Thursday, July 28, 2016

Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 Officially Available Prices Specs Philippines

Here we find another Samsung entry level device, the Galaxy J2 2016.



Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 comes in a chrome bezel with patterned back in matte finish. Sports a 5 inch HD 720p Super AMOLED Display offering rich visuals on pocketable size.

It features Smart Glow at the back for colour-code contacts, apps, phone usage alerts and notifications.



Powering the device is a 1.5GHz Quad-Core Spreadtrum SC9830 Processor coupled with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB Internal Storage. Has a dedicated MicroSD Slot for more additional storage.

Runs on the latest Android Marshmallow 6.0.1.



Comes in with a dependable 8MP Rear Camera supported with LED Flash and 5MP at the Front. Supports 720p HD Video Recording.



For connectivity, it covers the basics from WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. This is a Dual Sim Dual Standby smartphone. Internet connectivity can be course through fast LTE.

Carries a removable 2600mAh Battery.

Sutable for Students, Parents and basic Android User. Keeps you notified with Smart Glow. Does have decent high resolution Camera. It's modest specs should be able to last you they day of moderate use.

It is Now Officially available with Lazada Philippines! For only 6,990 Pesos!
SEEMS THE LZD SUPPLIER IS WRONG ON THIS ONE. They are selling Galaxy J2 DTV and NOT the J2 2016! If you ordered and received the wrong unit pls return. Kindly review that seller is misleading.




Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 Specs
Android Marshmallow 6.0.1
5 inch HD Super AMOLED Display
1.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
Spreadtrum SC9830
Mali400-MP2
1.5GB RAM
8GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD up to 128GB
8MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
720p HD Video Recording
5MP Front Camera
Dual Sim Dual Standy
4G LTE / HSPA+ / 3G / 2G
Dual SIM / Dual Standby
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS
Smart Glow Ring Notificaton Light
2600mAh Removable Battery
6,990 Pesos

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Samsung Galaxy A9 PRO Price Specs Philippines

Samsung Midrange Phablet - Galaxy A9 PRO gets unleashed today

Sporting a huge 6 inch Full HD Super AMOLED Display giving you big screen with great clarity and rich colors, great for gaming and movies. It is encased in metal frame sandwich between two Gorilla Glass 4 for premium built quality in sheer elegance.


Powering the device is a Snapdragon 652 Octa-Core Processor which should able to handle from moderate to heavy application with ease. 4GB RAM and 32GB Internal storage will ensure you have much resources to play and store all your apps and files. If not a dedicated MicroSD card slot is available.



We have done Antutu Benchmark and it reached 68K levels. Not only that, we tried NBA 2K16 on high settings and it gave a very good game play. Out of 32GB it has usable storage of at least 23GB. We didn't encounter any noticeable lag in navigation as well as opening apps even while multitasking. It will run Pokemon Go but AR or Augmented Reality mode is not supported.






Samsung Touch Wiz is on top of Android Marshmallow. This is good as previous A series were left with Lollipop. This pave the way for extended toggle settings via drop down notification. Does have touch gestures and one hand operations at advance feature settings. Microsoft Office Suite is available at your disposal for your work related needs. Useful smartphone modes are available like Bike Mode, Ultra Power and Data Saving.



The Galaxy A9 PRO also offers better optics with aperture f/1.9 for the rear 16MP camera and 8MP Front Camera. This setup should produce better image quality even low light conditions. Camera UI is simple with Modes like PRO, HDR, Panorama and Night. It's PRO Mode offers manual settings of only ISO, Exposure Compensation and White Balance. Features Quick Camera launch by double tapping the home button as well as gesture and voice controls. We have camera samples below:


Even at higher ISO it take great photos with less grain. This was taken in low light condition and yet it looks like the environment was well lit. What more in daylight settings.

With busy area and pack full of people, it is difficult to focus but not on Galaxy A9 PRO as you can see people, food and beverages are in focus as well as color reproduction is on point (look pink lemonade!).

