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

I use Android Auto and CarPlay practically every day — but here's the one thing I also do before driving
By John Velasco published
Google Maps is the one thing I always make sure to activate on CarPlay and Android Auto before I start driving because it saves me from frustration.

I drove the Nissan Sentra for a week — and the Civic and Corolla should be worried
By John Velasco published
RecommendedWith a striking new look that mimics much pricier sedans, the 2026 Nissan Sentra pairs an eye-catching exterior with modern conveniences to redefine what a compact sedan should be.

I test drove the $108,000 Genesis G90 for a week — and it's like a private jet on wheels
By John Velasco published
The 2026 Genesis G90 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black is one of the most robust luxury cars I've tested, complete with self closing doors, reclining back seats, and more.

Not a typo — this insane 73% off deal makes the Pixel Fold cheaper than the Pixel 9a
By John Velasco published
If you're thinking about buying the Pixel 9a (or even Pixel 10a), you shouldn't overlook the $479 Pixel Fold offer Woot's having right now for the foldable phone.

Pinterest was down — here's what happened during the outage
By John Velasco last updated
Pinterest users reported issues with the popular pinning service, with many saying their boards weren't loading properly and they were missing content.

Galaxy S26 Ultra’s rumored wider aperture could be its biggest camera upgrade — here’s why
By John Velasco published
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to get a wider aperture with its main camera. That might not sound like a substantial upgrade, but it is. Here's why.

I used to think MagSafe battery packs were a waste until I finally caved in and tried one out — here’s what happened
By John Velasco published
The Lisen Qi2 15W Ultra Slim MagSafe Battery Pack shattered the stigma I had regarding MagSafe power banks. And now, I fully appreciate their utility.

I drove the Kia Sportage Hybrid for a week — and it’s the perfect SUV for people not ready for an EV
By John Velasco published
Editor's ChoiceThe 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a compact SUV that's big on style and convenience features, which help it to ditch the hybrid stereotype.

I found the missing link between Android, iPhone, and Windows — and it’s an app I almost ignored
By John Velasco published
Link to Windows is one of the most underrated phone apps around as it lets you seamlessly transfer files wirelessly, project your phone to a PC, and more.

Leaked official renders reveal color options for Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra — but I’m holding out for more
By John Velasco published
All of the colors for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra leak courtesy of Evan Blass, giving us our best look at the upcoming phones. Here's what to expect.

I ditched my wallet for the PopSockets Kick-Out for a week — and it combines three things I always look for in a MagSafe wallet
By John Velasco published
I tested out the PopSockets Kick-Out PopWallet for a week to see what makes it different and unique over other MagSafe wallets. Here's what I found.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra release date rumors: Here's when we expect it to go on sale
By John Velasco published
With the next Galaxy Unpacked happening in a couple weeks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra release date is increasingly becoming clearer. Here's when it can happen.

I’ve tested dozens of Apple CarPlay apps, but I keep coming back to these 3 — and you should too
By John Velasco published
There are so many apps supported by Apple CarPlay, but there are only three apps you really need to be using. Here's what they are.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 officially set for February 25 — how to reserve your Galaxy S26 Ultra now
By John Velasco published
Samsung just announced its next Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, which is taking place in San Francisco on Wednesday, February 25, where we'll likely learn more about the Galaxy S26.

Forget AirTag 2 — I tried this tracking card that works with iPhone and Android
By John Velasco published
The KeySmart Smart Card (Gen 3) is perfect for my wallet but also features MagSafe wireless charging with support for both Apple Find My and Android Find Hub.

I drove the Mazda CX-70 for a week — and it proves hybrids don’t need to sacrifice power to be fuel efficient
By John Velasco published
RecommendedYou don't have to sacrifice power to gain excellent fuel economy with the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium, as it's the perfect middle ground for those hesitant about EVs.

5 reasons to buy the iPhone 17e and 3 reasons to skip it
By John Velasco published
The iPhone 17e is rumored to be coming out soon. Here's all the reasons why you should buy it and why you should skip it.

3 biggest Galaxy S26 display rumors — here’s everything I’m excited about
By John Velasco published
There are surprising changes in store for the Galaxy S26 displays based on the rumors. Here's what I'm excited for the most.

I drove the rear-windowless Polestar 4 for a week — and this EV forces you to change the way you drive
By John Velasco published
RecommendedThe 2026 Polestar 4 is unlike most EVs on the road due to how it doesn't have a traditional glass rear windshield, which forces you to drive differently.

Apple AirTag 2 review: perfect except for one thing
By John Velasco published
Editor's ChoiceThe Apple AirTag 2 shares the same cost and design as the original, but benefits from a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip for better Precision Finding accuracy.

I put the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and OnePlus 15 outside in freezing temperatures for a battery drain test — and I’m shocked
By John Velasco published
I ran a battery drain test on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and OnePlus 15 to see how they behaved outdoors in sub-freezing temperatures.

The real Galaxy S26 Ultra upgrade I want is long overdue — and it has nothing to do with AI
By John Velasco published
Samsung's tipped to bring big upgrades to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but the one I want to see most is a new Samsung DeX experience. Here's why.

I drove the Infiniti QX80 for a week — here’s how it compares to other 3-row SUVs I’ve tested
By John Velasco published
RecommendedThe 2026 Infiniti QX80 is a 3-row full-size SUV with seating for up to 7 passengers.

iPhone 18 — 3 key things from the Apple earnings call that make me excited about the new iPhone
By John Velasco last updated
After hearing a lot of good news from its Q1 2026 earnings report, Apple can look ahead to the iPhone 18. Here are some key facts from the earnings call that stand out.
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