Highly durable realme C25 officially launched in the Philippines, priced

Leading smart technology brand realme Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to providing Filipinos powerful tools and devices that would help them rise above all the challenges they may encounter this year with the launch of the world’s first TÜV Rheinland certified smartphone – the realme C25. This newest device from realme is available starting April 16 at 12 midnight during the realme Super Brand Day Sale on Shopee at a discounted price of P5,990.

The realme C25 is a powerful yet attainable all-around device that is intended for heavy smartphone users who rely on their device as the central component for their digital-heavy lifestyle, from online schooling, live streaming, shout casting, content creation to connecting and controlling their smart accessories and devices.

“Filipinos always stay ready in all the challenges that come their way. As they remain resilient and optimistic with all the unprecedented events that might happen around this year, we at realme Philippines launch the highly reliable realme C25 that will accompany every young Filipino with all the challenges they will accept and encounter this 2021. Proven to be highly reliable and durable by TÜV Rheinland, the realme C25 is every Filipino’s companion as they continue to navigate and shift to a highly digital lifestyle this 2021,” shares realme Philippines’ Vice President for Marketing Austine Huang.

#ChallengeAccepted for an all-day digital lifestyle experience

The realme C25 is the first smartphone in the world that passed the TÜV Rheinland Smartphone High-Reliability Certification. Obtaining the high-reliability certificate from TÜV Rheinland, the realme C25 encompassed 23 major tests, including 10 daily use test scenarios, such as drop, wear, and tear; seven extreme environment test scenarios, including super extreme temperature, extreme humidity, voltage fluctuation, button life, static electricity, air pressure; and six component reliability test scenarios.

The realme C25 is also equipped with a large-capacity 6000mAh battery, which allows users to enjoy the features of the device nonstop whenever they want. Complementing this massive battery is an 18W Type C quick-charge technology, which allows the drained device to charge to 29 percent in just 30 minutes. The device sports a MediaTek Helio G70 processor, ensuring a much powerful and swift performance for both content creators and gamers alike. It also optimizes multimedia usage, allowing a faster response time and more accurate screen control.

The realme C25 features a 48MP AI triple-camera setup consisting of a 48MP super clear main camera, and macro lens. The 8MP selfie camera features an f/2.0 large aperture, a gesture command, AI Beauty options, and 1080P full-HD video recording. It also allows users to achieve high-definition effects no matter how many self-portrait photos or videos they take.

For its design, the realme C25’s back cover is processed using the industry-leading German five-axis precise radium engraving machine, which makes the device more colorful, appealing, comfortable in the hand, and less susceptible to fingerprints. The realme C25 is available in two colorways: Water Grey and Water Blue.

#NoiseOffrealmeOn with the newest realme Buds Air 2 Series

Launching alongside the realme C25 are the realme Buds Air 2 and realme Buds Air 2 Neo, the brand’s newest highly competitive active noise-canceling earbuds.

The realme Buds Air 2 supports active noise cancellation, a function that’s seen only in high-end flagship earbuds and headphones. It is also equipped with the new Bass Boost+ bass enhancement solution, a feature created through realme’s collaboration with American electronic music duo the Chainsmokers. The device also comes with a Transparency Mode, which enables users to listen to ambient sound with just one click.

The realme Buds Air 2 also supports fast charging. With just 10 minutes of charging time, users get 120 minutes of playback. For its design, the realme Buds Air 2 inherits the curvy aesthetic of the previous generation while also adopting a unique two-tone color splicing design. Black and blue, silver and white — these stylish color combos embody street style.

The realme Buds Air 2 Neo also equips the active noise cancellation of up to 25dB. It monitors external noise through a feed-forward microphone. The 10mm Bass Boost Driver, along with a realme bass enhancement algorithm composite, makes for a new bass boost for a deeper and richer audio experience. It also comes with AAC high-quality audio technology, an encoding algorithm with a high compression rate provided by Dolby Laboratories for higher fidelity. The realme Buds Air 2 Neo comes in two colors – Active Black and Calm Gray. To create a futuristic design, a gleaming mirror design is used in the earbud tips to reflect varying colors in different angles.