We can't forget to take a selfie. Again like the first picture, this was taken in low light ambiance of the bar. My face is still clear and it not that noisy even at ISO value of 800.

Complete set of connectivity with WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC. Support LTE for faster internet connection on the go. This is Dual SIM handset with 2 dedicated Nano Sim card slots.

Dedicated Slots - Micro SD on Top while Nano Sim Slots on the Side.
On the Sensors Department it has Proximity, Light, Sound, Accelerometer, Orientation, and Magnetic Sensor. It does lack gyro and we did test if it can use the VR Box app, Galaxy A9 PRO does not support it.

To top it all, it carries a Huge! 5000mAh Battery and supports fast charging. This should able to last you more compared with other smartphones even with its big screen and newer processor. We tried reverse charging or to say using it as a power bank and it works!

"Big" is the one word that truly describe the Galaxy A9 PRO - Big Display, Powerful innards, and Big Battery. Basta Big! Although if you are into VR then this might not be for you.

Launched Today and is Priced at 25,990 Pesos! So What you think Geeks?
Finally it is Now Available via Samsung Concept Stores and Dealers. Look here:



Samsung Galaxy A9 PRO Specs
Android Marshmallow 6.0
6 FHD Super AMOLED Display
Gorilla Glass 4 Front and Back
Octa-Core Processor
Snapdragob 652
Adreno 510 GPU
4GB RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via Hybrid Sim Slot
16MP Rear Camera
1/2.8" f/1.9 aperture
with LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
f/1.9 aperture
LTE Cat6 / HSPA+ / 3G
Dual SIM - Hybrid Sim Slot
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4+5GHz
Bluetooth 4.1, ANT+
GPS
NFC
Fingerprint Sensor
5000mAh non-removable Battery
Fast Charging
Reverse Charging (Powerbank Mode)

Monday, July 25, 2016

Sony Xperia XA Ultra Appears! Price Specs Philippines

Look what we have here, Sony newest Phablets - Xperia XA Ultra has appeared.



Sony Xperia XA Ultra comes with same characteristics of the new X line with its edge to edge screen encase in thin frame coated that comes in White, Black and Gold. It really does look classy and even with its size is light and easy to handle.


Located at the top is the 3.5mm Audio Jack while on the bottom lies the MicroUSB Port and speakers. On the left side lies compartment for the Sim Slots and dedicated MicroSD slot. Quite like that Sony did'nt opt for hybrid treatment.

Featuring a huge 6 inch Full HD Display that gives you a full entertainment grade visuals enhanced with Sony own Mobile BRAVIA engine 2. Notable Visuals is best paired with great sound as this one packs Clear Audio+, Clear Bass, Clear Phase, X-Loud with Dynamic Normalizer.



The Xperia XA is powered by Helio P10 MT6755 64bit Octa-Core Processor with Mali-T860 MP2 GPU complimented with 3GB RAM and  16GB Internal Storage. You can expand even further with MicroSD slot that supports to up to 200GB.




We have done Antutu test and it did scored way better than some of its competition with the same chipset and clock speed. We tested out NBA 2K16 and like those with same chipset, gameplay in high settings was not satisfactory. You could try low settings for more fluid play for heavy games. With Social Media or just Casual games, Xperia XA Ultra should handle it without trouble. es, it handles Pokemon Go! Though Augemented Reality is not supported.




Runs Android Marshmallow 6.0 and with Sony customization and enhancements plus value added services as seen on Xperia X series line. It has double tap to sleep gesture that can be seen via settings by long pressing the display. UI is clean but there are a few bloats however can be easily uninstalled and disabled. With Xperia XA Ultra large display, One Hand Operation should help in easily navigating through the smartphone.

For its Camera, Sony makes use of their own camera sensors on the main rear camera at 21.5MP 1/2.4'' Exmor RS™ Hybrid AF supported by LED Flash and as for the front camera, a 16MP front 1/2.6” Exmor RS™ also with Selfie Flash. With bigger sensor both will have better low-light captures. There is also less chances of blur and steady videos as both front and rear camera will have Optical Image Stabiliazation (OIS).


