News
POCO X8 Pro Max debuts in PH with flagship-level chip, metal frame
It uses a MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chip, which is a version of the Dimensity 9500 focused more on power efficiency than raw performance
Today, alongside the POCO X8 Pro, POCO launched the powerful POCO X8 Pro Max in the Philippines. The phone is the global variant of the Redmi Turbo 5 Max, so if you’re familiar with that handset, the POCO X8 Pro Max should be right at home.
As with the POCO X8 Pro, the POCO X8 Pro Max comes in a clean and minimalist design, almost identical to it even. Its design is so similar that even POCO Global posted a “find the difference” game to its Facebook page. What is true, however, the POCO X8 Pro Max comes with a metallic frame and glass back, so the feel is much more premium than the POCO X8 Pro.
The POCO X8 Pro Max has the same IP ratings as the POCO X8 Pro. These are IP66, IP68, and IP69K. That means the phone is watertight and guarantees protection against dust and ingress. Get this, the POCO X8 Pro Max is e-SIM eligible. A long-awaited feature that makes it even more worth it.
In terms of the display, the only difference between the POCO X8 Pro and the Pro Max are the sizes. The POCO X8 Pro Max is larger, at 6.83 inches but the overall specifications remain the same. Those include the 1.5K CrystalRes AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and 3840Hz PWM Dimming.

The chipset used here is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s, which is a version of the Dimensity 9500 focused more on power efficiency than raw performance. Still, it can handle many mainstream mobile games like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact at high graphics with ease, thanks in part, to the 12GB RAM and a choice between 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.1 storage that it has.

The battery has seen a massive upgrade too in comparison to previous handsets. Yes, even against the POCO F8 Ultra. The POCO X8 Pro Max has a whoppingly large 8500mAh Si/C (Silicon-Carbon) battery complemented with 100W fast charging, as with the POCO X8 Pro. The phone also supports up to 27W reverse wired charging and Power Delivery 3.0. Silicon-Carbon technology allows manufacturers to have batteries with high capacities without necessarily making them physically bigger.

In terms of the cameras, it is a small upgrade (maybe even a sidegrade) to the POCO X8 Pro. The setup is similar. A 50MP wide main camera with an 8MP ultrawide secondary, plus a 20MP front camera. The main difference is the sensor used on the 50MP camera. Instead of the Sony IMX882, the POCO X8 Pro Max uses an Omnivision OV50B, marketed as the “Light Fusion 600” in many of POCO’s materials. The ultrawide camera still isn’t specified, however.
As with the POCO X8 Pro, the X8 Pro Max has stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio (wired and wireless) and Dolby Atmos audio enhancements for a rich, clear, and detailed sound. Try it with lossless audio players to feel the difference.
And finally, the biometrics and ports. The POCO X8 Pro Max comes with a significantly faster and more accurate ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, versus the standard optical one used on the POCO X8 Pro. Facial scanning is also available. The phone has a USB-C port, IR Blaster, and dual SIM Slots.
The POCO X8 Pro Max, like its sibling, comes in black and white. Plus, a unique blue variant. The phone is exclusively available on POCO Philippines’ Shopee store. The early bird prices of the phone are PHP 18,499 (12/256) and PHP 20,249 (12/512) if all discounts, including the PHP500 off Shopee voucher, are included. The retail prices of the POCO X8 Pro Max are as follows:
- 12GB + 256GB: PHP 25,999
- 12GB + 512GB: PHP 27,999
News
Samsung launches Galaxy A37, A57 with slimmer bezels, Ambient Island
Both the Galaxy A37 and A57 sport an even slimmer design and bezel compared to previous models.
Smartphone giant Samsung has announced both the Galaxy A37 5G and A57 5G in the Philippines, bringing a brand-new mid-range duo to the Galaxy A family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
The two new devices from Samsung introduces a redesign of the camera layout called the “Ambient Island,” embracing a translucent aesthetic for the camera bump. Backed by Gorilla Glass Victus+, both the Galaxy A37 and A57 sport an even slimmer design and bezel compared to previous models.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s advanced AI capabilities can also be found on the two new models, including the enhanced Circle-to-Search (for quick Google results), Awesome Voice Transcription (for automated transcription of audio recordings), and Awesome Visual Editing (for AI-guided photo editing).

