
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

iPhone 17 Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Here’s what you give up for a thinner phone
By Philip Michaels published
Trying to decide which Apple premium phone to get? Our iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max comparison looks at the trade-offs you make with both phones.

Messages is the iPhone’s most complete app, but iOS 26 has made it even better — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
Even though Messages was already a complete app, Apple still managed to make some key improvements to its texting app in iOS 26.

I've been skeptical about AI on phones — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip coming to Android could make me a believer
By Philip Michaels last updated
The performance delivered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for Android phones will grab a lot of attention. But don't overlook what this new silicon means for AI on your phone.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 unveiled — here's all the performance and AI upgrades likely coming to Galaxy S26 Ultra
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset will power many of next year's top Android phones, including, potentially, Samsung's next Galaxy S flagships. Here's what you can expect from the chipset.

I benchmarked the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — the iPhone 17 Pro has already met its match
By Philip Michaels last updated
We've gotten a chance to benchmark the just-announced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and next year's top Android phones should be performance powerhouses.

Beyond the iPhone 17 — here are the iPhones coming up next for Apple and when to expect them
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 17 models may have just gone on sale. But if you're wondering what's in store for future iPhone releases, we've got a look at the rumors of what's coming next.

Best Verizon phone plans for 2025: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.

This one iOS 26 feature gives me hope for the future of Apple Intelligence
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 26 doesn't offer a lot of new Apple Intelligence features, but the improvements to Visual Intelligence suggest Apple has the know-how to beef up its AI tools.

The iPhone 17 offers plenty of upgrades — here’s the ones I’d like to see on next year’s iPhone 17e
By Philip Michaels published
Apple reportedly has an iPhone 17e in the works for next year. How many of the improvements on the just-released iPhone 17 will find their way to Apple's midrange phone?

Should you upgrade to iPhone 17? Here’s who should buy (and skip) from the iPhone 13 and up
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple's iPhone 17 models are now on sale. If you're wondering whether or not to upgrade from your current iPhone, I can guide you through exactly how the iPhone has changed over the last four years.

Best iPhones in 2025: Which iPhone should you buy?
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best iPhones for every need and budget based on our reviews.

iPhone 17 Pro benchmarks: Apple’s A19 Pro silicon puts Snapdragon on notice
By Philip Michaels published
The A19 Pro that powers the new iPhone 17 Pro models not only delivers performance gains over last year's A18 Pro chip, but it also gives Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phones all they can handle.

I’ve been running iOS 26 since the summer, and one feature alone makes the upgrade worth it
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 26 brings a lot of features from a new interface to improvements to existing apps. But it's Call Screening in the Phone app that will change how you use your iPhone for the better.

Best GPS tracker for kids in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids can help pinpoint a lost child’s location, giving worried parents some peace of mind.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Time for an upgrade?
By Philip Michaels published
Our iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max face-off can tell you if enough has changed with Apple's premium handset to justify upgrading your phone.

iOS 26 guide: All the new features for your iPhone and how to use them
By Philip Michaels last updated
The full release of iOS 26 is now out Use this guide to find your way around all the changes Apple is bringing to the iPhone.

How to download iOS 26 — your guide to installing Apple’s latest software update
By Philip Michaels published
If you're ready to take the iOS 26 plunge, here's how to download and install the iOS 26 beta.

iOS 26 review: Great new features and a brand new look
By Philip Michaels published
Liquid Glass dominates this update, for good and for ill

iOS 26 is out — here are the 5 things you need to do to prepare
By Philip Michaels published
Apple has released all of its updated software today, September 15, including the iOS 26 update. Before you download the upgrade, here's what you can do to prepare your phone.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 7 reasons to buy (and 3 reasons to skip)
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces plenty of key changes, from a new look to a different camera setup. But is it enough to justify an upgrade?

iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro battery life — here's how they compare
By Philip Michaels published
Battery life is a key factor in deciding whether or not to upgrade your phone. Here's what we know so far about how long the iPhone 17 models might last.

What is Mint Mobile, and is it worth it?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Mint Mobile offers big savings on your wireless bill if you pay for a year of service upfront. Here's what you need to know.

iPhone 17 Event live updates — everything Apple announced and our reactions to iPhone Air, Apple Watch 11 and AirPods Pro 3
By Tom Pritchard, Philip Michaels, Richard Priday last updated
The iPhone 17 launch event brought eight us new products, including phones, watches and earbuds. Find out everything you need to know about the iPhone 17, Apple Watch 11. AirPods Pro 3, and more.
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