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 MagSafe wireless charger is about the same size as my Apple Watch — and it's my new favorite travel accessory
By John Velasco published
A meticulous design only Apple could come up with
Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor is FDA-cleared to measure your body temperature — here’s how to use it
By John Velasco published
The Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor has finally received its FDA clearance, so you can now use it to measure your body temperature. Here's how to do it.
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
We took over 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Now that we've been using the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max for an extended amount of time, we decided to see how their cameras really stack up after we took over 200 photos with them.
7 ways Nothing Phone 2a beats Pixel 7a
By John Velasco published
Now that it's official, the Nothing Phone 2a is proving to be a contender in the budget space. Here are all the ways its beats the Google Pixel 7a.
iPhone 15 review: The best iPhone value
By John Velasco last updated
The iPhone 15 might be the smallest iPhone in the lineup, but it packs a heavy punch
Better than Black Friday! Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is down to its all-time lowest price at 56% off
By John Velasco published
Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro at its lowest price ever for a limited time at 56% off. If that's not enough, the LTE equipped version is also 50% off.
Nothing Phone 2a is everything I want in a budget phone — except for this huge drawback
By John Velasco published
Only developers can buy it in the U.S.
Nothing Phone (2) review: Better in every way except one
By John Velasco last updated
And no, it's not the higher $599 cost
Nothing Phone 2a Review: Pixel 7a and iPhone SE should be scared
By John Velasco published
You'll expect more from sub-$500 phones from now on
March Google Pixel Feature Drop — all the new features for your Pixel phones, watches, and tablets
By John Velasco published
The March Google Pixel Feature Drops brings 10-bit HDV Video to Pixel phones, Pace Training to Pixel Watches, and App Screen Sharing to Android tablets and other supported devices.
This is the only reason why I’d wear a bendable phone on my wrist
By John Velasco published
Motorola's bendable phone concept recently sparked the idea of finally being able to video chat on a wrist-worn gadget, which is something I've been wanting all these years with smartwatches.
We took over 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
It's a one-sided win for Samsung's latest phone.
Forget Pixel 7a — you can get the Pixel 8 for free with no trade-in required
By John Velasco last updated
Xfinity Mobile and T-Mobile are practically giving away the Pixel 8, making these some of the best deals we've seen on the AI-powered phone.
I accidentally discovered the hidden Safari browser on my Apple Watch — here’s how to do it
By John Velasco published
The Apple Watch actually has a hidden Safari browser that can be used to check out websites on your wrist. Here's how to do it.
Which phone has the longest battery life? Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max vs OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8 Pro
By John Velasco last updated
It all comes down to the power efficiency of their chips
Nothing Phone 2a first look: the best looking affordable phone to date
By John Velasco published
Not yet ratedIn the battle for the best cheap phones, the Nothing Phone 2a appears to be a worthy contender. Here are some first impressions of the phone now that we've seen it during MWC 2024.
Forget Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — 6 reasons to buy Galaxy S24 Plus instead
By John Velasco last updated
There's actually more incentive this time to go with the Plus
Nothing Phone (2a) unboxing teaser proves budget phones can look ultra premium
By John Velasco published
We got our best look at the upcoming Nothing Phone (2a) thanks to an unboxing video posted by the company revealing its Glyph Interface and translucent design.
Galaxy S24 has a handy interpreter app with real-time translation — here's how to use it
By John Velasco published
Translating what someone is trying to say to you in another language is easier to do with the Galaxy S24's built-in Interpreter app that can do it in real time. Here's how to use it.
Create artistic images that pop with double exposure photos on iPhone — here’s how
By John Velasco published
Take two photos you like and blend them together
AT&T service ‘fully restored’ after massive outage — here’s what we know
By John Velasco last updated
AT&T customers woke up with their phones in SOS mode apparently due to a service disruption that has knocked down cellular service and internet, but it has finally been restored.
Wyze security camera breach is another reason why you should look at privacy shutters — here’s what I recommend
By John Velasco published
Security cameras with privacy shutters offer another layer of protection at home to prevent unwanted eyes from seeing you.
One UI 6.1 update brings all Galaxy AI features of Galaxy S24 to Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 6, and more
By John Velasco published
Samsung will be rolling out its One UI 6.1 update in late March, which will bring all of the Galaxy AI features first introduced by the Galaxy S24 to older devices.