Gadget Pilipinas’ Gian Viterbo Takes on the HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge! Did It Survive?

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No case. No mercy. HONOR X9d 5G faced yet another extreme durability test—an actual high altitude drop test from an ultralight plane.

Starting the year with a total bang! Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines unveils its most explosive release yet—the HONOR X9d 5G. Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year, the latest addition to the X Series is built to withstand extreme challenges while delivering powerful everyday performance.

Since the launch of the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has built a reputation as an innovative technology brand known for putting smartphone durability to the ultimate test. From the debut of the HONOR X9a 5G—famously dropped under five feet and featured in viral smash tests—the ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G, which endured an intense 50-foot drop, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can withstand.

This legacy continued with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G in January 2025, which quickly became the most anticipated device in the X Series, thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism and headline-making helicopter drop test and Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.

Now, HONOR raises the bar even higher. To prove the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme challenge yet—an ultra-intense high-altitude drop test.

“Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.”

And now the ultimate question remains—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive an extreme high-altitude drop from the plane? Let’s find out!

The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: 

Gian Viterbo VS HONOR X9d 5G

To ensure credibility and transparency, HONOR Philippines invited one of its trusted media partners, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, to take part in the ultimate phone drop challenge, releasing the device from an ultralight plane at a speed of 60 km/hr.

“I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,” expressed by Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas.

Viterbo even said that experience was ultra exhilarating. It was not just a history for him but also for the tech industry to have a phone dropped from a plane to test its durability. And when asked about the result of the durability test, “I expected its screen and body to be rendered useless, I was honestly more interested in whether I would still be able to recover my files. With this expectation, I was surprised that durability meant two things for HONOR X9d – it is durable enough to withstand the hardest conditions, and if it ever gets scratched or damaged, it is durable enough to keep my files intact. And that is the true durability,” added by Gian Viterbo.

Here is the full video to witness and see the ultimate durability phone drop test: https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge

Watch the Launch and Win HONOR X9d 5G

Interested to know more about the toughest phone, HONOR X9d 5G? Don’t dare to miss the big news, revelations, and updates. Catch its grand launch, live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/ on January 9, Friday, 6 PM, and have the chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.

And is really HONOR giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? The answer will be coming your way very soon.

Join the conversation and find out. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

vivo PH 2025 Roundup: Big year, bigger things ahead

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2025 became a milestone year for vivo Philippines, opening a new decade of innovation as the brand celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 5. The celebration honored ten years of bringing thoughtful technology to Filipinos and strengthening the vivo fam community, a movement shaped by shared experiences and passion for photography.

“Reaching ten years in the Philippines is a proud moment for vivo,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “It’s a testament to the trust our users place in us and the strong community we’ve built together. We are excited to keep delivering innovation that inspires and connects our fans.”

Phones launched in 2025 from the X Series to the Y Series

vivo elevated smartphone photography and performance across every tier in 2025. The X Series led the year with the vivo X300 Series, earning its spotlight as the Telephoto King built for long-range imaging precision, and the vivo X200 FE, a flagship compact engineered for users who want powerful performance in a sleek, everyday-ready design. The vivo and ZEISS partnership continued to deliver world-class optics, culminating in the vivo X300 Pro, equipped with the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, a breakthrough that pushed clarity, depth, and portrait detail to new heights.

2025 also marked a pivotal product moment for the local tech market with the launch of the vivo X Fold5, the first foldable smartphone vivo has ever introduced in the Philippines, signaling the brand’s entry into next-generation mobile form factors for Filipino consumers who want productivity, performance, and portability in one premium device.

The V Series maintained its annual tradition of launching two core devices, but 2025 brought a category-first moment. The vivo V50 sustained the signature V design and performance fans love, while the vivo V60 became the first V Series phone to feature a telephoto camera co-engineered with ZEISS, marking a new era for mid-range portrait and zoom versatility. To widen choices for style-driven and value-smart users, vivo also launched the vivo V50 Lite and vivo V60 Lite, offering more accessible entry points while preserving the essentials of reliable performance and thoughtful design.

The Y Series completed the year by launching entry-level smartphones built for everyday confidence. The vivo Y04 Series, vivo Y21d, and vivo Y29 introduced a balanced experience centered on lasting battery life, improved durability for active lifestyles, and capable cameras that make meaningful features more affordable for budget-smart users.

“From flagship to entry-level, our 2025 lineup reflects vivo’s mission to provide innovation for every user,” said Liu Lu. “Whether you prioritize photography, performance, or everyday convenience, we want every device to empower our community to capture and share their moments.”

Partnerships that brought vivo fam closer to the action

vivo Philippines expressed gratitude for the partnerships strengthened and built this year, highlighting its continued collaboration with NBA Philippines. The partnership consistently invited professional basketball players such as Isaiah Joe and Gary Payton to connect with the vivo fam, creating moments that transformed fans into participants, bringing supporters closer to the sport they follow with unmatched energy.

vivo also confirms that its 3x3 Basketball Challenge will continue next year, sustaining its mission of fueling competition, teamwork, and community-driven sports excitement across the country.

