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 Messages on Android phone next to Messages app on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ptzgAU2RNpxpNjaNbgRrZL-320-80.jpg)
Blue-green bubble divide — the state of iOS and Android messaging and how it’s about to change
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you're frustrated when between iPhones and Android devices, relief could be here sooner than you know it. Here's what to expect with the addition of RCS support to the iPhone's Messages app.
![Samsung Galaxy Fold 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bd2vHeJhkaLeHCqG7vtha9-320-80.jpg)
This Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumor has me convinced Samsung is gunning for its foldable phone rivals
By Philip Michaels published
A lot of foldable phones have come along in the past year to challenge Samsung's dominance in that category. The latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumors suggest that Samsung's ready to do something about it.
![Google Pixel 9 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xmcaeobschhBRwzRVEdQRC-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro — all the expected differences
By Philip Michaels last updated
It could be harder to spot the differences between the standard Pixel flagship and the Pro version this year. Our Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro comparison looks at why.
![Google Pixel 8a reasons to buy and skip](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NmqFiL5yVDzXasHPrewbxk-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a: 5 reasons to buy, 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
With the Pixel 8a now available for preorder, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of Google's latest midrange handset to see if it's the right phone for you.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aZD5EmBpdFBkwHUvZUcGyk-320-80.jpg)
The best 5G phones in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best 5G phones deliver faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more. Here are the 5G-capable phones worth your attention.
![Mint unlimited data deal includes Paramount Plus subscription for movie IF](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mcaco9MpJeu3p9KzXtDrg9-320-80.jpg)
You can get Paramount Plus for free in latest Mint Mobile deal — here’s how
By Philip Michaels published
Sign up for one of Mint's wireless plans in May, and you'll pay $15/month for the first three months, with a Paramount Plus subscription throwin in for good measure.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZfjXbiAaKkNED6r9Pz8YMf-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 cases leak seemingly confirms new Pixel 9 Pro XL model and design changes
By Philip Michaels published
There's a rumor that Google is planning a Pixel 9 Pro and a Pixel Pro XL, and these leaked phone cases seem to prove that.
![iPhone 16 Pro render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5wDTVRZKp9R9XBGanPzCND-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 — how Apple can make this year's phone a must-have upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
There hasn't been a big wave of iPhone upgrades for several years now. Here's how Apple could convince people that this fall's iPhone 16 models are the ones to grab.
![Pixel 7a launch at Google I/O 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zs8ToDnxGskZAwLeWZ7xm5-320-80.jpg)
The Pixel 8a is coming soon — and I hope it's not Google's last A-series phone
By Philip Michaels published
Google's midrange phone serves an important role
![Moto G 5G 2024 review software interface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LtBeZViJQuVDebnDDHu5p-320-80.jpg)
Budget phones need to stop skimping on this one key feaature
By Philip Michaels published
You shouldn't have to choose between a low price and limited shelf life when you buy a phone. But that's the choice a lot of bargain phones force you to make.
![iPhone 15 on sale at Apple Store](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n8Ciif2cTCpDFgpPYXje2f-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 sales stall — here's why Apple's not worried
By Philip Michaels published
Apple reported a 10% drop in iPhone sales during the March quarter. But Apple's optimistic about its business going forward.
![A screenshot of an Instagram story showing two Pixel 8a handets](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MqSUTg3Ng4FFm8SS26h4ZT-320-80.jpg)
Last-minute Pixel 8a rumors have me excited about Google’s upcoming phone
By Philip Michaels published
We expect the Pixel 8a to arrive this month, possibly at Google I/O on May 14. And two recent rumors, price and software support, paint an encouraging picture for the upcoming release.
![iphone 15 vs galaxy s24 zoom camera face-off](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6kgH4XcjrSmZgKewjEMUq4-320-80.jpg)
I tested the iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 in a zoom photo face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
With a 48MP main camera, the iPhone 15 is able to capture 2x zooms without a dedicated telephoto lens? But how does that compare to what the Galaxy S24 and its 10MP telephoto camera can do?
![iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aY9mW65ZnrcBqziB6MEMAo-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 likely to offer on-device AI — here's why that matters
By Philip Michaels published
Reports claim that Apple is going to introduce AI features in iOS 18 that run locally on the phone. That tells us a lot about potential features Apple could introduce.
![Apple Pencil 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/feTJrHUutQDbXdnhD5skg6-320-80.jpg)
Forget the iPad — it's the iPhone 16 Pro that needs Apple Pencil 3 support
By Philip Michaels published
A new Apple Pencil could show up at Apple's May 7 iPad event. But the time is right for Apple's updated stylus to support more than just tablets.
![Moto G 5G 2024 review font of phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GC2LW8objDSYs4iwyv2cQ9-320-80.jpg)
Moto G 5G (2024) review: The best phone under $200
By Philip Michaels published
There's value to be found if you're willing to compromise
![Conan O'Brien plays soccer in Argentina](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dpZkuwwCoQ5YKBruBZ22uZ-320-80.jpg)
I dropped my Max subscription — will Conan O’Brien’s new show make me get it back?
By Philip Michaels published
In "Conan O'Brien Must Go," the former late-night talk show host visits different parts of the globe, and Max subscribers are along for the ride.
![Best T-Mobile cell phone plans](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dJ7TsB7DTs4BuCgDouTeoL-320-80.png)
Best T-Mobile cell phone plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our guide to the best T-Mobile cell phone plans can help you find a great price on wireless coverage for families, seniors or anyone who needs unlimited data.
![Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v37EVH3FXNt4DVGWEFXTj7-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Which budget phone will win?
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how a Pixel 8a vs. Galaxy A35 face-off is shaping up
![An image showing the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the Circle to Search feature being used on screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EaYBgece9ATb3WQ8krRv7g-320-80.jpg)
Circle to Search could be adding another feature — and I couldn't be happier
By Philip Michaels published
Code related to Circle to Search reveals the Galaxy AI tool could add the ability to create and share screenshots. It would be a welcome addition to what's already a helpful feature.
![Unofficial iOS 18 logo on an iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AuRomvkySEmFHuB868KNx4-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 apps: 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Expect these apps to see some changes when iOS 18 debuts
![iPhone 13](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sZ2HRGEksgZGev84m3DBFK-320-80.jpg)
I handed my teenaged daughter an iPhone 13 — she came back with some pretty spectacular photos
By Philip Michaels published
Today's camera phones are so powerful, a relative novice can pick one up and take some excellent shots. And that's good news for shooters from all levels of expertise.
![iPhone 5c colors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5EecvxhkJ9hJdGVhMLdWoM-320-80.jpg)
The iPhone 16 needs to copy the best thing about Apple's least popular iPhone model of all time
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 5c may not have been a popular model, but the way it showcased vibrant colors has been noticeably missing from recent iPhone releases. Apple should change that with the iPhone 16.
![Google Pixel 9 render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QJfHpqExLyLg5C7gpekf79-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 Pro could be the iPhone 16 Pro's worst nightmare — here’s how
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google may add a second Pixel 9 Pro to its lineup this fall. And the presence of a low-cost flagship phone with a telephoto lens could be a headache for Apple and its iPhone Pro plans.