Snag up to P5,000 discount at Shopee Brand Day Sale

The realme C25 will be available in the Philippines starting April 16 at 12 midnight during the realme Super Brand Day Sale on Shopee. Available in 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant, the realme C25 is priced at PhP 7,490. On the same day, the brand will also be retailing the newest realme Buds Air 2 and realme Buds Air 2 Neo for the price of PhP 3,990 and PhP 2,490, respectively.

In celebration of the launch of these new devices from realme, fans, and customers can enjoy huge discounts when purchasing during the Shopee Brand Sale Sale. The realme C25 4GB + 64GB variant, realme Buds Air 2 and realme Buds Air 2 Neo may be purchased for the price of P5,990, P2,990, and P1,990, respectively, with free shipping for the realme C25 on April 18 and the realme Buds Air 2 Series from April 16 to 18.

Other than the three devices, realme Philippines also drops the prices of most of its smartphone and AIoT devices by as much as 38% percent. Among the realme devices to be discounted, the realme 7 8GB + 128GB variant will receive the highest discount of P5,000 from its original price of P14,990 during Shopee’s Flash Sale. While the realme Powerbank 2i and realme C12 3GB + 32GB variant will also be available at discounted prices of P5,490 and P490, respectively.

Fans and squad members may also purchase the realme Smart TV 32” and 43” variants with a discount of P3,000, making their sale prices P8,990 and P15,990, respectively. The realme Bag can also be purchased at a discounted price of P1,240 from its original price of P1,490. Fans may also get a chance to win Shopee coins and product bundles from realme by joining the Shopee Hourly Prizes from April 16 to 18.

Search
-

Honda Accord EL Turbo CVT review: Packed with road-sensing tech

03/12/2021

When I think of premium midsize sedans like, say, the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, I get flashbacks from the ’90s with their boxy and spacious design and cream-colored interior. Recent models have of course evolved with the times but still has that overall feel — an executive look for the more mature and established individual.

But this Honda Accord that HCPI lent us decided to stand out from its peers with a sportier and youthful approach. It also packs a lot of tech to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. This is the Honda Accord EL Turbo CVT Honda Sensing.

Exterior

What we have right here is the Platinum White Pearl which looks really sporty for me. I’d personally say the other two colors (Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl) have more of an executive feel, but the white variant is very sporty — not in a 2 Fast 2 Furious kind of way but more along the lines of Die Another Day kind of sporty.

Up front, it has full LED headlights with auto-leveling and auto high beam as it senses when no oncoming traffic is present.

Those sensors could be found at the central highest point of its windshield and on the front bumper. These unlock the Honda SENSING technology that we’ll talk about in just a bit.

Running across the front fascia is a unibrow-like ledge in chrome. The application of chrome is seen in other parts of its exterior like door handles and exhaust tips for a bit of added bling. Here we also see its Daytime Running Lights and fog lamps using full LED.

Amplifying its fastback design, the Accord comes with rather aggressive lines that run from the side of the hood all the way to the taillights. The lower part of each door also features sharp accents that further give its exterior personality.

This leads us to a pair of Guide Type LED tail lamps that easily pierce through darkness and even heavy rain. Meanwhile, adding to that is a pair of exhaust tips wrapped in chrome, as mentioned earlier.

Pop the trunk and you get a spacious area easy enough to load stuff the size of golf bags. And to wrap up the exterior, the Accord stands on attractive 18-inch wheels that look like they’re in constant motion even while standing still — a really sporty treatment.

Interior

Once you step inside, you’re put in a more executive setting with the all-black interior and leather-wrapped seats. Needless to say, the cabin has a very premium feel which is exactly what you’d expect from a sedan such as this one.

The interior is very roomy, especially at the back. With the available space, one can easily whip out a laptop and work conveniently while stuck in traffic, for example. And with its included privacy screens, it’s almost like having your own small office on wheels.

I only wish it had those in-car outlets so we could charge laptops and other devices faster in addition to its USB ports for the back row.

Meanwhile, the driver and front passenger have access to an 8-inch infotainment touch unit which is pre-loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This feature allows you to basically port over your phone and its apps to the vehicle’s system — a really helpful feature while driving.

