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
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EkZk347PL9mmV3APSimgmb-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 pre-orders — reserve early and snag up $1,020 off for a limited time
By John Velasco last updated
Samsung's offering a reserve credit of $50 for those who place a reservation through Samsung's website or Shop Samsung app, which can then be applied to a pre-order on a future Galaxy device.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R7bUTFTLWNP4osuvWjX4Fa-320-80.jpg)
The best smartphone feature I tried in 2023 isn’t from Apple or Samsung — and they should copy it now
By John Velasco published
There were plenty of cool smartphone features I got to try out in 2023, but the best one was the Pixel 8 Pro's upgraded Call Screen feature that takes phone calls for me.
![OnePlus 12R shown in Cool Blue and Iron Grey.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yUKo5Mb22WTDFzru9vWFRJ-320-80.jpg)
Official OnePlus 12R reveal gives us our first glimpse at its design
By John Velasco published
Less than a month away before its official unveiling, we're getting our first official look at the OnePlus 12R, which will be available in Cool Blue and Iron Gray colors.
![Bunch of 2023 flagships phones on top of table.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3cRiMzJiLLWTLAtoCwYQBQ-320-80.jpg)
The year in phones 2023 — the good, the bad and the wacky
By John Velasco published
With 2023's end nearing, we reflect back on all of the interesting, noteworthy, and bizarre things that happen in the world of phones.
![Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses worn by Tom's Guide editor John Velasco](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PmJzMnnsftANNnFMJtuzkA-320-80.jpg)
I wore these smart glasses for a year to record my memories — here's what happened
By John Velasco last updated
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses don't look ridiculous in public
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P5Yg5cnXTuom4bmz967Gnh-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 needs this camera fix badly before Apple releases the new iPhone
By John Velasco last updated
One of the annoyances about the iPhone's camera is that you still need to direct yourself to general settings in order to access some options. Hopefully this changes with the iPhone 16.
![iPhone shown with notification to download iOS 17.2.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wykfBuU64RqPomDGn7twUJ-320-80.jpg)
iOS 17.2 now live — here’s all the new iPhone features you can try
By John Velasco last updated
With the release of iOS 17.2, users can now use the Journal app to create dynamic memories, capture spatial video with an iPhone 15 Pro, and even use Siri to access your Health app data/
![Ring Wall Light Solar installed on a wall above a garage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xZrsrrpUzv5udupmBd9adW-320-80.jpeg)
This solar wall light is the most underrated gadget I tried in 2023 — and it could save you a ton of money
By John Velasco published
The Ring Wall Light Solar is the most underrated gadget I tried in 2023 because of how easy it was to install, offers limitless lighting, and I have yet the need to recharge it in nearly a year.
![Galaxy S24 Ultra concept](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qYkM8GZ3XdQ7fFeD2Nf5VQ-320-80.jpeg)
Forget Pixel 8 Pro — here’s how the Galaxy S24 Ultra can beat Google on AI
By John Velasco published
Take the Pixel 8's best AI features and make them better
![Unistellar eQuinox 2 being used in a backyard to capture astrophotography images.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oAMtsdCPNTRWUgFbc4yUx5-320-80.jpg)
The coolest gadget of 2023 makes me feel like I have a Hubble telescope in my backyard
By John Velasco published
I'll never look at the night sky the same way again
![OnePlus 12 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gQEZoFYoBuYqVKTMpwpuUL-320-80.jpg)
OnePlus 12 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which Android flagship phone will win?
By John Velasco last updated
Both Android phones will be top contenders
![OnePlus 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EvvhDjPp8mb8zTpP34v2X6-320-80.jpg)
OnePlus 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which flagship will win?
By John Velasco last updated
It could be a changing of the guard
![Google Pixel 8 Pro AI Photo Editing.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fj7f34H8YM3YN5A6ByXPbM-320-80.jpg)
Pixel 8 Pro fail — here’s what happened when I tried AI photo editing
By John Velasco published
I've been using the Google Pixel 8 Pro and thought it could streamline my workflow by using its AI photo editing features to tweak and fix photos, but they always didn't turn out right.
![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra back in green](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2Etr9yCAdL4fEqCe4Y2xdN-320-80.jpg)
Forget Pixel 8 Pro — these are the Galaxy S24 Ultra AI video editing tools that could beat it
By John Velasco published
There's a strong chance for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to beat the Google Pixel 8 Pro with the help of AI video editing tools. It could make video editing on the go a painless process.
![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra playing Asphalt 9](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Pret8hxjoziFWD8cqtkBYG-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pricing details just leaked — and a big display upgrade
By John Velasco last updated
The latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra rumors reveal a much brighter display, upgraded camera features, and a shocking explanation for the new phone's rumored pricing.
![iOS 17.2 Spatial Video vs Journal app: Here’s what I’ll use to record special memories.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LWNfeh4nfS3Tq5ALVagoLC-320-80.jpg)
iOS 17.2 Spatial Video vs Journal app: Here’s what I’ll use to record special memories
By John Velasco published
There's a huge incentive with one of them
![Person using Xinfrared One XH09 with Pixel 8 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2kNGgD4nMXuDCfwvHfkBJN-320-80.jpg)
I used this telephoto camera to bring heat vision to my phone — and it saved me a ton of time
By John Velasco published
I used the Xinfrared One XH09 thermal camera to detect a hotspot in my gutters, and it saved me from having to climb a ladder. Here's how it can help you.
![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with S24 Ultra mini text on top of it.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XbF8EuRZhJhtLD7qxQCmmc-320-80.jpg)
Forget Galaxy 24 Ultra — all I want is a mini version of Samsung’s upcoming flagship
By John Velasco published
Big dreams also come in small packages
![Apple iPhone 15 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WaUA4sZP6mQD2FguvuGgAR-320-80.jpg)
Ultrawide cameras are underrated — 7 tips to take better shots with your phone
By John Velasco published
Ultrawide cameras in today's phones are largely underused, but these tips and tricks will ensure that they'll come out much better the next time you give it a shot.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro inside of a camera rig for a video shoot.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jdV3NoyPgdjF9SANo5FZb3-320-80.jpg)
I ditched the Galaxy S23 Ultra for the Pixel 8 Pro — here’s why
By John Velasco published
After using the Google Pixel 8 Pro on some video shoots, I realize it's better than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Here's what convinced me of that.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EkZk347PL9mmV3APSimgmb-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 leak just confirmed key specs ahead of launch
By John Velasco published
Qualcomm's chipset is likely to be powering all phones
![Dynamic Scooter Model B folding scooter fits in backpack.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zrCQiyrr4TYJbNGFbym4jN-320-80.jpg)
I never want to have my e-scooter stolen again — this folding electric scooter fits inside of my backpack
By John Velasco last updated
The Dynamic Scooter Model B is one of the most compact, folding electric scooters around, which lets me bring it to places and venues across New York where other e-scooters are banned.
![Samsung Galaxy S23 in green showing cameras and S Pen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2FLhRBcLXKci2jDGA6waoc-320-80.jpg)
One of Samsung’s most gimmicky features could be the key to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s salvation
By John Velasco published
Even though it was mostly a dud when it first launched, Samsung's Air Gestures could get a worthy makeover that could become one of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's hidden surprises.