
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

iPhone 18 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: How this year's top flagship phones could compare
By Philip Michaels published
With the iPhone 18 unlikely to appear this year, that means it could fall to Samsung's Galaxy S26 to compete with the iPhone 18 Pro. Who's got the advantage in this Apple vs. Samsung face-off?

iOS 26 Preview: 7 features to explore in your iPhone’s newest app
By Philip Michaels published
Preview arrives on your iPhone with iOS 26. Not sure what to do with the new addition? Here's some of the top features I've been trying out.

I was worried about Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 release plans but now I think users will benefit
By Philip Michaels published
No iPhone 18 this year? No problem

SOS appearing on your iPhone? Here's what that means and how to change it
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how to troubleshoot your cellular connectivity issues

Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how the best cell phone plans for seniors compare, ranging from the cheapest to best unlimited options.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026: What to expect at Samsung's big launch event
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung figures to show off new phones at its next product launch. But when will that edition of Galaxy Unpacked take place?

Motorola's most advanced budget phone lasts a long time on a charge — but is that enough?
By Philip Michaels published
The Moto G Power (2026) is the latest version of Motorola's long-lasting low-cost phone. But it's getting harding to separate this model from Motorola's other long-lasting low-cost offerings.

iPhone 17e can be the must-have midrange phone — if Apple adds this feature
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16e offers wireless charging, but if Apple wants to take a step forward with the iPhone 17e, it needs to add support for the newer Qi2 wireless standard. Here's why.

The new iOS 26 Preview app has solved one of my biggest problems with the iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
When a PDF requiring my signature landed in my Mail inbox, I usually had to wait until I was back at my Mac to deal with it. But the arrival of a mobile Preview app in iOS 26 changes that.

Should you buy the Galaxy S25 now or wait for the Galaxy S26?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Prices have dropped on the Galaxy S25 ahead of the anticipated Galaxy S26 launch. Should you take the deal on Samsung's older phones or wait to see what's new with the latest models?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro: How these top flagship phones could compare
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S26 Ultra figures to be Samsung's premium flagship when it debuts this year. But can it top the value that the iPhone 17 Pro provides?

First the iPhone 17 Pro, now the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Why phone makers may be turning their backs on titanium
By Philip Michaels published
Galaxy S26 rumor has Samsung dropping titanium from its Ultra model

Phone prices are expected to go up in 2026 — here's how to avoid the sticker shock
By Philip Michaels published
Rising costs for RAM could drive up the price of flagship phones. That makes turning to midrange phones smarter than ever.

Apple's new iPhones for 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Fold and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
The coming year should be another big one for the iPhone, as Apple plans new models, a revamped Siri and a potential change to its release schedule.

I like Apple’s iOS 26 update but the new Games app is a letdown — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
Now that iOS 26 has been out for a few months, it's time to revisit the Games app introduced with that software update. In my experience, it's really falling short.

Samsung reportedly doesn't know what to charge for the Galaxy S26 — and that could be bad news
By Philip Michaels published
A report out of South Korea suggests Samsung is struggling with setting a price for the upcoming Galaxy S26 models due to the rising costs of components.

Forget smart glasses — these AI upgrades made phones way smarter in 2025
By Philip Michaels published
From the Galaxy S25 models that debuted at the start of the year to the iPhones that arrived later on, 2025 saw a number of phones put productivity features front and center.

iPhone 17e expected upgrades — here's why this new iPhone will be a bigger deal than you think
By Philip Michaels published
The first iPhone to appear in 2026 will likely be the iPhone 17e. Here's the top rumored features for Apple's next entry-level phone.

Samsung could be making a Galaxy AI mistake with the Galaxy S26 lineup — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
Restricting some AI features to the Ultra seems like a bad idea

I use iOS Reminders to stay on top of my to-dos with my 7 favorite features
By Philip Michaels published
Reminders has a lot of powerful features tucked into what seems like a simple to-do manager. Here are the features I turn to when I want to make the most of this iPhone app.

I needed help writing after breaking my arm — so I put the built-in voice recorder apps on top phones to the test
By Philip Michaels published
Which phone produces the most accurate transcripts of voice recordings?

No phone has disappointed me more this year than the OnePlus 15R — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
Past OnePlus R series models have offered a lot of value by delivering some premium features in a lower-cost device. But the OnePlus 15R doesn't clear the bar set by its predecessors.

I customized my iPhone lock screen using iOS 26.2's new transparency slider and I'm happier with how it looks
By Philip Michaels published
Apple keeps adding ways to tweak the effects of Liquid Glass in iOS 26. Here's the latest tool, which adjusts the transparency of the clock on your iPhone's lock screen.

I’ve found the best phone under $200 but just make sure you’re getting the right model
By Philip Michaels published
The Moto G (2026) is a solid choice if you don't want to spend more than $200 on a phone. But don't be tempted by the 2025 model which has seen a price cut since the new version came out.

Moto G Power returns for 2026 with promises of long battery life — but will it be Motorola’s longest-lasting phone?
By Philip Michaels published
Recently, the Moto G has proven to be a long-lasting budget phone. But the Moto G Power (2026) looks to regain its crown with a larger battery.
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