Just like the seats, its steering wheel is also wrapped in leather with silver accents and is populated with buttons for controlling media playback and deploying some of the vehicle’s features.

The Accord comes with an all-digital instrument cluster that’s easily visible at night or during daytime and cycles through different monitoring systems to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape.

A bright red button starts and stops the engine via a simple press. For me, this lone button gives a good break from all the black elements inside. It’s like a reminder that even though the interior feels very executive and mature, it’s also sporty and always ready for a bit of fun.

Honda also did a great job with suppressing the sedan’s NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness. Partner that with its comfy seats and the result is a more enjoyable riding experience even for long trips.

Features

Aiming to make everyday driving easier and enjoyable, the Accord is loaded with bells-and-whistles that benefit both the driver and passengers. These include Smart Keyless Entry, Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, and an intelligent Dual Zone AC.

You can also activate its Brake Hold feature during heavy traffic to eliminate the need to keep your foot on the brakes during bumper-to-bumper traffic. And for backing up, it uses a reverse camera with parking sensors front and back.

If the driver demands more control over its transmission, a pair of paddle shifters are present. And when it comes to making sure your trip goes smoothly, its 8-inch head unit has everything you need — from navigation, music playback, and radio features. It can even let you call and read text messages using voice commands.

Plus, as mentioned earlier, its Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities bring in useful driving apps like Waze and Google Maps for a more updated navigation system. Music streaming app Spotify and even messaging apps like Telegram are also supported.

Safety and performance

Again, the Accord EL Turbo CVT Honda Sensing comes with an array of tech features guaranteed to make your trips not just more enjoyable, but also safer.

As mentioned, it comes with Honda Sensing which is the company’s driver-assistive technology.

Under its belt, the Accord uses its sensors for Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow for long, straight highways while its Lane Keep Assist alerts you and nudges your steering when you start to drift out of your lane.

Same thing happens when you’re close to the side of the road. Its Road Departure Mitigation system will alert you through vibrations from the steering wheel and steers you back to your lane. This forces the driver to use turn signals to change lanes or the system will read it as unintentional swerving and will guide you back.

Additionally, the camera on the passenger-side mirror activates and displays live video on the 8-inch display and it reveals more on that side than simply checking the mirror — it’s great for tight spaces or simply when turning right.

It is also equipped with forward collision warning, collision mitigation, and blindspot monitoring to help avoid accidents. And in case something happens, a total of six airbags are ready to deploy with two up front, two at the side, and another pair for side curtains.

Despite its somewhat bulky design, it drives really light and feels like you’re bringing a normal-sized sedan. A simple tug on its steering wheel and the vehicle easily follows.

And when you need speed, its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers 190hp and 260Nm of torque. It’s powerful and responsive enough to be able to get out of its current spot easily. We’d say the 1.5-liter engine is just right for what it’s powering.

This is then paired with the company’s Earth Dreams CVT and together with the paddle shifters, the driver could easily have fun with the Accord if they wish to and take full control of the sedan’s power.

But then again, a lot of those who are looking into vehicles like this also want to spend time in the backseat. So from that perspective, the Accord is like a smooth-sailing boat, and like what’s been established earlier, it comes with controlled noise and vibrations so you can cruise long roads in comfort.

Creature Feature

As always, in our reviews, The Modern Creatures aims to find special offerings that make them worth having — a Creature Feature if you will that gives a product advantage from its peers. For the Honda Accord EL Turbo CVT Honda Sensing, it would have to be its array of tech and safety features together with its youthful design.

As I’ve said at the beginning, these vehicles have been the cars of our uncles or titos back in their days and we’re used to seeing straightforward features and a design that’s not too flashy. But with this Accord, Honda was able to take away the dull and mundane elements and breathed a fresh design and packed serious tech into this midsize sedan.

Pricing and final thoughts

Although of course, great tech and premium looks come with a rather steep pricing of PhP 2,308,000. But the useful features, Honda Sensing, and its sporty/executive look help justify the price tag.

I’m sure a good chunk of the vehicle’s market would prefer something that looks like this over some of its competition with classic designs and straightforward features — I know I would.

REVIEWS