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
7 ways Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra beats iPhone 15 Pro Max
By John Velasco published
If you're trying to convince yourself on which to buy, we break down all the ways the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Samsung Galaxy S24’s AI lets you do something no iPhone can — here's how
By John Velasco published
How to add slow motion to any videos you record on the Samsung Galaxy S24
I just tested Samsung’s AI-powered Instant Slow-mo video on the Galaxy S24 and it actually looks legit
By John Velasco published
Now you can turn any video into slow motion
Galaxy S24 Ultra’s most boring feature is what makes it unique among phones — and that’s a problem
By John Velasco published
The S Pen deserves better than this
5 Galaxy S24 rumored features that weren’t announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked
By John Velasco published
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked showed off the company's new Galaxy S24 lineup, along with a tease for the Galaxy Ring, but there were several rumored things that didn't end up coming to the Galaxy S24.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra zoom test — this looks like a downgrade
By John Velasco last updated
Was Samsung wrong to go with a 5x zoom?
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: Galaxy S24 lineup, new Galaxy AI features, and a Galaxy Ring surprise
By John Velasco published
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 delivered a new lineup of Galaxy S24 flagship phones, with each model capable of delivering AI-powered features.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S22 Ultra: Biggest expected upgrades
By John Velasco last updated
In this Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra versus Galaxy S22 Ultra comparison, we look at all the rumors surrounding the S24 Ultra and see how much better it could be against the two year old S22 Ultra.
Forget Galaxy S24 — this underrated OnePlus 12 feature beats Samsung
By John Velasco published
You won't ever worry about a missing TV remote again
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024: Galaxy S24, AI, Galaxy Ring and more
By John Velasco last updated
The first major phone launch of 2024 is about to happen
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leaked video just confirmed a big design change
By John Velasco published
A new video ahead of Galaxy Unpacked reveals a startling design change with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The series has long used a curved display, but this video shows a flat screen instead.
The Galaxy S24 is an opportunity for Samsung to overhaul its most underrated feature
By John Velasco published
Samsung DeX hasn't seen a huge upgrade in years
Before Apple comes out with an iPhone 16 Ultra, it needs an iPhone Flip — here's why
By John Velasco published
There's growing debate around what Apple could be working on, so our phones editor is diving into the details on what Apple should release first — an iPhone 16 Ultra or iPhone Flip.
A decade after the original, the OnePlus 12 could finally ditch this long-standing stigma about OnePlus phones
By John Velasco published
It could finally ditch the series' long-standing camera stigma
Forget generative AI — this is how the Galaxy S24 could better use AI to help me lead a healthier life
By John Velasco published
You are what you eat
This amazingly small Android phone has features you won’t find on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Pixel
By John Velasco published
Smartphone makers have been making lame excuses
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra rumored camera downgrade could be a deal-breaker for me — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is that it might be dropping the 10x optical zoom camera for a 5x one instead. I think it could be a big deal breaker.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 — official date and early Galaxy S24 pre-order details revealed
By John Velasco last updated
Samsung officially revealed the date for Galaxy Unpacked 2024, where we'll likely get our first official look at the upcoming Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Forget moon shots — the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra could capture galaxies and nebulas
By John Velasco published
A recent leak hints to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra featuring a 100x space zoom, which could help the flagship to take the next step in astrophotography for mobile by capturing nebulas and galaxies.
Samsung Galaxy S24 pre-orders — reserve early and snag up $1,020 off for a limited time
By John Velasco last updated
Samsung's offering a reserve credit of $50 for those who place a reservation through Samsung's website or Shop Samsung app, which can then be applied to a pre-order on a future Galaxy device.
The best smartphone feature I tried in 2023 isn’t from Apple or Samsung — and they should copy it now
By John Velasco published
There were plenty of cool smartphone features I got to try out in 2023, but the best one was the Pixel 8 Pro's upgraded Call Screen feature that takes phone calls for me.
Official OnePlus 12R reveal gives us our first glimpse at its design
By John Velasco published
Less than a month away before its official unveiling, we're getting our first official look at the OnePlus 12R, which will be available in Cool Blue and Iron Gray colors.
The year in phones 2023 — the good, the bad and the wacky
By John Velasco published
With 2023's end nearing, we reflect back on all of the interesting, noteworthy, and bizarre things that happen in the world of phones.