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

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra display with S Pen

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: All the latest Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 news

By Philip Michaels published 11 February 22

The Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 are official, with Samsung introducing the new devices during Galaxy Unpacked. Here's a recap of the news as it happened.

Samsung Galaxy S22's best feature finally answers iPhone’s edge over Android

By Philip Michaels published 11 February 22

The Galaxy S22 models will get four years of Android software updates, a big change from most Android phones. And it's a development we hope to see other devices copy.

Samsung Galaxy A53 rumors pick up steam ahead of Samsung Unpacked

By Philip Michaels published 8 February 22

New midrange phone probably won't show up at Unpacked — but rumors say it's coming soon

Verizon adopts 36-month payment plans — what it means for you

By Philip Michaels published 8 February 22

Verizon has moved to 36-month payment plans when you buy your phone in installments. Here's a look at what each carrier offers, plus the pros and cons of lengthier installment plans.

A concept render of the iPhone SE 3, showing a zoomed-in shot of the bottom portion of the phone, including the home button

iPhone SE 3 release date rumors — when will Apple's cheap 5G phone arrive?

By Philip Michaels published 7 February 22

All signs point to a spring release for the next iPhone SE — but when? Here's what the rumors are saying, and what date Apple may want to pick.

fishing nets used as Samsung repurposed ocean-bound plastics for smartphones and other devices

Samsung Galaxy S22 — how Samsung is using recycled fishing nets to make phones more sustainable

By Philip Michaels published 6 February 22

Samsung plans to include a new material using ocean-bound plastics in upcoming devices. And that includes whatever it announces at Galaxy Unpacked this week.

iOS 15 Apple Maps: 7 best features available on your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 6 February 22

Maps packs in the changes in iOS 15, highlighted by new detailed views. Here's what the updated software delivers.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S22 together

Samsung Galaxy S22 cameras could finally beat Apple and Google — here's how

By Philip Michaels published 5 February 22

Cameras figure to be a centerpiece of the coming Samsung Galaxy S22 launch — here's what to expect.

iPads are taking forever to ship — here’s why

By Philip Michaels published 4 February 22

Wait times for an iPad are stretching for weeks, and the iPhone may be one reason, according to a report out of Asia.

Moto G Stylus 2022 — what’s new with this year’s low-cost answer to the Galaxy Note

By Philip Michaels published 3 February 22

This year's edition of the Moto G Stylus features a screen with a faster refresh rate, a bigger battery — and a step back in terms of processors. Here's what to expect from this $299 phone.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra front and back with S Pen

Bummer: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s RAM downgrade looks like it's happening

By Philip Michaels published 2 February 22

On a Reddit thread, a person claiming to see the Galaxy S22 Ultra says it features less RAM than last year's model.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22 Plus: Biggest rumored differences

By Philip Michaels published 2 February 22

While they'll have a lot in common, the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus have some key differences. Our Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22 Plus compares expectations for the two phones.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra compared to Galaxy S21 Ultra in an Unbox Therapy video

Latest Samsung Galaxy S22 leak raises concerns over performance

By Philip Michaels published 1 February 22

Leaked benchmarks for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra reportedly show Samsung's upcoming flagship failing to match the performance of last year's model.

Best AT&T phone plans in 2022: What's right for you?

By Philip Michaels published 31 January 22

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.

AT&T has a new cheap unlimited data deal — and it's a Walmart exclusive

By Philip Michaels published 31 January 22

AT&T's cheapest unlimited-data plan is available only through Walmart, and it offers some pretty compelling perks to go with a $45 monthly price.

Samsung Galaxy S22 launch — here's how Samsung can make its new phones stand out from the crowd

By Philip Michaels published 30 January 22

The Galaxy S22 is nigh and there's a lot riding on the biggest Android phone of the year. From cameras to AI smarts, Samsung has its work cut out for it.

The Peacock app button on the Apple TV home screen

Surprise! My new favorite show is actually on Peacock

By Philip Michaels published 28 January 22

Vigil, now streaming on Peacock, has everything you could want in a murder mystery — especially the fact that it takes place on a nuclear submarine.

How to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch in ios 14.5

iOS 14.5: How to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch

By Philip Michaels published 27 January 22

iOS 14.5 lets you unlock your iPhone even when you're wearing a mask — but you need an Apple Watch to do it. We'll show you how to turn that feature on.

Here's what could make me skip the iPhone 13 for the iPhone SE

By Philip Michaels published 27 January 22

The iPhone SE 3 will likely add 5G and a new processor when it arrives, as rumored, this spring. But there are a couple other changes Apple needs to make to its most affordable phone.

Samsung Galaxy S22 rumor just made the Galaxy S21 FE look way better

By Philip Michaels published 27 January 22

According to one rumor, the Galaxy S22 could cost $100 more than the Galaxy S21. And if that's the case, the Galaxy S21 FE just became a much better buy.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs. Galaxy S22: Biggest differences we expect

By Philip Michaels published 26 January 22

You'll have two major Samsung phones to choose from soon. So should you pick the lower-cost Galaxy S21 FE or the Galaxy S22, which figures to offer more features?

Galaxy Unpacked February 2022 invitation

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked date and time officially set — get ready for Galaxy S22

By Philip Michaels published 25 January 22

Samsung says it's holding its next online product reveal on February 9. We're expecting to see the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 unveiled at that time.

Galaxy S22 leaked renders black and green

Samsung Galaxy S22 colors just leaked — here are all the rumored options

By Philip Michaels published 25 January 22

Get a good look at what Samsung could be planning for the Galaxy S22 lineup, thanks to leaked renders from well-known leaker Evan Blass.

OnePlus 10 Pro release date rumors: When could the phone reach the US?

By Philip Michaels published 25 January 22

It may be out in China, but the OnePlus 10 Pro has yet to reach other countries. Here's the latest rumors on when it might hit the U.S. and UK.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone SE: Which is the right iPhone for you?

By Philip Michaels published 25 January 22

Should you buy the iPhone 12 or the cheaper iPhone SE instead? Here’s how the most recent iPhone releases stack up.

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