Sony Xperia Ultra did produced great outputs with good focus, rich colors with great clarity and detail. First Picture, Water drops are in focus while the background is blurred. This just means Xperia XA Ultra has great focusing that should let you capture your subject or the element you want target. 2nd Photo shows color reproduction are on point with enough variance. Third Photo, details are clear that can be seen with line, text and patterns.


For Daylight, Lowlight and Night Shots, Xperia XA Ultra takes magnificent photos with enough shadows and highlights. This lets you capture those cloudy moments but keeping the warm light of the sunset as well as see details of the landscapes.

As for selfies, with its high resolution front camera everything is clear even your pores can be seen. Haha Well seems this would be a great Selfie Smartphone!


Sony did make sure that the Xperia XA Ultra would also be great in the imaging department. Giving you manual mode, Super Auto and Full HD Video Recording. Various Modes for different photography ensure you have desired settings to get the best possible output.


Moving on to connectivity, Xperia XA Ultra comes with a complete set offering the regular WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC and GPS for location. Still makes use of MicroUSB for data and charging as well as for USB-OTG. For internet, LTE Cat. 4 will make sure you have fast reliable connection (network dependent). We will be having the Dual Sim variant. It supports USB-OTG but lacks a decent File Manager App.

Xperia XA Ultra has just the basic sets of sensors with Accelerometer, Light, Orientation, Proximity, Magnet and Sound. Gyroscope is missing so VR is NOT supported!

Carries a 2700mAh Battery and supports Quick charging with its Quick Charger UCH12 and get 5.5 hours of battery life in just under 10 minutes. Quoted to last up to 2 days but again of mild to moderate use.

Sony Xperia XA Ultra should replace Sony Selfie-cenctric Phablet Xperia C5 Ultra. More of an Entertainment grade efficient smartphone offering great visuals, sound, optics and full set connectivity . We wished they had put a bigger battery though and worked on applying camera2 api manual settings for camera. With Gyroscope missing, you will not be able to experience VR on this device. Overall, Sony Xperia XA Ultra is best for those who enjoy big screen device as well as those who are into photography and selfies.

Per FB Sony Xperia Group, they have been teasing about the new Xperia XA Ultra.


Hmm it seems that it will be launching on August 5!!! Per Sony Mobile Philippines FB Post.

But is Now Available! Spotted first at Abenson website and retails for 19,990. Sony Concepts Store and other dealers also starts selling the Xperia XA Ultra.
See here:

Sony Xperia XA Ultra


Sony Xperia XA Ultra Specs
Android Marshmallow 6.0
6 inch Full HD IPS Display
Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
64bit Helio P10 Octa-Core Processor
Mediatek MT6755
Mali-T860 GPU
3GB RAM
16GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD slot up to 200GB
21.5MP 1/2.4'' Exmor RS™ Hybrid AF Rear Camera
with LED Flash
5x Clear Image Zoom
OIS
16MP front 1/2.6” Exmor RS™ 88 degree Wide Angle lens Front Camera
with LED Flash
OIS
LTE / HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim Dual Standby
WiFi a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX
GPS, aGPS, GLONASS
Sound
Clear Audio+
Clear Bass
Clear Phase
X-Loud
Dynamic Normalizer
2700mAh Battery
Quick Charging

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV Specs Price Philippines

Samsung joins in the Digital Television (DTV) trend with their Philippine release of new Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV!



Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV like the original J2 comes with the modest of specification and follows the same simplistic design aesthetics but now comes with a built in TV Antenna that conveniently tuck away on the bottom right side.



Sports the same 4.7 qHD AMOLED Display giving you very vivid and rich visuals. It is powered by Samsung own Exynos 3475 with 1GB RAM and 8GB Internal Storage. You can expand storage via MicroSD slot. It did perform well and even got an Antutu Score of 23K mark. Oh it plays Pokemon GO although Augmented Reality (AR) Mode is Not Supported.





