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
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.
I used Apple’s Clean Up and Google’s Magic Eraser on my photos — which one’s the better AI tool?
By John Velasco published
I used Apple Intelligence's new Clean Up feature and Google's Magic Eraser to remove unwanted subjects in my photos. Here's how they turned out.
iOS 18.1 is finally here — 5 Apple Intelligence features you need to try first
By John Velasco published
With the release of iOS 18.1, it finally brings new features you should try on your iPhone first, including all of the Apple Intelligence features that will transform the way you use your device.
iOS 18.1 is finally here — 5 Apple Intelligence features you need to try first
By John Velasco published
With the release of iOS 18.1, it finally brings new features you should try on your iPhone first, including all of the Apple Intelligence features that will transform the way you use your device.
I drove a Chevrolet Equinox EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
After driving the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT, it confidently proves to me that you don't have to spend a huge fortune on an electric vehicle to drive around a family with comfort and ease.
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
I spent 9 months with the Galaxy S24 Ultra — here's what Samsung could learn for the S25 Ultra
By John Velasco published
With a few months before the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be announced, I list all of my pros and cons using the Galaxy S24 Ultra long term.
I’ve driven 20 EVs this year — and this micro e-bike is cooler than all of them
By John Velasco published
I checked out a few new all-electric vehicles I haven't seen before at Electrify Expo NYC, but the coolest thing I saw wasn't even an EV. It was a micro e-bike with a foldable design.
Forget iPhone 17 Pro Max — Snapdragon 8 Elite could beat Apple with the one feature I've been waiting for
By John Velasco last updated
With the announcement of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile platform, it could finally give Android phones the one video camera feature I've been desperately asking for years now.
I drove a Volvo XC40 Recharge EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco last updated
After driving the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate for a week, it's the only EV I've tested this year to offer safety tech that goes beyond just your audible alerts.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Every bit as good as Samsung’s flagship
By John Velasco published
Bigger savings without the compromise
Asus ROG Phone 9 will launch next month with Snapdragon 8 Elite — and it could be the fastest phone ever
By John Velasco published
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Series will be launching next month, featuring Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and it could be one of the fastest phones ever.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max just tipped for big camera upgrades — here’s what’s coming
By John Velasco published
Analyst Jeff Pu reveals all the new camera upgrades expected for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, specifically a much-needed selfie camera boost and a better 48MP telephoto camera.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
Paying more should get you better results
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Control for a month and it's a mess — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
After using the iPhone 16 Camera Control button for over a month, I don't find it helpful at all with streamlining my photo and video taking abilities. Here's why.
I used a solar-panel hat to charge my Galaxy S24 — here’s what happened
By John Velasco published
On a mostly sunny afternoon down by the beach, I tested out the EcoFlow Power Hat to see how much power it can supply my Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.
I drove a Hyundai Ioniq 5 for a week — and it’s one of the best values in a crossover EV
By John Velasco published
I drove a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD for a week and it's one of the best values I've seen in an all-electric crossover SUV with its premium features, excellent handling, and stunning design.
7 ways Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could beat iPhone 16 Pro Max
By John Velasco last updated
Samsung has a tough challenge ahead
I ditched my laptop for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for 2 weeks — here’s what happened
By John Velasco last updated
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 easily costs more than most laptops, so I tried using it exclusively for 2 weeks to see if it can really make me ditch my laptop for work purposes.
I’ve spent 2 months with the Motorola Razr+ 2024 and it’s my favorite flip foldable phone of the year — lowest price ever on Amazon now
By John Velasco published
October Prime Day has it down to its all-time lowest on Amazon
I drove the Lexus RZ 450e EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
Toyota's first stab at an EV with the bZ4X came up short, but the Lexus RZ 450e is a much more satisfying first attempt at an all-electric vehicle for the luxury Japanese car maker.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
Since there's a two year gap between the two, I captured over 200 photos between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max to uncover what differences they have with their cameras.
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