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G Specifications
- DISPLAY: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900-nits peak brightness
- PROCESSOR: Samsung Exynos 1480 (4nm)
- GPU: Samsung Xclipse 530
- ROM: 128GB, 256GB
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Android 16 (OneUI 8.5)
- FRONT CAMERA: 12MP
- REAR CAMERA: 50MP primary with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro
- BATTERY: 5,000mAh with 45W charging
- BIOMETRICS: Fingerprint
- COLORS: Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, Awesome White, Awesome Lavender
- CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi 6
- OTHER FEATURES: IP68 certification
- PRICE: PHP 25,990 (8GB + 128GB), PHP 27,990 (8GB + 256GB)

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G Specifications
- DISPLAY: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900-nits peak brightness
- PROCESSOR: Samsung Exynos 1680 (4nm)
- GPU: Samsung Xclipse 550
- ROM: 128GB, 256GB
- RAM: 8GB, 12GB
- OS: Android 16 (OneUI 8.5)
- FRONT CAMERA: 12MP
- REAR CAMERA: 50MP primary with OIS, 12MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro
- BATTERY: 5,000mAh with 45W charging
- BIOMETRICS: Fingerprint
- COLORS: Awesome Gray, Awesome Navy, Awesome Icyblue, Awesome Lilac
- CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0
- OTHER FEATURES: IP68 certification
- PRICE: PHP 28,990 (8GB + 128GB), PHP 30,990 (8GB + 256GB), PHP 37,990 (12GB + 512GB)
Pricing & Availability
Pricing information of the newly-announced Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 are as follows:
Samsung Galaxy A37
- 8GB + 128GB: PHP 25,990
- 8GB + 256GB: PHP 27,990 (PHP 26,490 introductory price)
Samsung Galaxy A57
- 8GB + 128GB: PHP 28,990
- 8GB + 256GB: PHP 30,990 (PHP 29,490 introductory price)
- 12GB + 512GB: PHP 37,990
Both devices are now available in authorized Samsung stores nationwide, with freebies include a travel adapter (worth PHP 1,190) and a phone case (worth PHP 990), alongside a Samsung Care+ warranty for two (2) years.
Meanwhile, 256GB variants for both models come with an additional PHP 1,500 off for a limited time.
Gaming
Black Shark launches Ice Cooling Back Clip 6 Pro Magnetic Edition in China
Included in the cooler is a 0.71-inch HD display for real-time stats like cooling, power, temperature, and fan speed, with customizable wallpapers, and 16 RGB LEDs.
Xiaomi gaming sub-brand Black Shark has launched the Ice Cooling Back Clip 6 Pro Magnetic Edition in China.
The specs of the Ice Cooling Back Clip 6 Pro Magnetic Edition include a 40x40mm custom TEC chip with 35W cooling power, achieving a maximum temperature drop of 50°C in a 25°C environment.
Included in the cooler is a 0.71-inch HD display for real-time stats like cooling, power, temperature, and fan speed, with customizable wallpapers, and 16 RGB LEDs.
The Ice Cooling Back Clip 6 Pro Magnetic Edition also features a 2N magnetic attachment, soft silicone padding and fully supports app integration through the Black Shark Equipment Box app.
Black Shark recommends using a 40W or higher charger to use in tandem with the cooler. The Ice Cooling Back Clip 6 Pro Magnetic Edition is on pre-order for CNY 249 (~roughly US $36; PHP 2.1K) in China.
Via: Gizmochina
News
Tecno Spark 50 5G launching in India this March
The new smartphone carrying the “Design Ka Tashan” (flare of design) moniker is said to launch this March 27.
Tecno has just showed a teaser of the Tecno Spark 50 5G ahead of its launch on March 27, 2026 in India. Accordingly, Amazon highlights the tagline for the Tecno Spark 50 5G as “Design Ka Tashan” or “flair of design” with a 6,500mAh of battery and 45W fast charging.
Aside from a large battery capacity, the device is also certified with MIL-STD 810H, meaning it can withstand a drop from the height of 1.5m. Under the hood, the device runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 and comes with Android 16 out of the box.

Other features highlighted is the UPS 3.0 signal-boosting technology, the device is said to support 2x faster payments even in weak network conditions via Tecno’s “No Network Communication”. The device is also offered in Fantasy Purple, Mint Green, Ink Black, and Champagne Gold colour options.
The Tecno Spark 50 5G is expected to launch on March 27, 2026 in India and will be first available on Amazon India.
-
Gaming2 weeks agoMSI Launches Limited-Edition Frieren GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16G OC Graphics Card
-
First Impressions3 days agoHONOR X8d First Impressions: Striking but underwhelming
-
Features7 days agoConverge Global Business Clinches B2B Client Initiative of the Year at the 2026 Asian Telecom Awards
-
Events6 days agoHONOR unveils battery-heavy HONOR X8d with clear display, slim design
-
Editorial2 weeks agoBlast from the past: notched screens making a comeback in new releases
-
Features6 days ago7,000+ vivo V70 units sold in its first three days of launch
-
News1 week agoPOCO X8 Pro arrives in the Philippines, limited edition Iron Man variant comes in tow
-
Gaming6 days agoDICT and CICC may implement restrictions on Roblox due to child safety issues
