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

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.

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.

Google Pixel 10 Review: The Biggest Upgrade In Years
By John Velasco last updated
Google finally adds a telephoto camera to the Pixel 10, while also injecting it with more AI features that make it a strong flagship contender.

I Tested This Unbelievably Compact Power Bank With A Massive Battery — And It’s Under $33
By John Velasco published
The Iniu Pocket Rocket P50 is one of the tiniest 10,000 mAh power banks around, accompanied by 45W wired charging.

I’ve Tested Every iPhone — Here’s Why I’m Really Excited for the iPhone 17 Air
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 17 Air is tipped for a reveal at Apple's upcoming 'Awe Dropping' event next month. Here's why I'm excited for it.

Apple Event Confirmed for September 9 — iPhone 17, Apple Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3 and more
By John Velasco published
Apple's next event is coming on September 9, where hopefully the iPhone 17 and other devices will prove to be "awe dropping" like the event's name.

Time’s Ticking! This Will Make or Break the iPhone 17
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 17 reveal could be nearing, but Apple Intelligence will need to take a critical part in its reveal or it risks losing the AI wars.

I drove the Hyundai Ioniq 9 for a week — and this 3-row electric SUV has a lot of surprises
By John Velasco published
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a 3-row all-electric SUV that surprisingly offers outstanding efficiency and tons of features.

I checked out the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL — here’s the one I recommend
By John Velasco published
Google announced the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL and I got the chance to check them all out to tell you exactly how they're different.

I tried the Pixel 10 Pro XL — 5 ways iPhone 17 Pro Max could beat it
By John Velasco published
The Pixel 10 Pro XL has finally been announced, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be getting several key upgrades that could make it come out on top.

I tried Ask Photos on the Pixel 10 Pro — and it's the AI-assisted photo editing tool I’ve always wanted
By John Velasco published
I got to try out the new Ask Photos feature with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL to transform my selfie.

I just tested the Pixel 10 Pro XL's 100x zoom — and the results blew me away
By John Velasco last updated
Pro Res Zoom is a Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL exclusive feature that uses generative AI to enhance photos taken with the telephoto camera. Here's how it works.
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