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
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.
Not a typo — Mint Mobile cuts the price of unlimited data in half for a full year
By Philip Michaels published
Mint Mobile has cut the monthly rate of its unlimited data plan by half when you sign up for a year of service with the low-cost phone carrier.
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.
I just tested the new iOS 18.2 Apple Intelligence features — and I'm surprisingly underwhelmed
By Philip Michaels published
Up until now, I've liked what I've seen from Apple Intelligence. But the big additions in iOS 18.2 don't quite deliver what I want from AI on my iPhone.
iOS 18.2 LIVE — latest Apple Intelligence features and how to use them
By Jeff Parsons, Philip Michaels last updated
Apple's iOS 18.2 update is rolling out now to iPhones worldwide and brings with it a raft of new features — including Apple Intelligence
iOS 18 review: A solid update with Apple’s first steps toward AI
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your iPhone gains some new features, as Apple Intelligence arrives for some
iOS 18.2 lets you change your default phone and messaging apps — here's how
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18.2 lets you change your default app for more tasks than ever before. Here's what you can change and where you'll find the new setting.
Best Verizon phone plans for 2025: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.
Cellular bills are out of control — and this unlimited deal for $30 a month puts the big carriers to shame
By Philip Michaels published
A deal at Visible lets new customers cut the price of the phone carrier's unlimited data plans for the next 25 months when they sign up with a special promo code.
iPhone 17 Pro rumor points to a big design change — and I think it's garbage
By Philip Michaels published
A rumor claims that Apple will move away from titanium frames for its iPhone 17 Pro models. But that claim doesn't seem to fit in with how Apple markets its Pro phones.
Rumored OnePlus 13R specs look promising, but there's one thing missing
By Philip Michaels published
The OnePlus 12R was one of my favorite phones last year. The OnePlus 13R will soon replace it, but can it live up to the 12R's standard?
iOS 18 has a neat shortcut to resize your home screen widgets — here's how it works
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18 adds a quick way to change the size of any widget on your home screen. Here's where to find that shortcut.
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. OnePlus 13: Which will be the best Android phone of 2025?
By Philip Michaels published
Get ready for an early Android phone face-off
With Samsung Galaxy S25 launch, AI will take center stage
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 will see some notable hardware changes, but Galaxy AI should highlight the phone's launch next month. But what can we expect to see in terms of new AI features?
Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Here’s the budget phone you should get
By Philip Michaels published
Both the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 promise a lot of value for not much cash. But which of these sub-$500 phones should you get?
The best cheap cell phone plans 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Want to keep your monthly wireless bill under $40? We've found the best cheap cell phone plans from several different carriers that help you save.
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