
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 17 Pro — all the rumors and leaks so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's the latest on rumored features on the iPhone 17 Pro, including potential changes by Apple and what you might pay for the phone due to the Trump tariffs.

I tried Hold Assist in iOS 26, and it solves one of the most annoying things about phone calls — here's how it works
By Philip Michaels published
Hold music, begone — a new Hold Assist feature in iOS 26 does the waiting for you when you're put on hold. Here's what you need to know about this feature.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Battle of the Android phones takes shape
By Philip Michaels published
Google is holding a hardware event in August where it should show off its new phones. Here's how the upcoming Google Pixel 10 could compare to the Galaxy S25.

iOS 26 guide: All the new features for your iPhone and how to use them
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 26 is now available as a public beta. Use this guide to find your way all the changes Apple is bringing to the iPhone.

iOS 26 public beta is live — 7 new iPhone features you need to try first
By Philip Michaels last updated
Getting started with iOS 26? These are the features that will likely have the biggest impact on your day-to-day iPhone use.

We've tested the best Android phones available right now from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our list of the best Android phones at every size and for every budget will help you make the right choice.

iOS 26 preview — I've been testing Apple’s biggest update in over a decade
By Philip Michaels last updated
Not yet ratedThis is a divisive update

iOS 26 is here — how to download the developer beta
By Philip Michaels last updated
You don't have to wait to try out the new iOS software

iOS 26 public beta LIVE — new iPhone features to try, how to download and latest news
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iOS 26 public beta is out and ready to install on your iPhone — if you're ready. Find out all the details on Apple's latest software release, including new features, interface changes and more.

How to download the iOS 26 public beta — follow these steps
By Philip Michaels published
If you're ready to take the iOS 26 plunge, here's how to download and install the iOS 26 beta.

I've been testing iOS 26 for a month — 5 tips you need to know now that the public beta is here
By Philip Michaels last updated
Follow these tips for a better experience with the iOS 26 beta

Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Here's how Google can beat Samsung
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be tough to beat. But there are ways the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold could outshine its rival.

Best cable modems in 2025: Say goodbye to equipment rental fees for good
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The best cable modems let you avoid monthly rental fees from your ISP and give you greater control over your home network.

Made by Google 2025 — Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4 and what else could appear
By Philip Michaels published
With a date now set for Google's next hardware launch, let's look at possible announcements for the August 20 Made by Google presentation, starting with new Pixel 10 phones.

Best international phone plans in 2025 — what travelers need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 battery life — the results are in
By Philip Michaels published
We've had a chance to test the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Here's how these new Samsung foldables perform in the critical area of battery life.

T-Mobile vs. Verizon — here's why we updated our pick for the best phone carrier
By Philip Michaels published
There's been a reversal in the top spot for our rankings of U.S. phone carriers. Here's how T-Mobile was able to overtake Verizon.

iOS 26 Safari lets you pick your own tab design — here's how to do it
By Philip Michaels published
Liquid Glass is very much present in the iOS 26 version of Safari, but you can put your own stamp on the layout by picking one of three layouts for the tab design.

Best phones 2025 tested — Our top picks
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best phones you can buy at a wide range of prices based on our extensive testing and head-to-head comparisons.

I was underwhelmed by the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — here's why it could be worth buying anyway
By Philip Michaels published
Maybe the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE didn't impress me when it debuted alongside Samsung's premium foldable phones. But there are still plenty of reasons this lower-cost model delivers good value.

Best phone carriers of 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to find the best phone carrier for your wireless service? Here's how the top providers rank based on data speeds, phone selection and more.

The best 5G phones in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best 5G phones deliver faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more. Here are the 5G-capable phones worth your attention.

AutoMix gets the hype in iOS 26's Music app, but there’s another change that’s even better
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 26 is bringing a couple changes to the Music app on your iPhone. Find out more about AutoMix and Pins, including how to use them.
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