts, but with some creativity, there’s no reason not to be able to pull off amazing results.

As for video content, the Snapdragon 860 SoC on the Pad 5 slices through the timeline of video editing apps like CapCut and Kinemaster even with multiple layers of hi-res videos.

I tested this even further by editing footage taken with my Sony mirrorless camera and that didn’t seem to be a problem as well.

Seriously, if it weren’t for the limited color grading features of these apps, I could really see myself using this as a legit video editing machine.

Luckily, this concern might just be solved soon as LumaTouch, the brand behind the popular video editing app LumaFusion, has just announced that the app is coming to Android. You bet I’ll be using the Pad 5 with that.

A more portable laptop replacement

As much as I love my laptop, I just can’t deny that it’s a chore to carry around, especially if your only purpose is for light work like word processing. So it makes sense to use a tablet as a laptop replacement since it’s lighter, smaller but also very capable when you need the extra power.

With the Xiaomi Pad 5 weighing only 511g at an 11-inch footprint, this is already an attractive choice. But if we consider that this is already packed with an 8,720 mAh battery that could easily get through a day’s work on a single charge, then that means you won’t even need to bring a charger along with it which makes it even more portable.

And this battery life isn’t just an assumption from Xiaomi. I actually have never had the need to recharge in a full day of using it regardless of what I’m doing. Sometimes I even find myself using it with its previous charge from the day before and that still gets me through the day.

Media consumption

One of the most obvious reasons for people to get a tablet is for its bigger screen with the purpose of using it for media consumption.

In the case of the Pad 5, the screen isn’t the only aspect that improves the media consuming experience but also the stellar sound quality coming from its four speaker setup.

I just finished watching the Netflix series My Name on this and I can say, it does a great job of simulating ambiance as if the sound is coming from different locations. This is brought by the Dolby Atmos mode incorporated in the Pad 5 that really adds to the immersive feel.

Though, this is something you can also turn off if you don’t prefer having virtual surround all the time like for listening to music.

Perfect for play

I’ve touched on the Snapdragon 860 processor earlier in this review, but to further explain this for those who aren’t aware yet, this chip is actually just a couple of notches lower than the brands best offering. In other words, it’s really fast.

It definitely handles the most graphically demanding games available like Genshin Impact with little effort.

I’ve been enjoying FPS games like Call of Duty: Mobile on this with all settings topped up without a hitch. No hiccups, lags or anything, just an enjoyable 11-inch gaming experience. And adding to that experience, the 120Hz refresh rate display makes the game even more fluid than it already is and I love it.

The device also didn’t feel hot to hold while gaming. I’m assuming this is because of the larger body which probably contributes to heat dissipation as there’s more airflow inside the case than compared with a smartphone. So, I think it’s safe to assume that heat won’t be an issue when gaming on this handheld.

There’s also quite a few people sharing their desk gaming setup on Facebook groups with the Pad 5 as their main console so I guess that in itself shows us that it’s a very capable gaming machine.

Your personal notebook, but better

With so many things to learn online, one thing I’ve adapted to doing on the Pad 5 is using it as a high-tech note taking device.

While it’s not as organic as writing with an actual pen and paper and it did feel awkward writing on glass at first, it’s just so much more efficient and less cumbersome to bring along a tablet over actual notebooks.

Along with features like the Xiaomi Smart Pen’s palm rejection which lets us rest our palm on the screen, combined with the 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, it didn’t take long for me to perform natural writing strokes as I would on paper.

And with the ability to selectively screen grab images or take photos of documents using the 13MP camera and attach them on notes for easy references, note taking has certainly been elevated from traditional methods.

Tablets are here to stay

These are just a few of the things I have learned to do while having the Xiaomi Pad 5 with me for a few weeks. While I understand that it’s easy to dismiss the idea of incorporating tablets into our lifestyle, my experience made me realize that there’s so much I’ve been missing out on.

The convenience of having a bigger screen than a phone, a more portable size than a laptop, power when you need it, superb battery life and just the overall experience paired with the Xiaomi Smart Pen, all these have been a game changer for me.

I guess I can officially say tablets have found its spot in my way of life and it’s going to be difficult for me to return to my daily routine without it and I have a feeling you might too.

Whether you are a student, a casual user or a working professional, I think the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a no-brainer choice especially if you’re looking into getting into tablets that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

The Xiaomi Pad 5 currently retails for PhP 19,990 for the 6GB RAM with 256GB storage variant and PhP 17,990 for the 6GB RAM with 128GB storage variant.

Features

Why the OPPO Reno15 5G series is a creator’s essential

4K Ultra-Steady, 50MP groufies, and AI edits in one device.

