Tech roundup: HONOR X9d 5G, Redmi Note 15 Pro, and more January gadget releases
Thinking of starting the year with an upgraded tech setup?
January is kicking things off with a wave of new gadget releases, from smartphones to wearables designed to make everyday life more efficient. As brands roll out their first launches of the year, Filipinos looking to refresh their tech lineup have plenty of options to choose from.
PhilSTAR L!fe rounds up some of the latest tech releases this January that are worth checking out—and possibly adding to your 2026 wish list.
POCO M8 series
Technology brand POCO recently introduced its new M8 5G and M8 Pro 5G smartphones, which are designed to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences for everyday users through portability, high-quality audiovisuals, long-lasting battery life, and exceptional durability.
The M8 Pro 5G device features a 6,500mAh battery with up to a six-year lifespan for reliable, long-lasting power. It also supports 100W HyperCharge, reaching 100% in just 40 minutes.
It's also built with a 6.83-inch 1.5K CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display for ultra-clear visuals as well as a fully upgraded 50MP Light Fusion 800 main camera and flagship-level OIS, allowing it to take more vibrant photos and stable shots.
The POCO M8 Pro 5G is available in three colors: Silver, Black, and Green, and in two variants: 8GB+256GB (P13,149 promo price from P16,999), and 12GB+512GB (P15,899 promo price from P19,999).
Meanwhile, the POCO M8 5G is available in three colors: Green, Black, and Silver, and in two variants: 8GB+256GB (P9,999 promo price from P12,999), and 8GB+512GB (P11,829 promo price from P14,999).
The gadgets are exclusively available on Shopee.
HONOR X9d 5G
HONOR has also launched its newest smartphone series, X9d 5G, for users looking for a durable yet stylish device built to keep up with everyday demands.
Touted as the "most powerful mid-range smartphone available in the market to date," the gadget showcases all-around drop, water, and dust resistance, being able to withstand drops from heights of up to 2.5 meters. Additionally, HONOR said it can easily handle complex water environments, including rinsing, splashing, and thick and dirty water.
Equipped with an ultra-large 8300mAh Silicon-carbon battery, the HONOR X9d 5G can stand up to 52.5 hours of music streaming, 23.8 hours of online video playback, 16.8 hours of gaming, and 12.3 hours of video chat on a single charge.
It's also packed with a stunning 108MP Ultra-sensing Camera featuring a 1/1.67-inch large sensor, capturing images with exceptional details and enhanced brightness.
The smartphone is available in three captivating colorways: Reddish Brown, Sunrise Gold, and Midnight Black. Priced at P17,999, the HONOR X9d 5G is available for pre-order until 23 at any of their partner stores or online via leading e-commerce stores.
To sweeten the pot, those who pre-order can get the chance to win a Tesla Cybertruck worth P17 million.
Redmi Note 15 Pro
Another new phone that you can check out is the REDMI Note 15 Pro, which is highlighted by its ultra-large 6580mAh battery that gives it up to two days of battery life and up to 27 hours of video playback.
The device also has protection against drops, bends, and crushing pressure.
When it comes to its picture-taking capabilities, the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G features an all-new 200MP ultimate-clarity main camera, equipped with a brand-new 1/1.4-inch large sensor for unprecedented image detail. It is supported by an AI creativity assistant to enhance your pictures with just one tap.
The phone comes in black, mist purple, and titanium colors. It starts at P18,999.
OnePlus 15R and Watch Lite
OnePlus is also kicking off the year with the launch of the OnePlus 15R smartphone, which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, giving it a 36% faster CPU, an 11% faster GPU, and 46% improved AI capabilities.
It also has their largest-ever 7,400mAh Silicon NanoStack battery, which can stay at least 80% even after four years. It can also charge up to 50% in around 22 minutes.
For its camera, the OnePlus 15R has a 50MP IMX906 main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP autofocus selfie camera, enabling you to capture crystal-clear portraits that breathe with life.
It comes in charcoal black and mint breeze colors and is priced at 36,990 for 256GB and P39,990 for 512GB.
You can also get your hands on the new OnePlus Watch Lite, which delivers advanced fitness insights across running, sports, and daily movement. With this, you can track your effort, refine your form, and push your limits with precise, real-time performance data.
The gadget is priced at P11,990.
You can reserve your orders from Jan. 14 to 25 at Digital Walker SM North EDSA, Digital Walker SM Mall of Asia, and open_source by Beyond the Box Greenhills Mall.
Huawei MatePad 12 X
If you're looking for a handy new gadget for work, consider getting Huawei's new MatePad 12 X, a premium tablet aimed at users who want productivity and entertainment in one sleek package.
The MatePad 12 X features a spacious 12-inch display with a 2800×1840 resolution and up to 1000 nits peak brightness. Combined with its 10,100mAh battery, you'll be able to enjoy 14 hours of video playback on a single charge.
Its updated Notes app also comes pre-installed with a myriad of templates. Thanks to its One-touch Split-screen, you can open and take notes side-by-side with just a tap of a button, or open multiple notes at once for easy navigation while working.
Through the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, Bluetooth mouse, and HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, the tablet transforms into a laptop-like workstation, allowing users to type, sketch, and navigate with ease.
The MatePad 12 X is available for pre-order through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, the HUAWEI Online Store, and at HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide for P37,999.
