Articles by: 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.

Articles by: Philip Michaels

Here’s the one iOS 17 addition I hope Apple delivers

By Philip Michaels published 27 May 23

Of all the rumored changes to iOS 17, our managing editor for mobile hopes that Apple can deliver Active Widgets, as it would be the next logical step in the evolution of widgets on iOS.

Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 camera face-off: Can the cheaper Pixel beat the flagship?

By Philip Michaels published 27 May 23

In this Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 camera face-off, we'll find out if there's really $100 worth of differences in the photos these Google camera phones produce.

The Galaxy S23's Modes and Routines page is where you find how to set up a mode on galaxy s23

This Samsung Galaxy S23 feature can shut down distractions when you need to focus

By Philip Michaels published 26 May 23

If you're distracted by notifications, calls and other noise on your Galaxy S23, here's how you can set up a Mode so that you can better focus.

The Pixel Tablet could have an unlikely competitor — your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 25 May 23

A new report claims that iOS 17 could nab one of Android's most useful features for the iPhone by turning a locked device into a smart screen.

iOS 16.6 public beta arrives — here's what's new

By Philip Michaels published 24 May 23

The iOS 16.6 update is now available as a public beta, but don't expect many big changes with iOS 17 about to get a preview.

It’s official — Apple sets a date and time for WWDC 2023 keynote

By Philip Michaels published 23 May 23

WWDC 2023 will start things off with a keynote at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Monday, June 5. Here's what you can expect if you watch the live stream.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render half folded

Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 need to tackle this foldable phone problem

By Philip Michaels published 23 May 23

Up until now, foldable phones haven't offered much in the way of battery life. That needs to change with the devices that are coming out this year.

This iPhone 15 rumor is the only one I care about

By Philip Michaels published 21 May 23

The latest iPhone 15 rumors tip Apple's new phone to feature an upgraded main camera. If so, that's a big deal for potential iPhone shoppers.

I review phones for a living and I’m not impressed by the Google Pixel Fold

By Philip Michaels published 20 May 23

It's early still, but our managing editor for mobile fears that the Google Pixel Fold missed a chance at its launch to differentiate itself from the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Google Pixel 7a vs. iPhone SE: Which cheap phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published 19 May 23

Google's latest phone takes on the least expensive iPhone you can buy. Who wins this Google Pixel 7a vs. iPhone SE (2022) match-up?

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and more

By Philip Michaels published 18 May 23

The next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event is rapidly approaching. Here's what to expect from the next big Samsung product launch this summer.

I've tested the Google Pixel 7a — and this is my favorite feature by far

By Philip Michaels published 17 May 23

The Recorder app has been a great addition to Google's Pixel phones over the years. And it's even better with Speaker Labels available on any Tensor-powered Pixel like the Pixel 7a.

Google Pixel 7a vs. Samsung Galaxy A54: Which budget phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published 16 May 23

The best budget phone of the year will likely come down to the Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. the Google Pixel 7a. Here's how that battle is shaping up.

A leak-based render of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 release date just leaked — and it’s a lot earlier than usual

By Philip Michaels published 16 May 23

Get ready to see new Samsung foldables in July, as multiple sources are now tipping July 26 as the date for the next Galaxy Unpacked launch event.

Pixel 7a vs. Galaxy A54 vs. iPhone SE 2022

Pixel 7a, Galaxy A54 show that Apple is clueless when it comes to cheaper phones

By Philip Michaels published 14 May 23

Samsung and Google have gotten serious about midrange phones, and it's making the iPhone SE look silly. Here's how the Galaxy A54 and Pixel 7a have left the iPhone SE in the dust.

Google Pixel 7a vs. Samsung Galaxy A54 camera face-off: Who has the best cheap camera phone?

By Philip Michaels published 13 May 23

You don't need to spend big bucks on a great camera phone. But who provides the better cameras for less — this Google Pixel 7a vs. Samsung Galaxy A54 camera face-off will find out.

Google's AI-powered Magic Editor terrifies me — here's why

By Philip Michaels published 13 May 23

Magic Editor, coming to Google Photos later this year, simplifies some pretty tricky photo editing tasks. And that could make photo-doctoring a lot easier.

6 top Google Pixel 7a features that make this budget phone stand out

By Philip Michaels published 12 May 23

Google didn't spend much time discussing the Pixel 7a at Google I/O, but it should have — this budget phone stands out from the crowd, and these are the features that make the Pixel 7a worth getting.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra renders show how it will take on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 May 23

Official-looking renders show off the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra with a larger cover display than previous versions of this flip phone-style foldable.

Google I/O 2023 news: Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Android 14 and all the big AI announcements

By Philip Michaels published 11 May 23

This year's Google I/O figures to be packed with news. Follow our Google I/O 2023 live blog to find out the latest announcements as they happen.

Google Pixel 7a review: Stellar Android phone value

By Philip Michaels published 10 May 23

With a fast refresh rate, improved main camera and Tensor G2 processor, the Pixel 7a is Google’s best midrange phone yet. But the competition is tougher, too.

iOS 16.5 is live now — here’s the new features for your iPhone

By Philip Michaels last updated 18 May 23

As promised by Apple, iOS 16.5 is now out and ready to download. Here's what changing with the iPhone software.

Google Pixel 7a — 5 reasons to buy and 2 reasons to skip

By Philip Michaels last updated 10 May 23

The Google Pixel 7a, and we've had a chance to test the phone. Here's why we'd buy the Pixel 7a — and why we'd give it a pass.

How to watch Google I/O 2023: Everything to expect and how to stream live

By Philip Michaels published 8 May 23

See all the big Google I/O 2023 news as it happens with a live stream the May 10 event. Here's how to watch Google I/O 2023, featuring the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a and more.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 15 Ultra renders from 4RMD

iPhone 15 price rumors — here’s the latest on what you might pay

By Philip Michaels published 7 May 23

We're tracking rumors about iPhone 15 prices, and so far, it looks like some models of this fall's phones may cost more than their iPhone 14 counterparts.

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