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

iPhone Fold design gets compared to iPhone 17 Pro Max — and it's shockingly compact
By John Velasco last updated
New leaks show a dummy unit of the iPhone Fold compared to other devices, like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 8.3-inch iPad mini.

I drove the BMW 550e for a week — and this sedan is the reason why all luxury vehicles should be PHEVs
By John Velasco published
Editor's ChoiceI tested the 2026 BMW 550e for a week to see how well this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle performed and what advantages it offers in the gas-versus-electric conversation.

BMW just completely changed the dashboard as you know it — and I saw why the 2027 7 Series is better for it
By John Velasco last updated
The 2027 BMW 7 Series has a dramatic new design that ditches the traditional driver's display for a unique pillar-to-pillar for a sleeker Panoramic Vision panel.

I've been ripped off! This 6-pack Apple Watch band for under $12 is just as good as Nike
By John Velasco published
I bought this 6-pack of knockoff Nike sport bands for my Apple Watch and it proved to me that I've been ripped off this entire time by official ones.

I just tested this portable solar panel to charge my phone — and it works a lot better than I thought
By John Velasco published
I charged my Galaxy S26 Ultra using a Duracell M-Series Portable Solar Panel to see how much charge it adds relying on nothing more than sun power.

Motorola discounts Razr Ultra 2025 with a massive 46% off discount to clear inventory — and you get 1TB storage
By John Velasco published
Motorola appears to be clearing stock to make way for new models, by giving the flagship Razr Ultra 2025 a $700 instant discount.

I drove the Lexus RX 450h+ for a week — it’s a solid blend of gas and all-electric power
By John Velasco published
RecommendedI put the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ to the test to see if this luxury PHEV has what it takes to convince car shoppers about the savings of all-electric power.

I just tested this $200 Samsung phone to see what you actually get for the money
By John Velasco published
The Samsung Galaxy A17 is a budget phone that offers a premium-looking design and long-term software support, but it falls flat elsewhere.

iPhone 18 Pro colors just leaked — here’s what to expect
By John Velasco published
A leaked image shared by Ice Universe shows us the iPhone 18 Pro camera housings in four new colors, including a burgundy shade, that makes it look moodier.

This phone actually has a built-in walkie-talkie — and it's the perfect off-the-grid companion
By John Velasco published
The Blackview Xplore 1 Walkie Talkie is the ultimate off-the-grid phone because it keeps you connected without a cell connection with its walkie-talkie function.
I tried this USB-C charging cable that coils itself using magnets — and now I refuse to charge my phone with anything else
By John Velasco published
Stop dealing with messy cable wires because the Scosche Statik MagStack USB-C cable has a magnetic sleeve that lets it coil around itself.

I shot over 200 photos with Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S26 — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
I put the cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 to the test in a 200 photo shootout to find out what differences these cameras phones produce.

Forget handheld fans! I survived the first day of this broiling heatwave using this clip-on waist fan
By John Velasco last updated
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’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.

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.

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.
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