Camera features is same with the original with 5MP Rear Camera at f/2.2 aperture with LED Flash and 2MP Front camera. Same goes with connectivity as it is a Dual Sim Dual Standby handset as well as supports ultra fast LTE internet data connection while having the regular WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. It is USB-OTG ready for using your flash drives and other usb peripherals.

Finally, we move on to its newest unique feature, Digital Television (DTV). This is the first Samsung device to carry one and introduced to the Philippine Market. This would let you watch you latest TV shows on the Go and will certainly compete with what local brands offer.


We got to try it via Demo Unit at SM North Edsa concept store. Simply just launch the MobileTV app, scan for channels and begin watching. The built in Antenna should help with the reception. You can also capture screen or record what you are watching. TS Format is the output of recorded stream. You also have option to listen via bluetooth. Parental controls are present so there is censorship when children use the DTV. DTV is Fullseg broadcast mode giving you high quality streams but also supports OneSeg or for convinience you could leave it at Automatic Mode.



Carries a 2000mAh battery which is just enough to last your hours of watching TV with its not so power hungry internals. If its not enough, then I assume you have a powerbank if not get one for heavy usage.

Samsung Galaxy J2 is still one best budget choice (their 2nd highest selling smartphone for 2016) under the Samsung lineup as it is portable, display rich, has lte and now with DTV, it is now more better. Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV might also eat a chunk from local brands offering such service. This is perfect smartphone for those who just want not to miss their favorite shows as well as made by trusted brand in mobile.



It takes the price of the original J2 at 6,990 Pesos! In Black and Gold Colors.

Update! Look Liza Soberano endorses Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV!


First Spotted via Memoxpress Cubao but it is now available at Samsung Concept Stores and Dealers Nationwide.
It is also available with Lazada Philippines! Look Here:



Samsung Galaxy J2 DTV Specs
Android Lollipop 5.1.1
4.7 inch qHD Super AMOLED Display
1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor
Samsung Exynos 3475
Mali-T720 GPU
1GB RAM
8GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD up to 128GB
5MP f/2.2 aperture Rear Camera
with LED Flash
720p HD Video Recording
2MP Front Camera
Dual Sim Dual Standy
4G LTE / HSPA+ / 3G / 2G
Dual SIM / Dual Standby
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS
2000mAh Removable Battery
6,990 Pesos

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Carmudi Opens 2016-2017 Scholarship Program

Online Car Classified Carmudi formally announced its third scholarship program that aims to help third and fourth year undergraduate students who are academically outstanding but economically challenged. Open to all incoming senior college students of the participating universities and colleges. Carmudi PH holds this program to uphold the company’s continuing concern for the socio-economic development of the country.



The scholarship program targets students from the fields of Economics, Business, Marketing, Communications, Media, IT, Engineering, and other relevant majors in the university. A financial aid worth of P30,000.00 per semester will be given to the grant sole recipient.

At present, Carmudi Philippines has already granted 2 scholarship program from University of the Philippines Visayas and Ilocus Sur Polytechnic University. Aljohn T. Torreta who is a son of a fisherman and a vendor was the first scholarship grantee who recently graduated as a Summa Cum Laude, while Kristine Ian De Guzman —a single mother— was chosen as the second scholarship recipient for her academic excellence.

With the Philippine automotive industry growing at breakneck speed, Carmudi Philippines supports the Filipino consumer by providing them with widest choices, best prices and authoritative reviews, all at their fingertips. Carmudi PH not only provide great service to its countrymen but also gives back to help build the nation through education of the youth.

To know more about the scholarship program, visit www.carmudi.com.ph or go directly to www.carmudi.com.ph/scholarship

Monday, July 18, 2016

Samsung Culture Connects - Eduardo Castrillo at 50 Instagram Contest

Update!

