John Velasco
John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
Latest articles by John Velasco
I drove the Lexus RZ 450e EV for a week — here's my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
Toyota's first stab at an EV with the bZ4X came up short, but the Lexus RZ 450e is a much more satisfying first attempt at an all-electric vehicle for the luxury Japanese car maker.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
Since there's a two year gap between the two, I captured over 200 photos between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max to uncover what differences they have with their cameras.
Amazon's early Prime Day deals are up to 90% off — here's my favorite power banks and chargers
By John Velasco last updated
Early October Prime Day deals are happening now on some of our favorite portable chargers, power banks, and power packs that offer on-the-go charging conveneince.
Nothing's CMF Phone 1 could be the cheap Android phone of the year — here's why
By John Velasco last updated
Customize the design for under $300
Samsung Galaxy S25: All the rumors so far
By John Velasco last updated
Rumors and news about the Samsung Galaxy S25 are starting to ramp up, so we detail everything we know about the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Best cheap phones 2024 tested — October top picks
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best cheap phones you can buy based on our testing and reviews.
Best unlocked phones in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
The best unlocked phones give you the freedom to choose your carrier without being bogged down by payment plans.
Verizon outage proves why you need Google Voice — here's how to stay connected
By John Velasco published
The ultimate Plan B
Massive Verizon outage — latest service restoration updates, cause being investigated
By John Velasco last updated
Verizon Wireless customers were without service for most of the day, but service seems to have been restored during the evening. Here's the latest on the Verizon outage.
Best early Prime Day phones deals — iPhones from $0.01, Android phones up to 69% off
By John Velasco published
You might find a better deal now instead of later
I drove a Genesis GV70 for a week — and it has one feature I haven't seen in any other EV
By John Velasco published
A blend of power and luxury in one package
I put iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
By John Velasco last updated
Arguably two of the biggest phones you can buy right now, we pit the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL against one another through a 7-round face-off to see which is the better phone.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on review: A Galaxy AI phone for much cheaper
By John Velasco published
Not yet ratedAlthough it's similar to Samsung's flagship, the Galaxy S24 FE benefits from a lower starting cost, and it features many of the same Galaxy AI features.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
Another big camera phone match-up that we've been waiting for
Galaxy S24 FE launches at $649 — triple cameras, Exynos chip, and Galaxy AI features
By John Velasco published
Samsung's newest Fan Edition phone is finally here
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Here are all biggest differences
By John Velasco last updated
In this Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8 face-off, we take everything we know about the upcoming Pixel 9 and compare it to the Pixel 8 to see which is the better option.
I put the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
By John Velasco published
Since they're arguably the two most popular phones around, this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra face-off will determine for sure what's the better phone.
Google Pixel 8a review: a phone I’d buy with my own money
By John Velasco last updated
You won't find anything else with more value
Apple iPhone 16 Plus review: Not as big as the Max, not as pricey either
By John Velasco published
In our Apple iPhone 16 Plus review, we dial into how this big size phone carries even more features that were once tied to the Pro models — and how Apple Intelligence amplifies the experience.
I drove a Genesis GV80 for a week — here’s my pros and cons
By John Velasco published
The 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige is packed with luxury features that you won't find in other vehicles. Here's everything I like and don't like after driving it for a week.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra — here's the winner
By John Velasco published
We took over 200 photos between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra to see which comes out on top in being the best camera phone.
Best cheap phones under $300 in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
We've gathered the best cheap phones for those who are on a tight budget. You have to make serious compromises with these devices, but at least they're inexpensive.
Apple iPhone 16 review: No more Pro envy
By John Velasco last updated
It's really a Pro in disguise given its similar features
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