Philip Michaels

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

Motorola Razr 20202

Motorola Razr 3 just tipped for major upgrade to take on Samsung’s foldables

By Philip Michaels published

A top-line processor could power the next foldable edition of the iconic Motorola Razr, as a Moto executive hints that the phone will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from Qualcomm.

Google Pixel 6a vs. iPhone SE 2022

Google Pixel 6a vs iPhone SE (2022) — two budget phones with very different approaches

By Philip Michaels published

Google and Apple prioritize different things with their latest low-cost phones. And knowing what the trade-offs are can help you decide which phone to get.

apple mixed reality headset render

Apple's VR/AR headset report just revealed a major weakness

By Philip Michaels published

Another report detailing the inside story of Apple's work on its rumored VR/AR headset contains a surprising detail — apparently, Apple isn't focusing on gaming for this device.

Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, HBO Max on a phone

How to get Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max and more for free with your phone plan

By Philip Michaels published

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer free streaming subscriptions with some unlimited data plans. Here's a closer look at which services come with which unlimited plans.

Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is here and could power the Galaxy Z Fold 4

By Philip Michaels published

The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 promises better performance and lower power consumption than its predecessor. It's coming to high-end phones in the second part of 2022.

Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6

Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6: Biggest expected changes

By Philip Michaels published

The Pixel 7 won't arrive until the fall, but we already know a few Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel differences. Here's what Google's confirmed and what the rumors tell us about the upcoming phones.

Apple Car with no windows

Strangest Apple rumor of the year says Apple Car might not have windows

By Philip Michaels published

A new Apple patent describes a VR-based entertainment system for a windowless, self-driving vehicle. But that's not likely to be part of the vehicle that the company is rumored to be working on.

Back view of OnePlus Nord N20 5G

This is the best phone under $300 I'd buy now

By Philip Michaels published

At $282, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is the phone to get if you want the most useful features in a super-cheap phone.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. OnePlus 10 Pro

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. OnePlus 10 Pro: Which Android phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published

Can the OnePlus 10 Pro topple the Galaxy S22 Ultra from its lofty perch? We compare the two top Android phones to see which one you should buy.

iOS 16 concept designs

iOS 16 tipped for big changes — 6 upgrades we want to see

By Philip Michaels published

With a report claiming Apple is planning "major changes" for iOS 16, we share half-a-dozen apps and features we'd like to see in the upcoming phone software.

An unofficial render of the iPhone 14 Pro, focussing on the Face ID and camera cutouts

Alleged iPhone 14 Pro Max 'first look' shows biggest design changes

By Philip Michaels published

A replica unit of the iPhone 14 Pro Max shows off how the new phone could differ from Apple's current models. Expect bigger camera lenses, smaller bezels and no notch on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Google Pixel 7 reveal at Google IO 2022

Google Pixel 7 — the 6 burning questions we want answered

By Philip Michaels published

Google's tease of its next flagship has us wanting to find out more. Here are the biggest questions surrounding the Pixel 7 prior to its arrival later this year.

iPhone 14 Pro concept front and back

I really hope this iPhone 14 price rumor is false — here's why

By Philip Michaels published

A rumor claims the iPhone 14 Pro models will cost $100 more than their iPhone 13 counterparts. Price hikes are never great, but this year, they're especially unwelcome.

Google Pixel Fold render

Pixel Fold's absence at Google I/O was noticeable — here's why

By Philip Michaels published

Google previewed lots of upcoming hardware, but not its rumored foldable phone. Is the Pixel Fold still in the works?

Motorola Edge Plus 2022 resting against two vases on a white surface

Motorola Edge Plus (2022) review: A flagship phone that comes up short

By Philip Michaels published

The Motorola Edge Plus (2022) has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, super-fast refresh rate and colorful screen in its favor. But too many key features are missing.

Google I/O 2022 hardware including Pixel 6a, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch and Pixel 7

Google I/O 2022 recap: Pixel Watch, Pixel 6a, Pixel Buds Pro and all the big announcements

By Philip Michaels published

Google's annual developer conference is underway, and we're following all the news, from Android updates to hardware reveals.

Google Pixel 6a vs. iPhone SE 2022

Google Pixel 6a vs. iPhone SE 2022: Which budget phone will win?

By Philip Michaels published

Google's Pixel 6a is official and ready to take on the iPhone SE. Here's how the two phones could compare based on our iPhone tests and what we now know about the Pixel 6a.

Google Glass is back at IO 2022

Google just gave us a reason to put on AR glasses

By Philip Michaels published

At Google I/O, the company showed off a prototype of AR glasses that can translate language in real time and display the transcript to whoever's wearing the glasses.

Google I/O 2022 preview

How to watch Google I/O 2022 live stream

By Philip Michaels published

It's time for another Google I/O. We'll show you where to watch the May 11 keynote and give you a rundown on what Google could announce at its developer conference.

best Samsung galaxy note 20 ultra cases

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases

By Philip Michaels, Richard Priday published

You need the best Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases if you want to keep your stylus-equipped phone in mint condition.

Snapdragon X70 modem graphic showing mmWave Module, RF Transceiver and more details

Samsung Galaxy S23 in line to get a super-fast modem next year

By Philip Michaels published

The Snapdragon X70 modem is adding new performance-boosting capabilities, which is good news for phones like the Galaxy S23 that are likely to feature the component.

Best Samsung Galaxy s21 Plus cases

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus cases

By Philip Michaels published

The best Galaxy S21 Plus cases blend style and protection for Samsung's 6.7-inch phone. Here are some of our favorite cases.

iPhone 14 Pro design vs iPhone 14 design

iPhone 14 Pro design leaks — here's what Apple's flagship could look like

By Philip Michaels published

A video rounds up the latest iPhone 14 Pro rumors to show what impact the upcoming phone's reported design changes will have on its overall look.

Alleged Google Pixel 6a renders

Google Pixel 6a — 5 biggest rumors you need to know

By Philip Michaels published

The Google Pixel 6a could arrive as soon as this week. Here's what to expect based on the leading rumors surrounding the phone and whether or not we expect those Pixel 6a rumors to pan out.

iPhone 13

iPhone 14 would be more exciting with this one upgrade

By Philip Michaels published

Most of the major features coming to the iPhone 14 lineup appear to be headed to the Pro models. But a specs leak gives us hope the iPhone 14 has a new feature up its sleeve.

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: