
Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels

Apple Intelligence's best feature gains new powers in iOS 26 — what's new with Visual Intelligence
By Philip Michaels published
Visual Intelligence adds the ability to search screenshots in iOS 26. Here's how it works.

I tested AI writing tools on iPhone vs Galaxy vs Pixel — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels published
From suggesting tone changes to auto-formatting notes, modern phones can do a lot with text using AI. But which AI-powered writing tool, out of the iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy S' versions, is the best?

Early Amazon Prime Day phone deals — some of my favorite phones are already on sale
By Philip Michaels published
Amazon Prime Day usually means lower prices on some of the top phones. But you don't have to wait to start saving.

Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how the best cell phone plans for seniors compare, ranging from the cheapest to best unlimited options.

The iPhone 17 Air can blow Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge out of the water — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 Edge is setting a high bar for other ultra-thin phones to clear. But one area has emerged where the iPhone 17 Air can truly impress.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 — we just got bad news about the design right before Unpacked
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung has been touting the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 as an Ultra edition of its foldable phone. But one rumor has a key durability rating falling short of what the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Flip 6: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
With the Galaxy Z Flip 7 about to launch, we look at how the new phone could differ from the Galaxy Z Flip 6 that came out last year.

iPhone 17 Pro — all the rumors and leaks so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's the latest on rumored features on the iPhone 17 Pro, including potential changes by Apple and what you might pay for the phone due to the Trump tariffs.

iPhone 17 colors: Here's what's rumored for this fall's new iPhones
By Philip Michaels published
What new colors will debut on the iPhone 17? We look at the rumors for every new model, along with how colors have changed on recent iPhone releases

iOS 26 brings big changes to your iPhone lock screen — what to expect
By Philip Michaels published
As part of the Liquid Glass interface changes in iOS 26, you can customize your iPhone with Spatial Scenes for wallpaper. But that's not the only lock screen change.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE tipped for Unpacked — and it could be the cheap foldable we've all been waiting for
By Philip Michaels published
Will we finally get a cheaper foldable from Samsung?

iOS 26 has 5 upgrades I can't wait to use — but they only work with these iPhones
By Philip Michaels last updated
Not every iOS addition will work on every iPhone — even some of the more exciting iOS 26 improvements. Here are the key upgrades I'm looking to try that are restricted to select devices.

I actually prefer budget phones to flagships — but there's one thing phone makers need to fix
By Philip Michaels published
Today's budget phones feature manageable trade-offs in exchange for lower-priced devices. But software support lags behind flagships in most cases — and it needs to change.

iPhone 17 Air rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The slimmest iPhone ever could be arriving in 2025, but you may want to start saving now.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Biggest expected changes
By Philip Michaels published
A Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 comparison looks at potential changes to Samsung's top foldable, led by a thinner design, better camera and new AI features.

T-Satellite with Starlink is launching next month — what you need to know about T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile service
By Philip Michaels published
T-Satellite launches on July 23. Here's who is eligible to receive the service and what you'll be able to send via satellite.

iOS 26 is going to put your passport on your iPhone — everything we know so far about Apple's Digital IDs
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 26, you'll be able to use a U.S. passport to create a Digital ID this fall. Here's what that will allow you to do.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro: How big will the gap be this year for new iPhones?
By Philip Michaels published
Apple typically saves its premium features for the Pro models of its iPhone lineup. Will an iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro comparison reveal those kinds of differences this fall?

Should you get a Trump phone? Here's why the Trump Mobile T1 device should scare you off
By Philip Michaels published
Donald Trump's family business is launching a smart phone with wireless coverage. But no matter your politics, there's plenty of reasons to give this phone a wide berth.

I've never been tempted to get a foldable phone — here's how Samsung could change that with the Galaxy Z Fold 7
By Philip Michaels published
I've seen foldable phones come and go for more than half-a-decade, but I've never been interested in getting one. Can Samsung change that with upcoming releases like the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

My favorite midrange phone is now available for the same low price that made me fall in love with it
By Philip Michaels published
The OnePlus 13R has a lot going for it, but its starting price is $100 more than its predecessor. A deal at Best Buy gets rid of that price hike and throws in a $100 gift card as a bonus.

iOS 26 — do you need to upgrade your iPhone this fall?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A few iOS 26 features require an Apple Intelligence-capable device. Should that make you trade in your older iPhone for a new model this fall?

Best Verizon phone deals for June 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.
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