OriginOS 6 arrived this year to power smarter vivo experiences

vivo users also welcomed the arrival of OriginOS 6 on select devices in 2025, introducing interface refinements, smoother navigation, and smarter cross-device collaboration features, including One-Tap Transfer powered by NFC. The vivo X300 Series debuted with OriginOS 6 pre-installed, while the vivo V60 and V50 received the system update, giving users access to the latest features and performance enhancements.

“OriginOS 6 represents our commitment to making every vivo device smarter, faster, and more intuitive for our users,” said Liu Lu. “We encourage everyone to update their phones and enjoy the seamless experience that brings convenience, creativity, and connectivity to everyday life.”

What’s next for vivo and tech fans in the first quarter of 2026

vivo Philippines opens 2026 with strong momentum, beginning with the arrival of another V Series powerhouse in the first quarter. The upcoming launch is expected to introduce fresh imaging and performance upgrades that continue vivo’s vision of blending style, capability, and meaningful innovation.

vivo also assures users that more community-driven experiences, photography advancements, and basketball-powered moments are set to define 2026, keeping the vivo fam and tech enthusiasts at the center of what’s next.

2025 proved vivo’s ability to push forward while staying connected to the people who shaped its first decade. As vivo Philippines enters 2026, the future looks sharper, faster, and powered by the same fam that continues to move the story forward.

Stay tuned, update your OS, and get ready for more by following vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or by visiting vivoglobal.ph.

Kick off 2026 with spectacular deals at OPPO’s 1.1 New Year Sale

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Celebrate your New Year goals with unbeatable deals and perks at the OPPO 1.1 New Year Sale. From December 31, 2025 at 8PM to January 5, 2026, grab the best deals on all of OPPO’s best-selling devices, ranging from entry-level essentials to premium flagships. Enjoy exclusive discounts and freebies available via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and OPPO’s official online store.

New Year, More Big Deals with OPPO’s All-Day Vouchers

Treat yourself to the max without the guilt with OPPO’s All-Day Vouchers via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop—all applicable without minimum spend for the following devices:

●     PHP 100 off on all variants of OPPO A3

●     PHP 101 off on OPPO A3x

●     PHP 200 off, on OPPO A5i

●     PHP 500 off on OPPO A6 Pro

●     PHP 500 off on OPPO Enco X3s

●     PHP 500 off on OPPO Reno12 4G/5G

●     PHP 500 off on OPPO A6x

●     PHP 1,000 off on OPPO A5

●     PHP 1,000 off on OPPO Watch X2 Mini

●     PHP 1,000 off on the OPPO Reno13 Series

●     PHP 1,000 off on the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G

●     PHP 1,500 off on OPPO A5i Pro

●     PHP 1,800 off on OPPO Pad SE WiFI/LTE

●     PHP 2,000 off on all variants of OPPO A5 Pro

●     PHP 2,000 off on OPPO Reno12 5G and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G

●     PHP 2,000 off on OPPO Find X9

You can also get PHP 1,000 off on the affordable OPPO A6x via OPPO’s Livestream-Exclusive Vouchers, with no minimum spend.

Meanwhile, more New Year deals are up for grabs, including a PHP 500 discount on the OPPO A5x with a minimum spend of PHP 3,999, and PHP 3,000 off on the OPPO Find X8 with a minimum spend of PHP 19,999.

Exclusive Offers on Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Shopee

Make the most out of your New Year shopping spree with platform-exclusive deals, ranging from discounts and flexible payment terms:

 

Lazada

●     PHP 2,500 off on all variants of OPPO A5 Pro

 

TikTok Shop

●     PHP 1,000 off on all variants of OPPO A5x

 

Shopee

●     SPayLater 0% Interest Installment

○     For 3 months from January 2–5, 2026

○     For 6 months from December 31, 2025 at 8PM to whole day of January 1, 2026

 

Extra Freebies this New Year

As you ring in the New Year with your OPPO purchase, sweeten the deal with these freebies:

●     Free OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro for all OPPO Reno14 Series 5G purchases

●     Free OPPO Pad SE Case for all OPPO Pad SE Wi-Fi/LTE purchases

●     Free Tumbler for all OPPO A5 purchases

 

Launch Perks on the OPPO Online Store

Apart from exciting deals on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, get exclusive benefits in OPPO’s newest online store—with vouchers redeemable using OPPOints via the My OPPO App, plus free shipping and freebies with every purchase.

 

OPPO Earbuds

●     PHP 200 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 500 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

OPPO Tablets

●     PHP 300 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 500 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     PHP 1,000 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

●     Comes with TangoJet Wireless Earbuds 2.0 + 1-Year Extended Warranty

OPPO Smartphones Below PHP 10,000

●     PHP 100 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 200 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     PHP 500 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

●     Comes with TangoJet Wireless Earbuds 2.0 + 1-Year Extended Warranty

OPPO A Pro Devices

●     PHP 300 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 500 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     PHP 700 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

●     Comes with TangoJet Wireless Earbuds 2.0 + 1-Year Extended Warranty

OPPO Reno Series Devices

●     PHP 1,000 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 1,500 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     PHP 2,000 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

●     Comes with OPPO Enco Buds3 + 1-Year Extended Warranty

OPPO Find Series Devices

●     PHP 1,500 voucher – 500 OPPOints

●     PHP 2,000 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

●     PHP 2,800 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

●     Free Shipping

●     Comes with OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro + One Free Movie Ticket (to claim within three months, valid exclusively at Bonifacio High Street Central Square Mall Cinema – Standard Cinema)

Welcome 2026 with OPPO’s 1.1 New Year Sale

OPPO’s 1.1 New Year Sale is here with exciting offers to celebrate your new beginnings. Visit OPPO’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop until January 5 to grab the best deals of the year. You can also visit the OPPO online store for more bargain offerings.

