John Velasco
John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
Latest articles by John Velasco
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 mid fold](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uDodgcbxKHyQBUktACH6n5-320-80.jpg)
Forget pricey flagships — this could be the year of sub-$500 foldable phones
By John Velasco published
Foldable phones are shedding their reputation for being expensive, but based on what we've seen in the last year, we could very well see a sub-$500 foldable phone in 2024.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VbdwyAyUPbzxBuri74DbGL-320-80.jpg)
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
In this iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max camera shootout, I took over 200 photos to see how Apple has improved the cameras on its latest model.
![ESR HaloLock MagSafe Car Charger in car vent with lowest price badge nearby.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZuC6QAdgcaZafypWQSxARW-320-80.jpg)
Sorry CarPlay — this $12 MagSafe Charger gives me the perfect infotainment system in my car
By John Velasco published
StandBy Mode in iOS 17 upgrades your infotainment
![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold 2.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mdUiVfnGbkaPodmgzL5aqU-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Google Pixel Fold 2: Which foldable phone could win?
By John Velasco last updated
These next-gen foldables will be very different
![Woman posing in between HMD Pulse Plus phones.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bn5AUTGK5SSdZJRm7kReN4-320-80.jpg)
After years of making Nokia phones, HMD releases its own Android phones — and one of them is under $150
By John Velasco published
Best known for making Nokia phones, Finnish company HMD Global is launching its first ever branded phones with the HMD Vibe, HMD Pulse, HMD Pulse Plus, and HMD Pulse Pro.
![iPhone 16 Pro render blue bg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h7K2wWQVnuVfnSgxHYtKdd-320-80.jpg)
I’ve used the iPhone 15 Pro for 6 months — 6 camera upgrades that the iPhone 16 Pro needs
By John Velasco published
After using the iPhone 15 Pro for 6 months, our phones editor has some ideas on how Apple could easily improve the camera in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro.
![Four colors of Google Pixel 8a.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qdEVtWy8foe2WmyE7EXitV-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a — 5 biggest rumored upgrades
By John Velasco published
Ahead of its potential announcement at Google I/O, we break down all of the biggest rumored upgrades coming to the Google Pixel 8a.
![Phone showing Xfinity logo next to a router.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RBwhEmN5ooE3anNyaP5kG3-320-80.jpg)
Comcast's new mobile service just matched Visible’s $25 unlimited plan — here’s why I’m not switching
By John Velasco published
Comcast's NOW Mobile service is an unlimited cell phone plan that costs $25/month, matching what Visible offers. However, it's not enough to convince me to make the switch.
![An all electric Tesla Model 3 in white on cement road with trees in background on sunny day.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7L55ZrcXePgR9KSs7b3vqX-320-80.jpg)
3 things everyone should know before buying an EV
By John Velasco published
Don't overlook these things if you want to save money
![iPhone 16 Pro render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5wDTVRZKp9R9XBGanPzCND-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 Pro: 5 biggest rumored camera upgrades
By John Velasco published
There's been a number of leaks and rumors that hint at big upgrades coming to the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Here are the biggest ones we've heard about so far.
![Samsung S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 held together side-by-side.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9ceS7BZZeBewYLE4JaHNR8-320-80.jpg)
I took 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
Here's what happened after the latest software updates
![Samsung Galaxy A35 hands on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F5fiMfqXnUQ2V9UvjWoHkM-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G hands-on review: The Pixel 7a has a lot to be worried about
By John Velasco published
Not yet rated$399 on paper looks mighty tempting
![Rendered image of Pixel 9 with Pixel 8.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gFfLQ5Dz2n7jcsZmjSWrSQ-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Biggest expected differences
By John Velasco published
AI features could again make all the difference
![Apple iPhone 15 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UWgbiPiXbBsYwXp7U7dQaA-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By John Velasco published
There's plenty to be excited about with these improvements
![Guy recording video with Pixel 8 Pro Night Mode with Video Boost.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/okNaGb9Z3FtjyXQn39QtPN-320-80.jpg)
I tested Video Boost on the Pixel 8 Pro — here’s the results
By John Velasco published
Pixel phones have long offered Night Sight mode to brighten up photos captured under low light, but Video Boost brings the same improvements for video clips with the Pixel 8 Pro. Here's the results.
![Moto G Power 2024 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ET2ZvS4D5wxuvezEBSiazQ-320-80.jpg)
Moto G Power 5G (2024) review: Great battery life under $300, yikes cameras
By John Velasco published
You get a lot of endurance for less money with the new Moto G Power, but its dim display and lackluster cameras hold it back
![Volkswagen ID Buzz EV Minivan.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zwb4HMzTDMDaNXrXmGSJyd-320-80.jpg)
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the weirdest EV I’ve seen yet — here’s why I might buy one
By John Velasco published
You might think differently about minivans
![Solar Eclipse photos taken with Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KtgACCSi8FW4Tgsd94xdWK-320-80.jpg)
I photographed the solar eclipse with iPhone 15 Pro vs Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
I took the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra for a solar eclipse shootout to see which flagship phone takes the best photos of the sun.
![Galaxy AI features on Galaxy S23 Ultra.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4PpXMaXJLkLacG4uaRftqD-320-80.jpg)
I gave my Galaxy S23 Ultra new life by installing a turbocharged software update — here’s why
By John Velasco published
Samsung's One UI 6.1 update just arrived on my Galaxy S23 Ultra, injecting new life by adding the same Galaxy AI features first available with the Galaxy S24 series.
![Ford F150 Lightning charging at Tesla station](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3S3pxkQJKRuusHdnd797V-320-80.jpg)
Thinking of buying an EV? Here’s the one question you need to answer first
By John Velasco published
After I drove my first EV, I found out the biggest thing that could draw buyers away from buying one. You need to answer this question first to find out if an EV is right for you.
![Solar eclipse filter.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HeL92nxPQwpa4sh6m7fobP-320-80.jpg)
This is how I plan to successfully photograph the April 2024 solar eclipse with my phone
By John Velasco last updated
I learned a few new tricks to take better solar eclipse photos
![Ford F150 Lightning test drive for a weekend.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aRE8diNu8F7cBvNVrhm5um-320-80.jpg)
Interest in EV trucks like F150 Lightning is plummeting — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
Ford recently announced layoffs in its factory that produces the F150 Lighting, which is a sign that interest in EV trucks is starting to lessen. Here's why.
![OnePlus 12 held in the hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rodt9GEnyiE2ffZHx53t2V-320-80.jpg)
AI Eraser is OnePlus’ version of Magic Eraser — and it’s coming to new and older phones
By John Velasco published
OnePlus is diving into the world of AI with its first one, AI Eraser, which lets users easily remove unwanted stuff in photos with the help of generative AI.