Top Tech: The Best Gadget Releases of 2021

(SPOT.ph) Is it just us or did 2021 go by way too fast? Oddly enough, we sometimes still feel like we’re stuck in, er, the year-that-must-not-be-named. Despite the fact that the last 365 days were not necessarily the best of times, we must admit they were also filled with some pretty exciting affairs—at least in the tech world. For all its shortcomings, 2021 gave us an incredible range of gadget releases, upgrades, and innovations. In case you haven’t been keeping up with the latest in technology this past year, then you’re in the right place. Below, we list the best gadget releases of 2021—from smartphones to audio to gaming and everything in between.

These are the best new gadgets released in 2021:

Smartphones

Apple iPhone 13 Series (starts at P44,990)

By now, it’s a no-brainer to expect a new smartphone from Apple every year. In 2021, they delivered once again with the iPhone 13 series, which includes four devices: the iPhone 13 Mini, the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, following the four-model blueprint set by its most recent predecessor. In terms of size and shape, the iPhone 13 models are almost identical to those in the 12 series, though in a variety of new colors. As you’d expect, the latest smartphones also boast some stand-out new features including a powerful A15 bionic chip, an upgraded and redesigned camera system, improved battery life, and for the larger two models, the tech giant’s first-ever 1TB iPhones.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (starts at P87,990)

Samsung changed the game when they released their first-ever foldable smartphone in 2019. And while the idea of a digital screen that can be folded in half is pretty mind-blowing on its own, the brand is still innovating the technology. In August, they unveiled the third iteration of their foldable series, the Z Fold3. Released alongside the Z Flip3, the Fold3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, improving upon the smartphone series' most coveted features with a larger design that prioritizes multitasking and ease of use, optimizing apps to make the most of the larger display. When shut, the Z Fold3 provides the same experience you might get on a classic bar-type smartphone—great for quick tasks and on-the-go usage—but unfolded, the device not only gives you more screen real estate, but also provides a more comprehensive interface. The result is a smartphone that’s as compact as any modern model, but with the kind of efficiency and productivity you’d get from a tablet.

Available online; see a list of Samsung stores and retailers.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Series (starts at P49,990)

One of the first big smartphone releases of the year was Samsung’s S21 series, which they dropped in January. The line includes three models: the S21, the S21+, and the S21 Ultra, all with 5G capability. Each phone features an all-new design with a contour-cut multi-camera system seamlessly positioned onto the device's slim metal frame. Though each model features impressive camera setups, the S21 Ultra, in particular, is equipped with the most advanced pro-camera system in a Samsung smartphone to date. It features four rear cameras (a 108-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel ultra wide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses) as well as a 10-megapixel front camera. It’s also the first phone in Samsung’s S series that’s enabled to work with the S Pen. The stylus—an indispensable tool for Samsung Note and Tablet users—is designed to elevate creativity and productivity on your device. You can use it to draw sketches on your photos, precisely edit your videos, and so much more. 

Available online; see a list of Samsung stores and retailers.

OnePlus 9 Pro (P39,490)

Chinese electronics company OnePlus caught the tech world’s attention this 2021 with the March release of their latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 9 Pro. Though it’s the most expensive model from the brand thus far, it also manages to stay situated in the mid-budget range as far as smartphones go. The phone’s most notable feature is its camera—the most impressive in OnePlus’ lineup as of writing and a big leap from the brand’s previous models. It features a 48 megapixel main camera alongside an 8 megapixel telephoto lens and a 50 megapixel ultrawide as well as a 6.7 inch screen with a 1440 x 3216 resolution, resulting in a device that offers excellent viewing and recording capabilities—all for just under P40,000.

Available on Lazada.

