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

Your smartphone location data is for sale — change your permissions right away

By Philip Michaels published 5 May 22

A pair of reports in Vice reveal controversial uses of location data gathered from smartphones. It's a reminder to check out the location settings on your own phone.

Google Pixel Buds Pro just tipped to arrive 'soon' ahead of Google I/O 2022

By Philip Michaels published 4 May 22

A leaker thinks Google has new wireless earbuds in the works. We could find out as soon as next week's Google I/O conference if the Pixel Buds Pro are the real deal.

Google Pixel Fold screen rumor hints at how it could stand out from Samsung foldables

By Philip Michaels published 3 May 22

The long-rumored Pixel Fold may have the same size interior display as the Galaxy Z Fold 4. But a leaker claims the exterior panels will be different sizes and aspect ratios.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 vs. Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip 4 rumor sounds like Samsung will take on foldable phones' biggest flaw

By Philip Michaels published 3 May 22

Better battery life stands between foldable phones and mainstream use. But a new rumor suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 may address that shortcoming.

An iPhone in water, demonstrating how to eject water from an iPhone

How to eject water from an iPhone using a Siri shortcut

By Philip Michaels published 2 May 22

Sure, the iPhone features water resistance, but water can linger in the device's speaker. Here's how to eject water from your iPhone using a Siri Shortcut.

galaxy a53 and pixel 5a in hand against brick background

I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a phone — and this is the one I'd get

By Philip Michaels published 2 May 22

Forget about flagship devices — a trio of phones that cost less than $500 offers all the features you'd need

The 6 Pixel 6 features we hope to see in the Google Pixel 6a

By Philip Michaels published 2 May 22

The Google Pixel 6a is expected to arrive this month, and when it does, we hope that it draws on the Pixel 6 for inspiration.

How to download WhatsApp Messenger

By Philip Michaels published 29 April 22

WhatsApp is the most popular chat app in the world — here's how to get it on your iPhone or Android device.

Mac wait times are long — and Apple doesn't know when it will get better

By Philip Michaels published 29 April 22

Apple reported record sales for its March quarter despite supply constraints on key products like the Mac. But those issues aren't going away any time soon.

Your Fitbit just got one of the Apple Watch’s key features

By Philip Michaels published 28 April 22

Certain Fitbits now have the ability to alert you of irregular heartbeats, after the FDA approved an algorithm that automatically scans for changes in blood volume.

I finally jumped on the HBO Max bandwagon — here’s why

By Philip Michaels published 28 April 22

HBO Max is often touted as the best streaming service. A new subscriber finds out why.

Google Pixel 6a May launch looks like a lock after Google CEO's comments

By Philip Michaels published 27 April 22

Google's CEO just teased new products coming at Google I/O next month, and that would seem to indicate the Pixel 6a's launch is imminent.

iPhone 14 Pro rumors sound huge — but I'd still get the iPhone 14

By Philip Michaels published 27 April 22

Rumors point to the iPhone 14 Pro getting the more compelling features this fall. But that doesn't mean the iPhone 14 will be a forgettable upgrade.

It looks like the iPhone 14 could be a letdown vs. iPhone 14 Pro

By Philip Michaels published 26 April 22

Apple could be looking to differentiate this fall's phones by equipping the iPhone 14 Pro with a 48MP main camera and a better processor, according to a new report.

Foldable phones vs. rollable phones: Which is the future?

By Philip Michaels published 25 April 22

These phones take very different approaches to giving you more screen space to work with

The portless iPhone — why MagSafe is the key

By Philip Michaels published 22 April 22

The iPhone 14 isn't going to be portless. But future phones could be, and MagSafe will play a big role in making that happen.

Latest Moto G phones promise 5G on a budget

By Philip Michaels published 21 April 22

Motorola just unveiled two 5G phones for less than $500. Here's what you need to know about the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) and Moto G 5G.

Samsung Galaxy Z Roll — what we want to see from Samsung's first rollable phone

By Philip Michaels published 21 April 22

Another foldable could join Samsung's phone lineup this year. Here's what we've heard about the Galaxy Z Roll and what we're hoping to see.

Samsung Galaxy S23 could fix one of the S22's biggest flaws

By Philip Michaels published 20 April 22

Better battery life could top the changes marked for next year's Samsung flagship, with the Galaxy S23 in line to get a bigger battery that's produced using a different technology.

Google is about to copy AirDrop's best features for Android phones

By Philip Michaels published 20 April 22

Nearby Share, Google's answer to Apple's AirDrop, could soon be even more like that file-sharing feature by simplifying sharing between the devices you own.

iPhone 11 is still a good buy — who should grab it before it's gone

By Philip Michaels published 20 April 22

For some people, it's still worth buying the iPhone 11, even if that phone first came out in 2019. Here's a closer look at who should consider getting Apple's sub-$500 phone while it's still around.

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases

By Philip Michaels published 19 April 22

Keep your phone looking like new with the Best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases. These are our picks.

Here's the phone to get if you want the fastest 5G downloads

By Philip Michaels published 18 April 22

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra topped the list of fastest 5G phones, as testing firm Ookla posted its quarterly results for 5G network testing.

OnePlus Ace launching next week with super fast 150W charging

By Philip Michaels published 15 April 22

The OnePlus Ace is scheduled for an April 21 debut in China, where it come in two versions — one with 80W charging and another that can charge even faster at 150W.

I cancelled Apple TV Plus — here's why I just changed my mind

By Philip Michaels published 15 April 22

One of the benefits of streaming services is that you can walk away at any time and re-subscribe when the shows become too to ignore. For Apple TV Plus, that time is now.

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