Articles by: 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

Dish Wireless just challenged the big 3 phone carriers with $25 unlimited plan

By Philip Michaels published 7 December 22

Dish Wireless has launched a beta of its $25/month Boost Infinite plan, offering unlimited talk, text and data. The full service launches in the first quarter of 2023.

Apple needs a new iPhone SE 4 in 2023 — here’s why

By Philip Michaels published 7 December 22

Apple generally doesn't release new iPhone SE models in consecutive years. But if it waits, the iPhone SE 4 risks falling behind competitive midrange phones from Google an Samsung.

Nothing looks to US for next phone launch — but there are huge obstacles

By Philip Michaels published 6 December 22

Nothing says it's talking with U.S. carriers about launching its next phone in this country. But big challenges face the startup aside from lining up a partner.

Forget the Samsung Galaxy S23 — buy the Galaxy S22 instead

By Philip Michaels last updated 5 December 22

Samsung may release a new flagship phone in a couple of months, but the current deals on the Galaxy S22 make this year's model too good to pass up.

iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 camera shootout: can you tell the difference?

By Philip Michaels published 3 December 22

Our iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 13 camera comparison shows how much the new iPhone is improved.

apple vr and mixed reality headset fan render front view on blue background

Apple's virtual reality software may have a new name — could a launch happen soon?

By Philip Michaels published 2 December 22

xrOS could signal that Apple's focus is on mixed reality

Visible will lock in phone plan rates for five years

By Philip Michaels published 30 November 22

Customers who activate a new plan with Visible before January 3 won't see their phone rates go up for five years, with taxes and fees included.

I just tested Google Pixel 7’s Photo Unblur feature — here’s how well it works

By Philip Michaels published 29 November 22

Photo Unblur is one of the highlights of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, promising to fix blurry shots. We put this new feature to the test to find out if it works as promised.

This app is the best reason to get a Google Pixel 7

By Philip Michaels last updated 5 December 22

Recorder remains the Pixel's best app — and the Pixel 7 just made it better with an update bringing speaker labels to transcripts.

Apple’s Cyber Monday sale is better for MacBook deals than you might think

By Philip Michaels published 29 November 22

Looking for a last-minute Cyber Monday deal on the latest MacBooks? Give Apple's sale event another look.

Yes! Google Pixel 6a Cyber Monday deal is still available for just $299

By Philip Michaels last updated 29 November 22

You can find the Pixel 6a available for $150 off its normal price, bringing the cost of this excellent phone down to $299. It's time to grab that deal before it expires.

How to set up Medications on your iPhone in iOS 16

By Philip Michaels published 24 November 22

A great new addition to the Health app in iOS 16 is the ability to track your medications and get reminders on when to take your pills. Here's how to set up the Medications feature.

This $99 iPhone Black Friday deal is a great gift for your kids

By Philip Michaels published 24 November 22

There are more recent iPhones out there, but with the iPhone SE (2020) dropping to $99 at Walmart, you won't find a better option if you're looking for a low-cost phone to give to your kids.

iPhone 14 black friday deal at Xfinity Mobile

Yes! Snag the iPhone 14 for $500 off in this Black Friday sale

By Philip Michaels published 23 November 22

Xfinity Mobile is having a huge Black Friday sale, taking $500 off all iPhone 14, Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 models.

Image of a leaked render of the Google Pixel Fold in black, showing its cameras

Google Pixel Fold — here’s how it can beat Samsung’s foldables

By Philip Michaels published 23 November 22

Rumors suggest we'll see a foldable Google phone in 2023. If that's the case, the Pixel Fold is going to need to stand out from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, the best foldable phone to date.

There’s a compelling new reason to skip the iPhone 14

By Philip Michaels published 22 November 22

Early Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 benchmarks suggest next year's Android phones could outperform the entry-level iPhone 14. Could Apple's $799 phone be losing its edge?

Mint Mobile starter kit in hands of woman

Mint Mobile Black Friday deal — buy an iPhone or Pixel, get 6 free months of service

By Philip Michaels published 21 November 22

Mint Mobile rolled out yet another Black Friday deal that gives you six free months of wireless service when you buy a six-month plan and a new phone from the low-cost phone carrier.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Which should you buy?

By Philip Michaels last updated 28 March 23

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 remain a part of Apple's lineup. This iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12 comparison can tell you what's different between these phones.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 benchmarks — the iPhone 14 should be worried

By Philip Michaels last updated 21 November 22

In our testing, Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip puts up some impressive numbers, coming close to the iPhone's results in some cases.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 camera features

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — 5 killer camera features coming to your next Android phone

By Philip Michaels published 20 November 22

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports some pretty impressive camera features that could find their way into top Android phones in the coming year.

Qualcomm teases new Oryon CPU, coming next year

By Philip Michaels published 17 November 22

Exact details are scarce, but Qualcomm says that in 2023, it will start using a new CPU called Orion in its chipsets.

New Qualcomm audio chips — spatial audio, lossless music stream and more

By Philip Michaels published 16 November 22

Qualcomm's S5 and S3 Gen 2 audio platforms will bring new capabilities to devices like earbuds, headsets and speakers.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 looks to power more compact AR headsets

By Philip Michaels published 16 November 22

Qualcomm unveiled a new platform that should power sleeker designs for AR glasses. Here's how the Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 will lead to more compact designs.

Google Fi just added a streaming perk to its best unlimited data plan

By Philip Michaels published 16 November 22

YouTube Premium is now included with an Unlimited Plus subscription at Google Fi, making Google's phone carrier one of the few discount options to offer a streaming service as a perk.

iOS 16.2 beta just fixed one of the biggest iPhone 14 Pro problems

By Philip Michaels published 15 November 22

The always-on display gets a tweak in the iOS 16.2 Beta 3 release, allowing you to turn off the wallpaper and incoming notifications if you prefer a more minimalist look.

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