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 7a review: Stellar Android phone value
By Philip Michaels last updated
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.
The iOS Sports app lets you follow your favorite teams — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
The new Sports app makes it easy to follow your favorite teams and leagues. But to do that, you've got to set up the Sports app. We can show you how.
iOS 17.4 is live — here’s all the new features for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
Apple has released iOS 17.4, the latest version of its iPhone software. The biggest change allows iPhone users in Europe to access third-party app stores, but there are other new features as well.
Best Verizon phone plans for 2024: 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.
Best phone battery life in 2024: The longest lasting smartphones
By Philip Michaels last updated
These phones held out for at least 13 hours in our test to offer the best phone battery life.
The iPhone SE is finally in line to get a modern look — but is it arriving too late to matter?
By Philip Michaels published
While the leaked CAD renders showing an updated iPhone SE 4 design are impressive, it's hard to get excited about a phone that likely won't show up this year.
iPhone 15: Price, specs and availability
By Richard Priday last updated
Here's what we know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models coming out this fall now that Apple's shown off its new phones.
The best prepaid phone plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best prepaid phone plans can save you money on your monthly cell phone bill. Here are the best options we found from a variety of carriers.
I tested Galaxy AI Chat Assist to see if people could spot my real text messages
By Philip Michaels published
Chat Assist is a feature on the Galaxy S24 that uses AI to fine-tune your text messages. But will people notice AI's influence on your texting? We put the feature to the test.
5 amazing phones from MWC 2024 I want to see in the US
By Philip Michaels published
From stellar camera phones to cheaper foldables, there's a lot of new phones that would be welcome in the U.S.
5 ways Google Pixel 8a can beat the OnePlus 12R
By Philip Michaels published
Here's what Google needs to do to keep delivering the Android phone with the best value
What is Consumer Cellular, and is it worth It?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Consumer cellular focuses on seniors and people who don't use a ton of data, and this service can save you a significant amount of money versus traditional carriers.
Google Fi Review: Excellent wireless service from Google
By Adam Ismail last updated
Google Fi delivers a first-class wireless service with an unparalleled customer experience — though it’s not cheap
One of my favorite iOS 17 Weather app features could save your life
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your iPhone's Weather app includes a severe weather alert feature that notifies you of warnings for floods, high winds and other nasty conditions. Here's how to make sure it's turned on.
What is Google Fi Wireless, and is it worth it?
By Deidre Richardson last updated
Who should use Google's wireless service?
What is Tello Mobile, and is it worth it?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Tello is a low-cost prepaid carriers with mix-and-match options and low costs, if you don't mind cutting down on data
iOS 18 device support details leak — will your iPhone be able to upgrade?
By Philip Michaels published
Leaked iOS 18 support details suggest that phones capabile of running iOS 17 will be able to upgrade to this year's iPhone software update.
iOS 18 tipped to get a redesign — what I’d like to see Apple introduce
By Philip Michaels published
A new look could be coming to Apple's iPhone software as part of the iOS 18 update. Here's what our managing editor for mobile thinks that Apple should do with an iOS redesign.
SOS appearing on your iPhone? Here's what that means and how to change it
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how to troubleshoot your cellular connectivity issues
Apple Vision Pro is missing the one thing that made the iPhone a success
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple's enjoyed its greatest successes with products that meet an unfulfilled need. The Vision Pro has yet to find that purpose and it's hurting the $3,499 headset's prospects.
This is how the iPhone 16 can catch up to the Samsung Galaxy S24
By Philip Michaels published
The last couple iPhone upgrades have seen Apple focus primarily on the Pro models. That can't happen with the iPhone 16 if Apple is serious about AI features.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel voice recorder app showdown — who's got the better AI features?
By Philip Michaels published
The new Samsung Galaxy S24 phones use Galaxy AI to add smarts to the built-in recorder app, much like recent Google Pixel phones. But who's got the smarter voice recorder?
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22: How Samsung’s flagship phone changed in just 2 years
By Philip Michaels published
What a difference 2 years can make in the world of smartphones. Our Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22 face-off details just where the big improvements are should you upgrade your phone.
Best iPhone 14 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 14 cases add protection and style to your new Apple phone. Here are our picks for the cases that can keep your iPhone 14 looking good as new.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S24 Plus vs Galaxy S24 Ultra — how to pick the right model for you
By Philip Michaels published
Not sure which Samsung Galaxy S24 model is the right one for your needs? We look at the standard S24, the Plus and the Ultra to see which one is tops in seven different categories.