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 iPhone SE (2022) cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone SE (2022) cases can protect your new phone from unexpected drops. And you can pick your favorite from a whole host of designs.
iOS 18 — this is the biggest AI move Apple needs to make
By Philip Michaels last updated
More smarts are likely to come to the iPhone this fall as part of the AI-driven iOS 18 update. And no app figures to benefit as much as the long-neglected Voice Memos.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — here’s the winner
By Philip Michaels published
To find out who has the best-performing cameras — the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — we put the two $799 smartphones through a series of tests.
Forget pricey flagships — the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23 are still great phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
With phone makers keeping older devices in their lineup at discounted prices, there's a lot of value to be found if you skip the latest and greatest hardware for the last-generation phone.
Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases will help your aging phone last a little while longer. These are our top picks.
Apple App Store and Apple TV Plus down for an hour in a massive outage
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's online service, including Apple TV Plus, the App Store and Apple Arcade, were offline for an hour Wednesday evening. But service appeared to have returned shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro — all the expected differences
By Philip Michaels published
It could be harder to spot the differences between the standard Pixel flagship and the Pro version this year. Our Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro comparison looks at why.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be older, but you still don't want it to succumb to damage from a drop. Bheck out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases that we've found in a variety of designs.
The iPhone SE 4 should launch at WWDC 2024 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
You don't normally think of Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference as an ideal venue to launch a new version of Apple's cheapest iPhone. But these are not normal times.
Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want to squeeze more life out of your Pixel 6a, pick up one of the best Google Pixel 6a cases. It's an easy way to keep your phone from suffering fatal damage from a drop.
The worst thing about the Galaxy S24 is coming back for the Galaxy S25
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung will once again use different chipsets in its various Galaxy S25 models, according to reports. Samsung did the same thing with this year's Galaxy S24.
The best prepaid phone plans in 2024
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 international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Before you head overseas, find out what your cellphone provider will charge you to use your phone. Here are the different options offered by the four major wireless carriers.
iPhone SE 4 — all the rumors and what we want to see
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple could have another iPhone SE with a new look in the pipeline. Here's what we've heard so far about iPhone SE 4 rumors.
iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple's foldable phone plans
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone Flip could be Apple's first foldable phone. Here's what we know so far.
Samsung made a big mistake with the Galaxy S24 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Galaxy S24 an S24 Plus models deliver different experiences, depending on where you live
Google Pixel 8a price — why I’m worried about Google’s new phone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel 8a rumors suggest Google is adapting plenty of the Pixel 8's features. And that's great — if it doesn't push up the price of Google's midrange phone.
I’ve been reviewing iPhones for over a decade — here’s 3 questions to ask before you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Apple wants you to upgrade your iPhone — should you?
iOS 18 reportedly 'biggest' update in history — 9 upgrades coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18 figures to be a very major update to Apple's iPhone software. We look at the top rumored features coming to your phone.
Best AT&T phone plans in 2024: What's right for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for a monthly data plan at AT&T? Here's what you can expect to pay whether you're signing up for one of AT&T's best data plans for families or individuals.
Visible: Are the wireless carrier's low-cost unlimited plans too good to be true?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Verizon-owned Visible offers unlimited smartphone data starting at $25 a month. It's a compelling alternative to pricier wireless phone providers, thanks to Verizon's extensive network.
One UI 6.1 update rolls out this week — here’s which phones get Galaxy AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Starting March 28, Samsung's One UI 6.1 software rolls out to last years' Galaxy S23 phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, bringing Galaxy AI features from the S24 flagships.
iPhone 16 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new top-of-the-line iPhone could be coming this year. Here's what we know about a potential iPhone 16 Ultra based on rumors about Apple's upcoming phones.