
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

I’m a parent who reviews phones — here's the 5 phones I recommend for back to school
By Philip Michaels published
If your back-to-school plans include getting a new phone, here's what you should be looking for.

Apple details how the Trump tariffs impacted iPhone sales during earnings call
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple set records for total sales and iPhone sales during its June fiscal quarter. But the ongoing uncertainty over tariffs may have affected some of those purchases.

iOS 26 gives your iPhone's lock screen a cool 3D look with spatial scenes — here's how to do it
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 26 adds new elements to the iPhone's lock screen that you can take advantage of when you customize the look of your iPhone.

Best AT&T phone plans in 2025: 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.

I tried Hold Assist in iOS 26, and it solves one of the most annoying things about phone calls — here's how it works
By Philip Michaels published
Hold music, begone — a new Hold Assist feature in iOS 26 does the waiting for you when you're put on hold. Here's what you need to know about this feature.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Battle of the Android phones takes shape
By Philip Michaels published
Google is holding a hardware event in August where it should show off its new phones. Here's how the upcoming Google Pixel 10 could compare to the Galaxy S25.

iOS 26 public beta is live — 7 new iPhone features you need to try first
By Philip Michaels last updated
Getting started with iOS 26? These are the features that will likely have the biggest impact on your day-to-day iPhone use.

iOS 26 public beta LIVE — new iPhone features to try, how to download and latest news
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iOS 26 public beta is out and ready to install on your iPhone — if you're ready. Find out all the details on Apple's latest software release, including new features, interface changes and more.

I've been testing iOS 26 for a month — 5 tips you need to know now that the public beta is here
By Philip Michaels last updated
Follow these tips for a better experience with the iOS 26 beta

Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Here's how Google can beat Samsung
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be tough to beat. But there are ways the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold could outshine its rival.

Best cable modems in 2025: Say goodbye to equipment rental fees for good
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The best cable modems let you avoid monthly rental fees from your ISP and give you greater control over your home network.

Best international phone plans in 2025 — what travelers need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 battery life — the results are in
By Philip Michaels published
We've had a chance to test the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Here's how these new Samsung foldables perform in the critical area of battery life.

iOS 26 Safari lets you pick your own tab design — here's how to do it
By Philip Michaels published
Liquid Glass is very much present in the iOS 26 version of Safari, but you can put your own stamp on the layout by picking one of three layouts for the tab design.

I was underwhelmed by the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — here's why it could be worth buying anyway
By Philip Michaels published
Maybe the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE didn't impress me when it debuted alongside Samsung's premium foldable phones. But there are still plenty of reasons this lower-cost model delivers good value.

AutoMix gets the hype in iOS 26's Music app, but there’s another change that’s even better
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 26 is bringing a couple changes to the Music app on your iPhone. Find out more about AutoMix and Pins, including how to use them.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: 5 reasons to buy (and 3 reasons to skip)
By Philip Michaels published
Bigger screens and beefed-up AI features make a compelling case to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 7. But there are reasons to skip the new foldable, too.

iOS 26 Photos — here's the biggest upgrades for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Customize your collections layout and look up event info from your photos

Best cell phone plans in 2025: The best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.

iPhone 17 release date: All the possibilities for this year's phone launch
By Philip Michaels last updated
What we can learn from past iPhone releases for this year's launch

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: 5 reasons to buy (and 3 reasons to skip)
By Philip Michaels published
There's a lot to like about the Galaxy Z Fold 7 if you're considering buying the phone — but there are a few things to fret about, too.

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is incredibly thin and light — here's how it stacks up to other slender phones
By Philip Michaels published
Whether open or closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 cuts a slender profile. But how does it compare to other phones in terms of thinness and weight?

Galaxy Unpacked 2025 LIVE: All the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Watch 8 news
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event brought us updated versions of the Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Watch. Get all the details on everything Samsung revealed.
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