Gadgets That Are Unavailable in the Philippines, But We’d Love to Have

When it comes to tech, gadgets, smartphones, laptops, PCs, and video games, for the most part, we get to enjoy what everyone else enjoys from other countries with major tech companies already offering their products in the Philippines. Albeit with most gadgets costing a little bit more than their overseas counterpart.

However, there are just some companies and tech that still haven’t made their way here in the Philippines through their own stores or even via official retailers.

So let’s check out four pieces of tech we wish we had here in the Philippines.

Google Pixel

First is Google’s line of Pixel devices. Especially with smartphones being an integral part of every Filipino’s life, having the Pixel lineup would most definitely be a welcomed addition to the market.

The Google Pixel line has always been regarded as some of the best value for money, especially with its impressive camera setup and photo quality that is said to be some of the best in the industry standing toe to toe among premium Android smartphones and even iPhones.

Then there’s also Google Pixel’s design language with its hardware and Pixel UI, as it offers a unique and different look to the basic Android UI that we see on most smartphones which have somewhat felt very saturated with every brand feeling almost identical to one another.

Currently, the Google Pixel line sees the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7A, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. All of which would be very appealing to a range of buyers and budgets here in the Philippines.

Microsoft Surface

The next is arguably one of the most well-known lineups of laptops other than the MacBooks and Thinkpads, and that is Microsoft’s Surface line of laptops.

Especially those with tight budgets for school or work and for those looking to have a laptop and tablet all in one. The Surface Pro line of devices has always been a popular choice across the world. Just not here in the Philippines since it’s pretty hard to find one.

Some retailers like Villman and Benstore PC do in fact have some Surface devices for sale but are usually priced way above the standard retail price and are limited in stock.

It’s also such a shame since the Surface lineup does offer a great range to people looking for a sleek and light Windows device across all budgets.

Not to mention that all of them feature a 3:2 aspect ratio display, a magnetic charging port, and some feature Alcantara on the laptop deck. All of which lends to the Surface’s reputation of being a premium, high-quality device.

There is the Surface Go and Surface Pro for those looking for a tablet and laptop hybrid. The Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop for those looking for a traditional clamshell ultrabook.

Then there’s also the Surface Laptop Studio for power users and creatives who also want a 2-in-1 form factor. And lastly, the Surface Studio for creatives looking for a premium, all-in-one PC that doubles as a huge drawing tablet.

Chromebooks

Then another laptop line we wish we had here in the Philippines is Chromebooks. Serving as a great and much more affordable option when compared to both Windows laptops and Apple’s MacBooks.

Ideally, Chromebooks are for users who simply need to browse the web or spend most of their time on the Google Chrome browser. Which for the most part is what most of us will be doing 80% of the time.

Although Chromebooks are offered here in the Philippines with retailers such as Datablitz, Gamextreme, and even ASUS all having some Chromebooks for sale. They still haven’t caught on and thus having the Chromebooks offered here being rather low-end tier devices with slower processors, slower storage, and inferior build quality.

But in other parts of the world, Chromebooks have actually become a great alternative with brands like Samsung, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo all investing more in developing Chromebooks that have become premium ultrabooks and now even gaming laptops.

Some of our favorites that we wish made their way here are the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet, and Acer Chromebook Spin 714.

Tesla

Then there’s Tesla. Being the largest car company by market cap, you would think that they would’ve somehow made their way here already.

While technically not a gadget but rather a full-sized car, we thought it would make it part of a list of things we’d like to see make its way here in the Philippines.

For whatever reason it may be for not offering Teslas here in the Philippines, whether it isn’t feasible nor the right time for them to do so or the high price of electricity, we still do wish Tesla would make its way here at some point.

Most especially with all the features like autopilot, caraoke, streaming and video games when stationery, dog mode to keep the aircon on for your pet when you’re away, or even the dancing doors of the Tesla Model X.

Then there’s also the topic that electric cars do sort of make sense here in the Philippines. With most electric cars having ranges of about 500km on a full charge, users can simply go about their day or even make a short road trip and then simply charge before they go to sleep, waking up to a full battery each day.

That may just seem like wishful thinking but who knows? Maybe we’ll get to see Tesla soon make its way here in the Philippines since Elon Musk’s Starlink has already begun offering internet services in the Philippines just a few months back.

So those were just some tech and gadgets we wish we had in the Philippines. What other gadgets do you wish would make their way here?