Frugal or Freak?
Would you rather spend less and enjoy the same features or would you indulge in luxury with these year-end treats for yourself and your family? This holiday season, we are giving you the freedom to choose between these frugal or freak.
Wireless Earphones
Nothing gives better freedom and mobility while enjoying your favorite music and podcasts than a pair of true wireless earbuds. There are plenty of brands that promise to deliver the best sound quality, better connectivity and impressive battery life. China tech giant, Xiaomi launched Airdots Pro and is head on with Apple Airpods 2 in this category.
What to consider when buying?
- Sound Quality
- Connectivity
- Fit
- Features
- Value for Money
Frugal
Xiaomi Airdots Pro
Less than PHP 3,000.00
+ Noise cancellation capabilities
+ 150 hours Standby time
+ Voice control
+ IPX4 Water resistance
– Poor fit
– No earbud controls
Freak
Apple Airpods 2
PHP 11,790.00
+ Easy switch between devices
+ Long battery life
+ Comfort fit
+ Voice control
– Poor built
– Expensive
Essential Oil Diffuser
One of the best lifestyle gadgets to equip your home with is an essential oil diffuser. Aside from keeping your home scented, the type of diffuser you choose can also introduce aromatherapy benefits to you and your family. Muji Aroma Diffuser lives up to the brand identity of being minimalist, while Young Living Desert Mist sports a décor and chic design.
What to consider when buying?
- Compatibility with Essential Oils
- Area of Effect / Coverage
- Automatic Settings
- Noise and Vibration
Frugal
Muji Aroma Diffuser
PHP 3,950.00
+ Ultrasonic diffuser
+ Timer
+ Good coverage and output
+ Compatible with most essential oils
– Aftersales service and repair
– Non-specialty brand
Freak
Young Living Desert Mist Diffuser
PHP 4,810.00
+ Mode settings/Timer
+ Mood light options
+ Humidifier and atomizer
+ Elegant design
– Proprietary essential oils
– Expensive
Cordless Vacuum
Keeping your place spick and span is effortless with a cordless vacuum. This type of vacuum has a rechargeable battery and allows you to roam around your home and clean every corner. These products that we are featuring in this category ups the game with their handheld convertability. Let’s take a look at Electrolux 2-in1 Allergy Ergorapido Vacuum Cleaner and Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum.
What to consider when buying?
- Battery Life
- Type of Flooring
- Local Dealership for Parts and Repairs
- Wet-Dry Capability
Frugal
Electrolux 2-in-1 Allergy Ergorapido Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
PHP 11,995.00
+ Convertible into a handheld cordless vacuum
+ Self-cleaning rush roll
+ Mattress deep-cleaning feature
+ Battery lasts up to 48 minutes
– Squeaking noise
– Dry vacuum only
Freak
Dyson V11 Fluffy Cordless Vacuum
PHP 42,500.00
+ Multi-surface cleaning
+ Battery lasts up to 60 minutes
+ Quiet operation
+ LED Display
– Smaller vacuum bag
– High price point
Action Camera
Content is king! If you need vibrant action photos for your social media platforms, you need an all-weather action camera to take with you everywhere. Your travel, outdoor leisure and sports activity photos take the next level with Supremo 4K Pro and GoPro Hero 7. Take nothing but photos and videos, kill nothing but time with these gadgets.
What to consider when buying?
- Durability
- Underwater / All-weather Capabilities
- Bundles and Accessorites
- WiFi and Pairing Capabilities
Frugal
Supremo 4k Pro
PHP 3,880.00
+ 40M waterproof
+ Slow motion mode
+ 4k at 24fps, 1440P, 1080P
+ Equipped with Sony IMX sensor
– Poor low light performance
– Accessories are not easily available
Freak
GoPro Hero 7
PHP 19,990.00
+ Waterproof up to 10M even without a case
+ Easy switch between photo, video and time-lapse
+ Video stabilization
+ 4k at 24fps, 1440P, 1080P
– Screen sensitivity issue
– Short battery life
Considering GoPro Hero 7? GoPro Hero 8 is coming out soon and you might want to wait for it. We heard they have really cool upgrades like enhanced stabilization and better touchscreen response.
Smartwatch / Fitness Band
Aside from the opportunity to #ownyourwellness through our in-office fitness and wellness activities, you can track your progress, stay mindful of your sleeping habits, and keep up with your daily targets by purchasing a smartwatch and fitness band that can do all of these. Sync them with your phone and get real-time notifications and updates from your favorite apps. Xiaomi Amazfit Bip and Apple Watch Series 5 look similar at a glance, let’s compare them further.
What to consider when buying?
- Device and OS Compatibilities
- Personalization Features
- Compatible Apps
- Fitness Features
Frugal
Xiaomi Amazfit Bip
+ IP68 Waterproof
+ Battery lasts 30 days with a single charge
+ Excellent sleep and activity tracking
+ 80-90% accuracy heart rate monitor
– Low resolution display
– Limited app notification
Freak
Apple Watch Series 5
+ 32GB capacity storage for apps
+ ECG
+ 50M water resistance
+ Compass
– Short battery life
– Mediocre sleep tracking
This gift-giving season, open yourself up to options based on your budget, your need and the recipient’s personality. Although these gadgets’ capabilities and specifications are close to one another, there are unique features that will surely make the other one stand-out. Aside from the price, features and design, you may also take a look at the service life, accessories and upgradability. Spend wisely!