Published

March 19, 2026

MJ Jucutan

There are two kinds of travel essentials: the ones you pack because you have to, and the ones you pack because they make the story better.

Often, we feel forced to choose between traveling light and bringing the bulky gear necessary to document the trip properly.

On your next trip, the OPPO Reno15 5G Series eliminates that compromise. With a thoughtful mix of hardware and software, it becomes your pocket-sized production crew, ready to capture life as it unfolds.

The crew in your pocket

The first rule of travel is to keep things light, but for a creator, “light” cannot mean lower quality.

Whether you are navigating crowded night markets or chasing the golden hour on a steep, adventurous rooftop, the 4K Ultra Steady feature ensures your footage looks composed even when the environment is chaotic.

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This stabilization changes the energy of a travel vlog, turning handheld montages into polished, cinematic clips that are ready for a Reel the moment you hit save.

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Capturing everything and everyone

Travel stories are built on shared memories, but too often, the person behind the lens is left out.

Group shots often become a messy scramble to squeeze everyone into a tight frame. The 50MP Selfie Camera changes that outcome with its 0.6x ultra-wide-angle mode

It captures the entire group with sharp detail across the frame, ensuring no one is relegated to the blurry edges.

Even if you need to crop the image later for a specific social media layout, faces remain clear and the background stays defined.

The result is a “groufie” that feels complete and professional

Scroll-stopping memories

We often summarize our trips through collages: layered photos that tell a single story.

The AI Motion Photo Popout tool brings a new dimension to these memories. With a few taps in the Gallery, the subject separates from the background to create a sophisticated, layered effect.

These edits serve as the perfect foundation for Instagram Story covers, Reel thumbnails, or high-quality personal wallpapers.

It’s a subtle digital adjustment that makes a visible difference in how your audience experiences your journey.

Reliability for the modern creator.

A smartphone is no longer just a gadget; it is a creative partner. The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G features a sleek design that looks at home beside a passport or a boarding pass.

It’s light enough for long days of exploration but polished enough for high-end city trips. The reliable battery life supports early flights, full-day itineraries, and even late-night uploads.

You’ll spend less time searching for an outlet and more time capturing the moments that matter.

Which OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is your GadgetMatch?

The series offers variants designed to fit your specific creative style.

Pick the OPPO Reno15 5G if you want a balanced everyday companion, and if you want flexibility and reliability without overcomplicating the process.

There’s the OPPO Reno15 Pro; the choice for creators where photography and videography are the main event, offering enhanced tools in a compact form.

But if you’re a value-conscious traveler who wants a practical entry point that provides core camera and AI features, then the OPPO Reno15 F 5G is your GadgetMatch.

Whichever you choose, the series proves that a travel accessory can do more than complement an outfit. It preserves your stories because it doubles as a content creator’s must-have tool.

The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is now available in OPPO stores nationwide and the OPPO Online Store.

SEE MORE: The art of being in and behind the frame | OPPO Reno15 Pro: Camera Review

Features

Galaxy AI on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

So you can focus more on what matters

Published

March 13, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles and JP

@gadgetmatch A phone that does more… so you can focus more on the moments that matter. The Galaxy S26 Ultra lets Galaxy AI handle the small stuff so you can stay present for the moments that matter. Also great for the occasional KPop concert video. Pre-order until March 17 and get double storage worth up to PhP 14,000. https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/buy/ #GalaxyS26Ultra #EverydaywithGalaxyAI @samsungph ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Here’s the dream: a phone that helps you stay on top of things, so you can focus more on what matters.

That’s basically the idea behind Galaxy AI on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Instead of adding more things to do, the phone helps take care of the small stuff for you. Things like reminding you what’s next, or surfacing the information you need right when you need it.

So you spend less time digging through apps and more time actually doing the things you planned to do.

Editing photos is easier too. With Photo Assist, you can just describe the change you want… and Galaxy AI fills in the rest.

And if you’re cleaning up a video, Audio Eraser can reduce background noise — even from clips on third-party apps like Instagram or YouTube.

The point isn’t to make your phone the center of attention. It’s to make it helpful enough that you can forget about it for a while. Until something worth capturing happens.

And when things get a little chaotic — like concerts, street performances, or just life moving fast — Super Steady Video helps keep your shots level.

That’s definitely coming with me to the next K-pop concert.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra. Smarter phone. Slightly less stressed me.
Pre-orders are open now — with double storage for early buyers, plus additional discounts and installment offers from participating banks.

Which is great… because apparently I shoot way too many videos.

