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
iPhone 16 Ultra needs to stand out from the Pro Max — here’s how Apple should do that
By Philip Michaels published
If an iPhone 16 Ultra is in the cards in 2024, our managing editor for mobile has some suggestions on how Apple can make this a true upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
AirPods Black Friday deals — new USB-C AirPods Pro hit lowest price ever
By Philip Michaels last updated
With both the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and second-gen AirPods matching all-time low prices, this is the weekend to snap up Apple's wireless earbuds in early Black Friday deals.
Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7a — which Black Friday deal should you get?
By Philip Michaels last updated
All of Google's Pixel phones that came out this year are on sale for Black Friday. We can help you decide between the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 7a.
We're holding on to smartphones longer than ever — here's how to make sure your phone lasts
By Philip Michaels published
If you want to go a long time between upgrades, these are the factors to consider when searching for a long-lasting phone. And we can also help you know when it's time to upgrade.
Apple shocker — RCS messaging coming to iPhones in 2024
By Philip Michaels published
Apple has announced that it's adding support for RCS to the iPhone next year, which should improving texting between iOS and Android devices.
Apple Black Friday sales event announced — what you need to know
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's Black Friday sales event starts November 24 and for the next four days, you can get gift cards up to $200 on each purchase.
iOS 18 could be a game changer for the iPhone — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
Next year's iPhone software update could be the biggest one in years, and AI is the reason why. Here's a closer look at what's at stake for Apple with iOS 18.
Buying a new phone? This is the one spec you shouldn’t ignore
By Philip Michaels last updated
How much a phone weighs may not be the first thing you consider when looking at phones. But it's not something you should overlook.
I just tried Apple News Plus for the first time in 4 years — here’s what I learned
By Philip Michaels published
Our managing editor for mobile was lukewarm on Apple News Plus when he tried out the streaming service a few years ago. Here's what he thought after giving it another chance.
The winter of my streaming discontent — these are the streaming services I’m ready to cancel
By Philip Michaels published
When streaming service subscription rates go up, there's only one thing you can do — cut back on the services that provide less value.
I’ve covered Apple for two decades — my 5 best tips for Apple Black Friday deals
By Philip Michaels published
Apple does Black Friday a little differently than many retailers. Here are some tips on how to find a great deal.
How Samsung can make the Galaxy S24 Plus a phone you’ll actually want to buy
By Philip Michaels published
All too often, the Plus feels like the forgotten phone in the Galaxy S lineup, Here's how Samsung could change that with the Galaxy S24 Plus.
Apple reportedly halts iOS 18 development — here’s why that’s good news
By Philip Michaels published
Pause apparently won't delay iOS 18's release next year
Google Pixel Fold release date, price, specs and latest news
By Philip Michaels, Roland Moore-Colyer last updated
The Google Pixel Fold is Google's first foldable phone and looks to challenge Samsung with a thinner design, wider front display and smarter software. Here's everything you need to know.
I review phones for a living, and budget devices impress me more than flagships these days
By Philip Michaels published
It's been another strong year for midrange devices as the Galaxy A54, Pixel 7a and Motorola Razr stand out as much as their more expensive counterparts.
iOS 17 has added crossword puzzles — here’s how to find them
By Philip Michaels published
We'll show you how to find crossword puzzles in the iOS 17 News app and how to play the puzzles as well.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 12 camera face-off — why you should upgrade now
By Philip Michaels published
If you're holding on to an iPhone 12, our iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 12 face-off might convince you that improvements to cameras over the years are reason enough to upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy A54 — what’s the best Samsung phone for you?
By Philip Michaels published
With phones ranging from $449 to $799, it may be difficult to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy A54. But we can help you figure out which phone best fits your needs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra design just leaked — here’s what it could look like
By Philip Michaels published
Leaked case image suggests Galaxy S24 Ultra will keep two telephoto cameras
iOS 17 Journal hands-on: Apple gets personal with its newest iPhone app
By Philip Michaels published
Journal debuts on the iPhone with iOS 17.2. We tried out the app using the iOS 17 public beta, and here's what we discovered.
Apple 'Scary Fast' October 30 event — new iMac, MacBook Pro M3 and latest news
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple is ending the month with new hardware. We've rounded up the rumors on the new iMac, MacBook Pro M3 and anything else the company might announce.
Motorola Razr (2023) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Which foldable should you get?
By Philip Michaels published
The Motorla Razr (2023) costs $300 less than the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Our Motorola Razr (2023) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 face-off looks at whether you have to give up too much for that lower price.
Galaxy S24 — 5 lessons Samsung can learn from the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 15 and Pixel 8 models have arrived, and they bring plenty of lessons for Samsung about what to do with its next flagship. Here's how those phones could influence the Samsung Galaxy S24.