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 ditched my neck fan for this clip-on waist one to beat the heat — and it's under $43 right now
By John Velasco published
I survived the first day of this heatwave using the JisuLife Neck Fan Life5 by strapping it to my waist to cool my body down. Here's why it's better than other portable fans.

iPhone Fold predicted to crush Samsung in new report
By John Velasco last updated
A new report forecasts Apple capturing nearly half the foldable market, but I remain skeptical that a first-generation iPhone Fold can do it. Here's why.

I drove the Subaru Uncharted for a week — this $35K EV is an undercover urban road warrior
By John Velasco published
RecommendedI tested the 2026 Subaru Uncharted GT and this subcompact SUV features a slick design paired with a punchy driving experience that makes it suited for the city.

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’ve tested the iPhone 17 lineup — here’s why I’m holding out for the iPhone 18
By John Velasco published
After testing the entire iPhone 17 lineup, here are the reasons why I'm holding out for the iPhone 18 over the superior iPhone 18 Pro models.

I saw the GoPro Mission 1 and this new action camera could make all point and shoots obsolete — here’s why
By John Velasco published
The GoPro Mission 1 series is a move towards professional cinematography, featuring a massive 1-inch 50MP sensor and an interchangeable lens system.

Best phones 2026 tested — our top picks
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best phones you can buy at a wide range of prices based on our extensive testing and head-to-head comparisons.

I tested Google Fi’s $35 unlimited data plan for a month — here’s my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
I put Google Fi’s $35 per month Unlimited Essentials plan to the test to see if it's enough to pull me away from my Visible service. Here's what I think.

I tested 30+ electric cars in the last year — here’s the 5 most efficient EVs under $40,000 you can buy right now
By John Velasco published
With gas prices rising, I’ve rounded up the five most efficient EVs I've tested under $40,000 that prove you don't have to sacrifice range or performance to save money.

Best cheap phones 2026 tested — Our top budget phone picks
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best cheap phones you can buy based on our testing and reviews.

I drove the Toyota bZ for a week — and this crossover SUV is the most efficient EV I've tested yet
By John Velasco published
Editor's ChoiceI put the 2026 Toyota bZ to the test, and after driving it for a week, it proves to be the most accessible EV for the average driver because of its value and efficiency.

Here's how the rumored iPhone Fold's specs stack up against the Galaxy Z Fold 8
By John Velasco published
The iPhone Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 showdown is a high-stakes clash between Samsung’s years of designing foldables and Apple’s long-awaited entry into the space.

The great Android vs. iPhone debate is way different from what it was over a decade ago — here’s why
By John Velasco published
In 2026, the Android vs. iPhone debate continues to rage on, but the reasons to choose one over the other might actually surprise you.

I'm a longtime Apple Watch user, but I wish it had this one Pixel Watch feature
By John Velasco published
I got tired of not being able to stream the YouTube Music app on my Apple Watch, so I started to wear a Pixel Watch to workout without my phone.

I gave my dad this turbocharged AirTag clone he can activate for emergency situations — and now it’s his personal lifeline
By John Velasco published
Editor's ChoiceI tested the Pebblebee Halo for nearly a month and it's the best GPS tracker I've come across since it includes a live alert service for emergency situations.

I drove the Genesis G80 and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for a week — and here’s where I’m putting my money
By John Velasco published
I tested the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2026 Genesis G80 for a week to find out which is the better mid-size sedan. Here's what I found out.

I put the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
I tested the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL across seven categories to see which is the better phone. Here's what I found.

I spent a week with the Land Rover Defender: Here’s why the built-in fridge is a total game-changer for camping
By John Velasco last updated
I drove the Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA Edition One for a week, which packs features that truly make it a champion for the great outdoors. Here's why.

iPhone Fold dummy unit leaks and I’m not sure how I feel about this design — here’s why
By John Velasco published
A dummy unit purportedly of the iPhone Fold just leaked giving us a look at the wide foldable phone flanked by dummies of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Moto G Stylus (2026) $100 price increase is actually a win for budget buyers — here’s why
By John Velasco published
The Moto G Stylus (2026) may come with a $100 price hike, but this bundle-first strategy is one that other phone makers should follow. Here's why.

Forget Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra — the new Galaxy S27 'Pro' could be the flagship to buy
By John Velasco last updated
The Galaxy S27 Pro might be a smaller version of the S27 Ultra, but it could be ditching the S Pen to make way for a larger battery or better cameras.

Forget Siri — I just tried the new CarPlay with iOS 26.5 beta and now I can talk to ChatGPT while I drive
By John Velasco published
Soon after iOS 26.4 rolled out, I tested out some of the new CarPlay features that came with the new iOS 26.5 beta 1 update — like adding more support for different AI chatbots.

I took over 200 photos with Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
I captured over 200 photos with the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra to find out what improvements Samsung makes with its latest flagship device.
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