New phones of 2023
For many of us, receiving a Christmas bonus means a new tech upgrade. But if you don’t have your eyes on a certain phone model yet, making a choice can be difficult, with new phones each having different strengths.
For those looking to upgrade their phones for the new year, we’re here with a guide to help you choose your new tech companion – from budget, mid-range, to big-ticket flagship phones that were released in 2023.
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max – high-quality photos in your social media
Image credit: @kevtech.fr via Instagram
If you’re all about those sharp, Instagram-worthy pics, get the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max (starting at P84,990 ~USD1,534.42).
While it packs the same powerful camera as its predecessor, the 14 Pro Max, this new model steps it up with a 5x optical zoom from the old 3x zoom. iOS optimization also gives your social media uploads a higher quality compared to Android.
But that’s not all – the Pro Max is shedding some weight and ditching the exclusive lightning cable for a more universal USB-C charger. Battery life also improved from 4323 mAh to 4422 mAh.
And if you’re just jumping on the Apple bandwagon, the dynamic island feature on the latest models is worth checking out. Now, you can keep tabs on your timer or see if your Grab ride’s here without interrupting your work or binge-watching session.
The iPhone Pro Max offers 256GB to 1TB storage options, giving you all the space you need for your smartphone needs.
Get the iPhone Pro Max here.
4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – powerful 200mp main camera
Image credit: @samsungmalaysia via Instagram
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (from P81,990, ~USD1,480.26) stands out with the most powerful camera system among new phones in 2023.
It boasts a 200mp main camera and a space zoom that can go up to 100x, making it the ideal concert companion. It also excels in low-light photography, making it perfect for night shots.
Beyond its stellar camera capabilities, this phone comes with a stylus for those who prefer a pen feel during notetaking. The new model also features improved battery life compared to the previous Galaxy S22 Ultra, ensuring it lasts all day long.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 offers 3 storage options – 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB – ensuring ample space for your needs.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 – more powerful full cover screen
Image credit: @samsungbih via Instagram
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (from P64,990, ~USD1,173.34) takes things up a notch with a full cover screen, packing more punch than the Flip4’s smaller cover screen. Taking selfies is a breeze, and you can access features like messaging without even flipping the phone open.
Just like other top-notch Samsung phones, the Galaxy Z Flip5 lets you zoom in up to 10x. Plus, when you’re snapping selfies, you can switch up the color tone – natural or warm – before you capture the perfect shot.
Improving upon the previous Z Flip model, Flip5 now has a zero-gap hinge and folds flat. It’s also more lightweight and 2mm smaller than Flip4 when folded.
As for storage, you can opt for 256GB or 512GB which is more than plenty for your average smartphone user.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 here.
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro – powerful features including a human-like Google Assistant
Image credit: @pochondoshop via Instagram
If you’re a busy person who needs a phone that can make work easier, check out Google‘s Pixel 8 Pro (starting at P55,000, ~USD992.98).
It boasts powerful features, including Google Assistant which acts like an actual human assistant. It can understand and respond to calls for you, offering preset, natural-sounding responses like “Leave it by the door” or “I’m coming” for delivery-related calls.
For those who work in jobs that need fast, accurate transcription, it has a powerful speech-to-text feature on the recording app. You can even ask your Google Assistant to summarize or read articles aloud during busy days.
On top of these, it has impressive camera specs, including a 50mp main camera and 48mp ultrawide lens. You can even edit out people from your photos with just a click of a finger,
Storage options range from 128GB to a whopping 1TB for this phone model.
Get the Google Pixel 8 Pro here.
5. OnePlus 11 – fastest wifi, storage, and memory systems available
Image credit: @almorshed_electronics via Instagram
OnePlus is an underrated phone brand in the Philippines but its phones shouldn’t be overlooked.
One of its flagship phones for 2023, the OnePlus 11 (from P45,990, ~USD830.31), is equipped with the fastest wifi, storage, and memory systems available and boasts a powerful processor, the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Not only do these ensure a speedy performance but also guarantees that the device will age well over time, reducing the need for a phone upgrade in the next couple of years.
As for camera specs, the OnePlus 11 impresses with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and a 32MP telephoto lens, made in partnership with the Swedish camera company, Hasselblad.
The phone is available in 128GB and 256GB storage options. While it doesn’t support wireless charging, it compensates with its super fast charging and impressive battery life even with heavy use.
Get the OnePlus 11 here.
6. Samsung Galaxy A54 – seamless gaming experience
Image credit: @samsungthailand via Instagram
If you want a mid-range phone that’s suited for gaming, consider the Samsung Galaxy A54 (starting at P21,599, ~USD389.95).
Armed with a faster CPU and GPU, it delivers powerful graphics processing for an immersive gaming experience, complemented by a smooth, 120Hz refresh rate.
Despite a drop in main camera power from last year’s model’s 60mp to 50mp, the A54 captures better photos. There’s also a new, more accessible night mode feature on the camera app.
An upgrade from last year’s model is the phone’s glass design and a new lime colorway. But if you’re a wired earphone purist, take note that the Samsung Galaxy A54 has no headphone jack like the A53. B
Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, with support for a microSD card up to 1TB to accommodate all your gaming needs.
Get the Samsung Galaxy A54 here.
7. Realme 11 Pro+ – mid-range phone packed with powerful features
Image credit: @realmephilippines via Instagram
The Realme 11 Pro+ (starting at P17,999, ~USD324.96) packs a punch with its impressive features. Notably, it sports a whopping 200MP camera and 4x lossless zoom, delivering impressive capabilities at its price point.
The phone looks premium with a unique vegan leather backing. For those nostalgic for the curved display, the Realme 11 Pro+ brings it back, complete with an anti-mistouch algorithm on all sides. Despite the sleek design and slim bezels, the phone is fortified with double glass, providing protection against falls.
The Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a remarkable 100W fast-charging capability, charging your phone from 0 to 100% in just 26 minutes. While lacking a headphone jack and expandable storage, it offers two impressive storage options: 256GB and 512GB.
Get the Realme 11 Pro+ here.
8. Infinix Note 30 – budget gaming phone with impressive features
Image credit: @infinixturkey via Instagram
The Infinix Note 30 may be a budget gaming phone, priced starting at P7,599 (~USD137.19), but it’s packed with impressive features. Endorsed by the Philippines’ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League in a special collaboration, this phone is tailored for gaming enthusiasts.
With a commendable 120Hz refresh rate and a day-long battery life, the phone excels not only for gamers but for all users seeking top-notch performance. Even if gaming isn’t your thing, you’ll still appreciate this phone for its stellar 108mp camera.
The Infinix Note 30 is available in 128GB and 256GB. The brand even throws in a free MPL-branded case, letting you proudly display your gaming allegiance.
Get the Infinix Note 30 here.
New phones of 2023 for your tech upgrade
These are only a few of the new phones released in 2023, but their impressive features certainly made them stand out from the rest. To make sure you get the ideal phone for your lifestyle, you can review this list as you wait for your Christmas bonus.
If you’re also thinking about upgrading your workspace, take a look at these mechanical keyboards. Or, for a more significant change, explore these desks for work, study, or gaming.
Cover image adapted from: @realmephilippines via Instagram, @samsungmalaysia via Instagram, @pochondoshop via Instagram
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