Audio

Marshall Motif A.N.C. (U.S. $219; roughly P11,037)

In March, audio electronics brand Marshall unveiled their first-ever wireless earbuds dubbed the Mode II. They followed it up in September with the Minor III and our personal fave, the Motif A.N.C. Marshall has long been known for creating a wide range of audio devices—including speakers, amplifiers, headphones, and more—that deliver rich, powerful sound that brings out the bass tones of your fave tunes. Their wireless earbuds  offer the same world-famous audio quality in a compact size. The Motif A.N.C, in particular, delivers top-tier sound output along with premium features—most notably, Active Noise-Cancellation. The buds sport an in-ear design to facilitate noise cancellation and can go up to six hours of playback on a full charge, though that number goes down to 4.5 when Active Noise-Cancellation is turned on. Additionally, the charging case provides up to 20 hours of use with A.N.C. or 26 hours when it’s turned off.

As of writing, the Marshall Motif A.N.C. is not yet available in the Philippines, but worry not because it’s coming soon. For now, you can shop Marshall’s other wireless-earbud models on Digital Walker’s website.

JBL Charge 5 (P9,499)

Though there are many great portable Bluetooth speakers available on the market today, JBL’s Charge 5, originally released in April, is definitely one to check out. This waterproof speaker—the latest in their popular Charge line—provides loud, immersive audio even in open spaces. That’s thanks to its sophisticated hardware composed of an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter for rich treble tones, and dual bass radiators to amp up the lower range sounds. You also get up to 20 hours of battery life, IP67-level water and dust protection, and wireless technology that can connect up to two devices at once, so you and your friends can take turns choosing songs. The Charge 5 even doubles as a power bank—you can charge your phone at the beach or by the pool without having to pack an extra device!

See a list of JBL retailers.

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation (P10,990)

For months, tech insiders had been speculating that Apple would unveil a new and improved AirPods model before the end of 2021 and as we now know, most of the rumors came true—and we don’t just mean the release date. The common consensus was that the third-generation AirPods (a.k.a. AirPods 3) would greatly improve upon the previous model’s features without quite tipping into the AirPods Pro’s specs—or price range, for that matter. True enough, the AirPods 3 delivers powerful bass and crisp high-frequency sounds thanks to the updated hardware—but priced just under P11,000, it’s still the less premium option on Apple’s lineup when compared to the Pro model, which goes for P14,990.

The AirPods 3 offers battery life up to six hours per use with an additional four charges on the case for a total of 30 hours. It also supports fast charging—you can get an hour of playback with just five minutes of charging—as well as wireless MagSafe compatibility. Unlike previous AirPods, the third-generation earbuds only offer one model instead of providing a cheaper version that doesn’t support wireless charging. Looks-wise, the AirPods 3 have a similar build to the AirPods Pro with shorter stems and a wider case. The eardbuds, however, don’t feature the Pro’s in-ear design or silicone tips.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

Bose QuietComfort 45 (U.S. $329; roughly P16,560)

"You flip the switch and whoosh—the world fades," reads the description on Bose’s new QuietComfort 45 headphones, a follow up to the 2016 model and while that’s a pretty ambitious way to describe the pair, well, they’re not wrong. The audio brand has been dominating the noise-cancelling space for years and tech experts like Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and TechRadar agree that they’ve stepped it up even more. With refined sound quality, battery life that runs for up to 24 hours, and Bluetooth range up to 30 feet, the headphones are a great pair for those looking for maximum zone-out time.

As of writing, the QuietComfort 45 headphones are not yet available in the Philippines. For now, you can shop Bose's other audio devices online.

Sony SRS-XG500 (P21,999)

Oftentimes, you think of portable speakers and home speakers as two separate devices, but Sony’s XG500 proves that you can have both. With a cylindrical build that’s about the size of a radio (complete with a handle), this speaker delivers powerful, party-ready sound enough to fill the whole room. And believe it or not, it’s wireless, too. With up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, you can use this device all day long and beyond whether at home or on vacation. It provides loud but crisp, balanced sound thanks to a high-efficiency tweeter and punchy bass tones that can really bring out the beats. It even has a cool ambient lighting that can sync to your music to really turn up the vibes.

