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
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iwRwV3woyRQbHiSp6g6uUj-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: A big leap for AI
By John Velasco last updated
From photos to everyday tasks, AI makes everything better on the Pixel 8 Pro
![GoPro Hero 12 Black with iPhone 16 Pro render.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YiDpDe6qQ2RWpQ8nwVkqaj-320-80.jpg)
Who says the iPhone 16 can't be an action cam? These are the GoPro features I want Apple to copy
By John Velasco published
After using the GoPro Hero 12 Black to capture video inside of a car, there are features Apple couple copy to make the iPhone 16 a better camera phone. Here's what they are.
![Ford F150 Lightning charging at Tesla station](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3S3pxkQJKRuusHdnd797V-320-80.jpg)
I tried charging a Ford F150 Lightning at a Tesla supercharger station — and it didn't go as planned
By John Velasco published
This should be easier
![Samsung Galaxy S24](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PwMjQPUxd79mMk6V8jd2WW-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Exynos benchmarked — is it better than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?
By John Velasco published
The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are available in two different versions: one powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the other with an Exynos 2400 chip. We test both out to see which one is better.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5Ay3BFLBgjZiWdqy6dxqng-320-80.jpg)
I’ve been using the Pixel 8 Pro for nearly 6 months — what I love and hate
By John Velasco published
Our long-term Google Pixel 8 Pro review explores what our phone editor loves most about the flagship phone, along with a couple of things that still irritate him.
![Xiaomi 14 Ultra phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DktaVh6XwAHXD5hJcFfTDc-320-80.jpg)
This Xiaomi 14 Ultra feature needs to be copied by iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra and more
By John Velasco last updated
Here's how your photos and videos can look better
![Nothing Phone 2a vs Pixel 7a.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CZLVBajXkFj8qHtZdff4w7-320-80.jpg)
Nothing teases 'industry first' announcement for March 20 — here’s what it could be
By John Velasco published
It needs to be something big
![Barsys 360 mixing drinks during happy hour.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FCVQ4My4bDy7ndcdRk7syg-320-80.jpg)
We used this automated bartender machine to mix cocktails for a happy hour — and it didn’t disappoint
By John Velasco published
We recently had the Barsys 360 home bar create cocktails during happy hour and it didn't disappoint. Not only was it speedy, but you also get to use ingredients you have lying around.
![Nothing Phone 2a and Pixel 7a in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vp4WyArmvzaDDkGHEfTmtP-320-80.jpg)
We took over 200 photos with the Nothing Phone 2a and Pixel 7a — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
It's a landslide win
![Google Messages showing new poop emoji reaction animation effect.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VPRpJF5JP3TwFmPsJkC6CJ-320-80.gif)
Google Messages just stole one of the best iMessage features
By John Velasco published
Google Messages users can now send emoji reaction animations, similar to how iMessage does it. The updated app offers 10 different emoji reaction animations to choose from.
![Motorola Edge Plus 2024 render against streak of light.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ueAo3bJi9xzmLiaiNfPPaS-320-80.jpg)
5 ways Motorola Edge Plus (2024) could beat all other flagship phones this year
By John Velasco published
The Motorola Edge Plus (2024) is expected to be the company's flagship model, but it seriously will need a lot to beat all other flagship phones this year. Here's how it could do it.
![Composite image of iPhone and Sleep Number C2 Smart Bed.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o9vbnwXHYnnVAUC29qVxtD-320-80.jpg)
Forget $1,000 smartphones — why you shouldn't be reluctant at paying that much for a mattress
By John Velasco published
You'll never again be reluctant to buy a mattress
![Composite image between the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Google Pixel 7a.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dZD89ntMjk8JKtNVtSbc5c-320-80.jpg)
7 ways Samsung Galaxy A55 beats Google Pixel 7a
By John Velasco published
With the announcement of the Galaxy A55, upgrades could help Samsung keep its budget phone ahead of Google's Pixel 7a. Here are all the ways the Galaxy A55 beats the Pixel 7a.
![Motorola Razr+ closed with external display turned on,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c5drGUxmd3JcXrvZbqFEUA-320-80.jpg)
Motorola Razr Plus (2024) — 5 ways it could beat all other flip foldables this year
By John Velasco published
Last year's model was a surprise hit, but the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) could be a force that beats al other flip phone-style foldables this year. Here's how it could do that.
![Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe Charger.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hV844XfEva9FTqhVrvNqwg-320-80.jpg)
This MagSafe wireless charger is about the same size as my Apple Watch — and it's my new favorite travel accessory
By John Velasco published
A meticulous design only Apple could come up with
![Tom's Guide editor John Velasco using Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor to measure body temperature.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZDvXYNBx2ksTdcHiNPXTQf-320-80.jpg)
Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor is FDA-cleared to measure your body temperature — here’s how to use it
By John Velasco published
The Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor has finally received its FDA clearance, so you can now use it to measure your body temperature. Here's how to do it.
![Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra vs iphone 15 pro max cameras](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ro5dM65fy8JAtZ6pQKEXVk-320-80.jpg)
We took over 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Now that we've been using the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max for an extended amount of time, we decided to see how their cameras really stack up after we took over 200 photos with them.
![Nothing Phone 2a vs Pixel 7a.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9FcURgsH6zkCEV3dLqiYF8-320-80.jpg)
7 ways Nothing Phone 2a beats Pixel 7a
By John Velasco published
Now that it's official, the Nothing Phone 2a is proving to be a contender in the budget space. Here are all the ways its beats the Google Pixel 7a.
![Apple iPhone 15 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E8RPHLFUZr4paH6yp9SJgD-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 review: The best iPhone value
By John Velasco last updated
The iPhone 15 might be the smallest iPhone in the lineup, but it packs a heavy punch
![Nothing Phone 2a review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oZhxUzihDYWLKVbpECNVxE-320-80.jpg)
Nothing Phone 2a is everything I want in a budget phone — except for this huge drawback
By John Velasco published
Only developers can buy it in the U.S.
![Nothing Phone (2) held in the hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/odbxibB3CSApWXUSQE45ie-320-80.jpg)
Nothing Phone (2) review: Better in every way except one
By John Velasco last updated
And no, it's not the higher $599 cost
![Nothing Phone 2a review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eKrbfQ72c6REjHjXXdWoZF-320-80.jpg)
Nothing Phone 2a Review: Pixel 7a and iPhone SE should be scared
By John Velasco published
You'll expect more from sub-$500 phones from now on
![March Google Pixel Feature Drop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QTvih5mWuAkVvdchaupTa7-320-80.jpg)
March Google Pixel Feature Drop — all the new features for your Pixel phones, watches, and tablets
By John Velasco published
The March Google Pixel Feature Drops brings 10-bit HDV Video to Pixel phones, Pace Training to Pixel Watches, and App Screen Sharing to Android tablets and other supported devices.