
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

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9: All the biggest upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Our Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 comparison looks at what Google changed with the entry-level model in its flagship lineup, from new cameras to updated AI capabilities.

Pixel 10 Event LIVE — Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4 and all the Made by Google news
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google showed off its newest phones and smartwatches at Made by Google on August 20. Here's what you need to know about the Pixel 10 phones, Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a.

Best phones 2025 tested — Our top picks
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best phones you can buy at a wide range of prices based on our extensive testing and head-to-head comparisons.

We've tested the best Android phones available right now from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our list of the best Android phones at every size and for every budget will help you make the right choice.

Best Mint Mobile plans 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best Mint Mobile plans feature some of the cheapest prices right now — here's how to save on your monthly wireless phone service.

ESPN Select review: New name, same old ESPN Plus content
By Philip Michaels, Malcolm McMillan last updated
ESPN Select offers a lot of live sports for a little money, but it's no replacement for the breadth of networks you get with live TV services or ESPN Unlimited.

iOS 26 lets you change the background in Messages — here's how to do it
By Philip Michaels published
Liven up your conversations in iOS 26 Messages by adding a custom background of your choosing. We'll walk you through the steps.

Google Pixel 10 Pro rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
We're expecting the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL to arrive this month alongside the Pixel 10. Find out the rumored changes tipped to appear on Google's upcoming Pro models.

Made by Google 2025 — Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4 and what else could appear
By Philip Michaels last updated
WithGoogle's next hardware launch taking place this week, let's look at possible announcements for the August 20 Made by Google presentation, starting with new Pixel 10 phones.

I ran into a frustrating iOS 26 beta bug — and it has me worried about the accuracy of my fitness data
By Philip Michaels published
The bug is fixed, but my confidence is shaky

Pixel 10 phones are launching this week — here's 5 things I'm looking for at the Made by Google event
By Philip Michaels published
Made by Google 2025 happens this Wednesday, and new Pixel phones will be the focus. These are the Pixel 10 features and rumors that have piqued my interest ahead of the new phones' launch.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels published
Here's what we're expecting from Samsung's ultra-thin phone follow-up

Right now is the worst time to buy a new iPhone — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
If you're in the market for a new iPhone, you might want to wait for just a few more weeks to see what Apple has in store.

Best unlimited data plans in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Lots of wireless carriers promise limitless data, but only one can have the best unlimited data plan. Here’s the plan you should sign up for to save money.

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.

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.

I've tried out the biggest addition to iOS 26 Maps — here's what I like and what I don't
By Philip Michaels published
The marquee addition to the iOS 26 Maps app is Visited Places, which keeps an on-device log of your locations. I've been trying it out to see if it delivers on its promise.

Best family cell phone plan in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best family cell phone plan? We can help you find a smartphone plan that brings unlimited data to multiple people without breaking the bank.

Forget Verizon — one of my favorite cheap carriers is bringing back family plans
By Philip Michaels published
Visible is launching an Inner Circle program on August 21 that allows you to group multiple accounts together, with discounts available for the carrier's premium unlimited data plans.

I ditched for Verizon for three months for unlimited data at a fraction of the cost — here's how it went
By Philip Michaels published
Twigby Mobile uses Verizon's networks, but offers lower prices on data plans

What will our phones be like in 2035? We asked Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and more about your future
By Philip Michaels published
Get ready for multi-fold phones, 6G and a leap in AI

Motorola Razr (2025) review: Still the budget foldable phone to beat
By Philip Michaels published
Foldable phones don't have to be out of reach

Best Verizon phone deals for August 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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