Features

Samsung is done chasing specs, says TM Roh

Samsung shifts beyond spec wars

Published

March 9, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

For more than a decade, the smartphone industry has been defined by a familiar race. More megapixels. Faster processors. Bigger batteries. Thinner designs. Being first. Being the most. And being the fastest.

The industry rewarded brands that appeared to be chasing specs. Bigger numbers meant progress. At least on paper.

But if you ask Samsung, the days of chasing specs may no longer define the future of Galaxy smartphones.

During a regional roundtable following the launch of the latest Galaxy devices, I asked TM Roh how the company decides when it’s time for a major hardware upgrade if it isn’t simply chasing specs.

His answer revealed how Samsung now approaches the future of its flagship smartphones.

According to Roh, hardware upgrades are increasingly tied to how well they support Galaxy AI.

“To make Galaxy AI run smoothly, it must be backed by strong hardware,” Roh said during the session, speaking through a translator. He added that Samsung develops its hardware, software, and AI capabilities together — and that major upgrades tend to arrive only when the company reaches what he described as the “desired level of excellence.”
(Quotes are approximate translations.)

“To make Galaxy AI run smoothly, it must be backed by strong hardware.”
(Approximate translation from TM Roh during the roundtable)

In short, Samsung says it’s no longer chasing specs for the sake of winning spec-sheet battles. Not anymore.

Samsung CEO TM Roh answering questions at a media roundtable in San Francisco

When hardware stops chasing numbers

Hardware innovation still matters. But Samsung increasingly frames those improvements as tools that enable smarter software experiences.

During the roundtable, Roh pointed to Samsung’s custom application processors, which now include stronger neural processing capabilities designed to handle AI workloads more efficiently. Dedicated hardware is also being introduced to strengthen privacy and security — including technologies embedded directly into the display. (See: Privacy Display)

Even cameras, historically one of the biggest battlegrounds for smartphone innovation, are evolving in the same direction.

Roh noted that while sensors and lenses remain important, modern smartphone photography now relies heavily on AI-powered image processing working alongside the hardware. This could also explain why, as of writing, Samsung has resisted the extra telephoto lens accessories that is prevalent with other brands.

The shift is subtle but important. Instead of emphasizing bigger numbers on spec sheets, Samsung positions hardware upgrades as part of a broader system designed to support intelligent software.

Why Samsung gets dunked on online

That philosophy, however, exists in tension with how smartphones are often discussed online.

In a landscape driven by benchmark charts and viral comparisons, incremental refinement rarely generates the same excitement as dramatic hardware leaps. Over the past few years, the Galaxy S series has occasionally become an easy target for criticism — especially as rival Android manufacturers compete to deliver the biggest numbers, the fastest charging speeds, or the thinnest designs.

The temptation in tech media, particularly on platforms like YouTube, is often to dunk on Samsung rather than examine the nuance behind its approach. Spectacular upgrades and dramatic spec sheets make better thumbnails.

Yet listening to Samsung executives across multiple briefings reveals something interesting: the messaging is remarkably consistent. Whether discussing cameras, processors, or ecosystem features, the company repeatedly returns to the same principle. Hardware innovation matters most when it unlocks a better overall experience.

A company that knows its role

That consistency suggests Samsung knows exactly who it is in the smartphone industry.

As the largest Android smartphone manufacturer globally, Samsung occupies a position where competitors often measure themselves against it. Many brands differentiate by pushing aggressive specifications or experimenting with bold hardware changes.

In many ways, everyone else is punching up.

Scale changes priorities. When you’re building devices for hundreds of millions of users, the focus shifts toward reliability, ecosystem integration, and increasingly, AI-powered experiences that work consistently across products.

Why Southeast Asia matters in Samsung’s AI strategy

During the roundtable, Roh also emphasized the importance of Southeast Asia and Oceania to Samsung’s AI strategy.

According to the company’s internal research, the region ranks among the most receptive markets for AI-powered mobile features. Younger demographics and heavy social media usage are driving adoption.

In markets where smartphones are central to communication, content creation, and digital services, AI-powered tools — from translation features to image editing — have found strong traction.

That context helps explain why Samsung continues to position AI as the defining layer of its next-generation devices.

Is the smartphone spec race ending?

For years, smartphone makers built their identities around chasing specs.

Bigger numbers meant better phones. Faster chips meant progress.

Samsung, it seems, is chasing something else.

Whether that bet ultimately reshapes the smartphone experience remains to be seen. But if Roh’s comments are any indication, the next major leap in Galaxy hardware won’t happen simply because the numbers can go higher.

It will happen when Samsung believes the experience — not the spec sheet — is ready to move forward.