To know more about OPPO’s 1.1 New Year Sale, check out OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.

To get the best care for OPPO devices, visit the nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

 

Samsung empowers Philippine School for the Deaf with Galaxy Campus Student Ambassadors

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This holiday season, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) brought the spirit of sharing and collaboration to life as Galaxy Campus Batch 3 student ambassadors joined the ‘A Galaxy of Giving: Turning Tables of Communication’ activity at the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. The initiative combined creativity, teamwork, and purpose, as students came together to contribute meaningful gifts that support learning and inclusivity.

Impact beyond the screen

Galaxy Campus Batch 3 student ambassadors teamed-up with PSD learners for a hands-on furniture-making workshop to design and assemble modular recycled furniture. The teams worked together on creating their designs on their Galaxy tablets and painted the assembled furniture. The completed pieces were given as a thoughtful gift to the school, one that inspires, uplifts, and creates a lasting sense of accomplishment. Together, ambassadors and learners celebrated this joyful season by creating, learning, and shaping a brighter future.

Galaxy Campus Batch 3 student ambassadors reflected on the activity. “This is a really fun way to nurture our creativity, as well as giving back to the community,” said Yowni Cueto from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, while Mishka Gotico of Miriam College harped on teamwork: “Even with differing communities, you're still able to shine amidst your differences. I like that we're really able to come together despite such differences.” Nikos Catanus of Iloilo Science and Technology University – Iloilo City Campus added, “The most rewarding part is we slowly understood each other. We bonded even though we're not used to communicating in each other's language. If you really have one goal, even if you don't fully understand each other, you transcend that border.”

Mr. Jordan Madronio, Assistant Principal and Officer-in-Charge of PSD shared, “I was very happy because they said they're [Galaxy Campus student ambassadors] learning sign language at the same time. These activities are very meaningful because they boost our students’ confidence, and our society is becoming more open to acceptance. They’re not just deaf—they’re empowered deaf people. What hearing people can do, they can also do.”

Jun Guevara, SEPCO Head of Corporate Marketing added, “Our Galaxy Campus student ambassadors are already influential digital communicators within their own spaces. Through this project of Samsung, we allow them to create impact beyond what they can do on screen. We reconnect with a hands-on activity to support an underserved community differently which makes this more meaningful.”

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About Galaxy Campus

Galaxy Campus is Samsung Philippines’ flagship student ambassador program for bold, driven college students ready to stand out and make an impact. Launched on August 16, 2025, the Batch 3 brings together top students from across the country for a year-long journey where participants gain access to exclusive Samsung events, hands-on workshops, mentorship opportunities, and early access to the latest Galaxy devices. The program equips students to lead initiatives, showcase creativity, and make a difference both on campus and in their communities.

Samsung Philippines President Mr. Roman Han emphasized the company’s commitment to youth education and empowerment: “Galaxy Campus has always been a very special program for Samsung. This program has always encouraged everyone to be their most creative and unique self. Globally, Samsung has always advocated for youth education and empowering students, and this activity is very aligned to that advocacy.”

For more stories and updates, visit Samsung’s official website at www.samsung.com/ph and newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/ph/ and follow Samsung Philippines on Facebook and  Instagram.

Real or Not—A Tesla Cybertruck Giveaway at the Next Smartphone Launch?

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Could this be the ultimate giveaway? The next smartphone launch has everyone talking.

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again setting the tech community abuzz after teasing what could be one of the boldest smartphones launch surprises yet—a Tesla Cybertruck possibly up for grabs. If confirmed, it would be a bold statement of the brand’s fearless approach to innovation and engagement.

Known for pushing boundaries and redefining expectations, HONOR Philippines has ignited online conversations with a cryptic reveal that blends mobile innovation with an icon of futuristic mobility. While details remain tightly under wraps, the teaser alone has sparked widespread speculation among HONOR fans, media, and tech enthusiasts nationwide.

The rumored Cybertruck giveaway hints at more than just a prize—it reflects HONOR’s commitment to bold innovation, fearless thinking, and delivering experiences that go beyond the smartphone itself. From record-breaking feats to disruptive product launches, HONOR Philippines has consistently proven that it doesn’t follow trends—it creates them.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this upcoming smartphone launch won’t be ordinary. Whether real or not, HONOR is once again challenging the limits of what consumers can expect from a tech brand—both on and off the stage.

The question remains: Is the Tesla Cybertruck set to headline the next HONOR smartphone launch, or is it all just hype?

Join the conversation and find out soon. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).