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 8a vs. Pixel 8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RhaimmXMEaAAPFJ6asLsWU-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 — biggest expected differences
By Philip Michaels published
Our Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 comparison looks at likely differences between the two phones based on what Pixel 8a rumors say about the upcoming budget handset.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BuEzpcPyvTTuo4saYMWp4H-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 — how 2024's biggest phone battle is shaping up
By Philip Michaels last updated
A Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 face-off pits the flagship devices from the world's two top phone makers against one another. Here's how things look based on rumors about the two phones.
![best samsung galaxy s21 fe cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GrsH2ewgXdz9qV2H3CTfPK-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
It may be cheaper than other Samsung flagships, but you still want the best for your Galaxy S21 FE. Keep your phone looking like new with the best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases.
![best samsung galaxy z flip 4 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JSVAtbizZn9MTvFq2xzmog-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you've picked up this foldable flip phone, you'll want one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases to keep it safe. Here are our picks.
![best OnePlus 10 Pro cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aEEGrvZUVtvFnKVmeuX9e6-320-80.jpg)
Best OnePlus 10 Pro cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want help preventing damage to your OnePlus 10 Pro from drops and other hazards, a case can come in handy. We'll help you find the best OnePlus 10 Pro case to protect your phone.
![iPhone 16 camera pill design](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zXqDLvyceym2MF3YmDyX6o-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 Capture button — here's what I'd like to see from this new feature
By Philip Michaels last updated
It's looking likely that a Capture button will be included on all iPhone 16 models this fall. Here's how that feature could make Apple's device an even more formidable camera phone.
![best key finders](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bk6PYdxDgWMvmSpXJt6vpR-320-80.jpeg)
Best key finder in 2024: AirTag vs. Tile vs. SmartTag vs. Chipolo
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best key finders and Bluetooth trackers for finding lost keys, wallets, phones or anything else that is easily misplaced.
![best iphone se 2022 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bDAjmE79XCp5RuRweHjZKP-320-80.jpg)
Best iPhone SE (2022) cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone SE (2022) cases can protect your new phone from unexpected drops. And you can pick your favorite from a whole host of designs.
![iOS 18 logo on iPhone in person's lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpXF6F6f4rs4WNejjKc36c-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 — this is the biggest AI move Apple needs to make
By Philip Michaels last updated
More smarts are likely to come to the iPhone this fall as part of the AI-driven iOS 18 update. And no app figures to benefit as much as the long-neglected Voice Memos.
![iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy s24 200 photo faceoff](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zRWzE9dniy9NXB2WGe9zGo-320-80.jpg)
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — here’s the winner
By Philip Michaels published
To find out who has the best-performing cameras — the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — we put the two $799 smartphones through a series of tests.
![iPhone 14 next to Samsung Galaxy S23](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G5owALNs9L9jSaMP9UgQPS-320-80.jpg)
Forget pricey flagships — the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23 are still great phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
With phone makers keeping older devices in their lineup at discounted prices, there's a lot of value to be found if you skip the latest and greatest hardware for the last-generation phone.
![best iphone 12 pro max cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LY5kgwnaPnybdmXQD8YxWM-320-80.jpg)
Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases will help your aging phone last a little while longer. These are our top picks.
![App Store Outage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bDrah4EGsZmxanxfC4fkb7-320-80.jpg)
Apple App Store and Apple TV Plus down for an hour in a massive outage
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's online service, including Apple TV Plus, the App Store and Apple Arcade, were offline for an hour Wednesday evening. But service appeared to have returned shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
![best samsung galaxy z Fold 4 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hckh3uhYiG4tDrU5TwBqWB-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be older, but you still don't want it to succumb to damage from a drop. Bheck out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases that we've found in a variety of designs.
![Unofficial renders of the iPhone SE 4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XiurTrzVS8whJ6cdfkR2te-320-80.jpg)
The iPhone SE 4 should launch at WWDC 2024 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
You don't normally think of Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference as an ideal venue to launch a new version of Apple's cheapest iPhone. But these are not normal times.
![Bellroy Leather Case, one of the Best Google Pixel 6a cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F95UiNjQuiZbQMMfv9BJXk-320-80.jpeg)
Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want to squeeze more life out of your Pixel 6a, pick up one of the best Google Pixel 6a cases. It's an easy way to keep your phone from suffering fatal damage from a drop.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra hands-on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gwFQ94Ms8ykgbj3hQUmRbV-320-80.jpg)
The worst thing about the Galaxy S24 is coming back for the Galaxy S25
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung will once again use different chipsets in its various Galaxy S25 models, according to reports. Samsung did the same thing with this year's Galaxy S24.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Review Photos.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AXVVHkjeLLswvqYYc8R3wS-320-80.jpg)
Samsung made a big mistake with the Galaxy S24 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Galaxy S24 an S24 Plus models deliver different experiences, depending on where you live
![Google Pixel 8 shown held in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gDrCU4uNsPHujh48d9NRMT-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a price — why I’m worried about Google’s new phone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel 8a rumors suggest Google is adapting plenty of the Pixel 8's features. And that's great — if it doesn't push up the price of Google's midrange phone.
![iPhone 15 and iPhone 12](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wTk8Aw9GFt9kMB9GAThz5n-320-80.jpg)
I’ve been reviewing iPhones for over a decade — here’s 3 questions to ask before you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Apple wants you to upgrade your iPhone — should you?
![iOS 18 logo on iPhone in person's lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpXF6F6f4rs4WNejjKc36c-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 reportedly 'biggest' update in history — 9 upgrades coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18 figures to be a very major update to Apple's iPhone software. We look at the top rumored features coming to your phone.
![best at&t pans](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rB3XibBpZz3VTj5XBwnjuT-320-80.jpg)
Best AT&T phone plans in 2024: What's right for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for a monthly data plan at AT&T? Here's what you can expect to pay whether you're signing up for one of AT&T's best data plans for families or individuals.
![Visible review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UU8osCsC3eEiwT28fu8cT8-320-80.jpg)
Visible: Are the wireless carrier's low-cost unlimited plans too good to be true?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Verizon-owned Visible offers unlimited smartphone data starting at $25 a month. It's a compelling alternative to pricier wireless phone providers, thanks to Verizon's extensive network.
![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)
One UI 6.1 update rolls out this week — here’s which phones get Galaxy AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Starting March 28, Samsung's One UI 6.1 software rolls out to last years' Galaxy S23 phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, bringing Galaxy AI features from the S24 flagships.