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
Google Pixel 8a — 5 biggest rumored upgrades
By John Velasco published
Ahead of its potential announcement at Google I/O, we break down all of the biggest rumored upgrades coming to the Google Pixel 8a.
Comcast's new mobile service just matched Visible’s $25 unlimited plan — here’s why I’m not switching
By John Velasco published
Comcast's NOW Mobile service is an unlimited cell phone plan that costs $25/month, matching what Visible offers. However, it's not enough to convince me to make the switch.
3 things everyone should know before buying an EV
By John Velasco published
Don't overlook these things if you want to save money
iPhone 16 Pro: 5 biggest rumored camera upgrades
By John Velasco published
There's been a number of leaks and rumors that hint at big upgrades coming to the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Here are the biggest ones we've heard about so far.
I took 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
Here's what happened after the latest software updates
Best cheap phones 2024
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best cheap phones you can buy based on our testing and reviews.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G hands-on review: The Pixel 7a has a lot to be worried about
By John Velasco published
Not yet rated$399 on paper looks mighty tempting
Not a typo! Samsung Galaxy S23 with Galaxy AI features is down to $250 without a trade-in
By John Velasco published
Best Buy is having an incredible deal on the Galaxy S23. This is made better by the fact that it has all the same Galaxy AI features as the newer S24.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Biggest expected differences
By John Velasco published
AI features could again make all the difference
iPhone 16 — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By John Velasco published
There's plenty to be excited about with these improvements
I tested Video Boost on the Pixel 8 Pro — here’s the results
By John Velasco published
Pixel phones have long offered Night Sight mode to brighten up photos captured under low light, but Video Boost brings the same improvements for video clips with the Pixel 8 Pro. Here's the results.
Moto G Power 5G (2024) review: Great battery life under $300, yikes cameras
By John Velasco published
You get a lot of endurance for less money with the new Moto G Power, but its dim display and lackluster cameras hold it back
My cats have tested these robotic litter boxes for months — here’s the one they use the most
By John Velasco published
Something to think about for National Pet Day
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the weirdest EV I’ve seen yet — here’s why I might buy one
By John Velasco published
You might think differently about minivans
I photographed the solar eclipse with iPhone 15 Pro vs Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
I took the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra for a solar eclipse shootout to see which flagship phone takes the best photos of the sun.
I gave my Galaxy S23 Ultra new life by installing a turbocharged software update — here’s why
By John Velasco published
Samsung's One UI 6.1 update just arrived on my Galaxy S23 Ultra, injecting new life by adding the same Galaxy AI features first available with the Galaxy S24 series.
Thinking of buying an EV? Here’s the one question you need to answer first
By John Velasco published
After I drove my first EV, I found out the biggest thing that could draw buyers away from buying one. You need to answer this question first to find out if an EV is right for you.
This is how I plan to successfully photograph the April 2024 solar eclipse with my phone
By John Velasco last updated
I learned a few new tricks to take better solar eclipse photos
The best Meta Quest 2 accessories for 2024
By Malcolm McMillan last updated
The Meta Quest 2 is the best VR headset out there, but it can be improved even further with some of the best Meta Quest 2 accessories. Here are our top picks.
Google Pixel 8a vs Apple iPhone SE 4: Which phone could win?
By John Velasco last updated
In this Google Pixel 8a vs Apple iPhone SE 4, we look at everything we know about the mid-range phones and see how they stack up against one another.
Interest in EV trucks like F150 Lightning is plummeting — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
Ford recently announced layoffs in its factory that produces the F150 Lighting, which is a sign that interest in EV trucks is starting to lessen. Here's why.
AI Eraser is OnePlus’ version of Magic Eraser — and it’s coming to new and older phones
By John Velasco published
OnePlus is diving into the world of AI with its first one, AI Eraser, which lets users easily remove unwanted stuff in photos with the help of generative AI.
Forget Pixel 8 Pro — Pixel 7 Pro with 512GB storage is 55% off right now
By John Velasco published
Last year's flagship at a mid-range price