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
Best Verizon phone plans for 2024: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.
Apple 'Glowtime' event latest news — iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4 and more
By Philip Michaels, Mark Spoonauer last updated
Apple's Glowtime product launch event introduced us to the iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4. Get all the details on these products, plus the other updates Apple announced.
iPhone 16 Pro — 7 reasons to upgrade and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple made some big upgrades to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. But are they enough to convince you to buy either phone? Here's our pros and cons.
The best 5G phones in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best 5G phones deliver faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more. Here are the 5G-capable phones worth your attention.
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.
iPhone 16 — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Should the iPhone 16 be your next phone? Here are the pros and cons.
I’ve covered every iPhone launch since 2007 — these are the 7 best moments
By Philip Michaels published
I was there when Apple released the first iPhone in 2007, and I haven't missed a launch since then. Here's the moments that stand out from over the years.
Apple 'It’s Glowtime' event — 7 biggest announcements we’re excited to see
By Richard Priday last updated
With just a few days to go until the Apple September event, TG staffers answer the question of what they're looking forward to seeing announced on stage in Cupertino.
'Glowtime' event won't feature an iPhone SE 4 surprise — but maybe it should
By Philip Michaels published
Other midrange devices are passing the iPhone by
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.
iPhone 16 release date — when can you buy a new iPhone?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A date is set for Apple's iPhone 16 event. But how soon after the September 9 event will you be able to get a new iPhone?
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you've got an iPhone 14, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. Our iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14 face-off looks at likely changes coming to the new handsets.
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.
I’ve been following iPhone 16 rumors for a year — here’s the biggest upgrades for each model
By Philip Michaels published
Apple is rumored to be planning lots of changes for the iPhone 16 models. But let's focus on the biggest potential upgrade for each of the four models likely to debut September 9.
Best Mint Mobile plans 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best Mint Mobile plans feature some of the cheapest prices right now — here's how to save on your monthly wireless phone service.
iPhone 16 — this is Apple’s secret weapon against Android phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
The new iPhone 16 should be powered by Apple's A18 chip. Here's everything you need to know.
I put the Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15 through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels last updated
The two top smartphones go at it in our Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15 face-off, as we look to see which is the best phone for $799.
Google Pixel 8a arrives — price, specs and AI features
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 8a has arrived, and we've got all the details on price, features, and more. Here's a look at what's new with the Pixel 8a.
I've covered every iPhone launch — these are my 5 biggest questions about the iPhone 16
By Philip Michaels published
We potentially know a lot about the new iPhones — but not everything. With a September 9 launch date looming, here's what we still need to learn about the iPhone 16.
I shot over 200 photos with the Google Pixel Pro 9 vs iPhone 15 Pro — here's the winner
By Philip Michaels published
The Pixel ramps up the pressure on Apple's cameras
Now's a great time to try a discount phone carrier — 4 great deals to get you started
By Philip Michaels published
Four different discount carriers are looking to lure new customers with discounted rates on unlimited data plans. Here's how each one compares, along with what you can save on your phone service.
Google Pixel 9 can record and summarize your phone calls — here's how to use Call Notes
By Philip Michaels published
Never forget important call details again
Wait for the iPhone 17? Here's why you shouldn't put off an iPhone 16 upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Rumors of the iPhone 17 coming out in 2025 have some people wondering if they should wait until next year to get a new iPhone. But that overlooks the big improvements expected from the iPhone 16.
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