Available online; see a list of Sony stores and retailers.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (P13,999)

Widely considered one of the best in its class, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds have been raved about since their release in June—both in terms of audio quality and noise-cancelling technology. Sound-wise, the device promises high-resolution audio thanks to specially designed 6 mm drivers and a high-compliance diaphragm that produce dynamic sound as well as a rich bass range. As far as noise-cancellation, the pair is Sony’s most advanced yet that’s immersive and not only blocks out ambient sounds, but also adjusts the A.N.C. to your environment.

Available online; see a list of Sony stores and retailers.

Desktops, Laptops, and Tablets

Apple iMac 24" (starts at P73,990)

Prior to the release of the iPhone 13 and AirPods 3, Apple held an April Event where they unveiled the new Apple TV 4K, AirTag, and Purple iPhone 12. The most talked about reveal from, however, was the all-new iMac. The tech titan revamped the desktop computer with a 24-inch screen and an ultra-slim frame that measures just 11.5 millimeters thick. Most notably, the updated device is available in an array of fresh pastel colors including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It also boasts a 4.5K Retina display with 11.3 million pixels and 500 nits of brightness for a vibrant, crystal-clear viewing experience. The new iMac houses Apple's groundbreaking M1 chip, which was unveiled in November 2020 and promises fast and efficient CPU performance, making it a great pick for professionals in need of state-of-the-art processing. The device is also ideal for full-time remote workers with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a studio-quality built-in microphone, and a six-speaker sound system—"the best camera and audio ever in a Mac," notes the Apple website.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (starts at P45,990)

Along with the colorful new iMacs came Apple’s most powerful and advanced iPad Pro yet. A built-in M1 chip (yup, the same one in the new iMac), ultra-fast 5G capability, and a sharp 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display are just some of its most noteworthy specs. It also boasts a new Ultra Wide front camera designed to improve video-call framing as well as up to 2 TB of high-speed storage.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

Apple iPad Mini 2021 (starts at P29,990)

Rumors about a new iPad Mini from Apple had been circulating all throughout 2021 and as of September, the gadget leakers were right! Along with the iPhone 13 series, the tech brand introduced a brand-new iPad Mini. Much like the latest iPad models, the more compact iteration of the tablet sports an all-screen design. The ultra-slim device features an 8.3-inch screen with flat edges and a lock button built with Touch ID. Plus, it has 5G capability that promises download speeds up to 3.5 GBPS, a 12-megapixel camera that can record in 4K, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens up front. Apple calls it the "most powerful and versatile" Mini yet.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

Apple M1 MacBook Pro (starts at P116,990)

Need a laptop upgrade? Well, in October, Apple revealed a new set of MacBook Pro models, available in 14-inch and 16-inch designs and by the looks of it, they’re well worth the investment. Both models feature a longstanding demand from Apple users, which is the inclusion of several built-in ports including an HDMI port, several USB-C ports, an SD card slot, a headphone jack, and the return of the MagSafe MacBook charger. The new MacBooks also sport a notch atop the screen (similar to what you would see on the latest iPhone) that houses a 1080p HD FaceTime camera that has twice the performance level of the previous M1 MacBook’s camera in low light settings. Additionally, they offer improved battery power: The 14-inch MacBook Pro promises up to 17 hours of continuous video playback while the 16-inch model provides up to 21 hours, making the latter the MacBook with the longest battery life in Apple's lineup thus far.

While the original M1 laptops (namely 2020’s MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro) already offered high-speed performance, Apple has kicked it up a notch with the release of two new chips: the M1 Pro and the M1 Max, which CNET has called "behemoths in the processor world." The M1 Pro is up to 70% faster than its predecessor and offers graphics twice as fast while the M1 Max, Apple’s largest MacBook chip yet, is four times faster than the OG M1.

