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 may not produce a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold model this year — why that's a missed opportunity
By Philip Michaels published
A new report claims the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE won't appear this year after all. If true, Samsung is making a mistake by not coming out with a less expensive foldable.
iPhone 16 Pro — all the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 16 Pro won't arrive until next fall, but that's not stopping rumors from appearing now. Here's an early look at what we know so far about the iPhone 16 Pro.
I just tried Google’s 3D video conferencing tool launching next year — here’s what Project Starline is like
By Philip Michaels published
Google's been working on Project Starline, which uses 3D imaging, AI, and other technologies to make your video conferences more personal. Google and HP plan to bring the product to market in 2025.
Best phone carriers of 2024
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.
iOS 17.5 is out now — here are the new iPhone features
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 17.5 mostly brings bug fixes, but there are some new additions to Apple News Plus, along with a cross-platform tracking detection feature developed with Google.
Forget the Pixel 7a — the Pixel 8a is now the cheap phone to beat
By Philip Michaels last updated
Typically, when a new phone like the Pixel 8a launches, the price on its predecessor drops. But that hasn't happened yet for the Pixel 7a.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung is already at work prepping the next premium flagship for its lineup. Here's what we've heard about the Galaxy S25 Ultra ahead of its 2025 launch.
Google I/O 2024 announcements — all the big Gemini AI and Android 15 news
By Philip Michaels published
Get all the latest news from Google I/O as Google holds its annual developers conference, where the focus figures to be on artificial intelligence and Android among other Google products.
Best mobile hotspots in 2024
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
Netflix and charge? Google Cast support coming to EVs
By Philip Michaels published
Rivian EVs will be the first to offer Google Cast support for when you're charging your vehicle
Google I/O 2024 — 7 best Gemini AI demos you need to see
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google I/O isn't just about keynote announcements. There are also demos and hands-on opportunities with the new technology. Here's what stood out for our managing editor for mobile.
Gmail is getting a big AI boost from Gemini — here’s all the new features
By Philip Michaels published
Gmail is getting tools that summarize conversations and produce more contextual smart replies thanks to the Gemini Ai model. Here's what you can expect.
Metro by T-Mobile launches Metro Flex to reward customers that stick around
By Philip Michaels published
The newly launched Metro Flex plans from Metro by T-Mobile give you a new phone up front and access to the same deals as new customers in the future.
Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases can keep Apple's most expensive phone looking like new, especially if you happen to drop it.
Google I/O 2024 preview: Everything we expect to be announced
By Philip Michaels last updated
Expect the focus of this week's Google I/O 2024 to fall on AI and its place in all sorts of Google products. Here's your last-minute guide on what to expect from this week's Googke event.
Best Verizon phone deals for May 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2024: Possible dates, potential products and what to expect
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event figures to take place this summer. Here's a look at when it could happen and all the products we're expecting to see.
Apple News Plus adds another word game with iOS 17.5 update — here's how to play
By Philip Michaels published
The iOS 17.5 update to Apple's iPhone software brings two changes to Apple News Plus — a new word game called Quartiles and an offline mode for reading when you have no network connection.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Biggest changes to expect
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors point to some big moves for the iPhone 16 Pro compared to its predecessor. Here's how an iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro face-off looks like it could shake out.
iOS 18: Possible release date, new features, supported devices and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's what we know so far about the next major update to Apple's iPhone software
You can buy a year's worth of cell phone service in advance — but should you?
By Philip Michaels published
Prepaying for a year can lead to big savings, if you can swing the upfront payment
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 6a: Should you upgrade?
By Philip Michaels published
If you bought a Pixel 6a when it first came out, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. Our Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a comparison looks at all the changes from one model to the next.
Blue-green bubble divide — the state of iOS and Android messaging and how it’s about to change
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you're frustrated when between iPhones and Android devices, relief could be here sooner than you know it. Here's what to expect with the addition of RCS support to the iPhone's Messages app.