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

Google gives up and officially teases Pixel 10 amidst avalanche of leaks
By John Velasco last updated
Google just released its first Pixel 10 teaser showing the back of the phone, while other leaked renders show it in other bolder colors.

I drove the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 EV for a week — and it’s the epitome of luxury driving
By John Velasco published
I used to think I knew what it takes to be luxury, but the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Sedan redefines my perception after driving one for a week.

I put the Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Razr Ultra (2025) through a 10-round photo shootout — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
Two new foldable phones demand your attention, but in a Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Razr Ultra (2025) photo shootout, only one can come out on top.

I just tried the new Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to replace my laptop — here's the good and the bad
By John Velasco published
I've waited a long time for it, but the Galaxy Z Flip 7 finally adds Samsung DeX support and adds even more depth to the phone.

The best electric cars in 2025
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best electric cars and trucks you can buy now, including Kia, Lucid, Chevrolet and more.

iPhone 17 Air — here’s what Apple could learn from Samsung’s thin phone releases
By John Velasco published
With the iPhone 17 Air reportedly launching later this fall, Apple has time to assess its thin phone after Samsung's two big releases, the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7.

I drove the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid for a week — here’s my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige looks more SUV than minivan, but after driving it for a week, it proves that it has the range of smaller, more efficient vehicles.

I thought this Galaxy Z Flip 7 pre-order deal for $499 was a scam — but it's actually one of my favorite Prime Day phone deals
By John Velasco last updated
Google Fi Wireless has what's arguably the best Galaxy Z Flip 7 deal for Prime Day because it doesn't require a lengthy contract commitment or trade-ins. You'll save 54% off instantly.

Too good to be true! Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL for $400 off right now for Prime Day
By John Velasco published
Amazon dropped the price of the Pixel 9 Pro XL to $749 for Prime Day, but Mint Mobile actually has the better deal that makes it $699.

7 ways Galaxy Z Flip 7 beats Razr Ultra (2025)
By John Velasco published
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 boasts bigger upgrades than previous models, but it also gives the Razr Ultra (2025) stiff competition. Here's all the ways the Z Flip 7 is better.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2025 — Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8 and everything to expect
By John Velasco last updated
It's going to be a packed show for sure on July 9

I tested the AI photo editing tools for iPhone vs Google Pixel vs Samsung Galaxy — and there’s a clear winner
By John Velasco published
I've been testing out all the different AI photo editing features from Apple, Google, and Samsung to tell you which one is the best.

I drove the Volvo EX30 for a week — and it’s the EV I’d buy with my own money
By John Velasco published
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is an all-electric sub-compact SUV for less than $50,000, and it offers one of the most impressive packages with its zippy performance, unconventional design philosophy, and more.

I tried new AirPods features with the iOS 26 beta — and Apple missed an opportunity to add this killer feature
By John Velasco published
In iOS 26, Apple adds new features to the AirPods, like studio-quality audio recording and camera controls. But the update is overlooking one feature that could be game changing.

I just gave my home the ultimate smart light upgrade — and I can control it all with my phone
By John Velasco published
I installed the Wiz HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight on my bedroom TV and it changes the way I think about smart lights. Here's why.

Forget Galaxy Fold Ultra — here's what Samsung needs to reveal at Unpacked
By John Velasco published
Samsung's expected to announce the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra at its next Unpacked event, but the Z Flip 7 also deserves the same 'ultra' treatment. Here's why.

I tried the new CarPlay with the iOS 26 beta — and Apple just solved my biggest issue with infotainment interfaces
By John Velasco published
The release of the iOS 26 developer beta brings new CarPlay features like a Liquid Glass material design, widgets, Live Activities, and more.

I tried this BlackBerry Passport clone and it made me rediscover my love of keyboard phones
By John Velasco published
Keyboard phones are few and far between nowadays, but the Unihertz Titan 2 brings back my love for QWERTY keyboard phones with its unique design and tactility.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked announced for July 9 — and it’s when the ‘Ultra Unfolds'
By John Velasco published
You might be blown away by the new phone's thinness

I ditched my AirTag for this smarter key tracker — and I love it
By John Velasco published
After using the KeySmart iPro smart key tracker, I'm not going back to a keychain with an AirTag on it because it has Find My support, all while better organizing my keys.

I drove the Lucid Air Touring for a week — and it actually relieves EV range anxiety
By John Velasco published
People suffer range anxiety when it comes to electric cars, but the 2025 Lucid Air Touring offers class-leading efficiency in an all-electric sedan.

I’ve been using the new iOS 26 Camera app — and it finally address by biggest annoyance
By John Velasco published
The iOS 26 Camera app gets the same visual overhaul as the rest of the iPhone software, but Apple finally addresses one of my biggest concerns.

I've tested 20+ vehicles so far this year — here's my 5 favorite EVs
By John Velasco published
I've been driving a different vehicle every week this year and here's my top 5 favorite EVs so far.
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