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

Google's AI-powered Magic Editor terrifies me — here's why

By Philip Michaels published 13 May 23

Magic Editor, coming to Google Photos later this year, simplifies some pretty tricky photo editing tasks. And that could make photo-doctoring a lot easier.

6 top Google Pixel 7a features that make this budget phone stand out

By Philip Michaels published 12 May 23

Google didn't spend much time discussing the Pixel 7a at Google I/O, but it should have — this budget phone stands out from the crowd, and these are the features that make the Pixel 7a worth getting.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra renders show how it will take on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 May 23

Official-looking renders show off the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra with a larger cover display than previous versions of this flip phone-style foldable.

Google I/O 2023 news: Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Android 14 and all the big AI announcements

By Philip Michaels published 11 May 23

This year's Google I/O figures to be packed with news. Follow our Google I/O 2023 live blog to find out the latest announcements as they happen.

Google Pixel 7a review: Stellar Android phone value

By Philip Michaels published 10 May 23

With a fast refresh rate, improved main camera and Tensor G2 processor, the Pixel 7a is Google’s best midrange phone yet. But the competition is tougher, too.

iOS 16.5 is live now — here’s the new features for your iPhone

By Philip Michaels last updated 18 May 23

As promised by Apple, iOS 16.5 is now out and ready to download. Here's what changing with the iPhone software.

Google Pixel 7a — 5 reasons to buy and 2 reasons to skip

By Philip Michaels last updated 10 May 23

The Google Pixel 7a, and we've had a chance to test the phone. Here's why we'd buy the Pixel 7a — and why we'd give it a pass.

How to watch Google I/O 2023: Everything to expect and how to stream live

By Philip Michaels published 8 May 23

See all the big Google I/O 2023 news as it happens with a live stream the May 10 event. Here's how to watch Google I/O 2023, featuring the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a and more.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 15 Ultra renders from 4RMD

iPhone 15 price rumors — here’s the latest on what you might pay

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 September 23

We're tracking rumors about iPhone 15 prices, and so far, it looks like some models of this fall's phones may cost more than their iPhone 14 counterparts.

iPhone upgrade — buy now or wait for the iPhone 15?

By Philip Michaels published 5 May 23

It may be tempting to wait for the iPhone 15, but there's several good reasons to get your iPhone now.

It’s official — Google confirms Pixel Fold is launching next week

By Philip Michaels published 4 May 23

A teaser tweet from Google confirms that the Pixel Fold not only exists but will debut on May 10 at Google I/O.

A split image with the Pixel 7a on the left and the Pixel 7 on the right

Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7: The biggest differences

By Philip Michaels, Richard Priday last updated 10 May 23

The Pixel 7a has plenty in common with its more expensive counterpart. Our Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 comparison looks at what the phones share, and what they do differently.

motorola razr 2023 leaked render on pink background

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra specs leaked — prepare to be underwhelmed

By Philip Michaels published 3 May 23

Leaked specs for the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra suggest the upcoming foldable will feature the older Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 as its chipset.

Google Pixel 7a release date confirmed — here’s what we know

By Philip Michaels published 2 May 23

Google India posted a tweet that a new phone — presumably the Pixel 7a — is launching May 11. That squares with a rumored May 10 release date for the phone in the U.S.

Motorola Edge Plus (2023) review: Motorola's best phone in years

By Philip Michaels last updated 25 May 23

The latest edition Motorola Edge Plus shows Motorola can build a premium phone — but can it beat the competition? Here's how the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) performed in our testing.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 needs a larger cover display — but that's not all

By Philip Michaels published 2 May 23

A rumor suggests that Samsung's going to increase the size of the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Our managing editor for phones hopes the changes don't stop there.

Google Pixel Fold launch now looks imminent — here’s why

By Philip Michaels published 1 May 23

The Pixel Fold has reportedly been vetted by the FCC, a key step before a phone launches in the U.S.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. iPhone SE: Which budget phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published 1 May 23

Both Samsung and Apple offer phones for less than $500 models. Our Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. iPhone SE face-off determines which one is the better buy.

Google Pixel 7a launch — here's how it can be the budget phone of the year

By Philip Michaels published 30 April 23

Should the Google Pixel 7a arrive in May as expected, it faces some stiff competition from other cheap phones like the Galaxy A54. One thing in particular can help the Pixel 7a stand out.

Samsung Galaxy A54 in hand showing cameras

I test phones for a living — this is a great choice for less than $500

By Philip Michaels last updated 28 April 23

Looking for a great low-cost phone? The Galaxy A54 more than fits the bill. Here's why our managing editor for mobile says Samsung's midrange model is the best phone you can get for under $500.

Galaxy Z Fold 5, Pixel Fold could share this feature — and it's not good news

By Philip Michaels published 26 April 23

Rumors suggest that neither the Galaxy Z Fold 5 nor the Pixel Fold will support fast charging speeds. It's time for foldable phone makers to feel a need for charging speed.

Leaked Exynos 2400 benchmarks tease strong Samsung Galaxy S24 performance

By Philip Michaels published 25 April 23

And the chipset allegedly outperforms Apple's A16 Bionic, too

Forget the Galaxy S23 FE — Samsung's Galaxy A54 is the low-cost phone to buy

By Philip Michaels published 24 April 23

Looking for a low cost Galaxy S23 alternative? It's already here in the form of the Galaxy A54, eliminating the need for a Galaxy S23 FE release.

Samsung Galaxy A54 (left) shown vs Google Pixel 6a (right)

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Google Pixel 6a camera face-off: Which phone wins?

By Philip Michaels published 23 April 23

We put the Galaxy A54 and Pixel 6a cameras to the test to find the better budget camera phone.

Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple Spring Event 2022

Apple's not going to hold a spring event — that's probably OK

By Philip Michaels published 22 April 23

That rumored spring Apple event never materialized, but new Mac hardware is still on the way.

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