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

I tried out iPhone 17 Dual Capture — here's what it can and can't do
By John Velasco published
Apple introduced a new feature with the iPhone 17 lineup called Dual Capture, which lets you record video from two cameras simultaneously. Here's what we found out.

I drove the Audi Q6 e-tron for a week — here’s my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
Luxury cars can be obnoxiously priced, but the Audi Q6 e-tron manages to balance things out with its premium features, good efficiency, and sharp looks.

Did Apple ‘downgrade’ the telephoto camera with the iPhone 17 Pro? Here’s what you need to know
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max now features a 48MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom, but is that a downgrade over the 5x one with the iPhone 16 Pros?

I went hands-on with all the new iPhone 17 devices — and this is the one I'd actually buy
By John Velasco published
I got to spend time checking out all the new iPhone 17 models, including the iPhone Air. The most expensive one is the one I'd recommend to buy. Here's why.

Apple iPhone 17 hands-on review: Finally, it gets the upgrades I’ve been asking for
By John Velasco published
Not yet ratedThe iPhone 17 gains a few long overdue upgrades, like a 120Hz display refresh rate, but it also benefits from a larger screen, double the storage, and the new A19 chip.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max hands-on review: Biggest changes in years
By John Velasco published
Not yet ratedThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max feature a new design, 48MP triple cameras, A19 Pro chip, and much more. I spent time checking them both and here's the one I'd pick.

I test and review the best camera phones — these are my favorites right now
By John Velasco last updated
We've tested all the best camera phones, and these are the ones that rise to the top.

I reviewed the iPhone 16 — 5 last-minute rumored iPhone 17 upgrades I’m excited for
By John Velasco published
With Apple poised to unveil its new phones, here's all the rumored iPhone 17 features I'm excited for.

I shot over 1,000 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max — and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has its work cut out for itself
By John Velasco published
After shooting over a thousand photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple still has work ahead itself to make improvements with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 17 event — here's the 7 new products expected to launch on 'Awe Dropping' day
By John Velasco published
Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event is nearing and we take a look at all the devices that could be announced.

I tried the Pixel 10 Pro's 100x Pro Res Zoom — and I'm shocked by the results
By John Velasco last updated
I tested out Pro Res Zoom to capture zoom photos with the Pixel 10 Pro XL to see how much better they can turn out.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: A promising flagship-grade phone for less
By John Velasco published
Not yet ratedThe Galaxy S25 FE proves how much Samsung needs to retired the 'Plus' because of how similar it is, but undercuts it in price

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review: No man's land
By John Velasco last updated
The Galaxy S25 Plus has all the Galaxy AI features found on the standard S25. So unless you want a bigger screen, why not just opt for the cheaper model?

I put the Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Galaxy S25 Ultra through a 10-round camera shoot-out— and there's a clear winner
By John Velasco last updated
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has held the top spot among camera phones for most of the year, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL gives it heated competition with its robust image capture skills.

Best unlocked phones in 2025
By John Velasco last updated
The best unlocked phones give you the freedom to choose your carrier without being bogged down by payment plans.

Leaked iPhone 17 Pro Max diagram reveals a massive vapor chamber inside — here’s what we know
By John Velasco published
A new leak reveals the size of the vapor chamber that's rumored to be coming to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

I just tried the Pixel 10’s secret weapon — and the iPhone 17 could be in big trouble
By John Velasco published
I recently came upon the Pixel 10's hidden Android 16 desktop mode, and Apple could be in danger of falling behind with the iPhone 17 without one.

I drove the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric for a week — and it sets a new record
By John Velasco published
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is an all-electric sub-compact SUV that achieves one of the best efficiencies in any EV.

I put the Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 through a 10-round camera shoot-out — here's the one I'd get
By John Velasco last updated
I captured a bunch of images with the Pixel 10 and iPhone 16 to see which is the better camera phone. Here's what I found.

Score! Get $50 off the iPhone 16e at StraightTalk right now
By John Velasco published
StraightTalk is taking $50 off the iPhone 16e in time for Labor Day. Here's how to get Apple's budget phone without paying full price.

I Was Shooting Astrophotography With My Pixel 10 Pro XL When I Saw This Strange Phenomena in the Sky — Here’s What I Witnessed
By John Velasco published
I was putting the Pixel 10 Pro XL astrophotography to the test when NASA's rocket launch happened to deliver a phenomena like no other in the sky.

Apple Rumored to Increase Prices for iPhone 17 — Here’s How Much They Might Cost
By John Velasco published
With Apple's event coming next month, iPhone 17 price rumors hint at costs increasing for all the new models.

Samsung Unpacked Is Set to Steal iPhone 17 Thunder on September 4 — Here’s What We Know
By John Velasco published
The next Galaxy Event is set for September 4, which could see the reveal of its Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra.
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