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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I drove a Chevrolet Equinox EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
After driving the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT, it confidently proves to me that you don't have to spend a huge fortune on an electric vehicle to drive around a family with comfort and ease.
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
I spent 9 months with the Galaxy S24 Ultra — here's what Samsung could learn for the S25 Ultra
By John Velasco published
With a few months before the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be announced, I list all of my pros and cons using the Galaxy S24 Ultra long term.
I’ve driven 20 EVs this year — and this micro e-bike is cooler than all of them
By John Velasco published
I checked out a few new all-electric vehicles I haven't seen before at Electrify Expo NYC, but the coolest thing I saw wasn't even an EV. It was a micro e-bike with a foldable design.
Forget iPhone 17 Pro Max — Snapdragon 8 Elite could beat Apple with the one feature I've been waiting for
By John Velasco last updated
With the announcement of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile platform, it could finally give Android phones the one video camera feature I've been desperately asking for years now.
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