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

Best foldable phones of 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 13 March 23

A growing number of phone makers are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.

Google Pixel 7 is a great phone — but there’s one reason not to upgrade

By Philip Michaels published 25 October 22

The Google Pixel 7 can point to a lot of strong features — but battery life isn't among them. Then again, that's a familiar story when talking about Google phones.

Best GPS tracker for kids in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 8 March 23

Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids can help pinpoint a lost child’s location, giving worried parents some peace of mind.

Images of 16 on iPhone screens to represent iOS 16

iOS 16 features — here's how to use everything new for your iPhone

By Philip Michaels last updated 2 March 23

iOS 16 brings plenty of new features to your iPhone. Here's how to get most out of your iPhone's software.

How to download the iOS 16 public beta

By Philip Michaels last updated 16 February 23

iOS 16 may be out, but you can still try out betas of the latest updates. We'll show you how to join Apple's Beta Software Program to download the latest iOS 16 public beta.

iOS 16 iCloud Shared Photo Library — what it is and how it works

By Philip Michaels published 24 October 22

A new kind of photo sharing comes to iOS 16. Here's what to expect from iCloud Shared Photo Library.

iOS 16 review: Apple’s best iPhone software update in years

By Philip Michaels last updated 27 March 23

iOS 16 is definitely worth the upgrade, especially with iOS 16.2 now out

Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6a camera face-off — is the Pixel 7 worth the extra money?

By Philip Michaels published 24 October 22

Is the Pixel 7's camera performance worth the extra money? We find out in this Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6a camera face-off.

Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Which flagship phone wins?

By Philip Michaels last updated 23 October 22

A Google Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison shows us two very different ways of making a premium smartphone. And the end result impresses in both cases.

iPhone SE 4 — all the rumors and what we want to see

By Philip Michaels last updated 7 March 23

Apple could have another iPhone SE with a new look in the pipeline. Here's what we've heard so far about iPhone SE 4 rumors.

Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 26 February 23

The iPhone 14 Pro Max isn't cheap at $1,099. The best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases can keep Apple's most expensive phone looking like new, especially if you happen to drop it.

Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 —which Android phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published 21 October 22

Trying to decide which Android phone should be your next handset. Our Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 face-off compares two top contenders.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 23 March 23

Protect your pricey foldable with the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases. We've found several options offering a variety of designs and prices.

The best cheap cell phone plans 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 7 March 23

These phone carriers offer cheap cell phone plans costing $40 or less. Here are the pros and cons of each discount carrier and our top pick overall.

Best family cell phone plan in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 16 March 23

Looking for the best family cell phone plan? We can help you find a smartphone plan that brings unlimited data to multiple people without breaking the bank.

A photo of the Apple TV HD on a table with its remote

Apple just killed the Apple TV HD

By Philip Michaels last updated 20 October 22

The arrival of new Apple TV 4K 2022 models means the Apple TV HD is no more. But that's not necessarily a bad thing if you want a less expensive Apple TV.

iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus drop tests

iPhone 14 drop tests — here’s why you need a case

By Philip Michaels published 18 October 22

In iPhone 14 drop testing by Allstate Protection Plans, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus shattered after one drop. But the phones are more repairable than ever at least.

The iPhone Flip could be Apple's first foldable phone

iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple's foldable phone plans

By Philip Michaels last updated 17 March 23

The iPhone Flip could be Apple's first foldable phone. Here's what we know so far.

Best Android apps 2023

By John Corpuz, Philip Michaels last updated 16 February 23

There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.

How to use Photo Unblur on the Google Pixel 7

By Philip Michaels published 18 October 22

Thanks to the Tensor G2 chipset in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, your blurry photos can now be fixed in Google Photos. Here's how to use the Photo Unblur feature.

Best Verizon phone deals for March 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 27 March 23

These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.

Save your smartphone from costly damage — why this rating matters

By Philip Michaels published 17 October 22

Don't wind up all wet — smartphone water resistance is a key feature, as our managing editor discovered on a recent canoeing trip.

An render of the Google Pixel Fold, based on currently known rumors

Google Pixel Fold rumored release date, price, specs and more

By Philip Michaels, Roland Moore-Colyer last updated 16 March 23

Here’s what we know so far about the Google Pixel Fold, the company's rumored first ever foldable.

Google Pixel 7 review

By Philip Michaels last updated 16 February 23

Google's Pixel 7 is another great camera phone from the company. But it's the updated Tensor chip that's the real standout in this new release.

Google Pixel 7 upgrade guide — here’s who should get the new Pixel

By Philip Michaels last updated 13 October 22

Is it time to get a new phone now that the Pixel 7 is here? Our Pixel 7 upgrade guide can tell you what new features you'll gain if you already have one of Google's older phones.

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