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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Best iPhone SE (2022) cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone SE (2022) cases can protect your new phone from unexpected drops. And you can pick your favorite from a whole host of designs.
iOS 18 — this is the biggest AI move Apple needs to make
By Philip Michaels last updated
More smarts are likely to come to the iPhone this fall as part of the AI-driven iOS 18 update. And no app figures to benefit as much as the long-neglected Voice Memos.
I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — here’s the winner
By Philip Michaels published
To find out who has the best-performing cameras — the iPhone 15 vs. Galaxy S24 — we put the two $799 smartphones through a series of tests.
Forget pricey flagships — the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23 are still great phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
With phone makers keeping older devices in their lineup at discounted prices, there's a lot of value to be found if you skip the latest and greatest hardware for the last-generation phone.
Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases will help your aging phone last a little while longer. These are our top picks.
Apple App Store and Apple TV Plus down for an hour in a massive outage
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's online service, including Apple TV Plus, the App Store and Apple Arcade, were offline for an hour Wednesday evening. But service appeared to have returned shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be older, but you still don't want it to succumb to damage from a drop. Bheck out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases that we've found in a variety of designs.
The iPhone SE 4 should launch at WWDC 2024 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
You don't normally think of Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference as an ideal venue to launch a new version of Apple's cheapest iPhone. But these are not normal times.
Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want to squeeze more life out of your Pixel 6a, pick up one of the best Google Pixel 6a cases. It's an easy way to keep your phone from suffering fatal damage from a drop.
The worst thing about the Galaxy S24 is coming back for the Galaxy S25
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung will once again use different chipsets in its various Galaxy S25 models, according to reports. Samsung did the same thing with this year's Galaxy S24.
Samsung made a big mistake with the Galaxy S24 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Galaxy S24 an S24 Plus models deliver different experiences, depending on where you live
Google Pixel 8a price — why I’m worried about Google’s new phone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel 8a rumors suggest Google is adapting plenty of the Pixel 8's features. And that's great — if it doesn't push up the price of Google's midrange phone.
I’ve been reviewing iPhones for over a decade — here’s 3 questions to ask before you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Apple wants you to upgrade your iPhone — should you?
iOS 18 reportedly 'biggest' update in history — 9 upgrades coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18 figures to be a very major update to Apple's iPhone software. We look at the top rumored features coming to your phone.
Best AT&T phone plans in 2024: What's right for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for a monthly data plan at AT&T? Here's what you can expect to pay whether you're signing up for one of AT&T's best data plans for families or individuals.
One UI 6.1 update rolls out this week — here’s which phones get Galaxy AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Starting March 28, Samsung's One UI 6.1 software rolls out to last years' Galaxy S23 phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, bringing Galaxy AI features from the S24 flagships.
Google Pixel 8a launch now looks imminent as Pixel 6a gets discontinued
By Philip Michaels published
Google has stopped selling the Pixel 6a from its online story, leaving the Pixel 7a as the company's only midrange phone. That's fueling speculation that the Pixel 8a will launch soon.
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