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
![Pixel 8a held in the hand with display on.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9eCTLhe4Vo2XVSYw76pzvk-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a deal — get 70% off and a free Pixel Watch 2 with this pre-order
By John Velasco published
AT&T has the best Pixel 8a preorder deal because you'll not only save 70% off the phone, but you'll also get a free Pixel Watch 2.
![Google Pixel 8a in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S4wh2sNEUAN9c2ErBQQXdE-320-80.jpg)
Pixel 8a is proof that Apple can't afford to shortchange the iPhone SE 4 — here's why
By John Velasco published
With the Pixel 8a's announcement, it pretty much means more pressure for the iPhone SE 4 to overdeliver, considering how Apple's cheapest iPhone is long overdue for an upgrade.
![Google Pixel 8a in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KKpBrNLGNfURW57eUDAxVF-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a preorders — the best deals happening right now
By John Velasco published
Google Pixel 8a preorders have plenty to offer for anyone looking to pick up this midrange Android phone. Here's where to get the best Pixel 8a preorder deals right now.
![Person using TextNow app on a phone.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sXwKH3DwRZTXUfVoDhDhNi-320-80.jpg)
Not a typo — TextNow launches first-ever free unlimited talk and text plan
By John Velasco published
TextNow's Free Essential Data plan offers unlimited talk and text with limited data access. Best of all, there's no monthly cost for the service; users only need to sign up and buy a SIM card.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra in hand showing cameras](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a4RBu7chKA3BmLejyqHVi5-320-80.jpg)
I took over 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
This one came out a lot closer this time
![iPhone 11 against wall with Act Now badge nearby.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oDnvCquXSfx4kv46poURAT-320-80.jpg)
Forget iPhone SE — snatch the iPhone 11 for the obnoxiously low price of $49
By John Velasco published
Total by Verizon is currently offering the iPhone 11 for $49 for a limited time, beating out the next cheapest model in the iPhone SE (2022).
![iPhone 16 prototypes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nvFJS8JLoSRCXxbdehohm4-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 — this is the one upgrade Apple needs to make
By John Velasco last updated
While others might be turned off by rumors about the iPhone 16 keeping to a 60Hz display refresh rate, Apple instead needs to upgrade it with an always-on display.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Press Images.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zhgu4zQDRo2u3LexkvkDGY-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra now looks like a lock for this year — here’s why
By John Velasco published
The Galaxy Watch Ultra could be the premium model Samsung's expected to launch soon to complement its Galaxy Watch 7 series of smartwatches.
![Lexus TX550H+ in a parking lot.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VDXDR6dFuFUZV9aEyjayhK-320-80.jpg)
I drove a Lexus TX550H+ plug-in hybrid for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
After test driving my first plug-in hybrid vehicle, a Lexus TX550H+, I got a better understanding of what this PHEV has to offer drivers as a luxury SUV.
![ESR HaloLock MagSafe Wallet on iPhone with Act Fast badge nearby.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RYF5mvrYzRWu8fm6W8u7u4-320-80.jpg)
I ditched my bulky wallet for this MagSafe one that doubles as a phone stand — and it’s just $9 right now
By John Velasco published
I haven't gone back to a regular wallet because of this
![Pixel 8 Pro running apps that require subscriptions.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2DZYYtX3FZ9aWDwgyMYafa-320-80.jpg)
Most of my favorite apps are ditching one-time payments for subscriptions — this is a problem
By John Velasco published
Many of the photo and video editing apps I use on my smartphones have been moving to subscription models instead of the one-time payments I was used to. This annoys me so much. Here's why.
![Lexus TX550H+ PHEV](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MtvE5ncrRr6QErJGpbmkx3-320-80.jpg)
Sorry, EVs — I test drove my first PHEV and it’s the perfect blend of electric and gas power
By John Velasco published
You might not have to pay for gas again, either
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 mid fold](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uDodgcbxKHyQBUktACH6n5-320-80.jpg)
Forget pricey flagships — this could be the year of sub-$500 foldable phones
By John Velasco published
Foldable phones are shedding their reputation for being expensive, but based on what we've seen in the last year, we could very well see a sub-$500 foldable phone in 2024.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VbdwyAyUPbzxBuri74DbGL-320-80.jpg)
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
In this iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max camera shootout, I took over 200 photos to see how Apple has improved the cameras on its latest model.
![Greenworks 40V 20-inch Electric Lawn Mower being used to cut lawn.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VNpZKYooW5cPZqVbjJEvwJ-320-80.jpg)
I don’t miss gas powered lawn mowers after using my Greenworks electric mower for a year — and it’s 34% off right now
By John Velasco published
I've used my Greenworks electric lawn mower for the last year and it's saved me a lot on money, especially when gas prices are rising. Best of all, Walmart has a 34% off discount on it right now.
![ESR HaloLock MagSafe Car Charger in car vent with lowest price badge nearby.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZuC6QAdgcaZafypWQSxARW-320-80.jpg)
Sorry CarPlay — this $12 MagSafe Charger gives me the perfect infotainment system in my car
By John Velasco published
StandBy Mode in iOS 17 upgrades your infotainment
![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold 2.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mdUiVfnGbkaPodmgzL5aqU-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Google Pixel Fold 2: Which foldable phone could win?
By John Velasco last updated
These next-gen foldables will be very different
![Woman posing in between HMD Pulse Plus phones.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bn5AUTGK5SSdZJRm7kReN4-320-80.jpg)
After years of making Nokia phones, HMD releases its own Android phones — and one of them is under $150
By John Velasco published
Best known for making Nokia phones, Finnish company HMD Global is launching its first ever branded phones with the HMD Vibe, HMD Pulse, HMD Pulse Plus, and HMD Pulse Pro.
![iPhone 16 Pro render blue bg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h7K2wWQVnuVfnSgxHYtKdd-320-80.jpg)
I’ve used the iPhone 15 Pro for 6 months — 6 camera upgrades that the iPhone 16 Pro needs
By John Velasco published
After using the iPhone 15 Pro for 6 months, our phones editor has some ideas on how Apple could easily improve the camera in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro.
![Four colors of Google Pixel 8a.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qdEVtWy8foe2WmyE7EXitV-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Phone showing Xfinity logo next to a router.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RBwhEmN5ooE3anNyaP5kG3-320-80.jpg)
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.
![An all electric Tesla Model 3 in white on cement road with trees in background on sunny day.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7L55ZrcXePgR9KSs7b3vqX-320-80.jpg)
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 render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5wDTVRZKp9R9XBGanPzCND-320-80.jpg)
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.