
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

Best Verizon phone deals for January 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Alan Martin last updated
Samsung’s next flagship phone is already taking shape ahead of its launch later this year. Here's what we know so far about the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: How this year's top flagship phones could compare
By Philip Michaels published
With the iPhone 18 unlikely to appear this year, that means it could fall to Samsung's Galaxy S26 to compete with the iPhone 18 Pro. Who's got the advantage in this Apple vs. Samsung face-off?

iOS 26 Preview: 7 features to explore in your iPhone’s newest app
By Philip Michaels published
Preview arrives on your iPhone with iOS 26. Not sure what to do with the new addition? Here's some of the top features I've been trying out.

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.

I was worried about Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 release plans but now I think users will benefit
By Philip Michaels published
No iPhone 18 this year? No problem

Best cell phone plans in 2026: the best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.

Best family cell phone plan in 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
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.

SOS appearing on your iPhone? Here's what that means and how to change it
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how to troubleshoot your cellular connectivity issues

Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how the best cell phone plans for seniors compare, ranging from the cheapest to best unlimited options.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026: What to expect at Samsung's big launch event
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung figures to show off new phones at its next product launch. But when will that edition of Galaxy Unpacked take place?

Best phone carriers of 2026
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.

Best phone battery life in 2026: The longest lasting smartphones
By Philip Michaels last updated
These phones held out for at least 14 hours in our test to offer the best phone battery life.

Motorola's most advanced budget phone lasts a long time on a charge — but is that enough?
By Philip Michaels published
The Moto G Power (2026) is the latest version of Motorola's long-lasting low-cost phone. But it's getting harding to separate this model from Motorola's other long-lasting low-cost offerings.

iPhone 17e can be the must-have midrange phone — if Apple adds this feature
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16e offers wireless charging, but if Apple wants to take a step forward with the iPhone 17e, it needs to add support for the newer Qi2 wireless standard. Here's why.

The new iOS 26 Preview app has solved one of my biggest problems with the iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
When a PDF requiring my signature landed in my Mail inbox, I usually had to wait until I was back at my Mac to deal with it. But the arrival of a mobile Preview app in iOS 26 changes that.

Should you buy the Galaxy S25 now or wait for the Galaxy S26?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Prices have dropped on the Galaxy S25 ahead of the anticipated Galaxy S26 launch. Should you take the deal on Samsung's older phones or wait to see what's new with the latest models?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro: How these top flagship phones could compare
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S26 Ultra figures to be Samsung's premium flagship when it debuts this year. But can it top the value that the iPhone 17 Pro provides?

Best phones 2026 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.

First the iPhone 17 Pro, now the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Why phone makers may be turning their backs on titanium
By Philip Michaels published
Galaxy S26 rumor has Samsung dropping titanium from its Ultra model

The best prepaid phone plans in 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best prepaid phone plans can save you money on your monthly cell phone bill. Here are the best options we found from a variety of carriers.

Best unlimited data plans in 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
Lots of wireless carriers promise limitless data, but only one can have the best unlimited data plan. Here’s the plan you should sign up for to save money.

The best cheap cell phone plans 2026
By Philip Michaels last updated
Want to keep your monthly wireless bill under $40? We've found the best cheap cell phone plans from several different carriers that help you save.
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