There are so many tech and gadget releases every year, and as this year comes to a close, the Manila Bulletin TechNews team submitted our favorite tech items of 2025.
realme 14 Pro 5G
In photography, there is a saying- “the best camera that you can have is the one that you have right now” and I guess in a way, that also goes the same for smartphones.The realme 14 Pro 5G and I have been through a lot this year. From having it with me on a water tubing ride through a river in Tanay, submerging it in a beach in Batangas, to helping me capture photos and videos in Hong Kong. The realme 14 Pro 5G has been able to keep up with me-from content creation, to editorial work. It's interesting how much work I get done just through my phone, replying to emails, writing and editing while on the go. All through the realme 14 Pro 5G on the palm of my hand. You won’t believe how many photos were saved thanks to the AI erase feature.
Sony BRAVIA 2 II 55″
The Sony BRAVIA 2 II 55″ is a 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV that delivers sharp, detailed visuals with a 3840 × 2160 resolution and HDR support for enhanced contrast and color. Running on Google TV, it offers easy access to popular streaming apps along with voice control via Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in. Powered by Sony’s 4K Processor X1 and 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling, it improves lower-resolution content to near-4K clarity. With multiple HDMI and USB ports, plus built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it ensures flexible connectivity, while Dolby Atmos support provides a more immersive audio experience.
UGREEN magnetic power bank
My favorite tech item of 2025 is this UGREEN magnetic power bank because it solves the daily reality of staying powered without dragging around a nest of cables. The strong magnetic attachment means I can just snap it onto the back of my iPhone and go, while the option to plug in for faster wired charging makes it versatile whether I’m at a cafe or rushing out the door. With enough battery to keep my day running and a compact size that fits in any pocket or bag, it’s the kind of everyday essential that quietly keeps my phone alive without drama — so I literally never leave the house without it.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 4G
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 4G is my favorite tech item of 2025 because it perfectly fits my on-the-go, tech-centric lifestyle by delivering a rare balance of affordability, reliability, and everyday practicality. Its built-in 4G connectivity allows me to stay productive and connected anywhere -- whether I’m covering events, attending meetings, or consuming content without relying on Wi-Fi -- while the large display makes reading, writing, and media viewing genuinely comfortable. Paired with support for the Redmi Smart Pen, it becomes an even more capable tool for note-taking, quick sketches, annotations, and planning on the fly. Performance remains smooth for multitasking and daily productivity, and the battery life easily powers through long days of use. What truly makes it stand out is how it quietly becomes indispensable: a dependable companion for work, learning, and entertainment that consistently delivers where it matters most.
There is much speculation and “fearless forecast” into what 2026 would bring in terms of tech and gadgets, from increasing prices due to the RAM and SSD shortage, to AI being more evident in the different industries and sectors around us. Whatever the new trend will be, there is still that curious nature in all of us to see how technology will be part of our lives.