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
![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra DeX Upgrade Feature.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7fjf2QKxuk8YdZm2uZipdV-320-80.jpg)
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
![Apple iPhone 16 Ultra vs. iPhone Flip.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a5JmLUnePfoUGnoELhxVz8-320-80.jpg)
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.
![OnePlus 12 with colorful lines in the background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LAprBHAk8m8uEbSXuuyw3o-320-80.jpg)
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
![Samsung Galaxy S23 review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BRDsxB8dXQyAFspyn2XFaK-320-80.jpg)
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
![Unihertz Jelly Star](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8EpGiucBhBbsS9XNLWs8vk-320-80.jpg)
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 S23 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KzYXDWQu6txNYXKhTapsa6-320-80.jpg)
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 teaser.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U9fqJecAvszZQotepWV7HP-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The astrophotography mode in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's ExpertRAW app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Sao4LFbzGHLQhMKhS7vjpE-320-80.jpg)
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 Ultra render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EkZk347PL9mmV3APSimgmb-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R7bUTFTLWNP4osuvWjX4Fa-320-80.jpg)
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.
![OnePlus 12R shown in Cool Blue and Iron Grey.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yUKo5Mb22WTDFzru9vWFRJ-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Bunch of 2023 flagships phones on top of table.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3cRiMzJiLLWTLAtoCwYQBQ-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses worn by Tom's Guide editor John Velasco](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PmJzMnnsftANNnFMJtuzkA-320-80.jpg)
I wore these smart glasses for a year to record my memories — here's what happened
By John Velasco last updated
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses don't look ridiculous in public
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with holiday finds badge.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N5k9Nhs95HkqxwptmjDXrW-320-80.jpg)
Not a typo! Galaxy Z Flip 4 foldable just crashed to $269 in last-minute holiday deal
By John Velasco published
Best Buy's giving Verizon customers more savings on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 than ever before with an instant 73% off, making it a perfect gift for the holidays.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P5Yg5cnXTuom4bmz967Gnh-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 needs this camera fix badly before Apple releases the new iPhone
By John Velasco last updated
One of the annoyances about the iPhone's camera is that you still need to direct yourself to general settings in order to access some options. Hopefully this changes with the iPhone 16.
![iPhone shown with notification to download iOS 17.2.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wykfBuU64RqPomDGn7twUJ-320-80.jpg)
iOS 17.2 now live — here’s all the new iPhone features you can try
By John Velasco last updated
With the release of iOS 17.2, users can now use the Journal app to create dynamic memories, capture spatial video with an iPhone 15 Pro, and even use Siri to access your Health app data/
![Ring Wall Light Solar installed on a wall above a garage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xZrsrrpUzv5udupmBd9adW-320-80.jpeg)
This solar wall light is the most underrated gadget I tried in 2023 — and it could save you a ton of money
By John Velasco published
The Ring Wall Light Solar is the most underrated gadget I tried in 2023 because of how easy it was to install, offers limitless lighting, and I have yet the need to recharge it in nearly a year.
![Galaxy S24 Ultra concept](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qYkM8GZ3XdQ7fFeD2Nf5VQ-320-80.jpeg)
Forget Pixel 8 Pro — here’s how the Galaxy S24 Ultra can beat Google on AI
By John Velasco published
Take the Pixel 8's best AI features and make them better
![Unistellar eQuinox 2 being used in a backyard to capture astrophotography images.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oAMtsdCPNTRWUgFbc4yUx5-320-80.jpg)
The coolest gadget of 2023 makes me feel like I have a Hubble telescope in my backyard
By John Velasco published
I'll never look at the night sky the same way again
![OnePlus 12 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gQEZoFYoBuYqVKTMpwpuUL-320-80.jpg)
OnePlus 12 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which Android flagship phone will win?
By John Velasco last updated
Both Android phones will be top contenders
![OnePlus 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EvvhDjPp8mb8zTpP34v2X6-320-80.jpg)
OnePlus 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which flagship will win?
By John Velasco last updated
It could be a changing of the guard
![Google Pixel 8 Pro AI Photo Editing.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fj7f34H8YM3YN5A6ByXPbM-320-80.jpg)
Pixel 8 Pro fail — here’s what happened when I tried AI photo editing
By John Velasco published
I've been using the Google Pixel 8 Pro and thought it could streamline my workflow by using its AI photo editing features to tweak and fix photos, but they always didn't turn out right.
![Xlife wireless endoscope camera being used to remove ear wax in ear.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/29oYeYjKhcLg8HLbu66Hi-320-80.jpg)
This is the weirdest and most oddly satisfying gadget I bought in 2023 — and it’s under $25
By John Velasco published
The weirdest thing I bought in 2023 was this wireless otoscope camera that lets me remove unwanted ear wax buildup in my ears.
![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra back in green](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2Etr9yCAdL4fEqCe4Y2xdN-320-80.jpg)
Forget Pixel 8 Pro — these are the Galaxy S24 Ultra AI video editing tools that could beat it
By John Velasco published
There's a strong chance for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to beat the Google Pixel 8 Pro with the help of AI video editing tools. It could make video editing on the go a painless process.