Available online and at authorized Apple retailers nationwide.

MSI GE66 Stealth with NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 (P144,995)

In February, MSI introduced a series of powerful laptops for gamers and business professionals alike, each powered by NVIDIA’s latest RTX 30 series graphics chips and Intel Core i7 processors. Leading the lineup is the GE Raider series, which includes the GE76 and GE66. This premium gaming laptop line comes with RGB lighting on the SteelSeries keyboard and the front chassis, which makes each of the devices quite a looker without being loud. A 300Hz refresh rate display (17-inch for GE76 and 15-inch for GE66) gives it an extremely fast screen response that’s five times quicker than ordinary laptop screens. And the best news for gamers? These laptops have one of the most powerful mobile graphics processing chips ever made: The GTX 3080 promises to let users run the latest games on ultra settings without skipping a frame.

See a list of MSI retailers.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 (U.S. $679; roughly P34,177)

Lenovo in June introduced the latest addition to their line of Yoga tablets, namely the Yoga Tab 13. Sporting a 13-inch LTPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge, the tablet offers powerful performance in a compact package. The versatile, Android 11-powered device is built particularly for rich and immersive entertainment purposes with a 2K display supported by Dolby Vision and JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos. The vibrant, high-def display also makes the Yoga Tab 13 ideal as a second screen. You can connect it to your computer using a micro-HDMI port, allowing you to access your laptop interface with two screens for more efficient multitasking.

As of writing, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is not yet available in the Philippines.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (P62,699)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8, first unveiled in September, combines the compact, lightweight build of a tablet with the power and screen space of a laptop. With a 13-inch screen, a 2880 x 1920 resolution display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a Quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, the tablet provides smooth and seamless operation. Plus, it’s got a 5 megapixel front camera, 10 megapixel rear lens, and excellent mics and speakers—perfect for those daily video calls. And with up to 16 hours of battery life on a full charge, the Surface Pro 8 makes for a great work companion no matter where your office-of-the-day is.

Available online.

Cameras

Canon EOS R3 (P359,998)

In mid-November, Canon launched their EOS R3, their most advanced mirrorless camera to date and the latest model in the EOS R series. With high-speed shooting capabilities, impressive low-light performance, and improved tracking and recognition, the device is a great option for both professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. In a nutshell, it provides an ISO range of 100 to 102,400 for still photos or 100 to 25,600 for videos, 6K recording, a fresh rate up to 120 fps, a resolution of approximately 4.15 million dots highest in any Canon camera, and high speed transfer that utilizes 5G.back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor (approximately 24.1-megapixel),

See a list of authorized Canon retailers.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo (P11,499)

Analog and digital photography each have their fair share of advantages—the former its distinct aesthetic and spontaneous quality, the latter its convenience and ease of use. With Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini Evo, however, you get the best of both worlds. The hybrid camera has a screen built into it, giving you much more control when snapping and printing cute pics. You can frame your photos properly through the viewfinder, pick which pictures to print out, and even choose from various filters and lens effects. The camera can also be used as a photo printer in case you've got pics on your smartphone that you want to turn into film photos—just send snapshots from your phone to the Mini Evo and print them directly from there.

See a list of authorized Fujifilm Instax retailers.

Wearables and Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (starts at P12,990)

Samsung’s latest smartwatch goes by the name Galaxy Watch4 and it was unveiled along with their Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 smartphones in August. As you’d expect, the device pairs seamlessly with other gadgets in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem and can automatically sync to the data already stored in your personal tech. As with most smartwatches in the market today, it displays time, has a slew of health and fitness features, and can be worn every day—even while you sleep. Looks-wise, it doesn’t deviate much from the design of its predecessors, but does offer some new and upgraded features for tracking and improving your daily habits as well as meeting your fitness goals. Some notable features include body composition measurements to calculate body-fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and body water; inactive time alerts to suggest short exercises when being idle for too long; and breathing-exercise guides in case you need to take a few minutes to inhale and exhale. The watch can also track stress levels, sleep time and quality, and menstrual cycles, among other things.

