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
![iphone 15 vs galaxy s24 zoom camera face-off](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6kgH4XcjrSmZgKewjEMUq4-320-80.jpg)
I tested the iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 in a zoom photo face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
With a 48MP main camera, the iPhone 15 is able to capture 2x zooms without a dedicated telephoto lens? But how does that compare to what the Galaxy S24 and its 10MP telephoto camera can do?
![iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aY9mW65ZnrcBqziB6MEMAo-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 likely to offer on-device AI — here's why that matters
By Philip Michaels published
Reports claim that Apple is going to introduce AI features in iOS 18 that run locally on the phone. That tells us a lot about potential features Apple could introduce.
![Apple Pencil 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/feTJrHUutQDbXdnhD5skg6-320-80.jpg)
Forget the iPad — it's the iPhone 16 Pro that needs Apple Pencil 3 support
By Philip Michaels published
A new Apple Pencil could show up at Apple's May 7 iPad event. But the time is right for Apple's updated stylus to support more than just tablets.
![Moto G 5G 2024 review font of phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GC2LW8objDSYs4iwyv2cQ9-320-80.jpg)
Moto G 5G (2024) review: The best phone under $200
By Philip Michaels published
There's value to be found if you're willing to compromise
![Conan O'Brien plays soccer in Argentina](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dpZkuwwCoQ5YKBruBZ22uZ-320-80.jpg)
I dropped my Max subscription — will Conan O’Brien’s new show make me get it back?
By Philip Michaels published
In "Conan O'Brien Must Go," the former late-night talk show host visits different parts of the globe, and Max subscribers are along for the ride.
![Best T-Mobile cell phone plans](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dJ7TsB7DTs4BuCgDouTeoL-320-80.png)
Best T-Mobile cell phone plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our guide to the best T-Mobile cell phone plans can help you find a great price on wireless coverage for families, seniors or anyone who needs unlimited data.
![Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v37EVH3FXNt4DVGWEFXTj7-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Which budget phone will win?
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how a Pixel 8a vs. Galaxy A35 face-off is shaping up
![An image showing the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the Circle to Search feature being used on screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EaYBgece9ATb3WQ8krRv7g-320-80.jpg)
Circle to Search could be adding another feature — and I couldn't be happier
By Philip Michaels published
Code related to Circle to Search reveals the Galaxy AI tool could add the ability to create and share screenshots. It would be a welcome addition to what's already a helpful feature.
![Unofficial iOS 18 logo on an iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AuRomvkySEmFHuB868KNx4-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 apps: 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Expect these apps to see some changes when iOS 18 debuts
![iPhone 13](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sZ2HRGEksgZGev84m3DBFK-320-80.jpg)
I handed my teenaged daughter an iPhone 13 — she came back with some pretty spectacular photos
By Philip Michaels published
Today's camera phones are so powerful, a relative novice can pick one up and take some excellent shots. And that's good news for shooters from all levels of expertise.
![iPhone 5c colors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5EecvxhkJ9hJdGVhMLdWoM-320-80.jpg)
The iPhone 16 needs to copy the best thing about Apple's least popular iPhone model of all time
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 5c may not have been a popular model, but the way it showcased vibrant colors has been noticeably missing from recent iPhone releases. Apple should change that with the iPhone 16.
![Google Pixel 9 render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QJfHpqExLyLg5C7gpekf79-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 Pro could be the iPhone 16 Pro's worst nightmare — here’s how
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google may add a second Pixel 9 Pro to its lineup this fall. And the presence of a low-cost flagship phone with a telephoto lens could be a headache for Apple and its iPhone Pro plans.
![airport terminal map in iOS 17 Maps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mvorqLCABzetg7b6XC24Jj-320-80.jpg)
This Apple Maps feature in iOS 17 is a must-have for me on trips
By Philip Michaels published
Apple Maps added the ability to download offline maps in iOS 17. Combine that with its maps of airport terminals, and you've got a helpful feature for travelers.
![Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RhaimmXMEaAAPFJ6asLsWU-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 — biggest expected differences
By Philip Michaels published
Our Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8 comparison looks at likely differences between the two phones based on what Pixel 8a rumors say about the upcoming budget handset.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BuEzpcPyvTTuo4saYMWp4H-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 — how 2024's biggest phone battle is shaping up
By Philip Michaels last updated
A Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 face-off pits the flagship devices from the world's two top phone makers against one another. Here's how things look based on rumors about the two phones.
![best samsung galaxy s21 fe cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GrsH2ewgXdz9qV2H3CTfPK-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
It may be cheaper than other Samsung flagships, but you still want the best for your Galaxy S21 FE. Keep your phone looking like new with the best Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cases.
![best samsung galaxy z flip 4 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JSVAtbizZn9MTvFq2xzmog-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you've picked up this foldable flip phone, you'll want one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases to keep it safe. Here are our picks.
![best OnePlus 10 Pro cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aEEGrvZUVtvFnKVmeuX9e6-320-80.jpg)
Best OnePlus 10 Pro cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want help preventing damage to your OnePlus 10 Pro from drops and other hazards, a case can come in handy. We'll help you find the best OnePlus 10 Pro case to protect your phone.
![iPhone 16 camera pill design](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zXqDLvyceym2MF3YmDyX6o-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 Capture button — here's what I'd like to see from this new feature
By Philip Michaels last updated
It's looking likely that a Capture button will be included on all iPhone 16 models this fall. Here's how that feature could make Apple's device an even more formidable camera phone.
![best key finders](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bk6PYdxDgWMvmSpXJt6vpR-320-80.jpeg)
Best key finder in 2024: AirTag vs. Tile vs. SmartTag vs. Chipolo
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best key finders and Bluetooth trackers for finding lost keys, wallets, phones or anything else that is easily misplaced.
![best iphone se 2022 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bDAjmE79XCp5RuRweHjZKP-320-80.jpg)
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 logo on iPhone in person's lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpXF6F6f4rs4WNejjKc36c-320-80.jpg)
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.
![iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy s24 200 photo faceoff](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zRWzE9dniy9NXB2WGe9zGo-320-80.jpg)
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.
![iPhone 14 next to Samsung Galaxy S23](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G5owALNs9L9jSaMP9UgQPS-320-80.jpg)
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.