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 Slim — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors claim Samsung is going to produce a thinner version of next year's flagship as an experiment. Here's all the Galaxy S25 rumors we've heard about this new phone.
I shot 200 photos with the OnePlus 13R and Google Pixel 8a — here's the best cheap camera phone
By Philip Michaels published
You don't have to pay big bucks to get great photos, as both the OnePlus 13R and Pixel 8a prove. But which camera phone is the better buy? We took 200 photos to find out.
Galaxy S25 AI features — I asked the Tom's Guide staff what they want to see
By Philip Michaels published
Galaxy AI will be the focus when Samsung introduces its new Galaxy S25 phones. But which features should be a part of this update? We've got a few ideas.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung will soon show off its next premium flagship phone. Here's what we've heard about the Galaxy S25 Ultra ahead of its likely debut at Galaxy Unpacked.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Official date, Samsung Galaxy S25 launch plans and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung will hold its first big product launch of the year in a matter of days. Here's when Galaxy Unpacked 2025 will happen and what we expect to see.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Unpacked event: 5 biggest unanswered questions
By Philip Michaels last updated
With Galaxy Unpacked getting underway on January 22, Samsung will fill in the missing details about its upcoming Galaxy S25 phones. These are the 5 biggest questions we have ahead of the event.
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.
The iPhone SE 4 is going to be Apple's most exciting phone release this year — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly introduce a lot of welcome changes should it arrive as expected in a few months. That would make this phone Apple's most significant release all year.
Best Verizon phone deals for January 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.
iPhone SE 4 — all the rumors and what we want to see
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple could have another iPhone SE with a new look in the pipeline. Here's what we've heard so far about iPhone SE 4 rumors.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra battery and charging rumors — what you need to know
By Philip Michaels published
Here's what we've heard about the battery and charging speed changes tipped for all three of Samsung's Galaxy S25 models ahead of their likely launch this month.
Best cable modems in 2025: Say goodbye to equipment rental fees for good
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
These are the best cable modems for your home or office so that you don't need to waste money each month renting one from your ISP.
iPhone Flip: Has Apple already missed its moment to make a foldable phone?
By Philip Michaels published
A new report has a foldable iPhone in development. But with reports that demand is dropping for foldables, will it be too late for Apple to come out with an iPhone Flip?
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 buy months of service up front. Here's what you need to know.
Best phone carriers of 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to find the best phone carrier for your wireless service? Here's how the top providers rank based on data speeds, phone selection and more.
I put OnePlus 13R vs Google Pixel 8a through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
Can OnePlus topple Google?
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.
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.
OnePlus 13R review: A flagship phone in every way but price
By Philip Michaels last updated
Improve cameras, better battery life — so what's the catch?
Best phones 2025 tested — January 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.
iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple's foldable phone plans
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone Flip could be Apple's first foldable phone. Here's what we know so far.
OnePlus 13R is proof you never need to spend big on a flagship again — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Midrange phones like the OnePlus 13R are making fewer trade-offs while offering lower prices than their flagship counterparts.
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.
We've tested the best Android phones available right now from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our list of the best Android phones at every size and for every budget will help you make the right choice.
It’s almost time for a Galaxy S25 upgrade decision — here’s where I’m leaning after this week's leaks
By Philip Michaels published
With Galaxy Unpacked a little more than a week away, it's nearly time to decide whether to upgrade to a new Galaxy S25. The latest revelations about the phone are helping clarify that decision.
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