Available online; see a list of Samsung stores and retailers.

Razer Kiyo Pro USB Camera (P8,895)

Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, a livestreamer, or just (sigh) a professional with a schedule jam-packed with meetings, you can up your laptop or desktop’s video-recording capabilities with the Razer Kiyo Pro. The webcam boasts uncompressed 1080p 60fps quality for sharp and smooth visuals. Throw in its high-performance adaptive light sensor that promises excellent cam quality even in low light—the device actually adjusts to the brightness in your room—as well as its HDR capability and adjustable wide-angle lens and you get one of the most versatile and reliable webcams around. Plus it’s flexible build lets you mount the device on any monitor or notebook with ease. You can quickly adjust it to the perfect recording angle and make sure it sits snug on your screen or even tripod.

Available at Datablitz.

Garmin Forerunner 55 (P11,395)

If you're a beginner when it comes to smartwatches and fitness, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a model you may want to consider—especially if you’re looking for a source of guidance or motivation when it comes to reaching your health goals. The lightweight device sports a classic round display face and keeps it mostly no-frills. Controls are limited to five buttons situated around the display and though it doesn’t make use of touch-screen technology, we'd argue that the button controls provide easy enough navigation—not to mention, do away with having to use your adult-sized fingers to select menu options on a small screen.

Aside from the basics—a time display, a heart rate monitor, and a pedometer—it can also measure respiration rate, fitness age, stress levels, sleep quality, and body battery (a comprehensive measure of your energy level based on heart rate, stress, and activity). The Forerunner 55 even has relaxation reminders to help you manage stress. It also offers cool support features to help you keep track of your progress in various workouts including cycling, swimming, strength training, yoga, pilates, walking, elliptical training, high-intensity interval training, and more. The Forerunner 55 also has daily training tips based on your physical condition, average recovery time, and recent exercise performances. That way, you can set realistic goals for yourself each time you work out.

Available on Lazada and Shopee; see a list of Garmin retailers.

Gaming

OneXPlayer 1S (P57,995)

For gaming on the go, the OneXPlayer 1S will be your new fave companion. This console packs a lot of power into a compact device with an Intel 11th generation Tiger Lake-u series processor, a 4,266 MHz running frequency, and a 2560 x 1600 resolution. What you get is smooth, seamless operation and crisp, dynamic visuals. You’ll find the usual gaming controls on either side of the handheld device including two joysticks, a classic cross key, ABXY keys, and L and R buttons up top. That way, you can hold the device effortlessly in two hands and get easy access to all the buttons—control should be pretty intuitive even for newbies. Plus, it weighs less than two pounds, so you should have no problem packing it in your bag or holding onto it for hours on end. The console supports games from Steam and Epic, which you can download internally right on the device.

Available at Datablitz.

LG 27GN600 Gaming Monitor (P16,995)

Level up your gaming setup at home with the LG 27GN600 monitor, released locally in November. Designed for incredible speed and fluid gaming motion, this device runs at 144Hz for a sharp frame rate and smooth visuals, allowing for quick response when playing. The 27-inch display promises a dynamic and immersive viewing experience thanks to a 1920 x 1080 resolution and an anti-glare surface as well as rich color and maximum brightness.

Available at Datablitz.

ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (P7,995)

Colorful LED lights, a satisfying mechanical sound mechanism, and battery life  of up to 450 hours? Yup, must be a gaming keyboard. The ASUS ROG Falchion would be a great addition to your gaming setup thanks to its innovative touch panel and near-zero latency 2.4 GHz RF connection. It promises stability and longevity for gameplay, so you can respond rapidly to each new target, opponent, or task and play with no fuss for hours on end. It’s also a more compact keyboard compared to most at just 306 mm in length—perfect for those with limited desk space.

Available at Game One PH.

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