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 16 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new top-of-the-line iPhone could be coming in 2024. Here's what we know about a potential iPhone 16 Ultra based on rumors and early reports.
iPhone 16 Pro — all the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 16 Pro won't arrive until next fall, but that's not stopping rumors from appearing now. Here's an early look at what we know so far about the iPhone 16 Pro.
This is how the iPhone 16 can catch up to the Samsung Galaxy S24
By Philip Michaels published
The last couple iPhone upgrades have seen Apple focus primarily on the Pro models. That can't happen with the iPhone 16 if Apple is serious about AI features.
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.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel voice recorder app showdown — who's got the better AI features?
By Philip Michaels published
The new Samsung Galaxy S24 phones use Galaxy AI to add smarts to the built-in recorder app, much like recent Google Pixel phones. But who's got the smarter voice recorder?
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22: How Samsung’s flagship phone changed in just 2 years
By Philip Michaels published
What a difference 2 years can make in the world of smartphones. Our Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22 face-off details just where the big improvements are should you upgrade your phone.
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.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S24 Plus vs Galaxy S24 Ultra — how to pick the right model for you
By Philip Michaels published
Not sure which Samsung Galaxy S24 model is the right one for your needs? We look at the standard S24, the Plus and the Ultra to see which one is tops in seven different categories.
Best mobile hotspots in 2024
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
I can't take Nothing seriously as a phone maker — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
The Nothing Phone 2a comes out March 5, and it promises to deliver a compelling design. But U.S. consumers will have a hard time seeing for themselves.
Samsung Galaxy S24 display fix on the way through major software update
By Philip Michaels published
Display Vividness slider should help boost screen colors
Samsung's Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra join our list of the best Android phones in Australia
By Stephen Lambrechts last updated
Looking to buy a new Android phone? We're here to help you make the right choice.
OnePlus 12R: Specs, price and release date
By Alan Martin last updated
The cheaper OnePlus 12 model looks like a good alternative for anyone trying to save a few books. Here's everything you need to know about the first R series phone to ship outside of China and India.
OnePlus 12R review: One amazing value
By Philip Michaels last updated
Outstanding performance and record-setting battery life for a surprisingly low price
SOS appearing on your iPhone? Here's what that means and how to change it
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how to troubleshoot your cellular connectivity issues
Samsung says it's time for Galaxy Note owners to upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra — are they right?
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy Note 20 is nearly four years old, so owners of that phone will clearly benefit from an upgrade. But which model they should upgrade to is another question entirely.
Super Bowl 2024 — how Verizon got Las Vegas ready for the biggest game of the year
By Philip Michaels published
Verizon has spent three years getting ready for Super Bowl LVIII, making improvements to its network in Las Vegas that will remain long after the final whistle blows.
5 ways the OnePlus 12 beats the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
By Philip Michaels published
OnePlus 12 tops Samsung's premium phone in several key categories
Google Pixel 8a: Rumored release date, price and specs
By Philip Michaels published
The Google Pixel 8a should be the next Google phone to make its debut. Here's what we know so far about the Pixel 8a based on rumors and leaks.
Best phone carriers of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to find the best phone carrier for your wireless service? Here's how the top providers rank based on data speeds, phone selection and more.
Best foldable phones of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
A growing number of phone makers are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
OnePlus 12R vs. Google Pixel 7a: Here's the budget phone champ
By Philip Michaels published
A OnePlus 12R vs. Google Pixel 7a face-off is a study in contrasts, as the OnePlus 12R's better performance and battery life goes up against the Pixel's cameras. But only one phone can finish on top.
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.
ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. announce mega sports streaming service — what it means for you
By Philip Michaels last updated
Games from all four major pro leagues will be included
The Galaxy S24 Voice Recorder can transcribe and summarize your recordings — how to use all the AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Galaxy AI features added to the Voice Recorder app on every Galaxy S24 model include the ability to transcribe and summarize your recordings. You can even get translated transcripts.