Contest has been extended! Submission of entries is until September 30, 2016!
Winner will be announced on October 7 and awarding will be on October 13, 2016.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrate Nationalism and Pride as well as the works of world-renowned Filipino sculptor, Eduardo Castrillo at his 50th year as a professional artist as Samsung host an Instagram constest Culture Connect: Castrillo @ 50.



Castrillo is known as the monument maker. His name is synonymous with metal sculpture, having produced figurative historical and religious monuments, and abstract environmental works, not only in the Philippines, but in other countries as well. Castrillo’s career reflects the unfolding of his dream as a youth: to dot the country with a gallery of historical monuments. Some of these monuments are cultural heritage pieces of our country, forever to be the backdrops against which national day celebrations are commemorated. Through time, these monuments have become testimony to the artist’s passion for excellence in form, technique, and spirit.

In line with Buwan ng Wika and Castrillo’s 50th anniversary, the Instagram contest will run for the entire month of August. The contest aims to encourage Filipinos to share their love for their country and their rich history through technology. Samsung Culture Connect: Castrillo @ 50 encourages everyone to share their pride and love for the Philippines through social media. Open for Professionals and to the Public.



Winning contest photos will be featured on the Culture Explorer application. Culture Explorer is an innovative mobile application that uses augmented reality technology to help people, especially the youth, learn about Manila’s plazas and other historical landmarks which was launch last year by Samsung.

The First Place winners per categories will win a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and a Gear VR.
Contest mechanics

1.     Exhibit your creativity by snapping a photo of any of the public art monuments of nationalist Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo found on this list below, and upload it on Instagram.

2.     In the caption, express your nationalism and tell us what the monument means to you. Make sure to tag @CastrilloCultureConnect and use the hashtags #SamsungCultureConnect and #Castrillo50 when you post your photo. Also indicate whether your entry is under the professional or open category.
Sample caption:

The People Power Monument by Eduardo Castrillo particularly inspires me because it’s a memoir of what my fellow Filipinos have done to win the freedom I currently enjoy. This monument is just one of my reminders that freedom shouldn’t be taken for granted and that being a Filipino is something to be proud of.

Open category | @CastrilloCultureConnect #SamsungCultureConnect #Castrillo 50

3.     You may submit up to three entries. Together, let’s appreciate art and ignite our Filipino pride.

4.    Get a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Gear VR, and an opportunity to have your photo featured in Culture Explorer, a stimulating mobile application that allow users to enhance their appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage landmarks.

5.     Five photos for each category will be selected as finalists from all entries. The winning photos will be announced through the Eduardo Castrillo website, Samsung Culture Connect’s Facebook, and Instagram pages.

6.    Contest runs from August 1 to 31, 2016.

7.    Winning entries will be announced online on September 13, 2016. Winners will be awarded on October 13, 2016.

LIST OF CASTRILLO MONUMENTS TO BE COVERED IN INSTAGRAM CONTEST
Raha Sulayman, Plaza Rajah Sulayman, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila
The Heritage of Cebu, Mactan, Cebu
The Spirit of Pinaglabanan, Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan
The Light and Sound Sculptural Tableau on the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Rizal Park, Manila
Rizal, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue corner Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Life and Heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio, Andres Bonifacio Memorial Shrine, near Manila City Hall
Andres Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Emilio Aguinaldo, Trece Martires City Hall, Governor’s Drive, Cavite
Emilio Aguinaldo, Bacoor, Cavite
Binhi ng mga Bayani, Rizal Park (near the gardens), Manila
Bantayog ng Mga Bayani, Bantayog Road (near Quezon Avenue), Diliman, Quezon City
People Power, EDSA corner White Plains Avenue, Quezon City
Spirit of EDSA, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue corner Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Youth’s Cry of Defiance, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
The Cry of Tondo, Isla Puting Bato, National Housing Authority Project, Tondo, Manila
Paghimud-os, Capitol Park and Lagoon, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Katuparan ng Pangarap ng Lahi, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Pasay City
Diwa ng Batangueno, Capitol Hills Park, Batangas City, Batangas

Samsung Gear Fit2 Now Available Price Specs Philippines

Samsung new Fitness Band makes it way to the market - Gear Fit2!



