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
I paired this night vision binoculars with my phone — and it helped out with my astrophotography
By John Velasco published
It's my new favorite companion with astrophotography
I sat inside Sony-Honda’s Afeela, and I am not sure if I’m ready for this self-driving EV
By John Velasco published
The Afeela EV, the product behind the Sony Honda Mobility venture, is expected to arrive in 2026 touting autonomous driving. However, I'm still not sure I'm ready for it.
Is the iPhone 16’s Audio Mix feature legit? I put it to the test
By John Velasco published
How good is Audio Mix?
I put the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Since they're arguably the two most popular phones around, this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra face-off will determine for sure what's the better phone.
I drove a Lucid Air Pure EV for a week and I was blown away — here's why
By John Velasco published
Arguably one of the most thoughfully designed EVs on the market, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure puts to shame other electric cars with its class-leading efficiency and range.
I tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra in a slow motion video showdown — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
In this comparison, I test out the slow motion video capture modes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra to see which one does it the best.
I thought free EV charging was a myth, but I finally tried one — here’s what happened
By John Velasco published
I thought free EV chargeing didn't exist anymore, but I finally got the chance to experience it for the first time.
Xfinity Mobile: What is it and is it worth it?
By John Velasco last updated
Comcast offers wireless phone service through Xfinity Mobile. We look at what the service provides and whether it’s a good value.
iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?
By Josh Render last updated
Our iPhone vs. Android face-off will help you figure out which kind of phone is right for you.
I tried astrophotography on my Pixel 9 Pro XL to shoot galaxies, nebulas and star clusters — here’s the results
By John Velasco published
It sees details I can't see with my own eyes
My favorite new gadget attaches to my keychain and goes everywhere I do — and it lets my phone see in the dark
By John Velasco published
I tried the Thermal Master P2 infrared camera to make out any heat signatures when it's pitch black outside. I've also used it to uncover suspicious hot and cold spots throughout my home.
I drove the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe EV for a week — and it's the most fun I've had driving any EV
By John Velasco last updated
The 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is one of the most exciting EVs to drive, thanks partly to its zippy acceleration, tight handling, and eye-catching design.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could beat iPhone 16 Pro Max with this one feature
By John Velasco last updated
With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra expected for early release next year, the company can't afford to again to glaze over the features of Samsung DeX.
Best cheap phones under $300 in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
We've gathered the best cheap phones for those who are on a tight budget. You have to make serious compromises with these devices, but at least they're inexpensive.
I put Apple Image Playground vs Google Pixel Studio to the test — which AI image generator wins?
By John Velasco published
Only the most accurate one can come out on top
Best Metro by T-Mobile phones 2024
By John Velasco last updated
Here are the best Metro by T-Mobile phones, including inexpensive models that won't bust your budget.
I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it’s the weirdest scooter I've ever tried
By John Velasco published
I rode Honda's Motocompacto to see how this strange looking electric scooter handles and whether it could be an ideal commuter scooter.
I tried astrophotography on my iPhone 16 Pro Max to shoot galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters — these were my best captures
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent shooter for low light, so I tried astrophotography to capture some of my favorite deep space objects.
Apple iPhone 16 review: No more Pro envy
By John Velasco last updated
It's really a Pro in disguise given its similar features
Best unlocked phones in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
The best unlocked phones give you the freedom to choose your carrier without being bogged down by payment plans.
I drove a Mazda CX-90 PHEV for a week — and no other EV I’ve tested can match its range
By John Velasco published
You won't have to fill up as frequently with gas
Best cell phone signal boosters 2024
By John Velasco last updated
The best cell phone signal boosters fix poor service at home or on the road. Some even support all carriers.
CMF Phone 1 review: Shockingly good for $239
By John Velasco published
Few phones offer this much value, especially at under $300. In my CMF Phone 1 review, you'll find out how this Nothing made phone stands out.
Nothing Phone 2a glow-in-the-dark edition is exactly what we need more of — there's just one problem
By John Velasco published
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition is the result of a collaboration between Nothing and some of its most loyal fans, resulting in a glow-in-the-dark version of the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.
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