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 put the Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15 through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
The two top smartphones go at it in our Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15 face-off, as we look to see which is the best phone for $799.
Best Verizon phone plans for 2024: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.
Best Mint Mobile plans 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best Mint Mobile plans feature some of the cheapest prices right now — here's how to save on your monthly wireless phone service.
iOS 18 is getting a huge upgrade with reminders — what you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
As part of the iOS 18, you'll be able to create a reminder within the Calendar app, as Apple looks for ways to save you from having to jump between different apps.
Samsung Unpacked announced for July 10 — get ready for the biggest Samsung event in years
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung has set a date for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, where we should see the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with the Galaxy Ring and new Galaxy Watches.
Motorola Razr (2024) vs. Motorola Razr (2023): All the major differences
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how Motorola's latest budget foldable compares to its predecessor
iOS 18 Safari — biggest new features for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
Two big changes in iOS 18 Safari include Highlights and a redesigned Reader, both of which bring new summary skills to the mobile web browser.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 — 5 big questions before these foldables arrive
By Philip Michaels published
We're getting closer to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 launch. Here's what we still need to find out about Samsung's next foldable phones.
iOS 18 Notes — 5 biggest changes coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
Apple may not have spent a lot of time previewing iOS 18 Notes during WWDC, but the built-in note-taking app will see some pretty big changes with this year's iPhone software update.
Apple Intelligence underscores Apple’s biggest iPhone mistake in years
By Philip Michaels published
Our managing editor for mobile never cared for Apple's move to use different chipsets in the same iPhone family. Apple Intelligence's lack of wider support only makes that decision more irritating.
iOS 18 home screen — 5 biggest upgrades you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18 lets you change the look and layout of your home screen. Find out about all the changes you can make to the appearance of app icons and widgets.
Apple Intelligence is leaving hundreds of millions of iPhone owners out in the cold — here’s why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple Intelligence introduces a lot of interesting and promising features to your devices — if they meet Apple's requirements. And a lot of iPhones fall short of that.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 both tipped for price hikes — this is a huge mistake
By Philip Michaels published
A rumor claims that both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 will cost $100 more than their predecessors. No one likes to see price hikes, but this one would be especially bad.
Best iPhone 14 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 14 cases add protection and style to your new Apple phone. Here are our picks for the cases that can keep your iPhone 14 looking good as new.
iOS 18 Maps — biggest new features coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18 Maps focuses on just one feature, but it's a welcome one if you enjoy the great outdoors. Here's what you need to know about the addition of trail maps to iOS 18 and what it means for hikers.
Samsung Galaxy S25's best feature could force a major price hike
By Philip Michaels published
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 likely to run the Galaxy S25 could prove to be a very pricey piece of Samsung's flagship phone.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 cameras — 5 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Flip should see the bigger improvements
iPhone 16 — could Apple Intelligence spur upgrades to the new iPhone?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's what Apple Intelligence means for the iPhone 16's prospects — and beyond
Best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Now that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most expensive phone Apple's ever made, you'll want to keep it safe from harm. The best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases can help.
iOS 18 Photos — all the new features coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
The iOS 18 version of Photos focuses on a redesign that's supposed to make it easier to find the images you're looking for. And Apple Intelligence should bring some new tools to Photos, too.
iOS 18 features — here's which ones will (and won't) work with your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Just because your iPhone supports iOS 18, it won't necessarily be able to run every feature. Here's the iOS 18 capabilities that require specific iPhone models.
watchOS 11 has a feature I love so much, I hope iOS 18 steals it
By Philip Michaels published
iPhone users should be able to pause their Move streaks, too, Apple
Apple WWDC 2024: Apple Intelligence, iOS 18, new Siri, iPadOS 18 and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
AI takes center stage at Apple's developer event