Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels
The iPhone SE 4's rumored iPhone 16E name is a promising sign — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone SE 4 may have a new name that suggests Apple Intelligence features are very much part of the mix for Apple's least expensive phone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 could come with this great AI freebie for millions
By Philip Michaels published
Uncovered code indicates that the Galaxy S25 may include different tiers of free access to Gemini Advanced depending on which model you buy.
10 most anticipated phones of 2025: iPhone 17 Air, Galaxy S25 Ultra and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
From the Galaxy S25 launch at the start of the year to the iPhone 17 in the fall, we're expecting to see a lot of phones in 2025. Here's a look at some of the biggest expected releases.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Biggest expected upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
With iPhone 17 Pro Max rumors coming into focus, here's how the upcoming phone could compare to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The best (and worst) AI phone features in 2024
By Philip Michaels published
From Google AI to Apple Intelligence, it was a big year for AI features on the phone. Here's the additions that delivered and the ones that failed to impress.
What to expect from iPhones in 2025: iPhone 17 Air, iPhone SE 4 and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
It's going to be a packed year for iPhone news, with more Apple Intelligence features and new hardware throughout the year. Here's what to expect from the iPhone 17 and more in 2025.
I test phones for a living — and these 10 phones had the longest battery life of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Every time we review a phone, we put it through our battery test to see how long it lasts on a charge. And phones are lasting longer than ever based on the results we saw in 2024.
OnePlus 13R vs. OnePlus 12R: Biggest expected upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Can the next midrange phone from OnePlus surpass its outstanding predecessor? Our OnePlus 13R vs. OnePlus 12R comparison tries to find out.
I tested the transcriptions on iPhone Voice Memos vs. Google Recorder — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels published
Both the Voice Memos app on iPhones and Recorder app on Google Pixel devices can transcribe recordings. But which one does it better?
You can bring the volume slider back to your iPhone lock screen in iOS 18.2 — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
After two years of being MIA, the on-screen volume slider returns to the iPhone's lock screen — if you know which setting to adjust in iOS 18.2.
11 iOS 18.2 features to try on your iPhone first — that aren't Apple Intelligence
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18.2 is getting a lot of attention for its Apple Intelligence features. But the software update brings lots of different changes to the iPhone. Here's a guide to what's new.
Samsung Galaxy S25 rumored for price hike — and that would be a huge mistake
By Philip Michaels published
All signs point to at least some Galaxy S25 models costing more than last year's Samsung flagships. But are the rumored changes enough to justify paying more for a new phone?
Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how the best cell phone plans for seniors compare, ranging from the cheapest to best unlimited options.
iOS 18.2 brings huge upgrades to Photos — here's all the new features
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18.2 isn't just about Apple Intelligence. There are new organizational features in the Photos app you should know about.
iPhone SE 4 rumored upgrade sets the stage for a big Pixel 8a showdown
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be getting an upgraded camera. Just how could the upgrade is will determine if Apple's device can unseat the Pixel 8a as the best cheap phone.
This is the most underrated Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 18.2
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18.2 adds a Describe Your Change feature to Writing Tools that really improves the ability of Apple Intelligence to change the tone of your writing.
I review iPhones, and these are the iPhone 16 models I'd pick as gifts
By Philip Michaels published
If someone on your shopping list needs an iPhone, we can help you pick the right model at the right price.
Apple Intelligence release date — what's available now and what's coming in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple Intelligence features are now available in betas for iPhone, iPads and Mac. Here's what's available and when the full release is coming.
Samsung XR headset unveiled along with Android's new platform — meet the Apple Vision Pro killer
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google has announced a new Android XR platform for headsets and glasses, and Samsung confirmed that its headset will be the first device to come out next year.
Best mobile hotspots in 2025
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Price, release date, features and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers an improved camera, bigger battery and a lot more Galaxy AI capabilities. Here's what's new with this foldable flip phone and how much you'll pay for it.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro — here's what's different
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro looks at how Google's entry-level flagship differs from the Pro version now that they have the same sized screens.
My favorite movie of the year is a great choice for family get-togethers — and you can stream it right now
By Philip Michaels published
'Hundreds of Beavers' turned out to be a surprise hit this year. The slapstick comedy is the sort of movie the entire family can watch together.
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