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
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: An excellent AI phone that costs more
By John Velasco published
New records are set here, but in a good and bad way
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7 things iPhone 16 could learn from the Pixel 9
By John Velasco published
Apple has a chance at hitting it out of the park with the iPhone 16 lineup by looking at what Google has done with the Pixel 9 lineup. Here's how.
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I drove the Chevrolet Blazer EV for a week — it ain’t boring anymore
By John Velasco published
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD edition is a mid-size crossover SUV with an EPA-estimated range of 279 miles. Here's all the pros and cons after driving it for a week.
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I don't plan to upgrade to the new Google Pixel 9 Pro — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
After taking a closer look at the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, I've come to the realization that there's less reasoning for me to ditch my Pixel 8 Pro that I've been using for nearly a year. Here's why.
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I just drove Toyota's first EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
As Toyota's only all-electric vehicle, the 2024 Toyota bZ4X limited is big on style, but short on range. I test drove it for a week to uncover what's good and bad with this crossover SUV.
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The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are overrated — this is the Pixel I'd buy
By John Velasco published
There's more incentive to choose the cheapest Pixel
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Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: What's the difference?
By John Velasco last updated
They have a lot more in common than you think
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Made by Google Pixel 9 event — all the biggest announcements in one place
By John Velasco last updated
The Made by Google event has concluded and we wrap up all the exciting device and features announcements from the show — including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3, Gemini Live and more.
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I took over 200 photos with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs Galaxy Z Fold 4 — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
In order to see the gains with a 2-year gap, I shot over 200 photos with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 4 to see which has the better camera performance.
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I put the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — is it worth the upgrade?
By John Velasco last updated
To see what changes Samsung made to its premium phone, we ran a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra comparison. Find out if the new model is worth getting.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL full specs and price just leaked right before Made by Google event
By John Velasco published
Ahead of its Made by Google event, a new leak reveals more of the Pixel 9 Pro XL's specs and how much it could end up costing, as well as hands-on images of the new phones.
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OnePlus Open review: An ambitious foldable phone filled with surprises
By John Velasco last updated
I didn't expect to like the OnePlus Open this much — I was wrong
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I drove a Hyundai Kona Electric for a week — this is one of the best affordable EVs
By John Velasco last updated
I test drove the Hyundai Kona Electric in the Limited trim for a week, and I'm convinced it's one of the best affordable EVs on the market. Here's why.
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OnePlus Open Apex Edition gets the VIP treatment with a more premium design, AI features and more — here’s everything new
By John Velasco published
The best foldable phone gets a little better
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Is Apple Intelligence a game changer or gimmick?
By Ryan Morrison published
Apple Intelligence is coming to iPhone, iPad and Mac over the next year and some speculate it will change how we use computers forever, but what do Tom’s Guide staff think?
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I tried charging a Hyundai Kona Electric at home — here's what happened
By John Velasco published
I got to test drive a 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric for a week, so I wanted to see how it performed with using a Level 1 charger at home. I was surprised by the results.
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5 Apple Intelligence features to try in iOS 18 — here’s what you can do
By John Velasco last updated
Apple Intelligence is available on compatible iPhones running the iOS 18.1 developers beta, which introduces a bunch of new features powered by AI. Here are the ones you should try first.
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I drove a Cadillac Lyriq EV for a week — and it’s one I'd actually buy
By John Velasco published
This isn't your grandpa's Cadillac
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7 ways Pixel 9 Pro XL can beat iPhone 15 Pro Max
By John Velasco published
Big things are in store for the Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: The AI phone that saves you time
By John Velasco last updated
There's much more to the Galaxy S24 Ultra than just the hardware
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Google Maps just got one of Waze’s best features — here’s what’s new
By John Velasco published
Google Maps is getting some Waze-like features in a new update that lets drivers report incidents, like accidents and speed traps. But there's one problem with it.
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I just tried Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro — here’s what I found out
By John Velasco published
Apple Intelligence can be unlocked with the latest iOS 18.1 developer beta, which introduces new AI features never seen before in an iPhone. Here's what I found out about them.
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I thought EVs were supposed to be smarter, but they're actually dumb — here's why
By John Velasco published
Driving a new EV could be imposing, especially with all of their buttons and touch screen displays, but better voice commands and AI could make EVs smarter and safer to drive.
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