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
Nothing teases 'industry first' announcement for March 20 — here’s what it could be
By John Velasco published
It needs to be something big
We used this automated bartender machine to mix cocktails for a happy hour — and it didn’t disappoint
By John Velasco published
We recently had the Barsys 360 home bar create cocktails during happy hour and it didn't disappoint. Not only was it speedy, but you also get to use ingredients you have lying around.
We took over 200 photos with the Nothing Phone 2a and Pixel 7a — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
It's a landslide win
Google I/O 2024 dates, Android 15, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold 2, AI and more
By John Velasco last updated
Google I/O 2024 is coming up this spring. Here's the possible timing along with all the new products we expect from Google, including the Pixel 8a and Pixel Fold 2.
Best cell phone signal boosters 2024
By John Velasco last updated
The best cell phone signal boosters fix poor service at home or on the road. Some even support all carriers.
Google Messages just stole one of the best iMessage features
By John Velasco published
Google Messages users can now send emoji reaction animations, similar to how iMessage does it. The updated app offers 10 different emoji reaction animations to choose from.
5 ways Motorola Edge Plus (2024) could beat all other flagship phones this year
By John Velasco published
The Motorola Edge Plus (2024) is expected to be the company's flagship model, but it seriously will need a lot to beat all other flagship phones this year. Here's how it could do it.
Forget Galaxy S24 — you can get the Galaxy S23 with the same Galaxy AI features at 50% off
By John Velasco published
Enjoy the same features powered by artificial intelligence
Forget $1,000 smartphones — why you shouldn't be reluctant at paying that much for a mattress
By John Velasco published
You'll never again be reluctant to buy a mattress
7 ways Samsung Galaxy A55 beats Google Pixel 7a
By John Velasco published
With the announcement of the Galaxy A55, upgrades could help Samsung keep its budget phone ahead of Google's Pixel 7a. Here are all the ways the Galaxy A55 beats the Pixel 7a.
Motorola Razr Plus (2024) — 5 ways it could beat all other flip foldables this year
By John Velasco published
Last year's model was a surprise hit, but the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) could be a force that beats al other flip phone-style foldables this year. Here's how it could do that.
This MagSafe wireless charger is about the same size as my Apple Watch — and it's my new favorite travel accessory
By John Velasco published
A meticulous design only Apple could come up with
Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor is FDA-cleared to measure your body temperature — here’s how to use it
By John Velasco published
The Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor has finally received its FDA clearance, so you can now use it to measure your body temperature. Here's how to do it.
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.
We took over 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Now that we've been using the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max for an extended amount of time, we decided to see how their cameras really stack up after we took over 200 photos with them.
7 ways Nothing Phone 2a beats Pixel 7a
By John Velasco published
Now that it's official, the Nothing Phone 2a is proving to be a contender in the budget space. Here are all the ways its beats the Google Pixel 7a.
iPhone 15 review: The best iPhone value
By John Velasco last updated
The iPhone 15 might be the smallest iPhone in the lineup, but it packs a heavy punch
Better than Black Friday! Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is down to its all-time lowest price at 56% off
By John Velasco published
Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro at its lowest price ever for a limited time at 56% off. If that's not enough, the LTE equipped version is also 50% off.
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: A big leap for AI
By John Velasco last updated
From photos to everyday tasks, AI makes everything better on the Pixel 8 Pro
Nothing Phone 2a is everything I want in a budget phone — except for this huge drawback
By John Velasco published
Only developers can buy it in the U.S.
Nothing Phone (2) review: Better in every way except one
By John Velasco last updated
And no, it's not the higher $599 cost
Best cheap phones 2024
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best cheap phones you can buy based on our testing and reviews.
Nothing Phone 2a Review: Pixel 7a and iPhone SE should be scared
By John Velasco published
You'll expect more from sub-$500 phones from now on
March Google Pixel Feature Drop — all the new features for your Pixel phones, watches, and tablets
By John Velasco published
The March Google Pixel Feature Drops brings 10-bit HDV Video to Pixel phones, Pace Training to Pixel Watches, and App Screen Sharing to Android tablets and other supported devices.