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

This is nuts! Get an iPhone 13 and unlimited data service for an entire year for $395
By John Velasco published
Visible is offering the iPhone 13 with a year's worth of unlimited data service for $395 at checkout with its Black Friday sale.

The Lego Thanos Glove is 44% off right now for Black Friday — this deal feels inevitable
By John Velasco published
Amazon's Black Friday sale has the Lego replica of Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet on sale for 44% off, making it the perfect gift for the Marvel fan in your life.

Motorola Razr 2024 for 85% off sets the bar for all other foldables this Black Friday
By John Velasco published
Cricket Wireless has an epic Black Friday deal on the Motorola Razr 2025

I drove an Acura ZDX Type S for a week — and it’s luxury like no other
By John Velasco published
With its hefty $73,500 starting cost, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a luxury all-electric SUV that's big on style and performance. But it sacrifices on efficiency.

I tried astrophotography on my OnePlus 12 to shoot galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters — these were my best captures
By John Velasco published
I wasn't wowed by the OnePlus 12's low light camera performance when I reviewed the phone earlier this year. But I'm impressed by how well it does with astrophotography. Here's my favorite captures.

Not a typo! This amazing iPhone 16 Pro Black Friday deal is just 1 cent right now
By John Velasco published
Amazon's Black Friday deal on the iPhone 16 Pro with Boost Mobile brings down its cost to $0.01, making it one of the best iPhone deals you'll find for Black Friday. Here's why.

I paired this night vision binoculars with my phone — and it helped out with my astrophotography
By John Velasco published
It's my new favorite companion with astrophotography

I sat inside Sony-Honda’s Afeela, and I am not sure if I’m ready for this self-driving EV
By John Velasco published
The Afeela EV, the product behind the Sony Honda Mobility venture, is expected to arrive in 2026 touting autonomous driving. However, I'm still not sure I'm ready for it.

Is the iPhone 16’s Audio Mix feature legit? I put it to the test
By John Velasco published
How good is Audio Mix?

I put the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Since they're arguably the two most popular phones around, this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra face-off will determine for sure what's the better phone.

I drove a Lucid Air Pure EV for a week and I was blown away — here's why
By John Velasco published
Arguably one of the most thoughfully designed EVs on the market, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure puts to shame other electric cars with its class-leading efficiency and range.

I tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra in a slow motion video showdown — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
In this comparison, I test out the slow motion video capture modes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra to see which one does it the best.

I thought free EV charging was a myth, but I finally tried one — here’s what happened
By John Velasco published
I thought free EV chargeing didn't exist anymore, but I finally got the chance to experience it for the first time.

Xfinity Mobile: What is it and is it worth it?
By John Velasco last updated
Comcast offers wireless phone service through Xfinity Mobile. We look at what the service provides and whether it’s a good value.

I tried astrophotography on my Pixel 9 Pro XL to shoot galaxies, nebulas and star clusters — here’s the results
By John Velasco published
It sees details I can't see with my own eyes

Best early Black Friday phones deals — iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Motorola Razr Plus and more
By John Velasco last updated
I've been keeping an eye out on the best early Black Friday phone deals because the savings happen long before the big shopping holiday gets here.

My favorite new gadget attaches to my keychain and goes everywhere I do — and it lets my phone see in the dark
By John Velasco published
I tried the Thermal Master P2 infrared camera to make out any heat signatures when it's pitch black outside. I've also used it to uncover suspicious hot and cold spots throughout my home.

I test a ton of portable chargers and battery banks — as low as $17 with these early Black Friday deals
By John Velasco last updated
These early Black Friday deals on portable chargers and battery banks will save you big right now.

I drove the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe EV for a week — and it's the most fun I've had driving any EV
By John Velasco last updated
The 2025 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is one of the most exciting EVs to drive, thanks partly to its zippy acceleration, tight handling, and eye-catching design.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could beat iPhone 16 Pro Max with this one feature
By John Velasco last updated
With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra expected for early release next year, the company can't afford to again to glaze over the features of Samsung DeX.

I put Apple Image Playground vs Google Pixel Studio to the test — which AI image generator wins?
By John Velasco published
Only the most accurate one can come out on top

I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it’s the weirdest scooter I've ever tried
By John Velasco published
I rode Honda's Motocompacto to see how this strange looking electric scooter handles and whether it could be an ideal commuter scooter.

I tried astrophotography on my iPhone 16 Pro Max to shoot galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters — these were my best captures
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent shooter for low light, so I tried astrophotography to capture some of my favorite deep space objects.
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