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
The winter of my streaming discontent — these are the streaming services I’m ready to cancel
By Philip Michaels published
When streaming service subscription rates go up, there's only one thing you can do — cut back on the services that provide less value.
I’ve covered Apple for two decades — my 5 best tips for Apple Black Friday deals
By Philip Michaels published
Apple does Black Friday a little differently than many retailers. Here are some tips on how to find a great deal.
How Samsung can make the Galaxy S24 Plus a phone you’ll actually want to buy
By Philip Michaels published
All too often, the Plus feels like the forgotten phone in the Galaxy S lineup, Here's how Samsung could change that with the Galaxy S24 Plus.
Apple reportedly halts iOS 18 development — here’s why that’s good news
By Philip Michaels published
Pause apparently won't delay iOS 18's release next year
Google Pixel Fold release date, price, specs and latest news
By Philip Michaels, Roland Moore-Colyer last updated
The Google Pixel Fold is Google's first foldable phone and looks to challenge Samsung with a thinner design, wider front display and smarter software. Here's everything you need to know.
I review phones for a living, and budget devices impress me more than flagships these days
By Philip Michaels published
It's been another strong year for midrange devices as the Galaxy A54, Pixel 7a and Motorola Razr stand out as much as their more expensive counterparts.
iOS 17 has added crossword puzzles — here’s how to find them
By Philip Michaels published
We'll show you how to find crossword puzzles in the iOS 17 News app and how to play the puzzles as well.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 12 camera face-off — why you should upgrade now
By Philip Michaels published
If you're holding on to an iPhone 12, our iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 12 face-off might convince you that improvements to cameras over the years are reason enough to upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy A54 — what’s the best Samsung phone for you?
By Philip Michaels published
With phones ranging from $449 to $799, it may be difficult to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy A54. But we can help you figure out which phone best fits your needs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra design just leaked — here’s what it could look like
By Philip Michaels published
Leaked case image suggests Galaxy S24 Ultra will keep two telephoto cameras
iOS 17 Journal hands-on: Apple gets personal with its newest iPhone app
By Philip Michaels published
Journal debuts on the iPhone with iOS 17.2. We tried out the app using the iOS 17 public beta, and here's what we discovered.
Apple 'Scary Fast' October 30 event — new iMac, MacBook Pro M3 and latest news
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple is ending the month with new hardware. We've rounded up the rumors on the new iMac, MacBook Pro M3 and anything else the company might announce.
Motorola Razr (2023) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Which foldable should you get?
By Philip Michaels published
The Motorla Razr (2023) costs $300 less than the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Our Motorola Razr (2023) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 face-off looks at whether you have to give up too much for that lower price.
Galaxy S24 — 5 lessons Samsung can learn from the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 15 and Pixel 8 models have arrived, and they bring plenty of lessons for Samsung about what to do with its next flagship. Here's how those phones could influence the Samsung Galaxy S24.
This AirDrop upgrade is the best thing about iOS 17.1 — how it works
By Philip Michaels published
AirDrop file transfers can now finish even if you move out of range, thanks to a change in iOS 17.1. Here's how the new feature works.
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
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.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — meet the chip likely to power Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
By Philip Michaels published
Qualcomm has revealed its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is likely to power the top Android phones in 2024, including Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra. Here's what you can expect to see.
The $699 Motorola Razr heralds a new era of affordable foldable phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
For years, foldable phones have cost a pretty penny. But the latest Motorola Razr costs less than many flagship handsets, meaning the era of affordble foldable devices has begun.
The Google Pixel 8 is a better buy than Pixel 7a — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
Earlier this year, it was a tough call on whether to get a Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a. The Pixel 8's arrival has cleared up that confusion.
5 ways OnePlus Open beats the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
By Philip Michaels last updated
As a notebook-style foldable phone, the OnePlus Open invites comparisons to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. And it comes out of those comparisons looking good.
OnePlus Open — release date, price and specs for OnePlus' first foldable
By Richard Priday last updated
OnePlus has unveiled the OnePlus Open, its first foldable phone. Here's what we know about what the device will cost and what features you can expect.
OnePlus Open launch live blog — all the big news as it happens
By Richard Priday last updated
OnePlus is about to show off its first foldable phone, and we're covering the news as it happens. Follow our live blog to learn more about the OnePlus Open.
This iPhone 16 rumor already has me excited about Apple's next phones
By Philip Michaels published
The early word on Apple's iPhone 16 silicon plans is encouraging
Motorola Razr (2023) review: The low-cost foldable you've been waiting for
By Philip Michaels published
The Motorola Razr is a lower-cost version of the Razr+ that makes a few compromises to deliver that lower price. But it's still a good value if a foldable phone has been outside of your budget.