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
I bought an iPhone 15 ahead of the iPhone 16 launch — and I don’t regret it
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16 certainly introduces some key enhancements. But if you bought a phone ahead of Apple's iPhone 16 launch, you shouldn't be kicking yourself. Here's why.
4 reasons to buy iPhone 15 over iPhone 16 — and what you’re giving up
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 15 remains a part of Apple's current phone lineup, selling at a lower price. Here's what to consider if you opt for the older model over the iPhone 16.
Best T-Mobile cell phone plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our guide to the best T-Mobile cell phone plans can help you find a great price on wireless coverage for families, seniors or anyone who needs unlimited data.
Best AT&T phone plans in 2024: What's right for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for a monthly data plan at AT&T? Here's what you can expect to pay whether you're signing up for one of AT&T's best data plans for families or individuals.
Apple 'Glowtime' event latest news — iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4 and more
By Philip Michaels, Mark Spoonauer last updated
Apple's Glowtime product launch event introduced us to the iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4. Get all the details on these products, plus the other updates Apple announced.
iPhone 16 Pro — 7 reasons to upgrade and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple made some big upgrades to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. But are they enough to convince you to buy either phone? Here's our pros and cons.
iPhone 16 — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Should the iPhone 16 be your next phone? Here are the pros and cons.
I’ve covered every iPhone launch since 2007 — these are the 7 best moments
By Philip Michaels published
I was there when Apple released the first iPhone in 2007, and I haven't missed a launch since then. Here's the moments that stand out from over the years.
Apple 'It’s Glowtime' event — 7 biggest announcements we’re excited to see
By Richard Priday last updated
With just a few days to go until the Apple September event, TG staffers answer the question of what they're looking forward to seeing announced on stage in Cupertino.
'Glowtime' event won't feature an iPhone SE 4 surprise — but maybe it should
By Philip Michaels published
Other midrange devices are passing the iPhone by
iPhone 16 release date — when can you buy a new iPhone?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A date is set for Apple's iPhone 16 event. But how soon after the September 9 event will you be able to get a new iPhone?
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you've got an iPhone 14, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. Our iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14 face-off looks at likely changes coming to the new handsets.
I’ve been following iPhone 16 rumors for a year — here’s the biggest upgrades for each model
By Philip Michaels published
Apple is rumored to be planning lots of changes for the iPhone 16 models. But let's focus on the biggest potential upgrade for each of the four models likely to debut September 9.
iPhone 16 — this is Apple’s secret weapon against Android phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
The new iPhone 16 should be powered by Apple's A18 chip. Here's everything you need to know.
Google Pixel 8a arrives — price, specs and AI features
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 8a has arrived, and we've got all the details on price, features, and more. Here's a look at what's new with the Pixel 8a.
I've covered every iPhone launch — these are my 5 biggest questions about the iPhone 16
By Philip Michaels published
We potentially know a lot about the new iPhones — but not everything. With a September 9 launch date looming, here's what we still need to learn about the iPhone 16.
I shot over 200 photos with the Google Pixel Pro 9 vs iPhone 15 Pro — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels published
The Pixel ramps up the pressure on Apple's cameras
Google Pixel 9 can record and summarize your phone calls — here's how to use Call Notes
By Philip Michaels published
Never forget important call details again
Wait for the iPhone 17? Here's why you shouldn't put off an iPhone 16 upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Rumors of the iPhone 17 coming out in 2025 have some people wondering if they should wait until next year to get a new iPhone. But that overlooks the big improvements expected from the iPhone 16.
Apple event set for September 9 — iPhone 16, new Apple Watch 10 and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple plans to hold a product event on Monday, September 9. It hasn't hinted at what's coming, but we'll almost certainly see the iPhone 16 along with other new devices.
Should you buy iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 15 price drop?
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 16 launch won't just mean new phones from Apple In addition to the new models, Apple figures to keep around some of its current iPhones at reduced prices.
iPhone 16 Pro needs to steal this one upgrade from Pixel 9 — and it has nothing to do with AI
By Philip Michaels published
Pixel 9 displays have raised the stakes — here's how Apple could respond
I put the Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
Let's look at how the Google Pixel 9 Pro fares against the iPhone 15 Pro — and what the match-up tells us about what's facing the iPhone 16 Pro ahead of its release.
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