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

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge — latest news and everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung teased us with a video of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which looks to be a thin version of its just-introduced flagship. But what else can we expect from this new device? And when will it arrive?

Best phones 2025 tested — February top picks
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best phones you can buy at a wide range of prices based on our extensive testing and head-to-head comparisons.

Best iPhones in 2025: Which iPhone should you buy?
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best iPhones for every need and budget based on our reviews.

I review phones for a living — and this is the budget phone I recommend to friends and family
By Philip Michaels published
Motorola has come out with two new Moto G phones already in 2025, and they prove that the phone maker really knows what it's doing when it comes to cheap phones that deliver good value.

iPhone 16e battery life tested — how it measures up to other iPhones
By Philip Michaels published
Apple says the iPhone 16e has the longest-lasting battery of any 6.1-inch phone it's ever made. Let's test that claim.

Best Verizon phone deals for February 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.

OnePlus Open 2 could have been the best foldable of the year — so why is it not happening?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new OnePlus Open wouldn't just mean an exciting new device — it would also keep other foldable phone makers on their toes.

Best phone battery life in 2025: The longest lasting smartphones
By Philip Michaels last updated
These phones held out for at least 14 hours in our test to offer the best phone battery life.

The Moto G Power (2025) promises long battery life — I found out if it could deliver
By Philip Michaels published
The latest version of the Moto G Power delivers the long battery life you'd expect. But it may not be the best long-lasting option for bargain hunters.

Best unlimited data plans in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Lots of wireless carriers promise limitless data, but only one can have the best unlimited data plan. Here’s the plan you should sign up for to save money.

iPhone 17 Air rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The slimmest iPhone ever could be arriving in 2025, but you may want to start saving now.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e — here's 3 ways Google can beat Apple
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16e could soon be joined by the Pixel 9a, as Google releases a midrange phone of its own. Here's what's going to determine which is the best alternative to pricier flagships.

What is Mint Mobile, and is it worth it?
By Jordan Palmer last updated
Mint Mobile offers big savings on your wireless bill if you pay for a year of service upfront. Here's what you need to know.

The best prepaid phone plans in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best prepaid phone plans can save you money on your monthly cell phone bill. Here are the best options we found from a variety of carriers.

iPhone 16e — everything you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple has announced its latest phone, the iPhone 16e and here's everything we know about the device.

Best Mint Mobile plans 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best Mint Mobile plans feature some of the cheapest prices right now — here's how to save on your monthly wireless phone service.

Best mobile hotspots in 2025
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.

Best cell phone plans in 2025: The best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.

I covered Samsung's Galaxy S25 launch and I saw 5 things Apple should learn for its iPhone releases
By Philip Michaels published
Apple could learn a few lessons from what Samsung announced when it showed off the Galaxy S25 models last month.

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.

iPhone SE 4 coming soon — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
With an iPhone SE 4 launch looming, here are all the top rumors surrounding the upcoming device.

Best GPS tracker for kids in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids can help pinpoint a lost child’s location, giving worried parents some peace of mind.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 17 Air: What we know so far
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung has already show off the Galaxy S25 Edge, while Apple reportedly has an iPhone 17 Air in the works. It sets the stage for a battle of slim phones.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!