
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 Max: 7 reasons to buy (and 3 reasons to skip)
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces plenty of key changes, from a new look to a different camera setup. But is it enough to justify an upgrade?

iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro battery life — here's how they compare
By Philip Michaels published
Battery life is a key factor in deciding whether or not to upgrade your phone. Here's what we know so far about how long the iPhone 17 models might last.

What is Mint Mobile, and is it worth it?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Mint Mobile offers big savings on your wireless bill if you pay for a year of service upfront. Here's what you need to know.

iPhone 17 Event live updates — everything Apple announced and our reactions to iPhone Air, Apple Watch 11 and AirPods Pro 3
By Tom Pritchard, Philip Michaels, Richard Priday last updated
The iPhone 17 launch event brought eight us new products, including phones, watches and earbuds. Find out everything you need to know about the iPhone 17, Apple Watch 11. AirPods Pro 3, and more.

iPhone Air vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Which thin phone is best?
By Philip Michaels published
Now that Apple has made the iPhone Air official, it's time to compare this ultra-thin phone with the Galaxy S25 Edge. Which device wins an iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge face-off.

iPhone 17 — 6 reasons to buy (and 3 reasons to skip)
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's latest flagship phone could be a very compelling upgrade

Best iPhones in 2025: Which iPhone should you buy?
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best iPhones for every need and budget based on our reviews.

iPhone 17 Pro rumored release date, specs, price, colors and all the new features
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's the latest on rumored features on the iPhone 17 Pro, including potential changes by Apple and what we could expect on September 9.

Final iPhone 17 vs 17 Air vs 17 Pro rumors: Here's the biggest changes coming to every new iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
We're going to get our first official look at Apple's latest iPhones later today. Here's the biggest changes we're expecting to see in each model.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9: All the biggest upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 comparison looks at what Google changed with the entry-level model in its flagship lineup, from new cameras to updated AI capabilities.

iPhone 17 prices could be on the rise — should you wait for an iPhone 17e instead?
By Philip Michaels published
New iPhones arrive this week. But unless you're really sold on the changes Apple introduces, you may want to hold off for next year's rumored iPhone 17e release.

Galaxy S25 FE makes an impressive debut — and it could wind up as the best Samsung phone for most people
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 FE combines a compelling camera setup, solid AI features and a flagship-beating price tag to make it a Samsung phone worth considering.

iPhone 17 launch — 5 burning questions about Apple's upcoming models
By Philip Michaels published
Apple is set to show off its new phones this week. And while a lot of iPhone 17 details have leaked out, there's still a lot we don't know heading into the launch event.

iPhone 17 displays — the 5 biggest changes rumored for all of Apple’s new phones
By Philip Michaels published
The displays on Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 models could be very different this year, as Apple is considering a number of changes. Here's a rundown of the most exciting rumored improvements.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked LIVE: All the Galaxy S25 FE and Tab 11 news as it happened
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung wasn't done with Galaxy events. Just ahead of IFA 2025, the company held a Galaxy events where we saw new tablets and phones.

Best Verizon phone deals for September 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.

This brand new phone boasts a screen that cuts down on eye strain — and I wish it was more widely available
By Philip Michaels published
The TCL Nxtpaper 60 Ultra features a 7.2-inch display with several technologies aimed at cutting down on eye strain and harsh artificial light.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Here's the biggest expected upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
With an iPhone 17 Pro Max launch on the horizon, it's time to see what changes are likely compared to the 2-year-old iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE announced: Specs, price and all the new features
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 FE is now available to buy. Here's what you can expect from this $649 phone and how it compares to the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which one should you buy?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to decide which of Samsung's new phones to get? Here's how the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra compare.

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.

The iPhone 17 Pro sounds like it will be the iPhone to get this year — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's Pro model is set to improve in two key areas

I love these new features in the iOS 26 Phone app — but there's one big flaw Apple needs to fix
By Philip Michaels published
The Phone app in iOS 26 gains some impressive features like call screening and Hold Assist. But the interface needs some work ahead of the full release.
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