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
Google Pixel 8a rumored release date, price and specs
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 8a should be the next Google phone to make its debut. Here's what we know so far about the Pixel 8a based on rumors and leaks.
Forget the iPad — it's the iPhone 16 Pro that needs Apple Pencil 3 support
By Philip Michaels published
A new Apple Pencil could show up at Apple's May 7 iPad event. But the time is right for Apple's updated stylus to support more than just tablets.
Moto G 5G (2024) review: The best phone under $200
By Philip Michaels published
There's value to be found if you're willing to compromise
I dropped my Max subscription — will Conan O’Brien’s new show make me get it back?
By Philip Michaels published
In "Conan O'Brien Must Go," the former late-night talk show host visits different parts of the globe, and Max subscribers are along for the ride.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Which budget phone will win?
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how a Pixel 8a vs. Galaxy A35 face-off is shaping up
iPhone 15: Price, specs and availability
By Richard Priday last updated
Here's what we know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models coming out this fall now that Apple's shown off its new phones.
Circle to Search could be adding another feature — and I couldn't be happier
By Philip Michaels published
Code related to Circle to Search reveals the Galaxy AI tool could add the ability to create and share screenshots. It would be a welcome addition to what's already a helpful feature.
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.
iOS 18 apps: 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Expect these apps to see some changes when iOS 18 debuts
I handed my teenaged daughter an iPhone 13 — she came back with some pretty spectacular photos
By Philip Michaels published
Today's camera phones are so powerful, a relative novice can pick one up and take some excellent shots. And that's good news for shooters from all levels of expertise.
The iPhone 16 needs to copy the best thing about Apple's least popular iPhone model of all time
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 5c may not have been a popular model, but the way it showcased vibrant colors has been noticeably missing from recent iPhone releases. Apple should change that with the iPhone 16.
Google Pixel 9 Pro could be the iPhone 16 Pro's worst nightmare — here’s how
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google may add a second Pixel 9 Pro to its lineup this fall. And the presence of a low-cost flagship phone with a telephoto lens could be a headache for Apple and its iPhone Pro plans.
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.
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.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Biggest rumored differences
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple likes to distinguish its Pro models from the standard iPhone. An early iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison finds some key differences already emerging.
Google Pixel 9 — all the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Potential design changes, new features and rumored release dates for the next Google flagship
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
This Apple Maps feature in iOS 17 is a must-have for me on trips
By Philip Michaels published
Apple Maps added the ability to download offline maps in iOS 17. Combine that with its maps of airport terminals, and you've got a helpful feature for travelers.
Best foldable phones of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
More phone makers than ever are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
Best cell phone plans in 2024: The best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5 face-off looks at how the next Samsung foldable could differ from what came before it, based on the rumors we've heard so far.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 — biggest expected differences
By Philip Michaels published
Our Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 comparison looks at likely differences between the two phones based on what Pixel 8a rumors say about the upcoming budget handset.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 — how 2024's biggest phone battle is shaping up
By Philip Michaels last updated
A Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 face-off pits the flagship devices from the world's two top phone makers against one another. Here's how things look based on rumors about the two phones.