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 excitement is building — but this rumor could kill that
By Philip Michaels published
A website with a good track record for phone rumors claims that the Pixel 8a will cost more than its predecessor. If so, that's a bad move on Google's part.
Meet the Galaxy A35 — the midrange phone that will go toe-to-toe with the Pixel 7a in the U.S.
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung goes in a different direction with its midrange phones
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Galaxy A54 — here's the biggest upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Not a lot has changed, but the Galaxy A55 introduces some key differences from its predecessor. Here's our Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Galaxy A54 comparison to show you what's new.
The Apple Sports app includes betting odds — here's how to make them disappear
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's Sports app packs in a lot of information, including gambling odds. If you'd prefer not to show that, we can tell you what setting to adjust to remove betting odds from the Sports app.
Upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 faces a real challenge this year — how will Samsung respond?
By Philip Michaels published
The competition among foldable flip phones has never been more fierce. How will Samsung respond with the Galaxy Z Flip 6?
Galaxy AI summaries — we tested the accuracy of this Galaxy S24 feature
By Philip Michaels published
AI can summarize audio recordings, web pages and notes on the Galaxy S24 phones — but can you trust it? To find out, we put this Galaxy AI capability to the test.
I used to think the iPhone Plus was useless — but I was wrong
By Philip Michaels published
Our managing editor for mobile has a confession to make — he used to think the Plus model should be dropped from Apple's iPhone lineup. Here's why he's changing his tune about the iPhone Plus.
I spent two weeks using the Apple Sports app — here’s why it’s not ready for the big leagues
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's scoreboard app stumbles off the starting line
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
Google Pixel 7a review: Stellar Android phone value
By Philip Michaels last updated
With a fast refresh rate, improved main camera and Tensor G2 processor, the Pixel 7a is Google’s best midrange phone yet. But the competition is tougher, too.
The iOS Sports app lets you follow your favorite teams — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
The new Sports app makes it easy to follow your favorite teams and leagues. But to do that, you've got to set up the Sports app. We can show you how.
iOS 17.4 is live — here’s all the new features for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
Apple has released iOS 17.4, the latest version of its iPhone software. The biggest change allows iPhone users in Europe to access third-party app stores, but there are other new features as well.
Best Verizon phone plans for 2024: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.
The iPhone SE is finally in line to get a modern look — but is it arriving too late to matter?
By Philip Michaels published
While the leaked CAD renders showing an updated iPhone SE 4 design are impressive, it's hard to get excited about a phone that likely won't show up this year.
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.
I tested Galaxy AI Chat Assist to see if people could spot my real text messages
By Philip Michaels published
Chat Assist is a feature on the Galaxy S24 that uses AI to fine-tune your text messages. But will people notice AI's influence on your texting? We put the feature to the test.
5 amazing phones from MWC 2024 I want to see in the US
By Philip Michaels published
From stellar camera phones to cheaper foldables, there's a lot of new phones that would be welcome in the U.S.
5 ways Google Pixel 8a can beat the OnePlus 12R
By Philip Michaels published
Here's what Google needs to do to keep delivering the Android phone with the best value
One of my favorite iOS 17 Weather app features could save your life
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your iPhone's Weather app includes a severe weather alert feature that notifies you of warnings for floods, high winds and other nasty conditions. Here's how to make sure it's turned on.
iOS 18 device support details leak — will your iPhone be able to upgrade?
By Philip Michaels published
Leaked iOS 18 support details suggest that phones capabile of running iOS 17 will be able to upgrade to this year's iPhone software update.
iOS 18 tipped to get a redesign — what I’d like to see Apple introduce
By Philip Michaels published
A new look could be coming to Apple's iPhone software as part of the iOS 18 update. Here's what our managing editor for mobile thinks that Apple should do with an iOS redesign.
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
Apple Vision Pro is missing the one thing that made the iPhone a success
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple's enjoyed its greatest successes with products that meet an unfulfilled need. The Vision Pro has yet to find that purpose and it's hurting the $3,499 headset's prospects.
This is how the iPhone 16 can catch up to the Samsung Galaxy S24
By Philip Michaels published
The last couple iPhone upgrades have seen Apple focus primarily on the Pro models. That can't happen with the iPhone 16 if Apple is serious about AI features.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel voice recorder app showdown — who's got the better AI features?
By Philip Michaels published
The new Samsung Galaxy S24 phones use Galaxy AI to add smarts to the built-in recorder app, much like recent Google Pixel phones. But who's got the smarter voice recorder?