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
This Pixel 8 feature makes sure your group shots turn out perfectly — how Best Take works
By John Velasco published
Never worry about taking family photos again
5 things I like about the DJI Mini 4 Pro — and 2 things I hate
By John Velasco published
DJI's small drone gains some new tricks
I paired this smart telescope with my phone — and it makes astrophotography light years better
By John Velasco published
I became more invested in space and the night sky after using Dwarflab's Dwarf II smart telescope paired with my smartphone to see all the heavenly bodies that the naked eye cannot simply see.
I just tried Android 14's AI wallpaper generator — and it looks like the future
By John Velasco published
You'll have an endless amount of combinations
iOS 17.2 developer beta is live — here’s the new features for your iPhone
By John Velasco published
Apple just released the iOS 17.2 developer beta and it's accompanied by new features, including the long awaited Journal app that was first introduced at WWDC 2023.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review
By Philip Michaels last updated
Wedged between powerful flagships and low-cost midrange models, the Galaxy S23 FE struggles to stand out
I compared the OnePlus Open vs Pixel Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 5 in a zoom camera shootout — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
In this OnePlus Open vs. Google Pixel Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 zoom camera shootout, I capture the same scenes to uncover which telephoto camera delivers the best results.
iOS 17.1 just went live — here’s all the new features and fixes for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
Apple just released iOS 17.1, which is filled with new features and bug fixes to make the latest iPhone software experience even smoother. We break down everything included with this latest release.
One of the best ways to get StandBy Mode on your iPhone just crashed to $33
By John Velasco published
Instantly access iOS 17's StandBy Mode anywhere with the ESR Kickstand Wireless Power Bank, which is an early Black Friday that's hard to pass up on because it's nearly 50% off.
I compared the OnePlus Open vs Pixel Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 5 in a low-light camera shootout — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
There's still room for improvement
This iOS 17 feature lets you send callers to voicemail with a single tap
By John Velasco published
You can go back to whatever you were doing
OnePlus Open battery life tested — here's how it stacks up
By John Velasco published
We didn't think it would be this good
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max — biggest upgrades
By Mark Spoonauer last updated
Our iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison looks at the biggest upgrades for Apple's flagship, including the designs, cameras and performance of the new phone.
OnePlus Open review: An ambitious foldable phone filled with surprises
By John Velasco published
I didn't expect to like the OnePlus Open this much — I was wrong
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leak reveals camera downgrade — this is a big mistake
By John Velasco last updated
Going from 10x telephoto to 5x telephoto would be the wrong move
I compared the Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S23 Ultra in a zoom shootout — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
In this three-way comparison, our US phones editors tests the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to see which one produces the better 5x telephoto zoom photos.
I tested Google Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max — this flagship phone wins
By John Velasco last updated
It's a showcase for the very best between Android and iPhone
Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Which phone is best for you?
By John Velasco published
If you're torn about which of Google's new flagship phones is best for you, here's our comparison of the Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro to help you make up your mind.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: The biggest upgrades
By John Velasco published
Wondering how the Pixel 8 Pro is going to differ from its predecessor? Our Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro comparison looks at all the major changes.
I just tested the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro side by side — and this is the biggest upgrade by far
By John Velasco last updated
The Pixel 7 Pro had a very weak display that often made it impossible to use outdoors, but Google upgraded the Pixel 8 Pro with a new Super Actua display that's a whole lot brighter.
I compared the Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S23 Ultra in a low-light camera shootout — here's the winner
By John Velasco last updated
You'll see how well Night Sight works
This folding 3-in-1 MagSafe charger for my iPhone fits in my pocket — and it's 22% off post-Prime Day
By John Velasco last updated
Charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time
7 ways Pixel 8 Pro camera beats iPhone 15 Pro Max
By John Velasco published
We all know the iPhone 15 Pro Max has an excellent camera for photos and video, but here are all the ways that the Google Pixel 8 Pro camera beats it.