Comes in Red, Black and Blue that comes in with Curved Display that around small or large wrist with ease. Has IP68 Water and Dust Resistance Certification.



It Super AMOLED Display is just the right size with great color reproduction that is complimented with Simple UI that can be easily navigated with hardware key on the side, one for menu and one back as well as tap and swipe gestures.



Change the Watch Face depending on your style or Mood by Long Taping the display. Your Fitness Activity are readily available by swiping through the Watch Face. Access Apps and Setting through Menu Hardware key on the side.



Gear Fit2 Tracks your Steps, Exercise, Floors through Standalone GPS tracker. Record your Water and Caffeine Intake as well as may also serves as your Music Player, Timer and Stop Watch. Be always on the loop as you can notified of your calls, message and emails.



Unleash Yourself and be Fit with Samsung Gear Fit 2.

See Also: Samsung Gear IconX

Spotted via SM Cubao Samsung Concept Store for 8,490 Pesos!

Samsung Gear Fit2 Specs
Water and Dust Resistant
IP68

Display
1.5” Touch Curved sAMOLED
216 x 432

AP
Dual-core (1GHz Dual)

Memory
RAM: 512MB
Storage: 4GB

Compatibility
Android 4.4/ 1.5GB RAM↑

Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity

Battery
200mAh
Typical usage time : 3~4 days
Standby time : Up to 5 days
GPS battery time : Up to 9 hours
*Battery time is based on our own laboratory measurements, and may vary depending on factors such as device settings, usage patterns and operating conditions.

Sensor
GPS, HR, Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer

Samsung Gear IconX Now Available! Price Specs Philippines

Samsung new Wireless Fitness Earbuds - Gear Icon X is Now Available!



Gear Icon X is very nifty fitness companion with no cords that lets you listen you music while getting fit by tracking your activities.

Snug in your ears by mixing and matching the different-sized eartips and wingtips to get that perfect fit. Water Resistant and Splash Resistant for up with its P2i Nano Coating.



Control with a touch by tapping or swippig. Single Tap to Play or Pause Music, Double Tap for Next Track or Answer Calls, Triple Tap for Previous Track, Swipe for Volume Up or Down and Tap and Hold for Menu Readout.



Track your activity and get updates on essential data from speed, distance and duration to heart rate and calories burnt via a dedicated voice guide. Sync it via Bluetooth with your smartphone after workouts so you can check your stats and monitor progress on the S Health app.

Ambient sound mode lets you hear your tunes while still able to hear your surroundings to be vigilant at all times.

It is one of the smallest Music Player you will have with 4GB Storage (3.5GGB Usable) for up to 1000 music tracks to store.



Comes with a unique case, that doubles as a charger, you can power your Gear IconX while it's resting, letting you launch into those extensive workout sessions with a good soundtrack without missing a beat.



In White, Black and Blue.

Spotted via Samsung Concept Store Cubao and retails for 8,290 Pesos!

Gear IconX is the best Fitness Earbuds - small, portable and gets you fit while listening to your tunes with great intuitive controls. Not a fitness aficionado but I want one. Will This be your fitness companion?

Dimension
Earbud: 18.9 x 26.4 x 26.0 mm
Case: 35.3 x 30.3 x 92 mm

Water Resistant
Splash Resistant (P2i Nano Coating)

Storage
4GB
*Usable memory is less than 3.5GB.
*Can play up to 1,000 music tracks.

Connectivity
BT 4.1 (BLE)

Sensor
Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Capacitive Touch

Audio Spec
Frequency Range: 20~20 kHz
Speaker Sensitivity: 89.5 dB ± 3 dB / 1mW
Speaker Impedance: 16 ohm

Microphone
2 per earbud

Codec
Audio Playing Format
MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, WMA (WMA v9)

Compatibility
Android 4.4, RAM 1.5GB RAM ↑

Battery
Earbuds: 47mAh
Case: 315mAh