Gadgets We Bought and Reviewed in 2016

While we’re grateful for the brands that let us review and give our opinion on their products, we also buy our own gizmos especially when it’s an awaited device like the Xperia Z5 or GoPro Hero5. Making a roundup of devices have been our thing so here’s a short list of gadgets that we bought to check out and test for 2016.

Apple Watch

Pairing and syncing with the iPhone is quick and easy. It takes quite a bit of time set up and install the apps but once everything is set, it’s smooth sailing from then on.

Navigation can get a bit confusing at the beginning and you’ll have to spend some time getting used to it. Perhaps, that’s the reason Apple took the extra long step of orienting buyers about the features and controls of the Apple Watch before they leave the store.

MyPhone my86 DTV

MyPhone‘s my86 DTV has a good build, takes decent photos on both of its cameras, and is a good phone for those on the lookout for an affordable device while not missing out on the latest soap operas on primetime.

It’s a generally decent performer, and the build and its added DTV feature don’t make you think that the device isn’t something worth Php2,999USD 51INR 4,332EUR 49CNY 372.

Cloudfone Thrill Plus

The Cloudfone Thrill Plus is an entertainment-centric device packed with a 5.5-inch HD display, an eight-megapixel rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture, and Android Marshmallow right out of the box.

Xiaomi Mi 5

Xiaomi has consistently produced top-notch smartphones for years and the Xiaomi Mi 5 is no exception.

For a starting price of just Php15,000USD 256INR 21,669EUR 243CNY 1,862, you get a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 820 chip and 3GB of RAM on a beautiful body that packs everything you’ll ask for in a flagship handset. It’s like getting a Galaxy S6 at half the price.

Xiaomi Mi Max

While it’s not too handy to carry around, we always end up picking the Mi Max in our leisure time, preferring to use it to surf the web, watch videos on YouTube and the usual set of games. More so that we know it can last the entire day on heavy use.

Aside from its sheer size, we could not find anything polarizing with the device — either you’ll love it or find it too uncomfortable/unwieldy as a daily driver.

Sony Xperia Z5

The last time we considered an Xperia handset as the best smartphone of the year was back in the very first Xperia Z.

This time around, the Xperia Z5 has all the makings of a strong flagship handset plus a few bells and whistles. It’s elegant, gorgeous and packs a mean punch.

MyPhone myT2 DTV

Overall, the myT2 DTV from MyPhone is a decent tablet if you’re looking for a cheap entertainment device.

The DTV feature will depend on your location so it’s best to check or ask around first if your area has good coverage.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air

When Xiaomi announced the Mi Notebook Air last month, it was obvious that the laptop was aimed straight at Apple.

So we got the Mi Notebook Air and compared it with the Retina Macbook. Check out our comparison video.

GoPro Hero5 Black

GoPro added a slew of new features like voice control, image stabilization,  linear FOV, and more to make it really stand out among its peers who have been planning to take the throne from GoPro in the action camera race. Although, for us, this flagship offering still puts itself as the leader of the pack.

It’s not perfect, though, and we have the heating up, noticeable light leaks to keep in mind. But when we talk about overall performance, is still takes home the cake.

DJI Mavic Pro

DJI hit a sweet spot with the Mavic Pro by packing it with the most advanced technologies while keeping it small and easy to bring around.

This simply makes it the perfect consumer drone for a user that wants an easy-to-fly quadcopter with broadcast quality image output and safety features.