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
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro could turn up the heat on the iPhone 16 Pro — here’s how
By Philip Michaels published
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.
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.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Biggest rumored differences
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple likes to distinguish its Pro models from the standard iPhone. An early iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison finds some key differences already emerging.
The best cheap cell phone plans 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Want to keep your monthly wireless bill under $40? We've found the best cheap cell phone plans from several different carriers that help you save.
Google Pixel 9 — all the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Potential design changes, new features and rumored release dates for the next Google flagship
iOS 18: Possible release date, new features, supported devices and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's what we know so far about the next major update to Apple's iPhone software
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 rumored release date, price and specs
By Philip Michaels last updated
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 foldable phones of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
More phone makers than ever are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
Best cell phone plans in 2024: 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.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5 face-off looks at how the next Samsung foldable could differ from what came before it, based on the rumors we've heard so far.
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.
Best phone battery life in 2024: The longest lasting smartphones
By Philip Michaels last updated
These phones held out for at least 13 hours in our test to offer the best phone battery life.
Best Verizon phone deals for April 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone deals available right now for both Android and Apple devices.
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.
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.
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
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.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Biggest changes to expect
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors point to some big moves for the iPhone 16 Pro compared to its predecessor. Here's how an iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro face-off looks like it could shake out.
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.
Best family cell phone plan in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best family cell phone plan? We can help you find a smartphone plan that brings unlimited data to multiple people without breaking the bank.
The best phones 2024 tested and rated
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best phones you can buy at a wide range of prices based on our extensive testing and head-to-head comparisons.
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.