Now more than ever, Filipinos are glued to their phones. In a study by Hootsuite and We Are Social Ltd., the Philippines ranked number one in the world when it comes to time spent on social media. And in a country with very active social media users, having a mobile phone is essential.
Last week, we polled our readers on their favorite mobile phone brands. From high-end, mid-range, and affordable options, Filipinos are spoilt for choice in the fast-growing smartphone market. If you love shopping for gadgets, read on to find out which smartphone brand topped our list!
The Asus Zenfone 4 has a dual camera with wide angle capabilities. (Images: Asus PH)
Starting off our poll is Taiwanese electronics company Asus, which took its name from the winged stallion Pegasus from Greek mythology. Asus manufactures consumer electronics, including mobile phones. In 2011, they introduced the Padfone, or smartphones which can be docked on a tablet screen. Recently, they have tapped South Korean actor Gong Yoo and Filipina actress Bea Alonzo as brand ambassadors for their Asus Zenfone 4 series. Featuring dual rear or front cameras, the Zenfone 4 lineup is targeted towards selfie-loving mobile users.
6. Xiaomi, Vivo
Two Chinese mobile phone manufacturers tied at number six: Xiaomi and Vivo.
The Xiaomi Mi4i unibody design comes in candy colors. (Images: Xiaomi PH, Wikimedia Commons)
Despite being in business for only seven years, Xiaomi is proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their fast growth has made them one of the top five smartphone manufacturers in the world. Their latest offering is the Xiaomi Mi 6, their first device without a headphone jack.
The Vivo V7+ features the world’s first 24-megapixel front camera. (Images: Vivo PH)
Founded in 2009 by billionaire Duan Yongping, Vivo released their first-ever smartphone in 2012. They’ve partnered with music and film companies and sports leagues to market their products. One of their most famous endorsers is NBA star Steph Curry, who is currently promoting the Vivo Xplay 6.
5. Huawei, Cherry Mobile
Huawei brings the AI computing platform in the Mate10 series. (Images: Huawei Mobile PH)
Chinese multinational Huawei was founded in 1987, but it wasn’t until 2003 that they made mobile phones. Their latest handset is the Huawei Mate10 series, which boasts of having the world’s first Kirin A1 processor. Famous Huawei endorsers include Scarlett Johansson and Lionel Messi.
The Flare S6 series, a line of budget-friendly smartphones from Cherry Mobile (Images: Cherry Mobile)
Also at the fifth spot is local smartphone band Cherry Mobile. The brand is known for their range of value-for-money but feature-rich mobile phones. Last October, they unveiled their newest offerings, the Flare S6, Flare S6 Power, and S6 Max. Celebrity endorsers include Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, and Vic Sotto.
4. Sony, Myphone, LG
The Xperia XZs has the new Motion Eye camera in a sleek design. (Images: Sony Philippines)
Japanese brand Sony has come a long way since inventing the first tape recorder in Japan in 1946. Today, they offer a wide range of consumer and professional electronics products, including smartphones. Their most recent premium offering is the Xperia XZ line, which features the world’s first super slow-motion video in a smartphone.
The Super D D1, one of the latest MyPhone models (Images: MyPhone)
Making it as well to number four is MyPhone. Established in 2007, MyPhone is the first Filipino mobile phone brand. The company offers affordable mobile phones, from basic phones with fake money reader and Android phones with digital TV. Their competitive advantage is customized Pinoy content. This allows users to enjoy various content like recipes, jokes, and prayers via the exclusive MyPhone software.
The LGV30 has a minimal-bezel, all-glass finish. (Images: LG Mobile)
Also at the fourth spot is South Korean electronics company LG. LG was the first to develop the first Long-Term Evolution (LTE) mobile modem chip in the world. Their flagship product is the LG V30 featuring a six-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, wireless charging, and dust-proof and water-proof body.
3. OPPO
The Oppo F5 has an AI Beauty Mode for that perfect selfie. (Images: OPPO PH)
Voter’s comment: “I have close friends and relatives who are using it and they have positive feedback for it. I have always dreamed to have one someday!”—Charisse Mae Mercado
Coming in at number three is Chinese electronics company OPPO. Since its inception in 2001, OPPO has grown to become the number one smartphone brand in China and the number four brand in the world, based on reports from the International Data Corporation (IDC).
OPPO is primarily known for mobile phones which lets users capture the perfect selfie. They recently launched the OPPO F5, the latest model in their F Series Selfie Expert lineup.
2. Apple
The iPhone X is touted as the future of the smartphone. (Images: Wikimedia Commons, Power Mac Center)
From being a start-up based out of co-founder Steve Job’s garage, Apple has grown into an industry-leading technology giant. Apple is consistently ranked as number one in the Forbes list of the most valuable brands in the world. Almost every product release has loyal fans lining up or camping overnight at Apple stores to get their hands on the latest gadget. This year, Apple released the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus featuring wireless charging, and the highly anticipated iPhone X with Face ID.
1. Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy S8 series has end-to-end screens. (Images: Samung Mobile PH)
Taking the top spot in our survey is Korean brand Samsung, which garnered 42.86% of the votes.
Samsung initially made home appliances before expanding to the smartphone market. In 1999, they launched the world’s first MP3 mobile phone and started developing smartphone technology. While they have top-of-the-line models like the Galaxy Note8 and the Galaxy S8, they also have affordable and mid-range phones. One of these is the Galaxy J7 Pro, endorsed by local celebrity Liza Soberano. With their wide array of phones at various price points, it’s no wonder that Samsung has won the hearts of tech-savvy Filipinos.
Whether you’re buying gadgets to give to someone or buying it for yourself, you won’t run out of choices with the plethora of brands and models in the market today.
Results are based on the Best Mobile Brands in the Philippines 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from October 30 to November 5, 2017.
* Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.
* Photos/Images are from the official websites and/or Facebook pages of featured establishments.
About Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon
Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon is the current content supervisor for the Visayas region of ShoppersGuide Marketing, Inc. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from UP Cebu. She has previously worked for a business process outsourcing company, a community newspaper, and a global technology company. When not writing, she putters about in the kitchen, baking or testing new recipes.
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