John Velasco
John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
Latest articles by John Velasco
Get an iPhone 16 Pro for free! Here's the best Black Friday iPhone deals happening right now
By John Velasco last updated
Many of them don't even require a trade in
Is the iPhone 16’s Audio Mix feature legit? I put it to the test
By John Velasco published
How good is Audio Mix?
I put the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Since they're arguably the two most popular phones around, this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra face-off will determine for sure what's the better phone.
I drove a Lucid Air Pure EV for a week and I was blown away — here's why
By John Velasco published
Arguably one of the most thoughfully designed EVs on the market, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure puts to shame other electric cars with its class-leading efficiency and range.
I tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra in a slow motion video showdown — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
In this comparison, I test out the slow motion video capture modes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra to see which one does it the best.
Samsung Galaxy S25: All the rumors so far
By John Velasco last updated
Rumors and news about the Samsung Galaxy S25 are starting to ramp up, so we detail everything we know about the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
I thought free EV charging was a myth, but I finally tried one — here’s what happened
By John Velasco published
I thought free EV chargeing didn't exist anymore, but I finally got the chance to experience it for the first time.
iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?
By Josh Render last updated
Our iPhone vs. Android face-off will help you figure out which kind of phone is right for you.
I tried astrophotography on my Pixel 9 Pro XL to shoot galaxies, nebulas and star clusters — here’s the results
By John Velasco published
It sees details I can't see with my own eyes
My favorite new gadget attaches to my keychain and goes everywhere I do — and it lets my phone see in the dark
By John Velasco published
I tried the Thermal Master P2 infrared camera to make out any heat signatures when it's pitch black outside. I've also used it to uncover suspicious hot and cold spots throughout my home.
I drove the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe EV for a week — and it's the most fun I've had driving any EV
By John Velasco last updated
The 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is one of the most exciting EVs to drive, thanks partly to its zippy acceleration, tight handling, and eye-catching design.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could beat iPhone 16 Pro Max with this one feature
By John Velasco last updated
With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra expected for early release next year, the company can't afford to again to glaze over the features of Samsung DeX.
Best cheap phones under $300 in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
We've gathered the best cheap phones for those who are on a tight budget. You have to make serious compromises with these devices, but at least they're inexpensive.
I put Apple Image Playground vs Google Pixel Studio to the test — which AI image generator wins?
By John Velasco published
Only the most accurate one can come out on top
Best Metro by T-Mobile phones 2024
By John Velasco last updated
Here are the best Metro by T-Mobile phones, including inexpensive models that won't bust your budget.
I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it’s the weirdest scooter I've ever tried
By John Velasco published
I rode Honda's Motocompacto to see how this strange looking electric scooter handles and whether it could be an ideal commuter scooter.
I tried astrophotography on my iPhone 16 Pro Max to shoot galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters — these were my best captures
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent shooter for low light, so I tried astrophotography to capture some of my favorite deep space objects.
Best foldable phones of 2024
By John Velasco last updated
More phone makers than ever are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
Apple iPhone 16 review: No more Pro envy
By John Velasco last updated
It's really a Pro in disguise given its similar features
I drove a Mazda CX-90 PHEV for a week — and no other EV I’ve tested can match its range
By John Velasco published
You won't have to fill up as frequently with gas
Visual Intelligence finally gives Apple its version of Google Lens — here’s how to use it
By John Velasco published
With the iOS 18.2 developer beta, it unlocks Apple Intelligence to give the iPhone 16 new searching powers with the help of the Camera Control button.
CMF Phone 1 review: Shockingly good for $239
By John Velasco published
Few phones offer this much value, especially at under $300. In my CMF Phone 1 review, you'll find out how this Nothing made phone stands out.
Nothing Phone 2a glow-in-the-dark edition is exactly what we need more of — there's just one problem
By John Velasco published
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition is the result of a collaboration between Nothing and some of its most loyal fans, resulting in a glow-in-the-dark version of the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.
I used Apple’s Clean Up and Google’s Magic Eraser on my photos — which one’s the better AI tool?
By John Velasco published
I used Apple Intelligence's new Clean Up feature and Google's Magic Eraser to remove unwanted subjects in my photos. Here's how they turned out.
iOS 18.1 is finally here — 5 Apple Intelligence features you need to try first
By John Velasco published
With the release of iOS 18.1, it finally brings new features you should try on your iPhone first, including all of the Apple Intelligence features that will transform the way you use your device.
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