Philippines

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active gets beginners going

Attractive price point and useful features for a good start

Published

on

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has been in the Philippines market for a while now. And it doesn’t even cost a fortune. The lightweight and slim wearable costs just PhP 1,259 (roughly US$ 21.59).

It’s tailor-made for a wide range of customers. There’s those just wanting to make the jump from a regular watch with either a traditional watch face or a digital display. The smart band can also be for those wanting to start their fitness programs (or return to their active ways, like me).

Moreover, the product can be meant for someone who simply wants an add-on fashion accessory when going out.

Whatever the reason may be, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is a great choice for beginners. It is reasonably priced, and is packed with several basic features for its price point to get their users going.

The wearable has a 1.47-inch TFT display with 60Hz refresh rate. It’s squared rather than oval, unlike Xiaomi’s other offerings. It’s quite simple and straightforward.

Slim, simple look

Design wise, customers can choose from a wide range of colors for its strap. The one I reviewed came in black.

Best of all, you can just untuck the actual watch and change the strap to another color.

I chose the green-striped variant that says “Every step matters” and glows in the dark.

The default watch face has everything you need. It tells the time and the amount of steps you took in a day.

It also has the month, day, and date on the upper left-hand side, and the battery percentage on the right. In a way, it’s satisfying to see the UI display all that in spite the small form factor.

As it’s powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS as well, it’s easy to navigate from the home screen and browse its features.

For fitness…

As Xiaomi’s smart band offerings are usually meant for an active lifestyle, the Smart Band 9 Active supports a handful of workouts. There’s walking, running, cycling, jump rope, ball and racquet sports, and even training-based exercises.

If you’re someone who’s into statistics and want to keep everything recorded just to see your progress, the band can already provide that.

Just connect the Smart Band 9 Active to the Mi Fitness app to have a full view (and wider, quite literally) of everything on your smartphones. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Xiaomi one or not.

Naturally, it would also be better to have the band stay connected to your device for location tracking. That’s if you’re using it to run or pedal your way outdoors. There is quite a discrepancy from the distance it displays in real-time and the figure shown on my running app of choice.

…and more

Of course, for its asking price, the Smart Band 9 Active also has the two most basic health monitoring features. The first is heart rate monitoring, and the second is blood oxygen saturation, or SpO2.

I didn’t bother too much checking these on a daily basis but they work. However, while using the band to run, it did show my real-time heart rate, which was, in a way, a joy to see as it let me know I’m right where I want to be as far as my fitness program.

There’s also stress monitoring, which is a welcome addition. It just tells you if you’re currently in a state of stress or if you’re just calm. Be mindful that it is, just like in the case of any other wearable, not 100% accurate. Listen to your body still and check for signs if you need to take the day off.

There’s a handful of other features as well. You can set an alarm with it. There’s a stopwatch for P.E. teachers, for instance, or whatever situation requires it.

And when you connect it to your phone, you can turn it into a camera shutter. It’s for situations where a self-timer isn’t enough. Or group photos. You can even control music from your wrist under Music.

Long-lasting, water resistant

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is long-lasting. With just a handful of basic features, it can last up to 18 days on a single charge. And whenever you need to replenish it, it takes just about two hours to charge back to full.

It also has 5ATM water resistance. Simply stated, it can withstand splashes. Think of playing football while running. Or swimming for short periods.

Overall: Gets beginners going

With all the useful features you’re getting on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, plus its attractive price tag, this offering is such a steal.

It’s for beginners and more. It has all the basics for various needs, from fitness to health monitoring to simple time-telling and step-counting.

If you want to start with a simple wearable to get you going, there’s no doubt the Smart Band 9 Active can be your BudgetMatch.

News

Visa brings Apple Pay to its customers in the Philippines

An easier and more secure way to pay with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac

Published

on

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced today that Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their eligible cards to Apple Pay on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

This announcement accelerates the digitalization of payments all while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and visitors traveling to the Philippines. Across the Asia Pacific region, 97% of travelers1 say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% said they prefer cards because of robust security and fraud protection features, while 20% cite wide acceptance. Apple Pay seamlessly delivers on these exact needs by making everyday transactions easy, secure, and private.

Visa Confidential

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines. With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap the ‘+’, and follow the steps to add a Visa card. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their Visa cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/ph/apple-pay/

Continue Reading

Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

Published

on

VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

Continue Reading

Automotive

BYD Atto 2 launches with EV, plug-in hybrid options

A full EV variant and two DM-i hybrid options, all built around the same Blade Battery platform

Published

on

BYD Cars Philippines just launched the Atto 2 at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City. It’s the newest addition to the brand’s New Energy Vehicle lineup here.

You get a choice between a full battery electric vehicle and BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system. The DM-i splits further into Premium and Dynamic variants.

On range, the EV variant is rated for up to 380 km on a full charge. The DM-i variants run up to 45 km on electric power alone. Combined range goes up to 1,340 km, based on an efficiency run BYD Cars Philippines conducted with the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

BYD notes those combined-range numbers aren’t guaranteed. They’ll shift depending on driving habits, traffic, road and weather conditions, vehicle load, and battery condition.

Every Atto 2 variant runs on BYD’s Blade Battery. It’s the same platform the brand leans on for durability and thermal stability across its lineup.

All three variants share the same core safety features and SUV styling. The DM-i Premium stands out as the only variant with DiPilot ADAS on board, alongside a fuller set of comfort and convenience features.

Tech-wise, the EV gets a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The DM-i models come with a 10.1-inch display. Both support smartphone connectivity.

The EV variant also gets Vehicle-to-Load capability. It lets you plug appliances or equipment directly into the car and use it as a power source, whether that’s for a road trip, a weekend outdoors, or backup power when you need it.

Price, availability

From July 28 to August 31, 2026, all Atto 2 variants come with launch offers and financing promos through BPI. Once that period ends, official pricing starting September 1 looks like this:

  • BYD Atto 2 EV: PhP 1,338,000
  • BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium: PhP 1,258,000
  • BYD Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic: PhP 1,048,000

Every unit comes with an 8-year warranty on the Drive Unit, a 6-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty on the Blade Battery.

Color options include Breeze Green, exclusive to the EV; Cosmos Black, exclusive to the DM-i; along with Harbour Grey, Midnight Blue, and Ski White across the lineup.

The Atto 2 launch also kicks off the BYD Tech Tour, running at the Trinoma Activity Center from July 28 to August 2.

Continue Reading

Trending